Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Apple Bowl 1555 Burtch Rd Kelowna, BC V1Y 4A9 Canada BC Lions website Starlight Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 19,500 BC Lions at the Apple Bowl Normally home to the Okanagan Sun of the Canadian Junior Football League and Okanagan FC of the Pacific Coast Soccer League, the Apple Bowl in Kelowna, British Columbia has fixed seating for about 2,300 fans. However, in 2026 the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League will play two games here, bringing in 17,000 additional seats in the form of temporary bleachers, transforming the space into a party-like atmosphere. The east side of the stadium is filled with all manner of fan activations, including plenty of sponsor giveaways, as well as games such as cornhole, football tosses, and even a little putt-putt. There are also plenty of concession stands, as well as myriad tents selling alcohol, and even a team gear tent for you to stock up on your Lions paraphernalia. A party stage featuring a live band completes the ensemble, and there are also picnic tables on that side if you want to sit and eat while you listen. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and beverage options at the Apple Bowl during Touchdown Kelowna, although the lines can get a little long, and you may have to walk a bit to get to the concessions from your seats, depending on where you are sitting. The main tents feature a limited selection from Triple O’s, a local burger joint, specifically just four items: burgers ($10), hot dogs ($6), chips ($2), and water, but there are plenty of food trucks right next door, serving up tacos, donuts, poutine, Indian food, kettle corn, ice cream, and lemonade to name a few. All these concessions are located in the southeast corner, so they are a bit of a walk for those sitting on the north side. The west side is limited to club seating where food is (mostly) included with your ticket. For alcohol, there are several giant tents set up right behind the east stands, selling 10 varieties of beer, as well as gin cocktails, hard seltzer, and vodka for $11 each. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Touchdown Kelowna is top-notch; the east side feels like a party all game long, with fans enjoying the games and giveaways, and listening to the live band. The party zone in the northwest corner (standing room only section) is also buzzing, and you will see plenty of fans in Lions gear, although there are also lots of fans supporting the other side, as well. In terms of the field layout, there are videoboards in both the northwest and southeast corners, which are a little hard to see from far away. The PA announcer is also a little difficult to hear; it may help to have larger screens to at least show the score and down and distance. Most of the seating is uncovered; if you want to stay out of the sun, your only choice is the fixed seating on the west side, which naturally sells out first, and those tickets are much more expensive. The cheerleaders perform throughout the game from in front of the party zone, on the same side as the BC Lions bench. Neighborhood 4 The Apple Bowl is located in Parkinson Recreation Park on the east side of Okanagan Lake, a long, winding lake that seems more like a river. There are plenty of places to eat in this bustling town of over 200K, as well as plenty of outdoor attractions such as parks, wineries, and even a kangaroo farm – for my money, this is the best attraction in town, charging just $20 admission and open daily from 9 am to 3 pm. Besides kangaroos, Kangaroo Creek Farm boasts many other animals, from pot-bellied pigs and tortoises to turkeys, peacocks, and hares. But the most recognizable resident at the farm has got to be the albino wallaby, a down-under cousin of the kangaroo that looks very much like one. There are plenty of hotels in Kelowna as well, on both sides of the river. Note that in 2026 the Lions are playing back-to-back games at the Apple Bowl as part of the Touchdown Kelowna festival, so you may have a choice as to which game to attend. Fans 5 While the Apple Bowl cannot hold as many fans as the Lions are used to seeing at BC Place, at least since the recent ownership change, both games at the Apple Bowl are likely to be sellouts, and as mentioned earlier, you will see plenty of fans sporting Lions gear. The larger team gear tent is on the east side, but there is also a smaller one on the west side, behind the club seats and next to the fixed stands, so you have options to get your Lions swag no matter which side you are sitting on. The fans are into the action all game long – the staff did a great job scheduling two of the Lions’ biggest (and closest geographically) rivals, the Stampeders and the Elks, for the two games in 2026, which really helped increase the size of the crowd. Access 3 Kelowna is about four hours from Vancouver and three hours from Chilliwack. Once you get close to Kelowna, the drive along Okanagan Lake is enjoyable with the stunning water views, but before that you are faced with a long slog across a mostly barren expanse, with few gas stations and only a handful of tiny, strategically placed rest stops along the way. Be sure to fill up when the signs warn you to, so you don’t run out of gas and get stranded along the way. Once you get to the stadium, there is not much in the way of parking nearby; most fans walk a fair distance to get to the gates. Gate A is where most fans enter, on the east side, while Gate B is near the fixed stands on the west side. If you try to walk around the whole facility, you won’t be able to cross the northwest corner, but the rest of it is open – you may want to keep that in mind when trying to move around the venue. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Touchdown Kelowna are pretty cheap, and can be had for about 40 CAD from the venue website if you are willing to stand in the party zone all game long; other tickets, especially in the fixed stands, can cross well over 150 CAD, but may be worthwhile, as the fixed stands have the only covered seating in the whole place. If you are able, I definitely recommend taking in a BC Lions game at the Apple Bowl. There is no guarantee the Lions will come to the Apple Bowl every year, and if they do, you may only have the chance to see one or two games here in a season. I would definitely take advantage of the chance to see the Lions in a whole new way if you can. Extras 4 The staff brings in several junior flag football teams to play during halftime, and the BC Lions mascot will be on hand as well, to greet fans and pose for photos. The facility also has water stations set up where fans can refill their water containers to help keep fans hydrated during the contest. Final Thoughts It may be a long trek for the typical BC Lions fans over in Vancouver, but a trip to Touchdown Kelowna at the Apple Bowl is well worth the trip. Here’s hoping the Lions decide to keep coming back to this wonderful pop-up venue, year after year.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Central Recreation Centre 519 Drury Lane Burlington, ON L7R 2X3 Burlington Blaze website Central Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,300 Blaze of Glory In 1976 the Hamilton Bengals joined the ranks of Junior A lacrosse in Ontario. Success came quickly for the Bengals, as they finished the regular season in 1st place in their division in just their fourth season of play. The Bengals subsequently fell off and ended up competing with Jr B teams for a number of years in the playoffs after a poor showing during the regular season. The Bengals merged with a Burlington team to form the Bay Area Bengals in 1984. By 1992, Hamilton split off to head to the Junior B circuit leaving Burlington to play in Junior A as the Chiefs. In 2023 the Chiefs rebranded to the Burlington Blaze, jettisoning their aboriginal name, and ended up winning the Iroquois Cup as OJLL Champions and then going on to defeat the Coquitlam Adanacs to take home the Minto Cup as National Champions. The Blaze are a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of the Burlington Minor Lacrosse Association. Home for the Blaze is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena. Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven, which seems to be an apt home for a team referred to as the Blaze. Alumni for the Blaze and Chiefs include Andrew Kew, Brent Noseworthy, Ryan Smith and Ed Comeau. Food & Beverage 1 At the game that was reviewed, there was no concession stand. There were some vending machines that sold soft drinks and candy. Atmosphere 2 Central Arena is part of a larger community centre in Burlington. The Central Recreation Centre building is a simple combination of light stucco and siding on the exterior. A colourful mural at the southwest corner of the building is the exterior highlight. Fans will enter the building at the main entrance at the west side. The main entrance leads fans into a small lobby with temporary tables for the 50/50 and ticket sales. The feeling that the building is designed more for recreation as opposed to spectators becomes evident. The main arena is available to fans after traversing a set of stairs. There are a number of trophy cases located in the hallway just outside of the main arena, one of which showcases some Burlington Minor Lacrosse items under the old Chiefs name and logo. Another trophy case is dedicated to the Blaze and has a number of items related to the 2023 Minto Cup Champion team. Inside the main arena fans are met with a very plain area with no markings to let fans know that this is the home of the Blaze. Banners for the 2023 Minto Cup Championship are found on the east wall. The polished concrete floor runs from west to east with ten rows of step benches on the south side. An enclosed operations/press box is at the top of the south side, dividing the seating area. The simple hockey style scoreboard is found on the west wall. Inside the arena there are two other major items that become evident. The first is that the moniker “The Oven” is apt as there is no air-conditioning and the arena can be very hot in the summer months. The second is that there are a number of diagonal structural I-beams that can obstruct the view of the floor from the seating area. The gameday production is very simple. No music is played before the game or during down periods. It could be possible that this was due to technical difficulties as during the game that was reviewed the national anthem was unable to be played. However, after Blaze goals, a goal song was provided by a fan holding a large portable speaker. The PA system is very poor and it is difficult to understand announcements that are made. Neighbourhood 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington. There are several other recreation facilities in the immediate Central Park area including the curling club, lawn bowling, tennis club, library, baseball diamonds, and theatre. The practice facility for the famous Burlington Teen Tour Band is in this area also. Other than the park facilities, it is a fairly residential area with little in the way of pre or post-game culinary facilities. Fans should consider heading south towards Lakeshore Road to find bars and restaurants. Some options worth considering are The Carriage House, The North Coal Kitchen & Bar, Joe Dog’s, La Creme de la Creme, and Pepperwood Bistro Brewery. There is not much in the way of other sports options in Burlington and fans would probably need to head southwest to Hamilton for those options. Central Arena is also the home of the Burlington Cougars of the OJHL during the winter months. The Blaze have a rivalry with the Oakville Buzz, who are a short drive northeast, along the lake. Hamilton is very close also and has a bunch of sporting options. For other entertainment options fans should consider checking out the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Drury Lane Theatrical Productions, and Spencer Smith Park. Fans wishing to stay in Burlington should consider the Waterfront Hotel or The Pearle Hotel. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as attendance figures are not published. There were probably around 150 fans at the game that was reviewed. It would be considered a “friends and family” crowd at a regular season game. Fans in attendance were supportive of the team and into the game. It was not a crowd that was too much different than most of the other teams in the league. Access 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington, east of the Queen Elizabeth Way south of Highway 403, and north of Lakeshore Road. Fans coming to Burlington from out of town will be required to drive a bit through the city, however, the travel is not difficult. There is plenty of parking in the area at no cost, however, it is a busy area with many other recreation facilities where parking will also be utilized. Fans who wish to take public transit to Central Arena have several options on Drury Lane, New Street, and Central Park. Fans should consult the Burlington Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Traversing the arena can be difficult as there are plenty of stairs throughout the arena. There are plenty of obstructed views due to the diagonal structural beams and railings. The washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 4 OJLL lacrosse offers tremendous value for a small investment. Tickets for the Burlington Blaze go for $10, parking is free and concessions are very affordable. The product on the floor is top notch and very fast and exciting. If the Blaze offered a little more when it comes to the atmosphere, then the ROI would be better. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Blaze earning the 2023 Iroquois Cup as OJLL champions and 2023 Minto Cup as National Junior A Lacrosse Champions. An extra mark for the strength of lacrosse in the area with the Toronto Rock located in Hamilton and the Oakville Buzz just up the highway in Oakville. OJLL teams are also found in nearby Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto and Six Nations. Final Thoughts The Burlington Blaze continue to provide strong competition in the OJLL and can even boast a Minto Cup. Although Central Arena is not an ideal home, it provides a serviceable venue for lacrosse. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Trenton Thunder Ballpark One Thunder Rd Trenton, NJ 08611 Trenton Thunder website Trenton Thunder Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,440 Thunderous Applause In Trenton The Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League continue their fan-focused event in Central Jersey at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark (don’t be fooled by the name on the outside, ARM & HAMMER Park—that’s not its name.) With many entertaining mascots, a Philly-Jersey fusion of food, and themed activities for the fans, you can truly feel at home at the ballpark on the Delaware River. Just a home run hit ball across the River away from Pennsylvania. Trenton’s famous slogan, “Trenton Makes and the World Takes,” continues in entertainment. The Thunder have proven and been recognized for over three decades for fan and family-style entertainment. They are expanding their reach while continuing with traditions. The stadium opened as Mercer County Waterfront Park in 1994. The Thunder became a Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in the Eastern League. The Thunder then became affiliated with the Boston Red Sox the following season, before switching to the New York Yankees in 2003. When the Yanks switched their affiliation to nearby Somerset Patriots, the Thunder became inaugural members of the MLB Draft League in 2021. Food & Beverage 4 This ballpark offers a sampling of foods infused not just with Jersey staples but with Philly ones as well. Whether it’s a traditional hoagie (a sub to many), Case’s Classic Pork Roll (Taylor Ham to some), a Philly cheesesteak or funnel cake — there are many regional delights to be had. Some of the team's alternate team names, like “Pork Rolls” & "Tomato Pies” for themed nights, focus on these regional classics. At Horizon Healthy Play on the third base side, you can get all your dietary needs met, whether it be gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, or if you’re simply looking for your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Then you can wash it down with a sugar-free, no-additive wine located to the right of the Thunder Company Store. Looking for meat and dairy? Look no further; head to Case’s Pork Roll Paradise on the first base side. Let your inner foodie out with Case’s “Oink, Cluck, & Moo” better known as a classic pork roll, egg, and cheese. Not into a sandwich, then maybe try their “Barnyard Bowl,” a delicious blend of macaroni and cheese, scrumptious pork roll, and crispy bacon- yum! Not enough meat for you? Then head on over to the third base side by the picnic table area and enjoy one of these three platters: brisket, ribs, or BBQ chicken, each served with mac & cheese and cornbread at Boomer’s BBQ. If you’re looking for an adult evening out, rest assured that the Thunder have you covered with adult beverages. With Breweries represented like Racoon Salon and Brew Haus. In the middle of all your food and drink options, you will find water filtration combination fill stations and water fountains. No more overpriced bottles of water; just remember to bring empty plastic sports bottles — which are permitted. Atmosphere 4 On this particular evening, it was a cross between a family barbecue and an evening out with friends that made the stadium hum with fun. A playful experience of joyous strangers acting as if they were at a family cookout. Baseball on the field and fun everywhere else. Baseball conversations, laughing, playful joking, and children tossing balls & respectfully playing all huddled about throughout the stadium. It was one big party where everyone was approachable and friendly, but rest assured, there was always at least one eye on the game. There is not a bad seat in the house. The seating bowl is divided by an inner concourse. The action can be seen from the open upper concourse as well. There is also seating and views to be had in the picnic area where there are metal picnic table-style seats—some with umbrellas and some without. The press box area does block views behind home base from the upper concourse. Neighborhood 2 Unfortunately, there isn’t really a neighborhood. The stadium is nestled between a small highway and the historic Delaware River. You’ll see this as you ride along the River, go through the “Historic Trenton” mini-tunnel, and WHAM, the stadium jumps out at you, so be prepared to stop. The stadium backs up to the historical Delaware River and is within Mercer County Waterfront Park. The New Jersey State Museum & Planetarium are just a short car ride away. A fun mix of history, science, and art. Some evenings at the Planetarium offer rock-infused laser light shows as well. Trenton is tricky; one street has a beautiful historic feel, and around the corner could be another world. However, it is the Capital of New Jersey and a drive around to see the New Jersey State House (the nation's second oldest state capitol building), the War Memorial, the Old Barracks Museum (site of the Battle of Trenton on Dec. 26, 1776), and buildings is worth a view…from the car. It isn’t recommended to walk too much in Trenton itself; the capital buildings are recommended to be visited during daylight hours before 3 PM Monday-Friday. Fans 4 It’s a mix of all — the diehard fans, the fans from 1994, motorcycle enthusiasts, first responders, teachers, young adults, date night couples and families with children of all ages. Thunderous applause, pleasantries, and all-around good manners are what the Thunder fans are all about. Whether you are in line, at the picnic tables, or walking the concourse, the fans and staff couldn’t be more pleasant and hospitable. Thunder fans love their mascots and traditions, one of which is their beloved legacy of dogs trained to be the “batdog” for the first inning. Fans know these pups have been so well trained that you may miss them if your eyes aren’t fixed on the field. The fans are into the fanfare, as well as the play on the field. Fan participation is encouraged through timed speed activities between breaks in gameplay. Through racing Boomer, one of the handful of mascots, to opponents competing in who can place as many items in a waste receptacle on the field as possible. The fan participation activities do not interrupt or distract from the game at hand. Fans follow the plays and know their team, which is to be expected. Although there are fans who are just there for a good time with everything this stadium has to offer besides baseball. Fear not, the two do not collide. The Thunder create an excellent atmosphere for both types of fans to thrive. With 50/50 raffles and many types of alcoholic beverages, think of the park as a family-friendly place where there is a little bit of everything for everyone. Access 3 It is not recommended to drive through the city, but instead drive along the Delaware River, preferably from the interstates and state highways/routes like Interstate 95, Routes 1, 195 & 295 to Rt. 129. There is no mass transit, and plan to park your car in one of the lots or the parking garage right next to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 For the price of admission, the amenities, the cheap parking, and what it costs to get there it is a great return on investment. Tickets start at $15 and parking is a bargain at $5 in the two lots next to the stadium. This is an affordable evening out for one, date night, or the whole family. The food is reasonably priced for what you receive. Children are treated very well, with free autographs, programs, and other giveaways. For the adults, the pricing and atmosphere is above a night out at a restaurant or local pub. Everyone can leave the game feeling good about the money that was spent and what they got in return. Extras 3 The Thunder offers a lot of games with attractions and events. With theme nights and specials, you can enjoy yourself without ‘breaking the bank.’ A few examples are free Fireworks at select games, Kids Eat Free Tuesdays, $1 Dog Day Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and Sangria Sundays. Plus the entertaining characters like Boomer (the Original Thunderbird Mascot), Cloudman (the Hometown Heroes Mascot), Batdogs Derby (the rookie) & Rookie (who is retiring this year), and of course the latest Pork Roll Mascot - Slice! You can read about these and many more with your free program “Thunder RD” as you enter Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Let’s not forget—the honorary P.O.W. seat and placard provided by Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle organization that was also in attendance on this evening. Final Thoughts Having been there for the Thunder’s second game in 1994, I can tell you that the things you loved from back then still stand up. What has changed is only for the betterment of the game and the fan experience.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Currie Field 750 Winnipeg St North Regina, SK S4R 1H8 Regina Red Sox website Currie Field website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 3,200 Regina Red Sox The Regina Red Sox have a long and storied history in various iterations going all the way back to the 1940s. The current version, playing in the Western Canadian Baseball League, has been active since 2005 and has won the league championship three times, most recently in 2025. The Red Sox play at Currie Field, located on the north side of Regina. It is the centrepiece of the Mount Pleasant Sports Park, nestled among soccer fields, green spaces, as well as a junior ballpark. Currie Field has hosted several teams since the mid-1990s and has been the home diamond for the Red Sox since the franchise began. Discussion of replacing the aging ballpark is underway, with a couple of possible locations being reviewed, both more centrally located. While the team and the city are still in the fundraising phase, they are looking to move forward in the next few years. Food & Beverage 3 Options on the menu are fairly typical, located at a trailer just behind the main grandstand on the first base side. Burgers, hot dogs, and an assortment of candy are available at the main concession, next to the main entrance on the first base side of the diamond. There is also an adult beverage stand tucked into the bleachers between the third base stands and the home plate stands with a selection of beer and coolers. Atmosphere 3 It’s a very laid-back atmosphere in the stands at Currie Field. Crowds are relatively sparse, averaging about 700 fans in a park that seats 3,200, so there are small clusters of people spread out across the many sections of stands. The three central sections of the stands are assigned seating and are comfortable, moulded plastic. Stretching out from there are sets of bleachers stretching down the baselines. These are a mixture of wood and metal bleachers. Stick to the wood bleachers on a hot summer day—they’re much cooler to sit on. Currie Field Interior, Photo by Flannery, Stadium Journey Having the fans spread so thin across the stands means the crowd noise drops off quickly as you move away from behind home plate, which reduces the energy. But things remain pleasant, with fans looking like they’re having a good time. Neighborhood 2 Located north of the city, next to an industrial park, means there isn’t much to do in the immediate area. Mount Pleasant Sports Park itself is nice to walk around in, if you’re looking to take a stroll and touch some grass. If you want a bite to eat after a game, however, you’ll be going for a drive. A few blocks straight south of the diamond, on Winnipeg St., is Ginger Garlic Nepalese Cuisine, a highly rated restaurant for people looking for something exotic. For more conventional fare, try Trifons Pizza, located southwest of the park on Broad St. A few blocks further west gets you to Northgate Mall, which has a food court and a couple of free-standing restaurants as well, such as Osmow’s Shawarma and Arby’s. Fans 3 The smaller audience lends itself to groups of people hanging out and enjoying each other’s company as much as watching the game. But cheers and applause happen at the appropriate moments, so fans are engaged in the action on the diamond. Overall, the fans are fairly low-key, but pleasant. Access 4 Access to the diamond is fairly easy, with Mount Pleasant Sports Park located right off Regina’s Ring Road, which circles through the entire city. You’re also fairly close to Albert St, which bisects the city, running north-south. Parking is to the north of the diamond and is free. Inside Currie Field’s walls, pathways around the stands are wide and make it easy to get from point A to point B. Return on Investment 4 Pricing is quite reasonable at Currie Field, and right in line with other teams in the league. Premium seating behind home plate is $20.99. Adult tickets are $17.92; youths (6-14) are $7.68. Children aged 0-5 are free if accompanied by an adult, so this is a very family-friendly venue. For the quality of ball being played, this is a bargain. Extras 2 Just to the first base side of the main grandstand is a pro shop, with all the team ball caps, shirts, and bunnyhugs (that’s the Saskatchewan word for a hoodie) you might want. The Red Sox have a mascot named Slyder who makes his way around the field, entertaining the kids in the audience. Final Thoughts Currie Field remains a decent place to take in a ball game. A relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere. While it is long in the tooth, it still does its job while the team and the city look forward to building a new home.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Mulcahy Stadium 498 E. 16th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Anchorage Bucs website Mulcahy Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,500 The Bucs of Alaska Mulcahy Stadium in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, is one of the largest outdoor sports facilities in the state of Alaska. In addition to serving as the home to both the Anchorage Bucs and Anchorage Glacier Pilots of the Alaska Baseball League, several high school and American Legion teams use the field for games. The ballpark is named after former Alaska Railroad station auditor William Mulcahy. Mulcahy was instrumental in putting together the early baseball games that entertained the Anchorage community. He was the first National Baseball Congress Commissioner of Baseball for Alaska and introduced Little League Baseball to Anchorage. Mulcahy was known around town as “Mr. Baseball” and the “Grand Old Man of Baseball.” The Anchorage Bucs were formed in 1980 as the Anchorage Adult League Team. The team was renamed the Cook Inlet Bucs when they joined the Alaska Baseball League in 1981. In 1984 the team was again rebranded, this time as the Anchorage Bucs. Some notable alumni of the team include Wally Joyner, Jeff Kent, and Keith Foulke. Food & Beverage 4 There is a small concession stand behind home plate. There is a decent menu served here, with hot dogs, burgers, nachos and kielbasa anchoring the menu (see what I did there?). You can add chili, cheese or bacon to your item for an upcharge. If you’re looking for something a little different, reindeer dogs are sold at the concession stand too. An assortment of snack items are also available, including pretzels, ice cream treats, candy and popcorn. Pepsi products are featured during Bucs games. If you are looking for an adult beverage, the beer stand has a good selection of beer and wine, as well as a large array of draft choices from local favorite Alaskan Brewing Company. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at a Bucs game is old school, to say the least. Fans used to the constant noise and distraction at most games today might not know what to do with themselves, but those fans who prefer a traditional approach will feel right at home. There is little in the way of extraneous noise, music or other shenanigans at a Bucs game. The game itself is the entire focus here. There are no walk-up songs for the batters, no between-innings promotions, no constant sponsor ads ringing in your ears (save for one unfortunate ad read after every foul ball. (Yes, every single one.). What noise there is here at Mulcahy Stadium comes the PA announcer, who makes lineup announcements and between-inning sponsor ads in an overly energetic manner over a very loud sound system. Music is only played between-innings, and the excellent playlist consists of classic 80’s rock. The Bucs share Mulcahy Stadium with another Alaska League team, the Glacier Pilots. This is not a typical “shared facility” situation. The ballpark is almost split right down the middle. Each team has their own clubhouse on site, their own concession stands, their own season ticket holder sections, their own merchandise stands, and their own displays. Think of that Brady Bunch episode where Peter and Bobby put a line down the middle of their bedroom to divide their room in half, it's almost that extreme. You will practically experience a different stadium for a Bucs game than you will for a Glacier Pilots game. For a Bucs game, the third base side of the ballpark is open, while the first base side is shuttered. Bucs Game Action at Mulcahy Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Mulcahy Stadium is part of the Chester Creek Sports Complex in the Fairview neighborhood of Anchorage. Also part of the complex are Sullivan Arena and Ben Boeke Ice Arena. This municipal facility also contains fields for football, softball, street hockey, soccer, pickleball, and tennis. Visiting fans looking for dining or lodging options directly adjacent to the ballpark will be disappointed, but the options for dining and lodging just a short distance from Mulcahy Stadium are many and varied. Ingra Street, located just to the east of Sullivan Arena, anchors a busy commercial district, loaded with dining options for those happy with the usual chains. For those seeking a more traditional Anchorage experience, head to the downtown area, located just over a mile away. For more information on the best options in the area and Anchorage attractions, visit Anchorage.net. Fans 2 Getting an exact attendance number for the Bucs is difficult, as the league does not release attendance figures. Stadium Journey visited Anchorage on a Monday night in late June with a crowd of about 250 fans in attendance. In speaking with people around the ballpark, this seemed to be a pretty representative crowd. With it being a cloudy Monday night, it felt like a decent crowd indeed. As mentioned before, the Bucs share Mulcahy Stadium with the Glacier Pilots, who tend to draw comparable, if slightly larger crowds. The big draw in these parts is the annual Fourth of July game between the Bucs and Glacier Pilots, which draws a standing room crowd of up to 4,000 people each year. The teams do manage to coexist and open all the concessions and restrooms that night. The crowd at a Bucs game seems to be made up largely of regulars, as it’s one of those places where everyone seems to know everyone. As with most summer college games, you’ll find a good number of families and youth groups out enjoying some affordable entertainment, as well as a core group of die-hard baseball fans. With the compact footprint of the Alaska League, you’ll be sure to see many fans of the opposing team in the stands as well. The fans are exactly what you would expect from the good people of Alaska. They are friendly and welcoming, even to outsiders. You can feel comfortable striking up a conversation with your neighbors, as they are very used to people traveling here from all over. Given the die-hard nature of many of the fans here, they are very knowledgeable about the players and the team. Fans in the Old Mulcahy Stadium Grandstand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Mulcahy Stadium is centrally located within the city. It is easily accessible via Route 1 (Ingra St.) or A Street on either end of the complex. Downtown Anchorage is just over a mile from the ballpark. For fans utilizing public transportation, Anchorage’s People Mover Route 25 stops on A Street about a block from the ballpark. A large parking lot is located between Mulcahy Stadium and Sullivan and Boeke Arenas. Fans can enter the ballpark on the third base side, where the ticket booth is located. There is another entrance in deep right field, which may or may not be open, depending on the game. The seating area is a hodge-podge of sections built up over the years. The main grandstand behind home plate features metal bleachers, as well as room for those who bring their own chairs. There are newer sections on either baseline featuring individual bucket seats. These are reserved for season ticket holders. A beer garden, which contains some popular seating options, but which is not open during Bucs game, is located on the right field side. Metal bleachers round out the seating down both foul lines. Seating along the first base side of the field is preferred, as the sun will not be in your eyes, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains in the distance. There are a pair of restrooms for use on the concourse, and the ballpark is easily accessible. Lines are not an issue at the concession or beer stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bucs games are priced at ten dollars for reserved seats and eight dollars for general admission (bleacher) seats. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Bucs game is an inexpensive entertainment option for local sports fans. Old Signage at Mulcahy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 The Anchorage Bucs Hall of Fame is located on the third base concourse. Among the notable names found here are Keith Foulke, Jeff Kent and Wally Joyner. Two rows of seating located in front of the Bucs clubhouse were formerly used at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Final Thoughts Mulcahy Stadium is a quaint old ballpark located in a wonderful destination city. The back story of the Bucs and Glacier Pilots, who cannot exist in their shared ballpark, makes for a unique visiting experience. Throw in the fact that the Alaska League continues to be one of the premier summer college circuits in the nation, and you have found yourself a fantastic Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 IMSA website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Mid-Ohio’s Support Series Weekend IMSA’s weekend at Mid-Ohio isn’t a full showcase of what the series usually offers. While the headliner WeatherTech Series is missing, Michelin’s Pilot Challenge has the chance to be the showcase series alongside other support events like Mazda’s MX-5 Cup and VP Challenge. Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off greatly in the last decade. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either, and just hope it doesn’t rain too much, lest the track live up to its nickname of “Mud-Ohio.” Food & Beverage 3 The food here ranges from the standard burgers ($8 solo, $14.50 combo) and hot dogs ($6, $10) to chicken tenders ($9.50, $12), with sides ranging from $2.50 to $8.25 for chips, candy, cookies, or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing from $4 to $8. The main concession stands in the infield and paddock are the main attractions, while some food trucks also fill up the infield fan area. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has declined greatly from a facility standpoint in the last few years. Where once existed great sightlines for fans, you now have catch fences and high barriers in a lot of places. The former Honda bridge in the back section of the track was removed and not replaced in the winter of 2021, leaving fans with less mobility around the track to get different viewpoints. The bathrooms are also far from clean, and their age shows as well, though the paddock restrooms were renovated and expanded a few years ago. Unfortunately, most of the facilities on site are also made of wood, and haven’t been upgraded in decades, meaning the carpenter bees have exploded in population in the past few years. In addition, where paved pathways once existed in the parking areas, they are now cracked and falling apart, making for a bumpy drive around the track, which has resulted in many a flat tire. The dirt paths are also never watered down, meaning dust covers everything at the track if it doesn’t rain during the weekend. Neighborhood 2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield – the biggest town near the track is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend, however, with local shops and restaurants putting out their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption,” and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour and a half north in Sandusky. Fans 3 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last during the race. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as during IndyCar here, IMSA weekend still brings a ton of locals, as well as series-loyal fans, to the facility. Access 3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy, as the track is in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grass or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills – your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, which will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one-lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the venue, mean you may spend hours walking or driving before you even reach the main gates. Return on Investment 3 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is still worth the trip. There are plenty of places to watch from where you can see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop during a race. Tickets start at $60 for Friday or Saturday, $70 for Sunday, and $90 for a weekend pass. VIP hospitality is available for $500, while car corral VIP packages range from $180 to $290. Infield parking is $50, while camping spots range from $305 to $480. Extras 3 Something that really gets fans engaged is the large fan zone in the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend give you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up in the paddock areas for the MX5 Cup and Pilot Challenge series. Fans can also wander throughout some of the garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, however, is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer, especially for sportscar racing. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a Mid-West hillside forest setting, and one that is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. Just be ready, as you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning), and you shouldn’t expect the most modern of facilities.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy Salinas, CA 93908 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website IMSA Series Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 11,000 IMSA’s Throwback Weekend WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous speedway housed atop the high hills outside of Monterey, California. The speedway has hosted some of the world’s biggest racing stars over various racing series, and continues to be a fan and driver favorite as the years progress. One of the biggest draws of the year, IMSA’s annual spring visit to the track brings large crowds and plenty of on-track action. With no less than four racing series taking to the speedway’s tight turns, fans have a lot of racing action to watch during a weekend. Also, thanks to a recent investment in the track’s infrastructure, fans can expect an even better product going forward. 2026 saw the introduction of IMSA’s “Throwback” weekend, with several cars sporting retro liveries of the past. And, a renewed push by the track to reconnect with the local community means more events for fans leading up to the race. Food & Beverage 4 Finding something to eat is easy to do at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as the track is home to various food vendors and beverage carts around the property – at nearly every vantage point there is something to eat. The majority of food selections are standard burgers, hot dogs ($6), sausages ($14-$18), and a few salads, but one of the most popular spots is the local Mexican food booth that features tacos ($18), burritos ($20), and carne asada fries ($20) – while pricey, the flavor is worth every penny. Atmosphere 5 The weather in central California is almost always perfect. Rarely seeing the temperature rise higher than the low 80s on race day, the atmosphere at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is nearly all-but-guaranteed to be ideal. In addition, the facility is located on the top of the coastal hills outside Monterey, making it a perfect spot for a breezy afternoon. Large oak trees line the track at various places, giving fans somewhere to hide from the sun if it does get warm. Additionally, fans can camp over the weekend at the track, as the property serves as a recreational park during weekends when there’s no racing. The upgrades to the facility in recent years include an improved crossover bridge connecting the paddock to the outside of the front straight. In addition, where once stood a simple wooden bridge now sits a fully golf-cart accessible walkover bridge that features gardens of local flora, as well as great elevated views of Turns 3 and 4. Neighborhood 4 Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area, but with the small town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is just minutes from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go. And no matter what time of year you are going, there is always some form of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, or Octoberfest. For great food, check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are also plentiful, including Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. Fans 3 The fans in Monterey are big-time race fans, having flocked to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for years. They know all the best places to watch from, so asking for a little advice will be met with kind suggestions for the newbie race fan. They also know how to party, putting on some great cookouts overnight in the camping areas. And if you want help understanding what’s going on, you can ask anyone. The fans also cheer loudly with every close pass and thrilling corner on the track, making for an enjoyable race event. However, in a marked change, the most recent event saw a visible decline in attendance for whatever reason, as the large crowds of years past did not return this year, despite the great weather and hot action on track. Access 3 Getting to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a bit of a difficult task, thanks in part to the traffic coming in and out of the canyon in which the track is located. While the route from either Salinas or Monterey is pretty straightforward, the roads are almost all one-lane thoroughfares, meaning one slow car can make traffic a nightmare. Additionally, getting up the side of the mountain once inside the track’s gates can be daunting to those who aren’t used to driving up steep inclines. Traffic in and out of the track is directed through Boundary Road to the west. Via that route fans are only allowed to enter the facility, while the traditional entrance is limited to camping, and can only be used as an exit during the event. After a certain time, however, Boundary Road turns into an exit-only route, allowing for better traffic flow out of the facility. Parking is plentiful and available at various locations on the property, with additional parking passes available for different parking lots. And once you are at the raceway, moving around is aided by various bridges across the track to get from the inside to the outside of the course; just be sure to bring your hiking shoes, as the hillside walks are pretty impressive. Return on Investment 4 The track itself is very challenging, making for some of the most exciting and closest racing in the sport. The famed corkscrew complex is also world-famous for its difficulty, giving the best of drivers fits on race days. Combining the free autograph sessions, massive fan zone, and easy-to-see victory lane setup, this event offers a lot of up-close access that fans may not get at other racing events. Tickets to this event are generally affordable, with a 3-day ticket running $139.55; individual tickets are available for Friday ($10.35), Saturday ($87.80), and Sunday ($87.80), while tent camping ranges from $118.85 to $232.70. Parking is plentiful and free at the track, but those looking for preferred parking ($61.93) or car corral parking ($82.62) can find better spots for a price. Extras 5 The corkscrew is the biggest draw here, and the hillside viewing at the track gives fans the best chance to view one of the most intimidating corners in all of racing. Spectators can also experience a great fan zone here at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, featuring numerous autograph sessions during race weekends. Something that is also different about WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the hiking trails on site; walking up the hills to several of the viewing spots can be a workout unto itself. The weather also gives fans a beautiful backdrop from which to watch racing, as the typical morning fog in California creates a dramatic vista in the early hours. During the weekend, several free autograph sessions take place for fans to be able to meet the stars of the various IMSA series on track. In addition, this year saw several community events take place to engage with fans, including a downtown Monterey fan fest with show cars and driver autograph sessions on Wednesday before the event. Another new addition was a charity event featuring drivers’ wives and girlfriends showcasing local fashion, as well as local canines from the Monterey County SPCA. Final Thoughts If you want to find a historically significant spot to watch racing that features brilliantly perfect weather conditions, a culturally vibrant city nearby, and the essence of thrilling action on track, you should look no further than WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The fans will welcome you with open arms, and the symphony of motors roaring through the mountains will fill your heart with joy. This is definitely a bucket-list track for true racing fans to visit.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 LIU Athletic Center 161 Ashland Pl Brooklyn, NY 11201 LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds website LIU Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,500 The Hoops of LIU *Editor’s Note – At the time of the writing of this review, the LIU system had not yet merged, and the team playing in Brooklyn was known as the Bluebirds. When the LIU campuses merged, the teams adopted the nickname Sharks.* The LIU Blackbirds, which plays out of the Northeast Conference, made the NCAA tournament in 2018, and they have an arena befitting a championship team. The LIU Athletic Center (also known as Steinberg Wellness Center), which is a short walk from Barclay’s Center as well as a plethora of worthy destinations, is an arena with the intimacy of a gym. Food & Beverage 3 LIU has two competent concession stands, offering candy, soda, chips, fresh popcorn, and hot dogs. No item costs more than $3. You might consider saving your appetite, as the immediate area has no shortage of dining options. Just a block away on Dekalb Avenue, there are several old-schools, hole-in-the-wall spots. Teriyaki Burrito House, which offers Mexican with Japanese flavors, is worth a look for its name alone. For something more conventional, Appleby’s is a field goal up the block. The legendary Junior’s is close by as well. For new schools in Brooklyn, the Dekalb Market Hall offers an array of choices. Atmosphere 3 It’s low-key and eclectic. LIU has a fun band and a very capable dance squad. Both add a lot to the package. Neighborhood 4 The Blackbirds fly in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, which is growing by the day and has no shortage of activities, everything from the arts at BAM to axe throwing. Perhaps the best activity is strolling around, checking out the different, adjacent neighborhoods. If you crave more college ball, St. Francis plays just over a mile away. Fans 3 New York City is a professional sports team town, so it’s an uphill struggle for colleges to garner big-time support. However, Blackbird fans, which range from students and alums to casual neighborhood spectators to mothers with kids, are engaged. And yes, the kids take the court at half-time. The Blackbirds attract about 600 fans a game. Access 4 LIU is a short walk from every imaginable public transportation option. It’s a 20-minute subway ride from midtown Manhattan. If you choose to drive, expect to hunt and peck for space, which is certainly doable. Or, you can pay for a garage, which there appears to be no shortage of. Return on Investment 4 All tickets go for $5, and there are no bad seats. Snacks are cheap. In short, it’s one of the best deals to be had. Again, this team is coming off an NCAA year. Extras 2 When I attended, the Blackbird players stuck around after the game to sign complimentary posters. They lost, but the Blackbird players put on happy faces. They seemed like good, talented dudes, worthy of support. Derek Kellogg, who formerly coached at UMass, is the Blackbird's head coach. A John Calipari disciple, it’s interesting and fun to watch how Kellogg's operates during a game. This is something you will not see at a place like the Barclay’s Center. In short, it’s big basketball at a small venue. Final Thoughts The LIU Athletic Center is a first-rate facility, which offers D1 basketball at unheard-of prices. When the LIU Blackbirds soar, they will fill up. There is no shortage of interesting activities for pre or post game fun. _____ You can follow Jon Hart @ManVersusBall.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bogota Savings Bank Center 1000 River Road Hackensack, NJ 07601 FDU Knights website Rothman Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,000 FDU Basketball Shines in North Jersey Editor's Note: On January 18, 2024, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bogota Savings Bank announced an naming rights agreement to rebrand the former Rothman Center. This makes FDU the only NEC school with a corporate name on their basketball gym. George and Phyllis Rothman dedicated the Rothman Center on September 9, 1987, as the home of the Fairleigh Dickinson University basketball program. The self-made millionaire donated the entire $1 million to cover the cost of the building that is the centerpiece of athletics on campus. On February 9, 2007, the naming rights to the athletic venue inside the building were renamed the Stratis Arena after a generous donation from alumna Mary Kay Stratis. The arena holds just a tad under 3,000 that, includes 500 chairback seating bleachers and enough parking spots for more than 2,000 vehicles. The building consists of four playing courts, a six-lane, 200-meter track, and the Stratis Lounge that overlooks the main arena and can seat up to 150 guests. Its trademark feature is its tent-like roof design that has hosted three former presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama) along with an array of campus events, trade shows, and entertainment options. The Knights are members of the Northeast Conference and have made five NCAA Basketball Tournament appearances since 1985. The team has not ranked higher than 15 each year and has yet to win in the postseason tourney. The program's only victory in a tournament was in the NAIA in 1952. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession area that serves hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. There is, at times, pizza offered at the arena, along with frozen treats. The prices are relatively inexpensive and will tide your hunger over until you can grab a bite to eat after the game. Atmosphere 3 The Rothman Center is an interesting-looking building with a roof that is somewhat unique compared to other basketball arenas in the area. The ceiling roof comes together in a series of tan and dark brown triangular pieces that contrast beautifully with white-washed walls. A standard pull-out bleacher section pulls out from both sides. Various championship banners hang from the rafters, along with a centerpiece scoreboard that adds a nice touch to the building. The fans are close enough to the action on the field that you can hear every squeak of a sneaker or drop of sweat fall to the court. When it comes to a pure basketball environment, it is here at the Rothman Center. Neighborhood 3 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending an FDU game is that you are close to many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well-known chain franchises, including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Coal-Oven Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella, which give their pizza a kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 2 A typical crowd for an FDU game is anywhere from 300 to 500 games in an arena that seats about 5,000. The student section does its best to provide a home-court advantage against conference rivals LIU Brooklyn, Wagner, and Saint Francis, but the rather intricately detailed facility deserves more than the sparse crowds. Access 3 The Rothman Center is located on the Metropolitan Campus of FDU and is accessible by either Route 17 or the Garden State Parkway. The arena is on Hackensack Ave. S exit of Route 4 on Temple Ave. There is plenty of parking in the lot, and once inside, it is very easy to get around to all parts of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Visitors have the option of purchasing general admission tickets for $10, reserved seating for $15, or premium courtside seating for $25. The parking is free, and concession items are relatively inexpensive. However, with crowds hovering around 300 to 500 people per game, an FDU game is for the die-hards and alumni only. Extras 2 The arena’s tent-like shape roof and ceiling add a distinctive look to the building, along with the championship banners. The ticket prices are relatively inexpensive, and parking is free for all games. Final Thoughts A game at the Rothman Center is accessible if in North Jersey and won’t break your bank when it comes to pricing–even with its unique roof design and other features–but might be only for the die-hard fan or alumni. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Sargent's Stadium at the Point 100 Johns Street Johnstown, PA 15901 Johnstown Mill Rats website Sargent's Stadium at the Point website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500 Mill Rats Run Rampant at The Point The Johnstown Mill Rats began operations in 2021 as members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. They play out of Sargent’s Stadium at the Point, which has been in operation since 1926 and underwent an $8 million renovation between 2005 and 2006. ​ The original stadium opened as Point Stadium because of its location at the confluence of the Little Conemaugh, Stoneycreek, and Conemaugh rivers. It had a capacity of 17,000, but that was soon lowered to 10,000. Then, when the renovations were completed in 2006, the capacity was reduced to 7,500. ​ The stadium’s diamond has a southeastern alignment; most features have an east-northeast alignment. There are also gridiron markings in right field, since the stadium hosts high school football in the fall. A giant net is in place in left field to keep balls in play and prevent them from crashing down onto the neighboring street. ​ The Mill Rats name was chosen as a nod to the once-thriving steel and coal industry in Johnstown. At one time, it was home to Bethlehem Steel and the US Steel plants. To match that vintage look, gold and brown were chosen as the team colors. They have made the playoffs three times in team history. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at the ballpark: 1st base and home plate. The first base area is larger and busier, featuring everything from perogies to mac and cheese. However, fans can enjoy hot dogs, machos, pretzels, chicken strips and fries, hamburgers, Italian sausage, and walking tacos. ​ There are sweet treats that include funnel cake fries, bomb pops, candy, and ice cream. A $10 souvenir cup is available, and it includes three free refills during the game. IC Light, IC Light Mango, Bud Light, and Yuengling are served in cans. Happy Dad Hard Seltzers are available in three varieties. ​ There is quite a variety of food and beverages at the stadium, and many of the items appeared to be homemade, including the chili for the loaded fries and the fries that are somewhat wavy like a potato chip. Atmosphere 4 The stadium’s size and features do not detract from the atmosphere at the game. Fans can expect a small-town family vibe during a Mill Rats game where the prices are affordable, kids run around the concourse, a mascot gives high-fives, and natural surroundings add to the charm of the stadium. ​ The main entrance is on the right field portion, and kids toss and throw the ball around to one another in the large plaza area just inside the building. They bounce balls off the giant cement wall that acts as part of the road, and murals of Babe Ruth and past teams are etched on it. A small outfield grandstand is also available for overflow crowds. ​ The main grandstand behind home plate features reserve chairback seating. The bleacher seating juts down the right field line and also serves as prime viewing for high school football games in the fall. Just above the right field corner is a small bridge that allows fans a pleasant view of the playing field from up above. ​ There is a small videoboard in right-centerfield and another scoreboard underneath the 60-foot wall and screen combination. The wall serves the purpose of keeping fly balls in play and preventing them from breaking windows on business buildings on Johns Street. The playing surface is made of synthetic material and parts above the concourse level, where certain parts of the concourse allow fans a slightly obstructed view. ​ Younger fans can be seen on the entrance ramp behind the home dugout, where many attempt to grab an autograph from a Rats player. Milton, the mascot, can also be seen handing out handshakes and hugs, while members of the staff dance on the dugout during certain parts of the game. In between innings gimmicks include races, pizza tosses, and dance competitions. Neighborhood 3 Sargent’s Stadium is in downtown Johnstown and across the street from Fetz’s Sports Pub, a popular spot before and after the game. The small tavern has room for fans to grab a plate of wings or a beer, or partake in karaoke on Wednesdays. A few more neighborhood places include Stone Bridge Brewing Taproom, Game Plan on Market, and Scott's by Dam. Coney Island Lunch has been around since 1916, ten years before the ballpark opened. ​ The Johnstown Incline Plane is a 19th-century funicular & lookout featuring scenic panoramas, a visitor center, and an eatery. It is within walking distance of the stadium and perfect for views of it during the day. Fans 4 There was a large crowd on hand during our visit to the stadium. It was Little League Night, and the kiddos were cheering passionately for the Mill Rats. They were waving their shirts around the concourse, yelling aloud and marching up and down the aisles. The rest of the crowd added enough revelry to the night. Access 4 The stadium is massive, with 7,500 seats that stretch from right to left field. The seating bowl features an inner concourse, and there is an upper level that provides additional room for fans at the game. The only issue with access is driving through the hilly streets of town. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are $5 for general admission and $8 for box seats. Kids under the age of 3 are admitted into the game for free. There is no charge for parking in the nearby lots and on the city streets. Food is also affordable, with $3 hot dogs and $6 beers. ​ Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for its unique features, including a small bridge across the left field corner, the 60-foot wall and screen combination, the gridiron markings of the football field, and Yoder Hill and the river behind the first base side. ​ The ballpark earns a second point for the various murals on the wall, which also act as the street’s bridge. The kids use this area to bounce balls off it and play catch. ​ The third point is for the field-level view below near the main concession stand. It provides a different type of viewing of the game for patrons. Final Thoughts Sargent’s Stadium at the Point is a nod to grand old ballparks of the past. The historic presence can be felt throughout the building, but modern additions provide comfort to the fans. The tickets are among the cheapest in the league, while concession prices are affordable on any budget. Everyone at the game appeared to have fun, and that is probably the best part about a night at a Mill Rats game. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Eastern Michigan Eagles Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Gervin GameAbove Center 799 Hewitt Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website George Gervin GameAbove Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,824 East of Ypsi Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center opened in time for the 1998-1999 season, tipping off with a 23 point loss against the nearby Michigan Wolverines. The venue has a capacity of 8,824 and is a comfortable spot to watch Division I college basketball. The Convocation Center is the home of Eastern Michigan men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team. The venue has also hosted numerous concerts from artists such as The Killers, Jay-Z, and Jason Mraz. Prior to the 2012-2013 season, EMU installed a new center hung video scoreboard. The screen is 15.7×11.5 feet and adds to the overall experience of an Eagles game. Eastern Michigan has been a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1972. The team has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1988, 1991, 1996, and 1998) with their best finish coming in 1991 when they advanced to the Sweet 16 as a 12 seed under the leadership of coach Ben Braun. Note: The venue name changed in Dec 2021 from Convocation Center to George Gervin GameAbove Center. Food & Beverage 2 There’s not much of a selection, but enough to provide for a snack or a drink if needed. The small concession stands offer pizza ($3.50 a slice or $15 for a whole pie), Johnsonville brats ($4), and hot dogs ($3.25). Snacks include popcorn ($2.50), nachos ($3.25), or a pretzel ($2.75). The prices are below what you would normally see at an arena, but the selection is certainly disappointing. I’d recommend saving your money and having a bite before or after the contest. Pepsi is the soda provider of choice here. A small will cost you $2.50 and a large 32-ounce goes for $3. Hot chocolate or coffee are available as well on a cold winter Saturday ($2). Once again, the prices are a little lower than expected, but not very interesting. Atmosphere 2 There are some positives about seeing a game at the Convocation Center. Almost all of the seats in the arena have chairbacks, with the exception of the upper sections behind each basket, which are bleacher seating. The first seven rows are folding seats, and are a little less comfortable, so try to sit in the eighth row or higher. Tickets for the upper deck seats are not sold until the lower bowl is sold out, but you can move into the upper section if you prefer a better view of the flow of the game. Seats provide average leg room, but no cup holders. They also have a pep band, the “EMU Basketball Band” with 30 or so members, which is utilized throughout the game. Outside of those niceties, the atmosphere is pretty stale. The arena seems about the right size for the university and their conference affiliation (the MAC), but the reality is that emptiness is a hard thing to overcome. Specifically, the student section is severely lacking. They do the turn off the lights thing during pregame for the home team introductions, something that feels a little out of place when there isn’t much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 There are several options within a short driving distance from the Convocation Center. For really good food and a terrific beer selection, then make the trip to the Wurst Bar before or after the game. In the neighborhood known as Depot Town, you’ll find Aubree’s Pizzeria & Tavern, a bar that has an outstanding selection of draft beers, including several local options. They have plenty of activities to keep you entertained including a pool table and trivia game. The food is decent, but nothing special. I tried their pizza as well, it has a buttery crust and a comforting greasy quality. This is a good place to go if you are looking for some fun either before or after the game. Across the street is Sidetrack Bar & Grill. This place is known for its outstanding burgers, and was once named as one of the top 20 burgers by GQ Magazine. The burgers are very good, as well as their deep-fried pickles, a huge basket of beer-battered spears. The beer selection offers 16 interesting beers on tap, including some good local options. This place is a little less sports-focused than Aubree’s, but the food is better. You may also want to check out the Hudson Automobile Museum or the Michigan Firehouse Museum, both located in Depot Town. Fans 2 The student section has gotten better in recent years, and works well with the pep band to provide some atmosphere. Otherwise, the crowd seems pretty ambivalent except for the occasional threat of catching a t-shirt thrown by a member of the cheerleading squad after a three point basket. The issue at Eastern Michigan comes down to a lack of attendance. The low point occurred when the team hosted a game for the College Insiders Tournament in 2014, and only 373 fans showed up. This was for a postseason home basketball game! The Eagles drew fewer than 1,000 fans for the 2013-2014 season, and similar unspectacular numbers in 2015. Access 5 Parking is free, and there is plenty of it. Concourses are wide and easily handicap accessible. Bathrooms are small, but there are plenty of them so you shouldn’t expect a line, even if they do get a crowd (which they probably won’t). Traffic shouldn’t be a problem, and you are within a couple of miles of both I-94 and M-23. Overall, this is a very accessible venue. Return on Investment 4 Eastern Michigan University is doing a good job of doing everything possible to attract fans to the Convocation Center. Parking is free, concession prices are very reasonable, and tickets are cost effective. Tickets are only $12 each, with youth (12 and under) only $7. The fact remains that the Eastern Michigan Eagles have not been in the NCAA Tournament since 1998, and have been consistently bad. However, while the experience is by no means memorable, it is worth the price you will pay. Extras 2 One extra point for the efforts that the school is making to attract fans, including a beautiful new scoreboard, free parking, and other reasonable price points. An additional point for the retired numbers for George “The Iceman” Gervin, Earl Boykins, and Grant Long. All had significant college and pro careers. Final Thoughts It’s a shame that more people don’t see games at Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center. It is a fine, but empty facility. A winning team usually cures all. Hopefully the Eagles can find their way back to postseason success and fans can enjoy their basketball arena.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 First Responder Field at SERVPRO Stadium 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd Olney, MD 20832 Olney Cropdusters website SERVPRO Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 600 Crop Dusting in Olney The Cal Ripken Senior Collegiate Baseball League consists of eight teams from across the Washington, D.C. metro area, in Maryland, Virginia, and the District itself. The newest team in this league is the Olney Cropdusters, who play their home games in Olney, Maryland, at SERVPRO Stadium, formally known by the much more verbose name First Responder Field at SERVPRO Stadium, with some sources for the name also referencing the Olney Boys and Girls Club property on which the stadium lies. Whatever the name of the stadium, it opened in 2022 when the Cropdusters joined the Cal Ripken League. Originally, the stadium had no lights and fans sat on hay bales or brought their own chairs, but by 2024, both artificial lights and a 600-seat grandstand had been added. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stand at SERVPRO Stadium is located down the right field line, in a red building that is right by the entrance to the stadium. The usual menu includes hot dogs, chicken tenders, burgers, and bratwursts as well as Gatorade, water, soda, chips, and candy. A combo meal comes with a main course food item, chips, and a drink, or you can buy the items individually. Combo meals range from $7.50 for a hot dog to $15 for chicken tenders, while getting the same items a la carte will be about 30% cheaper if you don't want chips and a drink. Oddly enough, the combo meal does not always save you money . Getting chicken tenders a la carte, with a drink and chips separately, will only cost you $14 while the combo will cost you $15. For the bratwurst and cheeseburger, it will cost the same whether you get the combo or get all items separately. For the hot dog combo you actually will save $1.50 by getting them together. For Sunday morning or afternoon games, the Cropdusters also have a Bases Loaded Brunch, with cocktails, mimosas, beer-mosas, and breakfast-related concession items. Atmosphere 5 The home of the Olney Cropdusters has come a long way from when it first opened in 2022. A 600-seat grandstand consisting entirely of chairbacks is located behind home plate and offers outstanding views of the action on the field. Gone are the days when fans were forced to bring their own chairs or sit on hay bales. That being said, some fans do still choose to bring their own seats and sit further up the right-field line close to the bullpen. The sound system has been greatly improved as well and is now at a perfect volume - loud enough to hear clearly but not so loud that it's blaring. A scoreboard in the outfield shows the linescore and other basic information. The Cropdusters do a lot to keep fans engaged. Many games have giveaways for the fans in attendance. Ceremonial first pitches take place before the game, featuring anyone from former Cropdusters to members of local community groups the team partners with. After players show hustle, a "Dusted Off" sound effect will play over the PA system, bringing to mind the players getting dirty and having to dust off their jerseys, as well as being a pun on the team name. During the seventh inning stretch, "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" by John Denver will play after "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and the fans will clap along. Neighborhood 3 Olney is a thriving suburb of Washington, D.C. with the typical options one might expect there. Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company is just down the street from the field, but your best bet is to head a couple of miles away to the downtown area near the intersection of Georgia Avenue and State Route 108. Depending on how you get to the ballpark, you may wind up heading through that intersection anyway on your way in and out, so it is not as burdensome as it might seem. The Greene Turtle is a popular regional sports bar, and the Olney Grille is a nice restaurant as well. You can find a wide range of cuisines here ranging from traditional American to seafood to Vietnamese. The Olney Theatre Center is a short drive east of the intersection, for those looking for some non-sports entertainment. Fans 4 The Cropdusters have one of the largest fan bases in the Cal Ripken League. While the grandstand will not usually fill up, expect a couple hundred fans for a typical home game, many of them clad in the yellow and red colors of the Cropdusters. They are enthusiastic and there to cheer on the team and have some fun at the same time. Expect them to stay engaged, cheering at big moments, participating in promotions, and clapping along to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" during the seventh inning stretch. Access 4 First Responder Field is located a few miles off State Route 200 (the Intercounty Connector, a toll road) via Georgia Avenue (State Route 97) and State Route 108. Once you get to the OBGC, you will see large signs announcing that there is a Cropdusters game that night and prompting you to turn into the stadium. Once you get in, there is a large, spacious lot serving not just SERVPRO Stadium but the entire Olney Boys and Girls Club. If there are youth sporting events going on on the back fields, parking may be more difficult but you should still be able to find a spot. Restrooms are located near the concession stand and are sufficient for the crowd. It is easy to get to the grandstand and up and down the aisles, even with large crowds. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most regular season home games is $12 in advance online or $15 at the gate the day of the game. There are some exceptions. The Cropdusters will host a fireworks night close to July 4th where tickets go for $20 and are available online only as they sell out well in advance. (If you do go to this game, be careful you are buying tickets to the game itself and not one of the fireworks passes that go on sale once the game sells out. The latter will get you into the fireworks but not the game.) Scheduled doubleheaders cost $18 (though you may be able to buy tickets for unscheduled ones at the normal price, and they will still get you into both games) and select games offer discounted $5 tickets. Concessions are reasonably priced, though it may help to double check the math on the combo deals. Overall, an Olney Cropdusters game is an outstanding value. Extras 2 There is a team store down the first baseline which sells Cropdusters merchandise. We'll give a second star here for the numerous promotions the Cropdusters have throughout the season, ranging from bobblehead giveaways to partnerships with local youth organizations. Not many teams in this league have that level of engagement. Final Thoughts The Olney Cropdusters have come a long way with their stadium since it opened in 2022. Even back then, they had an outstanding experience, but with all the renovations and improvements to the ballpark, this is truly a top-notch summer collegiate baseball venue. Baseball fans in the area will definitely want to make the trip out to Olney during the summer months to see a Cropdusters game.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 OceanFirst Bank Center 400 Cedar Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website OceanFirst Bank Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,100 College Basketball at the Jersey Shore Monmouth University is a small private institution located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, just a mile from the Jersey Shore. Although their men’s soccer team has achieved some moderate success recently, their basketball squad has only four tournament appearances, winning a single play-in game over Hampton in 2006. The school was a member of the Northeast Conference until 2013 when all but football moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). With their arena being named the rather uninventive Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC), you could say they play in the MAAC MAC. [Editor’s Note: The arena is now called OceanFirst Center]. Don’t let the boring name or my stupid joke turn you off though; the MAC is a surprisingly enjoyable place to watch college basketball. Opened in 2009 to replace the aging Boylan Gymnasium, the MAC holds 4,100 fans and includes a 200-meter indoor track above which some of the seats are temporarily installed during basketball games. It’s new, clean, and has a few ways to keep you entertained during all the media timeouts. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands here that do brisk business throughout the game. The main stand is right inside the entrance, while the other is in the far corner. Offerings are slim, but there are some items you won’t see at other small schools. First, the typical offerings of hot dogs ($3), a pizza ($6), and popcorn and pretzels ($2 each) are inexpensive. Candy is also $2 and homemade chips are $3. The specialty items include three types of sandwiches (Buffalo Chicken, Meatball Parm, and Chicken Parm) at $5 apiece and Chile Cheese Nachos at $6. Add chips to any sandwich for just a dollar and another buck gets you a fountain beverage, normally $2 by itself. I had a Chicken Parm sandwich and it was decent and filling, but what you would expect from something made an hour or two before and left on a heating stand. One thing you will avoid here is the nachos, as there is a local taco restaurant offering free tacos and nachos about 30 seconds away from the main concession stand. A few other sponsors provide free samples too, which enhances the overall food and beverage score a bit. Atmosphere 4 With a capacity of 4,100, the MAC is the largest on-campus basketball facility in the conference. There are two seating levels along three sides of the court with the single-level student section in one end zone. Above the student section is a standing area, which is generally filled with students chatting with friends and families allowing their youngsters to take advantage of the room to run around. When the seats are nearly filled, there is a great buzz during the game as fans are chatting and make noise. As in all college basketball games, there are eight media timeouts, and here at Monmouth, they have a plan for each one to keep you in the game. There are the usual cheerleader and dance team performances, a three-point shooting contest, a t-shirt toss, and a Happy Birthday sing-a-long among others. The MC goes by the name Showboat and he can be a bit annoying at times with his over-the-top demeanor, acting like it is minor-league baseball instead of low-level college hoops. Regardless, the overall atmosphere is healthy and fun and you should enjoy your time here. Neighborhood 2 The campus is about four miles from the Garden State Parkway, quite small, and surrounded by quiet residential areas. Midway between the highway and the campus lies the Monmouth Mall, the largest shopping center in the area, and there are several family restaurants such as Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Applebee around there but I did not notice any establishments worth stopping for. The northern edges of the Jersey Shore are just a mile east. There are several bars and restaurants that cater to Monmouth students, and although they are probably not hopping in the winter, they seem to be the only places worth checking out if you are looking for something to do before or after the game. Fans 3 Even when the arena is 95% full many fans don’t seem particularly interested in the game itself. A large number of the student section had cleared out at halftime during my most recent visit (I believe many belonged to the football team, there for Miles Austin’s jersey retirement ceremony), but even the fans in the areas I sat were having more fun playing pranks on each other than taking in the action. Seating arrangements are haphazard in some places and I was forced to take a spot up top, not a problem in a small arena such as this but something that could be annoying if you had a good seat, to begin with. Overall, the fans don’t seem to care if the team wins or loses. Access 4 If you are living in or visiting New York City and want to get out to Monmouth, transit is probably your best option if you don’t have a car. New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line takes just over 90 minutes to the Long Branch station, with some trains requiring a transfer at Newark Penn Station. From Long Branch, you can try the two-mile walk to the MAC or take a bus. Check Google Maps or NJ Transit for details. Fares are not cheap, with an off-peak one-way ride going for $15. Elberon is the other nearby station, but that is about 1.5 miles from the MAC so you might save a few minutes if your train stops there. If you decide to drive, use Google Map’s avoid tolls option to plan the cheapest route, which will take about 90 minutes from Manhattan including traffic. More than likely though, you will be driving through the area, which is the preferred option. Monmouth is about four miles east of the Garden State Parkway, exit 105 onto Route 36 then right onto Route 71. The Parkway is a toll road, but not ridiculously overpriced like some. Parking is free on campus and there are two lots right next to the entrance off Larchwood Avenue. Inside the arena, there is plenty of room to move around. The Leon Hess Champions Hall has TVs along the walls that are tuned to the game and other sports channels, which make a nice halftime distraction. The seats have small chair backs that fold up, and are comfortable enough, although you might be a bit cramped if your row is full. Washrooms are next to the main concession stand and are more than enough for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Standing at the northwest corner of campus, the MAC is a good-looking building with a white roof over beige bricks. Visiting at night I was unable to capture it properly with a photo, but it still has that new venue feel. The box office is right next to the entrance, and tickets are $12 at the window for center-court seats in the upper section. The court is not big, so there are no bad vantage points here. You may prefer to stand behind the end zone here as it gives you a better view of the play developing and leaves you closer to the concession stand, as well as giving you room to move around and take pictures from different angles. Although the team was terrible in the 2013-2014 campaign, the overall atmosphere, free parking, good food options, and cheap tickets make this an unexpectedly good road trip destination. Extras 3 The sculpture of a large hawk out front of the MAC is quite nice and worth a point. A point for the TVs showing the game above the concession stands, as well as those in the Leon Hess Champions Hall, which were tuned to other college basketball games that evening. Finally, a point for all the free stuff being given out by sponsors throughout the complex. Final Thoughts Monmouth is not a school that most people know about and certainly only true college hoopheads would be adding this one to their bucket list. But if you enjoy live sports and are in Northern New Jersey at some point, you should consider a visit to the MAC. This is one place where you can’t judge the book by its cover; the Multipurpose Activity Center offers a lot more than you would expect from a small college program like Monmouth and is worth a look for any stadium traveler.

Photo Courtesy of UC Davis Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 University Credit Union Center 750 Orchard Rd Davis, CA 95616 UC Davis Aggies website University Credit Union Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 8,000 The Pavilion at ARC The Pavilion at ARC is a beautiful facility on the campus of UC Davis,15 miles west of Sacramento. The “at ARC” addition to the name happened when the school finished the attached Activities & Recreation Center, where many students go to get their daily work out in. When walking up to the box office at The Pavilion, the ARC looks far more imposing. The windowed walls reveal an elevated track, a climbing wall, and table tennis, as well as opportunities for many other activities. Back in 1977, the then Recreation Hall, opened its doors for intercollegiate and intramural competition. Though the Aggies recently began play in Division I, the basketball team was Division II National Champions in 1998. Since joining the NCAA’s top division they have had mixed success. They are currently struggling through a season in which they’ve only registered one win. Perhaps the most infamous event held at The Pavilion is the yearly Doxie Derby, held on the school’s “Picnic Day”. Thousands of spectators crowd into The Pavilion to watch the lovable dachshunds during the most popular day-drinking day of the year for students, residents, and fun-seekers. Officially it’s the campus’ open house, a day for parents to come and visit with their kids and for prospectus students to check out the school. Note: The facility's name was renamed the University Credit Union Center in July of 2021. Food & Beverage 2 I highly recommend eating before arriving at The Pavilion. If not for the lack of options there, then for the plethora of options in the neighborhood. In the gym, they operate a fold-up table at one entrance where you can find chips, nachos, and candy. Drinks available are bottled soda and water ($3). The concession area is well staffed but otherwise less than thrilling. Atmosphere 3 Notably, many UC Davis students were away on break when I attended the Thursday night matchup between the Aggies and UC Riverside. This was apparent by the sheer number of empty seats at The Pavilion. The Aggie band was quite energetic and helped to pick up where vacationing students left off. They played many pep band staples and their own renditions of today’s popular songs. When the opponents shot at the basket in front of them, they made sure their presence was known. The Pavilion is a beautiful venue in which, with a general admission ticket, you can move around a bit and pick your favorite spot. What I really liked was that they pulled up the excess seats that weren’t going to be filled on this particular night. This forces (allows) the fans to sit closer to the action and creates a more intimate atmosphere. This also allows for wider promenades as the entire second level was pushed back against the walls. Neighborhood 4 The UC Davis campus butts up against the downtown Davis neighborhood. This area is a vibrant mix of students and families and visitors should take advantage of the atmosphere that the neighborhood provides. If looking to grab a bite before the game you truly can find a little of everything. KetMoRee is an upper scale Thai restaurant with good happy hour deals while Sophia’s is more moderately priced Thai food. There is also pizza (Woodstock’s), brunch (Crepeville), burgers (Burgers and Brew), sushi (Fuji), and Mexican (El Mariachi) all within walking distance of The Pavilion. If you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere before or after the game, I’d recommend Froggy’s or The Graduate, affectionately known as “The Grad”. Microbrew enthusiasts take note that there is indeed a brewery in Davis serving up some suds. Sudwerk is a brewery that creates their own versions of traditional German-style beers while still providing some of the California staples like pale ales and IPAs. A farmer’s market is held year-round, rain or shine, on Saturdays at Central Park. Lastly, it should be noted that the city of Davis is very much a bicycle friendly town. They take special care to ensure the safety of bicyclists on the city streets, and the town logo even has a bicycle on it. You may even see funky, old-school bikes cruising around town. Fans 3 As noted previously, the gym was not close to full. There certainly is a lot at play here; students on vacation, Thursday night, struggling team to name a few. Those in attendance were quite engaged with the Aggies performance. Logistically, a younger crowd sat on one side (general admission) and an older crowd on the other (reserved, mostly season tickets). Each side brought plenty of energy and knowledge to The Pavilion. Access 5 The UC Davis campus is located conveniently off of highway 80, 15 miles west of Sacramento and 75 miles east of San Francisco. Getting there isn’t difficult but you should certainly expect significant traffic during peak hours after work. Downtown Davis is easy to get around for first-timers as many of the streets progress numerically and alphabetically, so you never feel like you’re unsure of your location. There is a local bus service, UniTrans, operated by UC Davis that services much of the city and all of the campus. Buses are driven by university students and cater the inevitably odd schedules of college students. Beyond the local buses, there is also an Amtrak stop that stops downtown. This train goes through Sacramento with bus connections that can take passengers as far as Tahoe and Reno. Going the other direction, the “Capitol Corridor” train passes through Berkeley, Oakland, and San Jose, with connections to San Francisco. When games are sparsely attended, The Pavilion is a one-level venue, allowing for huge walkways around the perimeter of the lower level. These areas are so wide that you may be able to fit another couple basketball courts above the actual playing surface. Because of this getting to and from restrooms and the concession stand is no problem at all. Return on Investment 3 As for single-game tickets there are two price ranges. General admission tickets are $10 and reserved seats are $12. I didn’t see much of a difference between the two except that the general admission seats are on one side and the reserved on the other. Sometimes at venues, reserved seats would have seat backs and general admission would be on bleachers, but that wasn’t the case at The Pavilion. Extras 2 There’s not a lot to get excited about at The Pavilion other than the play on the court. It is fun to follow along, through the hanging banners, the Aggies progression through Division II play, to Division II prominence, to finally being a Division I program. Final Thoughts I’ll definitely be back for another basketball game at The Pavilion when it’s better attended. The venue is nice and the amenities good and I’d love to see the building rocking. It seems that the Aggies are still trying to find their way in the NCAA D-I landscape and I’m excited to see what they do the next few years.

Photos by Paul Baker & Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 PeoplesBank Arena 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Connecticut Huskies website PeoplesBank Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 15,564 The Basketball Capital of the World Editor's Note: In June 2025 PeoplesBank announced they had entered into a 10-year naming rights agreement with the downtown Hartford arena at a cost of $20 million. During the pregame introductions for UConn basketball at the XL Center, the PA announcer calls Hartford “the basketball capital of the world.” Before you dismiss this statement as just hyperbole, consider that the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams have combined for 15 national championships, 25 final four appearances and 64 NCAA tournament appearances. The birthplace of basketball, Springfield, Massachusetts, is located just a half hour to the north. The men’s and women’s basketball teams both play a portion of their home schedules here in downtown Hartford, 21 miles from the UConn campus. 18 Huskies have been named as All-Americans. 37 UConn alumni have made it to the NBA, and 30 have played in the WNBA. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is the largest arena in the state of Connecticut. It was originally built in 1974 as part of a downtown project that included an adjacent mall, convention center, office space, hotel and parking garage. Some people still refer to the XL Center as “The Mall,” even though the mall portion of the complex was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a 36-story residential tower. In addition to UConn basketball, the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack and UConn’s men’s hockey team call the XL Center home. Food & Beverage 5 The XL Center offers a menu that balances traditional arena fare with local flavor. Depending on your appetite, you can visit Chicken Fry Fry (featuring, you guessed it, chicken tenders and fries), Fresh Classics (sausage and pepper sandwiches and nachos), Grill Masters (burgers), or hot dog nation (yep, hot dogs). Chick-fil-A operates a cart selling their legendary sandwiches. Dunkin’ Donuts operates a pair of stands featuring their signature coffee and baked goods. Pepsi products are featured at the XL Center. Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor should seek out Ted’s Cheeseburgers, which features gourmet burgers cooked in a style unique to Central Connecticut: they are steamed. Steaming the burgers creates a very juicy burger with a taste you won’t find anywhere else. Also, local favorite Bear’s Barbeque operates a small stand selling brisket, pulled pork and their popular mac and cheese. Randy’s Wooster House of Pizza operates a stand serving up their legendary slices. Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find stands dedicated specifically to alcohol sales. In addition to national brands including Sam Adams, Budweiser, Coors Light and Blue Moon, several local craft brands are featured at the XL Center. Brews from City Steam, Two Roads and Thomas Hooker Brewery are sold throughout the arena. Atmosphere 4 UConn is undoubtedly the premier college basketball program in New England and the game day atmosphere at the XL Center gives local fans a rare taste of big-time college hoops. All the standard college game day elements can be found here, including the pep band, cheerleading squad and dance team. The school’s mascot, Jhonathan, can be found roaming the arena interacting with fans. There is a large video board hanging at center court that is put to good use with replays and game stats. It can be a little difficult to read with all the graphics on the screen. Shout outs to UConn alumni in the stands are guaranteed to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Fans at the XL Center are knowledgeable and passionate about the Huskies. They don’t need a whole lot of encouragement to fill the arena with noise. All the fans in the arena stand until the Huskies score their first basket of the game. There are contests and giveaways during play stoppages and t-shirt tosses, dance cams and the like to keep casual fans involved. Neighborhood 5 Hartford is rarely thought of as a destination city, but the XL Center’s location in downtown Hartford gives it an excellent rating. The area around the arena features numerous restaurants, shops and attractions. Pratt Street, located directly across the street from the XL Center, is lined with many excellent pubs and restaurants. City Steam Tap Room is located a block away from the XL Center on Main Street and features a legendary craft beer lineup. Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street features live music and excellent barbeque. Hartford suffers from a bad reputation, but the area around the XL Center is safe and walkable. For fans interested in exploring the downtown area, there are some attractions nearby worth mentioning. The Old State House is located a few blocks from the XL Center and contains exhibits on Hartford history. Tours are discounted for AAA members and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Fans 4 The Huskies draw impressive crowds to downtown Hartford. Crowds of over 10,000 are the norm. The school schedules their marquee matchups at the XL Center to take advantage of the building’s capacity, which is larger than the Gampel Pavilion. The crowd consists of a mix of locals and alumni. Despite the fact that there doesn’t seem to be an abundance of younger fans in attendance, parents can feel comfortable bringing the family to a Husky game. The student section is a bit smaller than expected, but with the campus located 21 miles from downtown Hartford, perhaps this isn’t a surprise after all. Despite their best efforts to inject some noise into the XL Center, in an arena of this size, their effect is negligible. Access 3 The XL Center is in downtown Hartford, easily reached via either Interstate 84 or 91. The arena is only a few blocks away from either highway. Traffic in the city is often difficult to navigate, particularly for weekday games. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, as both highways back up regularly around rush hour and beyond. There are almost 50 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, all within walking distance of the XL Center. If you want to plan ahead, the XL Center website has a link to the downtown map here. In addition to these paid spots, on-street parking is readily available around the XL Center. Meters are not in operation on weekends. Once inside the XL Center, fans will enter a spacious lobby. This area was once part of the Civic Center Mall but is mostly empty space now. The ticket office is located here, as well as access to the attached parking garage and the Coliseum Club on the second level. After a brief security check, fans will enter the cramped concourses of the arena. All seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum consist of folding stadium chairs. The seating bowl at the XL Center is very steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines no matter where you sit. Despite numerous renovations over the years, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum maintains its cramped and narrow concourses. There is only one concourse at the XL Center, and the restrooms are on the small side. Getting around can be very difficult, especially during halftime. Plan your trips to concession stands or restrooms wisely. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very affordable for UConn games at the XL Center if you don’t mind sitting up high in the seating bowl. Select upper level seats are sold for only three dollars. The majority of the seats here range in price from $18-$38. Parking in the lots and garages surrounding the XL Center can be had for ten dollars with on-street parking available for fans wishing to search for it. On-street parking is free after 6 PM on weekdays and all day long on weekends. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Extras 3 Banners-if you like banners, you will love the XL Center. Banners honoring the 15 University of Connecticut National basketball champions (women’s and men's combined) hang from the rafters on one end of the arena. On the other end of the arena are banners for the UConn Husky hockey team, the AHL’s Wolf Pack and the Whalers. Whalers-The XL Center doesn’t ignore its past as the home of the Hartford Whalers. Banners honoring Whalers division championships, retired numbers, and the Howe family, who all played together in Hartford, hang from the rafters. In addition, the lobby contains a large mural of some of the highlights of Hartford’s professional hockey history. Free programs are given out to all fans, lineup sheets are available for a dollar and there is an area of the lobby blocked of for the sale of UConn souvenirs. Final Thoughts The XL Center has its share of critics, particularly those who feel that Hartford deserves another NHL team. Countless studies and plans for a new downtown arena have circulated for decades, making this arena a political hot potato, but the XL Center continues on. With the school holding many of their marquee games downtown, the XL Center gives New England hoops fans a rare taste of big-time college basketball. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Challis-Pauszek Field 7300 E 56th St Indianapolis, IN 46226 Lawrence Central Bears website Challis-Pauszek Field website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 1,000 Lawrence Central's New Home for Baseball Challis-Pauszek Field is the home ballpark for the Lawrence Central High School baseball team in Indianapolis, Indiana. It seats a few hundred fans comfortably from dugout to dugout, including a synthetic turf field, bullpens, picnic tables, and seating from grass berms to the outfield area of the adjacent soccer stadium. ​ The stadium is named after former LC Athletic Director Don Challis and former head coach and team doctor Robert Pauszek. The high school was built in 1963, and the baseball stadium followed soon after, but home plate was originally positioned in the left-field corner. ​ The current ballpark, which debuted in 2024, was part of a large project to improve athletic facilities in Lawrence Township. It was funded by a $25 million bond that paid for new synthetic turf at the baseball, softball, and soccer fields. The fund paid for new grandstands, concession stands, and a press box at the high school. ​ The new stadium helped the school host semi-state high school baseball games in 2026 and showcased its design that would fit perfectly in several summer collegiate leagues. ​ Food & Beverage 3 ​ The concession stand is near the entrance of the facility and offers the usual items commonly found at a high school sporting event. Fans can grab nachos, hot dogs, chili dogs, pretzel bites, candy bars, and suckers. They can wash it down with a variety of Pepsi and Gatorade products, hot cocoa, and coffee. ​ The stadium also offers, at times, Chick-fil-A and Jagger fried chicken sandwiches; both fast food restaurants offer a small percentage back to the school with the purchase of one of their items. The stadium also served Graeter’s Ice Cream in a few varieties for an added treat. ​ Atmosphere 4 ​ High school sports bring out the most passionate fanbase, especially during sectional and regional tournaments. A game can feature quite a few fans from the city or town rooting on their team to victory. Do not expect to see any on-field promotions, mascot races, or overzealous PA announcers shouting at the top of their lungs when a foul ball lands in the parking lot. ​ The stadium complex houses the baseball diamond and the soccer field behind right field. A 500-seat grandstand, protected by a safety net, offers a close view of the action on the field. A small scoreboard is located behind the stadium in left field. Grass berm seating is along the concourse, and a small area of grass seating is located behind the third base side of the field. available along the first baseline With the grandstand filled, several fans climbed atop the soccer field bleachers for a view of the game. The makeshift outfield terrace seating was an unusual feature, but it proved necessary to handle the sizable crowd. ​ Neighborhood 3 ​ Lawrence Central High School is off East 56th Street at I-465, about 20 minutes east of downtown Indianapolis and 20 minutes south of Fishers. The school is in a residential area, but a mile away from the Fort Benjamin Harrison district, which features fast-food chains Culver's and IHOP, along with local restaurants, including La Hacienda, Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza, Cafe Audrey at Fort Ben, and Phaya Thai Street Food. ​ If in town during the spring or summer, there are other sporting events nearby worth visiting, including the Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field, the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the Fishers Freight (indoor football) at Fishers Event Center. Check schedules and times to optimize your sports travel schedule in Indianapolis. ​ Fans 4 ​ This was a semi-state game; family members, classmates, alumni, neighbors, and residents could be found inside the stadium. Mater Dei fans were dressed in red, while the Sullivan faithful wore hues of purple. The grandstand was evenly divided in school colors. ​ The passion and pride were felt throughout the game, featuring a no-hitter being taken into the last inning, the game being tied by the road team, and play at the plate that denied the home team the victory. This was all that was needed to keep the fans interested in the game that went extras on the night of our visit. ​ Access 3 ​ The campus is easily accessible from I-465, and the stadium is in the back with plenty of parking spaces. The sports complex is spacious, offering fans ample room to walk around, but certain areas of the field are blocked by the bullpens and thick metal fencing. However, a spot in the grandstand offers a great view despite a rather thick protective netting. ​ Return on Investment 4 ​ The ticket prices are $12 per session, and kids under 5 are admitted free. The baseball is well played at this level of the IHSAA Tournament and is worthy of the price of the ticket. The best baseball teams of the state are competing, and emotions run deep not only on the field but in the stands. ​ Extras 2 ​ The ballpark earns a point for its natural grounds, offering fans terrace seating, an inviting concourse, and views atop the grandstands of the soccer field. ​ Final Thoughts ​ I did not know what to expect from a semi-state game played at a local high school, but it was well beyond my expectations. Challis-Pauszek Field is a beautiful facility with an atmosphere to match it. It is a ballpark good enough to house a summer collegiate team in the Great Lakes League, and much finer than a few D-I and D-II college ballparks in Indianapolis. It was a pleasant surprise and one that should not be overlooked when in the area. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Nationals Park 1500 South Capitol St SE Washington, DC 20003 Washington Nationals website Nationals Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 41,888 A National Pastime In 2005, the Montreal Expos moved to Washington, D.C., and changed their name to the Nationals. For their first three years of existence, they played their home games at RFK Stadium, which had previously been home to the Washington Senators. In 2008, the Nats moved into a stadium of their own, Nationals Park, which represented a significant improvement over RFK. The stadium is located only a few blocks south of the U.S. Capitol, which is visible from parts of the upper deck. Food & Beverage 4 Nationals Park has a wide selection of food that will guarantee you will not go hungry. Options include traditional items like hot dogs, burgers, and pizza as well as more unique items like falafel, freshly made donuts, and sushi. Ice cream is available, including a special cherry blossom variety (more cherry flavored than blossom flavored) in honor of DC's legendary cherry blossoms. Several of the concession stands also sell half smokes, a D.C. specialty that is somewhere in between a hot dog and a smoked sausage. There are also foods to serve various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and kosher items. PETA has consistently ranked the stadium one of the best in the majors for vegetarians. The prices are a bit high, though considering this is a major league park, that is not unexpected. The roving vendors typically only accept credit cards, and many stands require you to order either on your mobile device or at a kiosk nearby. Atmosphere 4 All seats at Nationals Park are chairbacks, except for a few tables in centerfield where fans can eat and drink by the nearby bar. Some of the seats down the lines may have an obstructed view of the corners due to other seats jutting out, but for the most part, you’ll have a good view no matter where you sit. There is a giant scoreboard and videoboard in right-centerfield above the concourse, as well as a smaller out-of-town scoreboard built into the right-centerfield wall. One of the more unique traditions at Nationals Park is the Presidents’ Race. In the middle of the fourth inning of every game, costumed versions of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt will emerge from the center field gate and race around the warning track to a finish line by the first base dugout. During the race, they will frequently get into various hijinks, such as playing dodgeball, getting attacked by a giant ice cream cone, or having their First Lady attack the other racers with her handbag. If you're ever wanted to see the stump of the cherry tree George Washington chopped down come back for revenge, the Presidents' Race is for you. The Racing Presidents and a bald eagle mascot named Screech can be seen on the concourse, stands, and field throughout the game as well, interacting with fans and encouraging them to get loud. Neighborhood 5 Nationals Park is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Although this used to be a very bad part of town, that has changed since the stadium went up and it is now a perfectly safe, up-and-coming area. There are several bars and restaurants located within walking distance of the stadium, including Mission and Buffalo Wild Wings. A BetMGM sportsbook is located right next to Nationals Park, outside the centerfield gate and attached to the parking garage. Downtown D.C. is a short Metro ride away and has a lot to offer as well. The best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s walking along the National Mall or visiting one of the many museums, there is so much you can do here. All government-run attractions are free, but some of the privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind that if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 Nationals fans arrive late and leave early, even at the best of times. Fans will still be filing in two or three innings into the game and will start filing out by the sixth or seventh. Attendance is up for the 2026 season, but still does not come close to where it was in the 2010s when this team regularly made the postseason. The fans who do show up can get loud at times, with some of them waving their hats and chanting “N-A-T-S NATS NATS NATS!” after every run, but involved fans seem to be in the minority here. It seems to be a place to hang out with friends rather than pay attention to the action on the field. Although Nats fans are friendlier than what you’d experience up I-95 in Philadelphia or New York, there is a happy medium between abusive and uninvolved, and sadly Nationals fans seem to be more at the uninvolved end. Access 5 Nationals Park is conveniently located right next to the Navy-Yard Ballpark Stop on the Green Line of the Washington Metro. Although this may seem convenient, there are frequent Metro shutdowns that may reduce headways to 24 minutes or more or even shut down stations entirely. These shutdowns are most prevalent on weekends or over the summer, which is of course when most people go to baseball games. Be sure to check the WMATA website before you head out if you plan on going this way. There are extra trains after games to accommodate the crowds, but the trains can still get pretty packed. Also, note that the supplemental trains only go a few stops in downtown before turning around to take more fans home. Although fans who plan to transfer to other lines should have no problem, fans who wish to remain on the Green Line past Mount Vernon Square should check the destination sign of their train to be sure it is heading to Greenbelt, or simply get on the first train that comes and transfer later if need be. In the event the game runs long (unlikely with the pitch clock and Manfred runner unless there's a rain delay) keep in mind that Metro shuts down at midnight Monday-Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, it does not shut down until 2 AM so you should have no issue barring extremely unlikely events. If you are forced to take the last train of the night, be sure to listen to announcements on where to transfer to your final destination. Metro goes to great lengths to make sure you are not stranded at your transfer station, but you may need to transfer at a different station than usual and/or make additional transfers. Fans who are outside the D.C. area don’t need to drive to the ballpark, as they can drive to a suburban station and park there. Parking at Metro stations ranges from $3 to $6 depending on the station and is free on weekends. Fans coming from the south may wish to park at Branch Avenue in Maryland, south of D.C., as you will be heading in the opposite direction from most fans at the end of the game, so your train will be significantly less crowded. Also, you will not need to transfer. Fans coming from the north may want to look into parking at Greenbelt or another station on the northern part of the Green Line, which at least avoids a transfer. If you do plan on driving to the stadium, parking can be $50 or more. Parking in the GEICO garage next to the stadium or other lots nearby can be reserved in advance through the Nationals' website to ensure a spot. Taking an Uber or Lyft may end up being cheaper than parking, depending on where you’re coming from. Keep in mind that prices for rides close to the stadium after the game can skyrocket in price due to increased demand. Additionally, drivers are not allowed to pick up riders right outside the stadium, so you will need to walk at least a block or two, and prices come down more the further away you get. Return on Investment 3 Like many teams, the Nationals use variable pricing for tickets, so prices can vary depending on the opponent, the day of the week, and if any promotions are going on such as bobblehead giveaways. Expect them to start around $17 for upper-level seats and go up to over $400 for VIP seats behind home plate which include suite access. One additional option for residents of the District of Columbia is to purchase $5 tickets in Sections 401 and 402 at the Nationals Box Office. Although this option was previously available to all fans, effective in 2024 it is only available to residents of the District. The process is easier than in past years as tickets can be purchased in advance, but they must be purchased at the Nationals' box office. Those who are not residents of D.C. cannot take advantage of this offer anymore. Concessions are a bit pricey, but about what you’d expect from a major league venue. Parking is ridiculously expensive, but as you have plenty of other options, that isn’t too big a factor here. While prices have not gone up by much since the Nationals' championship run, the quality of the experience has decreased, with reduced crowds, fewer gameday amenities, later gate opening times, and a lower quality of play on the field. While the return on investment is still decent, it isn't what it once was, especially if you want to sit someplace better than the $5 cheap seats. Extras 3 There is a Ring of Honor on the wall between the upper and terrace levels with the names of former Nationals greats as well as legends from Washington’s previous baseball teams, the Washington Senators (both incarnations), and the Negro League’s Homestead Grays. Look for all the banners and murals with pictures of Nationals players past and present. A third star for the Presidents’ Race, as it is one of the more unique and entertaining traditions in baseball. Final Thoughts After the second incarnation of the Washington Senators moved to Texas in 1972, Washington, D.C. was without a baseball team for over 30 years. In 2005, the Nationals came to town, and in 2008, they got a brand-new stadium. Since then, the excitement has worn off and the crowds have declined, especially as the Nationals’ performance on the field has gone downhill. That being said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Circuit of the Americas website SRO America website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 SRO America’s Showcase Event As if to blast the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas into flat-out appropriateness, Circuit of the Americas (often denoted as COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to a myriad other races throughout the year, including the likes of SVRA, NASCAR, and others. The annual SRO GT World Challenge weekend is also becoming a fan favorite, drawing racing fans with five classes on track throughout the weekend, showcasing the best racing action with some of the biggest stars in sportscar racing. This year’s event even saw SRO America’s largest ever crowd at a race weekend in history, further cementing this weekend as a staple on the SRO calendar. Food & Beverage 3 The main grandstand features a host of food vendors serving everything from traditional sports fare to southern-inspired dishes, including the Rev Bar. Being in Texas, after all, the food options include Mexican and barbecue dishes, all washed down with some cold beer. In the infield fans can expect a great little hole-in-the-wall (only in size) cafe in the paddock, featuring a beautiful patio outside surrounded by trees and bushes, giving a great view of the garages and pre-staging area for most of the cars. Here you can find (when it is open) food and beverages to suit your fancy. Pizzas are $8, with a combo running $10 (including a drink), while drinks by themselves are $3 for fountain drinks and $4 for Powerade and Vitamin Water. Chicken tenders and fries are $7; deli sandwiches, hamburger baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches are $8; and black bean burgers, deli wraps, or a trip to the salad bar are $7. On certain days there is also a chef’s featured item, such as homemade meatloaf, mac-n-cheese, and a vegetable medley for $10. That said, if you are exploring the far reaches of the facility, you may not have as many options available as you have in the main spectator areas, meaning you will have to walk a while or wait patiently for later, should the hunger bug strike. Thankfully this year (2024), the track added food trucks in the fan area in the paddock to add some variety. Atmosphere 3 Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the crowds. During fan walks on the pit road grid before races at Circuit of the Americas, it is wall-to-wall fans hobnobbing with drivers, teams, and the cars they pilot on track, complete with a mariachi band and riders on horseback flying Texas and American flags. The track itself is an overall beautiful facility that lends itself to the fan experience – the main grandstand is shaded from the harsh Texas sun, thanks to a perfectly placed roof over part of the seating. The quality view can also be had for most of the infield stands as well. However, smaller details have fallen into disrepair over the years, as trackside fencing is falling apart and junk piles up on some service roads in infield areas; the track becoming a private facility at the end of the year will no doubt change this, however. By far, the coolest thing here at Circuit of the Americas is the giant tower in the middle of the track. The observation platform in the tower is open to all fans for $10 a person, providing an elevator to view the race from over 200 feet above the action. In addition, the floors in the tower are see-through, giving you the feeling of floating on air – no other track has anything as unique as this. Additionally, a theme park complete with roller coasters is being constructed on-site, set to open in time for next season. Lastly, a large suite VIP tower is being constructed at the top of the Turn 1 hill, with a gondola system that will lead directly to the pit lane suites. So while this area is currently an eyesore, upgrades are on the way. Neighborhood 3 This is a hard section to write about, as the city of Austin itself (a good 15 to 20-minute drive from the Circuit of the Americas track), is a bustling city of music, incredible food, and youthful energy. It is no secret why F1 picked this city, and why the annual SXSW festival is held here every year. However, as the track is on the outskirts of town, the racing can easily feel a bit detached from the city’s atmosphere, despite the ever-growing neighborhoods next door to the facility. There isn’t much else right next to the track – hotels are all about 10 minutes away, at least, as are any shopping and dining options fans would flock to. Thankfully the airport is right near the track, providing easy access to your flight in and out of Austin. For great food, one can’t skip Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas and Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake, and of course, a stop in Austin isn’t complete without visiting the bats under the Congress Bridge. Fans 4 That good ol’ Texas comfort can be felt through the fans at the track – sports fans can be hard to figure out, but Austin’s motorsports enthusiasts are all about the racing on the oval. They know the drivers, they know the cars, they know exactly what is happening, and are eager to cheer on their favorite drivers all weekend long. In addition, they’re generally a kind and considerate bunch, which makes a day at the races at Circuit of the Americas a family-friendly experience. The SRO America event even set a record this year for ticket sales to the three-day race weekend at COTA, with fans packing in the infield viewing areas once again. Access 4 Getting to Circuit of the Americas isn’t hard, in that the track isn’t hidden away. In actuality, you can see it from pretty much everywhere, thanks to its giant lit-up tower at night. However, the roads in and out of the venue are only one or two lanes, making a big event hard to reach, thanks to the traffic, though parking is plentiful on-site. The re-paving and expansion of most of the roads in and out of the track in recent years has also eased the ingress and egress at the facility. Once at the track getting around is easy, thanks to the various tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and signage pointing you on your way around the venue. Also, during the event there are a few fan shuttles that take you from one point to another. Return on Investment 5 Whether you’re a race fan or not will dictate whether you feel the need to visit this new crown jewel of a race circuit. However, you can see why average fans would want to come – the views are spectacular all around the track, the cost of tickets and flights into Austin are generally low, and the city is a great attraction unto itself. Tickets to SRO at COTA start at just $10 for Friday, with Saturday or Sunday day passes only costing $35. A regular weekend pass sells for $65, and if you want to join one of the car corrals, that weekend pass is $175. Suite upgrades range from $299 to $800. Downtown is full of reasons to visit on its own, so adding a world-class racetrack to the mix makes it even better! In addition, Circuit of the Americas features great fan access, with the paddock easy to find and navigate during race weekends. Extras 4 Circuit of the America’s big tower is a modern marvel to behold, but did you know there is a world-class concert amphitheater at its base? Another unique feature is the bold American color scheme – all around the track’s run-off areas you can see red, white, and blue, plus star-and-stripe painted designs, making for not only a photogenic track, but one that makes you feel very patriotic as well. Outside the track, a large, inclined zip-line is available to thrill race fans with a view of the front stretch. Fans can also take part in the popular go-kart facility, located right behind the main grandstands throughout the weekend. Final Thoughts Circuit of the Americas certainly is a gorgeous facility that lends itself to the comfortable viewing of some great racing action. Furthermore, placing it next to one of the best up-and-coming cities in America was a genius move. That said, if you want somewhere young and hip to visit that is also home to a quality sports facility, definitely put Circuit of the Americas on your list.

Photo courtesy of KENS5.com Fresh off an appearance in the 2025-26 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs announced on June 22nd that they will be returning a lost tradition to their sidelines in time for next season. The San Antonio Silver Dancers, the club’s dance team, were established in 1991, but has been on hiatus for the past eight seasons. The Spurs transitioned from the dance team to a co-ed acrobatic and stunt team known as the Hype Squad. Both the Silver Dancers and the Hype Squad will be part of the in-game entertainment next season at Frost Bank Center. The team’s goal in bringing back this beloved Alamo City institution is to continue to find ways to “elevate the game-day experience” for fans during the game, as well as in the San Antonio community. “We’re always looking for ways to make the Spurs game-day experience more exciting and engaging for our fans,” said Jordan Mandelkorn, Vice President of Marketing, Creative & Retail for Spurs Sports & Entertainment in a news release. “The Silver Dancers and Hype Squad each bring their own energy, skillset and connection to our fans, and we’re excited to expand our entertainment lineup in a way that reflects the spirit of the Spurs both on the court and in the community.” The Silver Dancers, an all-women’s dance and entertainment team, were known for their high-energy performances, as well as for being a long-standing part of Spurs community events. According to Spurs Sports and Entertainment, their return “signals the organization’s continued focus on expanding fan entertainment while bringing a meaningful part of Spurs nostalgia and fan experience to a new generation.” The squad held auditions throughout the end of June and are poised to take to the court when the Spurs open the 2026-27 season later this year.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 RavenTek Park 19623 Evergreen Mill Road Leesburg, VA 20175 Loudoun United 2 website RavenTek Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,500 Loud 'N United for Loudoun United 2 Many soccer fans have heard of Loudoun United, who compete in the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer, and play their home games at Segra Field. However, fewer people know they have a development squad as well, Loudoun United 2, who also play their home games in Leesburg, Virginia, but at RavenTek Park. This is a significantly smaller facility than Segra and is located in Revolution SportsPlex, surrounded by several training fields, a church, and even an old barn. The team competes in USL League Two, part of the fourth tier of American soccer and the first level that is not fully professional. Players are mostly amateurs looking to work their way to a professional contract with the parent club. Most of the other teams in the league are independently owned and are not affiliated with any professional club, but draw from the same pool of current and recent college players. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at RavenTek Park are sold out of the Halftime concession stand, located in the Legacy Club behind the stands. This air conditioned area also contains some tables and chairs and a television that will often be tuned to a soccer game, especially as we write this in the summer of 2026 with the World Cup ongoing. All fans have access to this area and can purchase concessions. The menu includes chicken tenders, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, boneless wings, and mozzarella sticks. The chicken tenders come with fries, or you can get them as a standalone item as well. Bottled water, soft drinks, candy, and chips are also available. For fans looking for adult beverages, take the stands or elevator upstairs where you will find a rooftop bar serving adult beverages. Prices are fairly reasonable - except for alcohol, nothing costs over $10, and that's for the chicken tenders that come with fries. Atmosphere 3 RavenTek Park contains several rows of bleachers with a concourse area at the top as well as a rooftop bar up a flight of steps from the concourse. The rooftop also offers a unique vantage point to watch the game but most fans just watch from the bleachers. Wherever you sit, you will be up close to the action and have a great view of what is going on. The atmosphere here is standard for the most part. The PA system is very quiet and barely audible in some parts of the stands. A small scoreboard shows the score, and in theory should show shots, but the latter never updated during the game we were at. In addition, some lights on the clock were burned out, making it difficult to read what the numbers were. Unlike most soccer stadiums, which are oriented north-to-south so the sun sets behind the bleachers, RavenTek Park is oriented east-to-west. The sun will set behind the goal to your right and will be in your eyes for most of the match. There is also very little shade in the stands, though the concourse under the bar is shaded. We strongly recommend wearing a hat to block the sun from getting in your eyes. The team does take some steps to enhance the fan experience. The opening lines of "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis is played after LUFC2 goals. The PA announcer will announce goalscorers and cards, but as noted above, it can be hard to hear him. Most of the time, it will be quiet enough to hear the chatter on the field between the players, coaches, and officials. Some fans will like this, while others will find it not particularly exciting. Neighborhood 2 RavenTek Park is located in the middle of a residential area, and there are no restaurants or things to do in the immediate vicinity. Your best bet is to head a few miles into downtown Leesburg, where there are plenty of places to eat, visit, and stay. This can be about a ten-minute drive, but it’s your only option. The Leesburg Public House and Tarbender’s Lounge are popular places to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Those looking for something other than a bar may want to check out Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers or the Leesburg Diner, although the latter is only open for breakfast and lunch. There are many good options in Leesburg, but the fact that all of them are so far from the stadium brings this rating down. Fans 3 Loudoun United FC 2 will draw a couple hundred fans to a typical home game. Many have some connection to the players - friends, family, or host family - while others are fans of the parent Loudoun United club. Loudoun United season ticket holders get free admission to all LUFC2 games, and it is not uncommon to see fans taking advantage of that perk. While the crowd will cheer loudly after goals, for most of the game they are pretty quiet. As all of LUFC2's opponents are located over a small geographic area, it is not uncommon to see a lot of visiting fans at the games as well. Their enthusiasm and size will vary depending on the opponent and is generally consistent with, although at a much smaller scale than, what is described in the Stadium Journey reviews of those teams' fan bases. Access 3 RavenTek Park is located a short drive off the Dulles Greenway (State Route 267) via Shreve Mill Road, although you will need to pay several dollars in tolls to get here. Once you arrive, parking is in a lot next to the stadium - follow the signs for the main stadium rather than parking by the back fields for easier access. This will put you at the bottom of the bleachers, and you can walk up and sit anywhere as seating is general admission. Restrooms are located at the top of the bleachers with a second set on the rooftop near the bar. The restrooms are on the other side of the club area from the bleachers and fans can walk through it to get to the other side rather than walk around. There is also an elevator to take you from field level to the top of the bleachers and the rooftop area for fans who require one. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are just $7 to get in to the stadium for a LUFC2 game. Concessions are affordable and parking is free, though you may pay quite a bit in tolls to get here. Season ticket holders of the Loudoun United parent club get in to games here for free as a perk of membership. Overall, an LUFC2 game is a very good value. Extras 2 The rooftop bar and unique viewing area it creates are worth a star here. The Legacy Club and Halftime concession stand offer an air conditioned space to cool off at halftime or before the game and enjoy some food and beverage. It is nice that this space is open to all fans. Final Thoughts A Loudoun United FC 2 game offers the chance to see potential future soccer stars in an intimate environment at an affordable price. Many of these players will soon be playing professionally for Loudoun United, or perhaps even in Major League Soccer or another top-tier league. A LUFC game at RavenTek Park is a great way to spend a summer night watching soccer.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Angel Stadium 2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA 92806 Map It Los Angeles Angels website Angel Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 45,050 Calling All Angels Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest active yard. Still nicknamed The Big A, the moniker came about due to the A-shaped scoreboard topped with a “halo” that was originally placed behind the left field fence. Many greats have donned an Angel uniform: Nolan Ryan, Don Baylor, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Tim Salmon, Vladimir Guerrero, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. The stadium’s expansion in 1980 to accommodate the arrival of the Rams would find the Big A moving to the parking lot by the 57 Freeway. The stadium’s return to its baseball-only format brought about fan sentiment returning the Big A to its original left field location. Team officials also considered but cited costs for not moving back the Big A. The Big A remains in the parking lot by the freeway and continues providing passing vehicles with information and advertisements. Food & Beverage 4 If you arrive hungry at Angel Stadium, there are ample options though uninspiring. Cheese and pepperoni pizza slices from Oggi’s Pizza and other options from Chronic Taco, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Crafty Dogs, and fan favorite Cathy’s Cookies are among the options available. Cathy’s Cookies. There will be a huge outrage if they ever get rid of her cookies! Another solid stop on the food exploration tour is La Rotisserie, featuring their famous herb rotisserie half-chicken meals. Various bars are located around the stadium, including the Ketel One Botanical Bar along the outer concourse, featuring drink specials throughout the season. Standard beer options range from Coors and Budweiser brand drinks. Traditional ballpark favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, peanuts, and Coke brand soft drinks round out the complete list of options throughout the stadium. If you should be fortunate to attend a game during one of the team’s themed cultural heritage nights, you may also find some other dining options such as Japanese, Mexican, El Salvadoran or Filipino fare to name a few. Atmosphere 4 As fans approach the home plate entrance, they are greeted by two oversized helmets complimented with oversized player banners hovering above them. In between the helmets are bricks outlining a regulation-size infield with a pitcher’s mound exactly 60 feet 6 inches from home plate. Angel Stadium Home Plate Plaza, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The walls inside Angel Stadium are adorned with various images of Angels players, both present and past. Fan shops are located throughout all the various sections of the stadium, and the main concourse wraps around the outfield as well, offering fans a great view of the action from the outfield. In the center field, the waterfall feature, when operable depending on the local water situation, flows during games over a rock formation in the shape of an “A” that harkens to California’s natural wonders. During late-game situations when the team needs to rally, the ever-infamous Rally Monkey appears on the big screen to get fans pumped up. The monkey is out ! It’s RALLY TIME for the Angels ! A frequent sight for Angels fans over the years… Neighborhood 3 While the area around Angel Stadium isn’t exactly known for stellar pre-gaming, it has evolved over the past few years into a place that fans can go to and still have a good time. Nearby on State College, a TownePlace Suites is there for fans who are traveling just for the game and want to stay close to the action. Golden Road, Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Lazy Dog are located nearby for pre or post game dining. Downtown Disney is a short drive from the stadium offering a variety of dining and shopping options. Inside Downtown Disney guests can also view the nightly fireworks display that takes place inside Disneyland during the summer months. Fans 4 The fans at Los Angeles Angels games are among the most welcoming in baseball. The last 10 plus years have been rough for fans under the halo. With the team not experiencing a post-season win since 2009, a playoff appearance since 2014 and a winning season since 2015, Angels fans continue to show up, averaging over 2.5 million. In spite of comments from owner Arte Moreno about winning not being a top 5 priority for the fans, Angels fans still want a winner. The laid back reputation in some circles has been tested as some fans have even taken to protesting current ownership, demanding change in the organization. The boiling point has exceeded its peak. Access 4 Angel Stadium is located off the 57 Freeway connecting with most major freeways and the nearby 5. While traffic in and around the stadium isn’t as bad as the famously terrible traffic jams in Los Angeles, it helps to be prepared for the worst. If driving from Los Angeles you may want to leave at least three hours before the first pitch. Southern California traffic is brutal, particularly during rush hour. Once you get to the stadium, parking is plentiful all around the venue, and fans can also take advantage of the transportation options from the nearby Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). As you prepare to enter the stadium, you will be happy to know that advanced metal detectors have been installed outside each entrance that allow fans to walk through without having to stop to empty their pockets or have other belongings checked unless you hear the warning sound go off. This is a much-welcomed convenience that every major venue should utilize, ESPECIALLY YOU, Dodger Stadium! Return on Investment 4 As the Halos struggles continue, tickets can be found on 3rd party sites such as TickPick for as low as $3. Otherwise, box office prices are still a bargain starting at $7 for upper deck sections. For games that may include specific giveaways such as bobbleheads, tickets are still a bargain starting at $17. Expect a hike in prices when prime teams such as the Dodgers or Yankees are in town with prices starting at $60 on various sites. Even with the occasional price hike, the price value for an Angels game among the three Southern California MLB venues is the most economical for the traveling fan. As to whether the local fanbase values affordability over a winning product, that’s something you can ask the fans as they’ll be more than happy to discuss the matter with you. Extras 3 Fans entering from the main gate behind home plate can catch a glimpse of the team’s 2002 World Series trophy on display inside the entrance to the team store behind the field-level seating. Other exhibits featuring individual and team accomplishments over the years can also be viewed in the field and terrace level concourse behind home plate. The center field waterfall also features pyrotechnics that go off during player introductions and after home runs hit by the Angels. The most recent addition to Angel Stadium is the "Level Up" arcade. Located under the right field pavilion, presented by Bandai Namco, this fun filled arcade is free of charge and features classic video games including PAC MAN. Angel Alumnus Garret Anderson, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey If approaching the “Level Up” arcade from the home plate or right field entrance, along the concourse behind the right field stands is a mural of current Angels players and alumni during their childhood Little League days. Final Thoughts A familiar and frequent sight at Angel Stadium. The visiting team postgame handshake. Unless the Angels stage a miraculous run as the season’s second half approaches, they will suffer their 11th consecutive losing season. It is currently the franchises longest run of futility. The current team, along with Arte Moreno’s statement over fans not prioritizing winning, has done nothing to calm the vitriol expressed from the fans towards ownership. As the "Tarps Off" trend has swept across various MLB parks as a rallying plea to the point some teams are selling tickets in a dedicated section, in Anaheim, it has been both a rally plea and a point of protest. Loud chants of “SELL THE TEAM”, such as those previously from Oakland, have been hard to ignore during broadcasts. From a baseball fan traveler's perspective, affordability is a convenience. While all fans would love an affordable night out at the game, affordability does not diminish the fact that the local fanbase wants to see a winning product. A product that has been missing in Anaheim for over a decade. Paying Tribute to Garret Anderson. Forever an Angel.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 New Mexico United website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Somos Unitos To read this review in English, please click this link. ¡Asistir a un partido de fútbol del New Mexico United es una experiencia fantástica! Los aficionados viven el partido con gran entusiasmo, existen grupos de seguidores magníficos y la organización realiza una labor extraordinaria para garantizar que todos los aficionados se sientan bienvenidos y aceptados, libres de insultos o comentarios despectivos. El New Mexico United compite en la USL Championship (una categoría por debajo de la MLS, o Major League Soccer). El club comenzó a jugar en 2019. Su mejor temporada hasta la fecha fue la de 2024, año en el que alcanzaron las finales de conferencia. El equipo juega sus partidos como local en Isotopes Park (oficialmente llamado Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park), sede del equipo de béisbol Albuquerque Isotopes. Aunque es algo bastante habitual, me resulta curioso ver un partido de fútbol en un campo de béisbol. El New Mexico United lo gestiona muy bien; cabe felicitar al equipo de mantenimiento y al personal por cuidar el terreno de juego y lograr crear un ambiente futbolístico lleno de vida. Food & Beverage / Bebida y alimenticia 5 El recinto ofrece una excelente variedad de comida. Puestos de venta fijos y carritos se distribuyen a lo largo del pasillo interior. Casi todos los puestos están abiertos durante los partidos del United. Los aficionados pueden entrar al estadio con botellas de agua selladas. Entre los puestos de comida se encuentran Batter Up! (hamburguesas, cestas de pollo, papas fritas, nachos, flatbread), Pecos River Café (sándwiches de barbacoa, elotes estilo callejero, hot dogs, nachos, etc.) y Santa Fe Trail (costillas, alitas de pollo, cestas de pollo con gofres, hot dogs, sandwiches, entre otros). Dion's Pizza es siempre una opción favorita de los aficionados. Pericos vende tacos, burritos, pancho nachos y otros clásicos. The Sweet Spot, ubicado en el pasillo del lado de la tercera base, ofrece helados, sundaes, batidos y más, con precios que oscilan entre los 7 y los 12 dolores. Un carrito de Hebrew National vende su famoso hot dog, y hay otro carrito de salchichas en el pasillo de la tercera base. Otros carritos ofrecen fideos, funnel cakes, pepinillos, vasos de fruta, palomitas dulces (*kettle corn*) y helados Dippin’ Dots. Numerosos quioscos que venden bebidas alcohólicas y aperitivos se encuentran repartidos por todo el pasillo. La mayoría de los puestos ofrecen cervezas nacionales e importadas, así como refrescos de la marca Pepsi (cerveza: 14,25 $ - 15,25 $; refresco: 7,75 $ - 9 $). Un puesto de "Mystery Beer" (cerveza sorpresa) ofrece una cerveza desconocida por 10,80 $, siendo la opción más económica del estadio; la sorpresa radica en que no sabes qué cerveza te tocará. Para quienes busquen cervezas artesanales de New Mexico, la opción es dirigirse hacia el lado de la primera base. Allí, el Craft Corner ofrece hasta 25 variedades de cerveza de barril de fábricas locales como Bosque, Steel Bender, Ex Novo, Marble y otras. Eso sí, conviene llegar temprano, ya que suelen formarse largas filas. New Mexico United Mystery Beer Stand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Sin duda, hay una gran variedad de opciones para los aficionados hambrientos. El equipo de béisbol Isotopes cierra su tienda de mercancía oficial, pero una mesa larga situada fuera de la tienda, en el pasillo, ofrece a la venta numerosos artículos del New Mexico United. También hay una carpa de mercancía junto a la berma en el jardín central; esta puede ser una mejor opción si se quiere evitar hacer fila. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 5 La organización ofrece una experiencia fantástica en los días de partido. En primer lugar, la disposición del campo: una de las porterías se sitúa en el lado de la primera base, mientras que la otra se encuentra en el jardín izquierdo, bajo el marcador de vídeo. Los banquillos de los jugadores se ubican en la zona entre el jardín derecho y el central; no se utilizan los banquillos tradicionales del campo de béisbol (dugouts). El equipo de diseño del terreno de juego colocó acertadamente la superficie de juego más allá del montículo del lanzador, de modo que este no interfiere en el desarrollo del partido. En segundo lugar, las gradas: una ventaja de utilizar un campo de béisbol es que los asientos son butacas abatibles estándar, no simples gradas corridas. Para situarse en el centro del campo, conviene elegir la sección 177. También está disponible la zona de talud en los jardines (berm seating), tal como ocurre en los partidos de béisbol. Salvo en las secciones del cuadro interior situadas tras el plato de bateo, se han retirado las redes de protección. Los aficionados que se sientan en el segundo nivel, en el lado de la tercera base (secciones 201, 203 y 205), disfrutan de una hermosa vista de las montañas Sandia a lo lejos. No se permite el consumo de alcohol en la sección designada para familias (sección 126). Durante la presentación de la alineación inicial, el locutor anuncia el número y el nombre de pila del jugador, y el público grita su apellido. Lo mismo sucede con los goles, aunque en este caso la acción se repite tres veces seguidas. ¡Es muy divertido! New Mexico United Fans Celebrating a Goal Un marcador de vídeo situado detrás de una de las porterías muestra la retransmisión en directo del partido, así como el tiempo de juego y los goles de cada equipo. Resulta decepcionante que el exterior del recinto no indique que allí se juega al fútbol, ​​pero los aficionados sí lo saben. Neighborhood / Barrio 4 El estadio se encuentra junto al Central New Mexico College y la Universidad de Nuevo México (UNM), y está frente a The Pit y otros recintos deportivos de UNM Lobo. Está a una milla del barrio de Nob Hill, una zona vibrante llena de cervecerías, restaurantes, taquerías, pizzerías, boutiques locales y pequeñas galerías de arte. Los sonidos de los bares musicales llenan el aire nocturno de este barrio. Para el desayuno, pruebe Frontier. Una joya escondida de la comida coreana es el Soo Bak Seoul Bowl. Para disfrutar de la auténtica y sabrosa comida de New Mexico, visite Cocina Azul; incluso el arroz y los frijoles son deliciosos. Sin que el resto del país lo sepa, Albuquerque es una animada ciudad cervecera local. Las cervecerías recomendadas cercanas (aunque no necesariamente a poca distancia) de Isotopes Park son 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing y Marble Brewery. Pero hay muchas más para visitar. Las cosas para ver y hacer en Albuquerque incluyen el tranvía en Sandia Peak, el casco antiguo de Albuquerque, el Monumento Nacional Petroglifo y, por supuesto, dar un paseo en globo aerostático. Para lugares donde alojarse cuando esté en la ciudad, hay muchos hoteles disponibles en la intersección de Gibson Blvd y Yale Blvd (aproximadamente a una milla del parque), que van desde La Quinta hasta las marcas Marriott y Holiday Inns, muchos de ellos con servicio de traslado desde y hacia el aeropuerto. Fans / Fanáticos 5 Los aficionados del New Mexico United son ruidosos y se sienten orgullosos de su equipo. Varios grupos de seguidores causan una gran impresión durante los partidos en casa. Dos secciones situadas detrás de la portería del lado de primera base (las secciones 116 y 118) están repletas de estos seguidores que animan, aplauden, gritan, ondean banderas y arman un gran alboroto durante todo el encuentro. Entonan cánticos, agitan banderas, tocan tambores y despliegan humo de colores tras cada gol. New Mexico United Supporter Groups, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Sin embargo, no son ni mucho menos los únicos que cantan y animan. Muchos seguidores ondean banderas durante el partido y en las zonas de circulación del estadio. Una buena parte del público viste prendas del New Mexico United, Meow Wolf y Somos Unidos. Y, por supuesto, todos los aficionados tienen una segunda ocupación: la de ejercer de árbitro. Access / Acceso 4 Llegar al Isotopes Park y desplazarse por sus alrededores es relativamente sencillo. El estadio se encuentra a solo un bloque de la autopista I-25 y cuenta con amplias opciones de aparcamiento cercano (15 $) al otro lado de la intersección. Tanto los visitantes como los residentes de Albuquerque pueden llegar fácilmente utilizando las calles secundarias en lugar de la autopista. Hay dos paradas de autobús justo enfrente, aunque descifrar los horarios del servicio de autobuses de ABQ resulta complicado. La estación de Amtrak se encuentra a unos 3,2 kilómetros (2 millas) del Isotopes Park. El aeropuerto más cercano es el Albuquerque Sunport, situado a unos 5 minutos en coche del estadio. El recinto dispone de tres entradas; la situada detrás del home plate (zona de bateo) está reservada exclusivamente para los titulares de entradas de club o VIP. Es obligatorio que los aficionados utilicen bolsos transparentes; no se permiten mochilas. El personal de seguridad revisa los bolsos, los asistentes pasan por un detector de metales y, posteriormente, se les somete a un control manual con detector portátil. No se permite volver a entrar una vez que se ha salido del recinto. La zona de circulación (*concourse*) suele abarrotarse, especialmente antes del partido y durante el descanso. Los asistentes pueden recorrer todo el perímetro del estadio por esta zona, aunque para completar el circuito es necesario cruzar un pequeño puente (algo que puede resultar difícil para quienes sufren vértigo o temores similares). Las autoridades locales realizan una labor excelente a la hora de agilizar la salida de vehículos de los aparcamientos tras finalizar el partido. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 4 Las entradas para partidos individuales cuestan entre 23 y 81 dólares y solo pueden adquirirse a través de SeatGeek. Estos precios son comparables a los de otros clubes de la USL Championship. El estacionamiento cuesta 15 dólares, una tarifa que parece elevada para un partido de fútbol de ligas menores. Los precios de alimentos y bebidas están en consonancia con los de otros recintos deportivos, aunque son notablemente más altos que los que se pagarían en restaurantes y bares fuera del estadio. El partido es divertido, la afición es muy animada y la organización realiza una labor magnífica para ofrecer una velada de entretenimiento deportivo agradable y segura. Extras 2 En marzo de 2020, el club lanzó la Somos Unidos Foundation, la rama sin fines de lucro de New Mexico United dedicada a generar un impacto en la comunidad. Tanto el club como los grupos de aficionados desempeñan una parte fundamental de fomentar el espíritu de equipo y fortalecer a las comunidades de todo el estado. Los seguidores también crean un animado ambiente previo a los partidos —con vendedores, música y abundante comida—, especialmente cuando visitan la ciudad los equipos rivales Phoenix Rising FC y El Paso Locomotive FC. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Sin duda, la comunidad respalda al New Mexico United. Se lleva hablando de un estadio propio desde hace cinco años, pero los avances siguen siendo lentos. El tiempo dirá si el proyecto llega a materializarse. Mientras tanto, si te encuentras en la area, vale la pena hacer el esfuerzo de asistir a un partido; es una excelente inversión para cualquier aficionado al deporte que busque entretenimiento. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Growden Memorial Field 207 Wilbur St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Alaska Goldpanners website Growden Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 3,500 __________________________________________________________________________________ Baseball in the Land of the Midnight Sun The Alaska Goldpanners are an independent summer collegiate baseball team. Founded in 1960 as an independent barnstorming team, they were a founding member of the Alaska Baseball League. The “Panners” left that circuit to return to a barnstorming schedule in 2015 as membership in the Alaska League became financially untenable. The team and league have had frequent talks about the Panners returning to the ABL, but without success for a variety of reasons. The team is most known for hosting the annual Midnight Sun Game, which is played annually on the summer solstice at midnight. The game attracts fans and media attention from all over the world. Over their existence, over 200 Goldpanner alumni have played in the Major Leauges, including Baseball Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and Dave Winfield. Among the notable players to spend a summer in Fairbanks are Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Bill Lee, Terry Francona, Alvin Davis and Mike Boddicker. Growden Field in Fairbanks, AK, serves as home to the Goldpanners. It was originally named Memorial Field and was renamed in honor of James Growden and his two sons, who perished in the tsunami created by the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964. Growden had been active in supporting youth sports in Fairbanks throughout his life. The ballpark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Approaching Growden Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 There is one main concession stand at Growden Field, which serves up basic ballpark fare, including hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices and nachos. There is a decent selection of snacks to augment the menu, including all the expected favorites such as popcorn, pretzels and even Frito Pie. The team also sells ice cream sundaes in plastic mini-helmets. The quality is good and the prices are decent. Keep an eye out for daily specials. Lines are usually not too bad. Coca-Cola products are featured at Growden Field. New for 2026 are a pair of beer gardens located on either side of the grandstand, featuring a good selection of beer and other adult beverages. Fans of craft beers will find selections from local favorites Hoo Doo Brewing. Atmosphere 4 If you’re only familiar with Groden Field and the Goldpanners from the Midnight Sun Game, you might feel a little let down if you visit during another game on the schedule. But the team’s staff put on a good show, no matter what day you might find yourself in Fairbanks. Some of the promotions hold steady game in and game out, such as when kids run the bases at the end of the fifth inning and when the team’s mascot, Happy Boy, dances to what else, “Happy Boy” by the Beat Farmers in lieu of the seventh inning stretch. The game day entertainment is anchored by the PA announcer, who keeps things moving and adds a lot of energy to the proceedings. The ballpark’s sound system isn’t the greatest, and can fade in and out at times during the game. The team’s staff is friendly, helpful and very present. Neighborhood 3 Growden Memorial Field is part of a much larger municipal park situated in downtown Fairbanks. Also located in the park is a skate park, four Pony baseball fields, a youth softball field, volleyball courts, a playground and a picnic area. The city of Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska, with a population of over 32,500. Growden Park’s centralized location in the city puts it close to many points of interest, the airport, the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and even the Santa Claus House in nearby North Pole. While nothing is in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark except for a bunch of fast-food restaurants a few blocks away, all points in the city are easily accessible by car. Fans looking for lodging close to the ballpark should check out the Comfort Inn on Airport Road. Fans 3 Actual attendance for Goldpanners games is hard to accurately establish, as the team does not release attendance figures. But a look at the crowd at a pair of games visited by Stadium Journey show that the team draws solid crowds to Growden Field, even when not factoring in the circus that is the Midnight Sun Game. An estimate would place crowds for Goldpanner games anywhere between 500 and 1,000 fans. The crowd at Growden Field will look familiar to anyone who has frequented summer baseball games anywhere in the country. There’s a good mix of families, diehard fans, and young adults looking for an inexpensive night out before heading on to the evening’s other activities. The Goldpanners target families and groups with their game day presentation, and their efforts are reflected in the stands, with many young fans running around the facility every night. Kids Run the Bases at Growden Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Growden Field is located in the larger Growden Park, about two miles from downtown Fairbanks. It’s easy to get to from all points in the city, as it is located just off of Airport Way and Johansson Expressway, two of the busier roads in the city. Alaska State Highway 3, which runs south to Denali National Park and Anchorage, is about two and one half miles west of the ballpark. Plenty of parking is available in an unpaved lot adjacent to the ball field., as well as on the surrounding streets and at the neighboring Carlson Center. For fans taking public transportation, the MACS (Metropolitan Area Commuter System) blue route has a stop right in front of Growden Field, at the corner of Wilbur St. and 2nd Ave. A big drawback to the facility is the lack of bathroom facilities. However, the Goldpanners come prepared, and there are numerous port-a-johns everywhere. There are so many, in fact, that lines are not an issue, even during peak use. The seating at Growden Field is a hodge-podge of different sections that appear to have gone up over the years. Some seats are plastic stadium seats, with the majority of seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is a section of Green Monster-style bar seats on the first base side of the ballpark. For the Midnight Sun Game, extra sections are brought in. Seats on the third base line are preferred as the sun will be at your back, not directly in your face. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Goldpanners games are priced at $18.50 for reserved seats and $13.00 for General Admission. Children and members of the military can purchase General Admission tickets for $8.00. During numerous games throughout the season there are additional specials on tap where fans can save more money on tickets. Check out the team’s website for details. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ball field and on neighborhood streets should the lot not be sufficient for the evening’s crowd. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a Goldpanners game an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 The Goldpanners display banners honoring their most famous alumni around the ballpark. Among the honorees are Terry Francona, Alvin Davis, Harold Reynolds, Dave Kingman and Barry Bonds. A statue of Dave Winfield, one of two baseball Hall of Famers to play for the Goldpanners, is located in a small plaza across the street from Growden Field. Winfield is beloved around town for not only his play, but the way he embraced the Fairbanks community not only during his days here, but afterwards throughout his Major League career and beyond. A final extra point is awarded for the amazing amount of merchandise sold by the team, and the support by the fans, many of whom sport team gear while roaming Growden Field. Final Thoughts The Goldpanners are most well-known for hosting the annual Midnight Sun game. But if you happen to be visiting Fairbanks at another time during the season, you can find affordable, entertaining baseball being played at normal hours of the day as well. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Lancaster Municipal Stadium 45116 Valley Central Way Lancaster, CA 93536 Map It! AV Alta FC website Lancaster Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 (as baseball), 2024 (as soccer) Capacity: 5,300 Antelope Valley Fútbol El Lancaster Municipal Stadium era un pequeño y estupendo estadio de béisbol cuando los Lancaster JetHawks formaban parte de la California League. Luego, en 2021, Major League Baseball (MLB) completaron una histórica y profunda reestructuración de las ligas menores, la cual eliminó a 40 equipos afiliados. Los JetHawks fueron uno de los equipos eliminados. En 2023, la ciudad de Lancaster y la USL League One aprobaron los planes para transformar el estadio de béisbol en un estadio específico para el fútbol (soccer), destinado ser el campo local del equipo de expansión AV Alta FC. ¡Y que trabajo tan maravilloso que realizaron! Así que ahora, en lugar de ser un pequeño y estupendo estadio de béisbol, es un fantástico estadio de fútbol para los aficionados, los jugadores y la comunidad. El nombre AV Alta FC proviene del apodo de la región, de su historia aeroespacial y de su elevación geográfica: AV: Corresponde a Antelope Valley (Valle del Antílope), la región del sur de California donde tiene el sede del equipo. Alta: Derivado de la palabra latina que significa "elevado", representa tres aspectos: la ubicación de la región en el Alto Desierto (High Desert), sus profundas raíces en la industria aeroespacial y Alta California, el nombre que recibía la región antes de que California se convirtiera en un estado. El equipo jugó su partido inaugural de la temporada regular como local el 5 de abril de 2025, ante un estadio lleno, ¡y algo grandioso comenzó a gestarse en Antelope Valley! Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimento 3 Los puestos de comida bordean el pasillo interior, mientras que los camiones de comida amplían la oferta. Los puestos de concesión ofrecen tiras de pollo y papas fritas, papas fritas estilo asada, tacos de pollo y de asada, nachos y hot dogs (con precios que oscilan entre $8 y $13). Para los piscolabices, hay a la venta pretzels, churros, helados Dippin’ Dots, papas fritas tradicionales y dulces. Los cócteles y la cerveza tienen precios que van desde los $8 hasta los $19. Los productos de Pepsi, la cerveza sin alcohol, la agua y el café o chocolate caliente cuestan entre $5 y $8. Mi Ranchito Mexican Grill es un food truck muy popular situado detrás de la portería, en lo que solía ser el lado de la primera base (el extremo sur del recinto). Chick-fil-A y varios otros food trucks ofrecen sus productos en el Fan Village. El mejor lugar para conseguir una cerveza es Bravery Brewing Co, ubicada al final de la tribuna principal. Allí se venden latas no solo de las cervezas de Bravery Brewing (su variedad Kolsch es deliciosa), sino también de Corona, Estrella, Michelob Ultra y otras más. Bravery Brewing incluso elabora una cerveza especial, la Cerveza Alta Mexican Lager, designada como la cerveza oficial del AV Alta FC. Bravery Brewing at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey En definitiva, una buena selección de comida y bebidas para cualquier aficionado al fútbol. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 5 Asistir a un partido aquí se sitúa entre las actividades más entretenidas que se pueden realizar en el Antelope Valley, desde Palmdale hasta Lancaster y más allá. La transformación en un recinto dedicado exclusivamente al fútbol es evidente de inmediato. La tribuna principal, la cabina de prensa, el marcador y el muro de fondo (originalmente para los bateadores) permanecen, pero todo ha sido renovado con la paleta de colores del club: verde Joshua y arena del desierto. Las mejoras incluyen una zona de asientos premium en el centro del campo, equipada con nuevas butacas acolchadas; un bar exclusivo para miembros que ofrece tapas y refrescos de cortesía; y una barra completa con servicio de pago. Las renovaciones incluyeron la instalación de «The Green Wall» (la tribuna del grupo de aficionados «661 Supporters Group»), que ofrece siete u ocho filas cubiertas y de pie, creando un ambiente vibrante. En el lado este, la «Chick-fil-A Family Stand» ofrece cuatro secciones de siete u ocho filas de asientos abatibles, equipadas con pasamanos para facilitar el acceso. Estas gradas quedan expuestas al sol durante la primera parte del partido. Justo detrás de las gradas de Chick-fil-A se ubica una nueva «Fan Village» (Zona de Aficionados), que ofrece espacio para food trucks, mesas de patrocinadores y una amplia explanada abierta donde los niños tienen mucho espacio para moverse y jugar. Por último, el terreno de juego en sí recibió una importante mejora, con la instalación de un césped artificial de calidad FIFA y un nuevo sistema de iluminación LED. Las luces parpadean en señal de celebración tras cada gol del AV Alta FC, añadiendo un toque extra de diversión a la experiencia del día del partido. AV Alta FC Goal Celebration! Lo maravilloso del fútbol es que el partido se desarrolla sin una banda sonora pregrabada; los vítores y las reacciones de la multitud parece la música. El locutor narra las incidencias con total claridad, anunciando a la perfección las alineaciones, las tarjetas amarillas, los saques de esquina, los goles, las sustituciones y el tiempo de descuento. Neighborhood / Barrio 4 Lancaster es una ciudad digna de visitar y, si bien no hay vida nocturna a poca distancia a pie del estadio, hay mucho que ver y hacer tanto dentro como en los alrededores de la ciudad. En las cercanías se encuentran algunos restaurantes regionales de comida rápida; In-N-Out es la opción más popular, pero no deje de probar El Pollo Loco, cual originó en Los Ángeles. El Lancaster Marketplace se sitúa a menos de media milla al sur del estadio y ofrece opciones gastronómicas, tiendas y servicios. Si busca opciones más locales, conduzca las dos millas que lo separan del centro de la ciudad, hasta llegar a «The BLVD». En esta manzana arbolada, los visitantes encontrarán una variada oferta de cocina étnica, que incluye establecimientos como On The Blvd Brooklyn Deli, Lucky Luke Brewpub, El Kachimbon Salvadorian Restaurant, Olive's Mediterranean Café y muchos otros. The BLVD alberga el MOAH (Museo de Artes e Historia), el Lancaster Performing Arts Center y una sala de cine Regency para el entretenimiento cultural; además, con frecuencia se celebra algún tipo de evento en la zona centro. Los amantes de la cerveza artesanal disfrutarán de Bravery Brewery (situada a unas 5 millas del estadio), que ofrece una amplia variedad de excelentes cervezas. Y, ya que está en Lancaster, es imprescindible conducir al menos una vez por la Musical Road (Carretera Musical). Más cerca del estadio, encontrará una sala de cine IMAX (justo al otro lado de Valley Central Way). Un hotel Homewood Suites y un Hampton Inn se encuentran justo enfrente de la entrada del estacionamiento. Al otro lado de la autopista 14 se halla un Wyndham Garden. Por lo tanto, quienes decidan pasar la noche en la ciudad disponen de una gran variedad de opciones de alojamiento a menos de media milla de distancia. Fans / Fanáticos 3 Los aficionados que asisten a los partidos del AV Alta FC constituyen una parte fundamental del éxito del club. El grupo de seguidores «661 Supporters Group» permanece de pie y canta, corea, vitorea, ondea banderas y bufandas, y toca tambores y otros instrumentos durante todo el partido. Incluso organizan una fiesta previa al encuentro en el estacionamiento. El resto de los aficionados reacciona de manera similar ante las buenas jugadas y se lamenta ante las oportunidades desperdiciadas. La base de seguidores tiende a ser un público joven que incluye familias y numerosos niños, lo que confiere al partido un ambiente animado y con un fuerte sentido de comunidad.. Access / Acceso 4 Llegar al estadio no es difícil, ya que se encuentra justo al lado de la Carretera Estatal 14. Actualmente, la ciudad está realizando obras viales en dicha carretera, por lo que debe tener esto en cuenta tanto al llegar como al salir. Mejor aún: el equipo ofrece el servicio de autobús AV Alta Express para asistir al partido, con salidas tanto desde Palmdale como desde Lancaster. Para los aficionados que llegan en avión, los aeropuertos comerciales más cercanos son el Aeropuerto Hollywood Burbank (BUR), a 60 millas de distancia, y el Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Ángeles (LAX), a 75 millas. Una vez en el recinto, hay una amplia disponibilidad de estacionamiento. El costo del estacionamiento adquirido por adelantado es de $10, mientras que el precio el día del partido es de $15. El recinto permite el ingreso de bolsos transparentes con dimensiones de hasta 14” x 14” x 6”. Una vez dentro de las puertas de acceso, los pasillos de circulación son amplios y abiertos, ofreciendo mucho espacio para desplazarse, lo que facilita la orientación. Todo el terreno es llano; a excepción de las gradas, no hay escalones. Hay asientos accesibles disponibles con facilidad para aquellos que los necesiten. El recinto cuenta con varias zonas de baños, aunque los sanitarios de mujeres suelen ensuciarse bastante hacia el final del partido. No estoy seguro de cuál sea la situación en los baños de hombres. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 5 Asistir a un partido del AV Alta FC vale absolutamente lo que invierta de su presupuesto de entretenimiento deportivo. Es una forma maravillosa, cómoda y verdaderamente acogedora de pasar unas horas, con un ambiente que se siente a la vez vibrante y con un fuerte sentido de comunidad. Las entradas suelen oscilar entre los $17 y los $65; además, puede ahorrar unos dólares pagando el estacionamiento por adelantado o prescindir de él por completo tomando el autobús. El club también ofrece tarifas para grupos, minipases y noches temáticas, elementos que añaden aún más valor a la experiencia. Los precios de las concesiones son razonables, especialmente en comparación con lo que pagaría en un partido del LA Galaxy o del LAFC. Es una velada tan divertida y amena que animo a todo el mundo a asistir a, al menos, un partido. AV Alta FC Match Action, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Extras 3 Durante la tarde de mi visita, cada uno de los miembros del personal del AV Alta FC con los que interactué me hizo sentir sumamente bienvenido, como si estuvieran encantados de que los visitara. Esta cálida acogida se extendió por las áreas de estacionamiento, seguridad, concesiones y atención al público. ¡Ojalá viviera más cerca para poder asistir a más partidos! La tienda de artículos oficiales cuenta con una gran variedad de camisetas, gorras, playeras, bufandas e incluso pines de solapa en los colores distintivos: verde joshua y marrón desierto. Los jugadores incluso firman autógrafos al finalizar el partido, lo que añade un toque personal. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Cada detalle en un partido del AV Alta FC contribuye a crear una velada acogedora y entretenida. Con una megafonía clara, una afición vibrante y un recinto que ahora parece diseñado específicamente para este deporte, este club se ha convertido rápidamente en una de las experiencias más destacadas de la región. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Fort Marcy Ballpark 490 Bishops Lodge Road Santa Fe, NM 87501 Map It! Santa Fe Fuego website Fort Marcy Ballpark website Year Opened: 1936/1947 Capacity: 1,100 Santa Fe Fuego The Santa Fe Fuego are members of the Pecos League, an Independent Baseball League. They joined the league in 2012 and won the championship in 2014. They came close in 2015, losing to their in-state rival, the Roswell Invaders. They play their games at historic Fort Marcy Ballpark in Santa Fe, NM. The facility was built in 1936; some park guides and documents state 1947 as its official opening or primary reopening date. The ballfield is part of the Fort Marcy Park and Recreation Complex, which has a swimming pool, racquetball, and other sports. The city park also features a dog area, a playground, shade-covered picnic benches, and walking trails. Food & Beverage 3 The Santa Fe Fuego sells the expected stadium fare at reasonable prices. The venue has one concession stand and a separate beer table on its concourse. Offerings include several burger, hot dog, and nacho options, with prices ranging from $4 to $8. The menu indicates that the choices with green chili (New Mexico is known for its green chili) are the fan favorites. Fans can upgrade and get a soda and chips with each meal for an additional $3, which is a pretty good deal. Snacks include popcorn, chips, candy, pickles, seeds, and peanuts. Canned beer choices are domestic beers, 7K IPA 9 (brewed by Santa Fe Brewing Company), Corona, and others. Atmosphere 3 The Santa Fe Fuego game day crew provides a pleasant evening of baseball. They have an excellent announcer who reads the lineup clearly and at a pace slow enough to jot down on your scorecard, a rarity at most ballparks where lineups are rattled off too quickly to record. The sound person plays some between-pitch ‘noise,’ but it’s not too bad. Sit beyond the covered grandstand to be away from the loudspeakers. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a pleasant view in left field, along with houses I’ll never be able to afford. Trees line the left and right fields, and a city park (Magers Field Park) is beyond center field. It’s all very pleasing to the eye. The seating area runs from inside first base to inside third base, and it is all cement with a grandstand roof. We recommend bringing a cushion or foldable chair (the team rents chairs for $5 if you forget yours). A chain link fence protects fans sitting behind home, but fans can move and see some ‘chain-free’ baseball closer to the bases. Within the grandstand, ‘box’ sections line the lowest level (closest to the field), where fans can sit with their chairs and be closer to the field. Fort Marcy Ballpark Grandstand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A dot matrix scoreboard showing the line score sits in center field. Trees serve as the batter’s eye. The outfield grass looks plush; the infield is worn in some spots. A mascot dressed as a dragon roams the stands. The team holds a 50/50 raffle with the proceeds going back to the players. Kids run the bases in the middle of the 4th inning. The Fuego players line up and give them high-fives as they exit the field. Pretty cool. Neighborhood 4 Fort Marcy Ballpark is less than a mile from downtown Santa Fe, which has plenty of activities, eateries, and places to stay. For things to do when in town, visit the New Mexico State Capitol Building, which has an abundance of art pieces (it’s almost like an art gallery). You can explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, stroll through the historic Santa Fe Plaza, or stop by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi with its beautiful stained glass and Romanesque Revival design. Sana Fe has many restaurants, bars, and breweries. Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill, Café Paqual’s, and Café Chimayo are some recommended local places near the ballpark. However, many more line the city streets. Santa Fe has several places for craft beer and cocktails; Desert Dog Brewery and Cidery and Second Street Brewery at the Railyard are worth a visit and are right near the plaza and downtown. And for something different, try Tumbleroot Pottery Pub (make your own work of clay art while enjoying an adult beverage). As a tourist town, Santa Fe has no shortage of hotels, ranging from 2‑star to 5‑star. The further you get from downtown, the more affordable they are. Check here for an accommodations list. The closest other summer sports are the Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB) and the New Mexico United (USLC), about an hour south of Santa Fe. Fans 2 The fans seem to enjoy themselves at a Fuego game. You’ll see families, kids, and retirees. At the game I attended, a couple of hundred fans were in the stands. Access 2 Driving to Fort Marcy Park is relatively easy, as you can bypass the downtown area. Parking is free and near the stadium. Santa Fe does have bus service, but it ends at 7:30 pm, so it's not an option for a Fuego game. The downfall is navigating the stadium and accessing the seating, as the setup isn’t at all accommodating for fans with mobility needs. The steps leading up to the entrance are rickety wooden ones with a wooden banister that’ll give you splinters if you hold on too tightly. There is a ramp on the far end of the parking lot, but it doesn’t look in good shape. Once inside, you’ll find the grandstand has steep cement steps, with handrails only at the far ends of the seating area and none in the middle. That said, there are half steps next to the handrails, making it a bit easier to descend and ascend, but it’s not easy for those uneasy on their feet. The restrooms and concessions stand are on the concourse just beyond the entrance. Return on Investment 3 The costs are low enough that most fans should find a Fuego game budget‑friendly. Parking is free. Tickets are $10 general admission. Rental chairs run $5. Concessions are reasonably priced. Some fans even park their vehicles in the parking lot above the third base side slope and watch for free. Extras 1 The Fuego stream their games via Meridix. Watching the streaming announcer (and listening if you sit close enough) is quite entertaining. Santa Fe Fuego Streaming Broadcaster, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Baseball fans visiting Santa Fe should try to catch a Fuego game during the May - July stretch. Just keep in mind that the ballpark can be tough to navigate if you use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or feel unsteady on your feet.

With the playoffs underway, Stadium Journey once again turns its attention to ranking the game-day experience at ECHL arenas. Our correspondents evaluated 28 of the league’s 30 venues—excluding Greensboro and Trois-Rivières—using the site’s FANFARE rating system. This system considers factors such as food and beverage, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, value, and more. The average FANFARE score for this year’s rankings list is 3.65 out of a possible 5.0. In cases where venues finished tied, a Stadium Journey council of elders was called upon to break the deadlock. It’s a unique approach to evaluating arenas, and one that’s sure to spark plenty of debate. We invite you to join the conversation on our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram. Without further ado, here are Stadium Journey’s 2025–2026 ECHL venue rankings. 1. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - Fort Wayne Komets 4.57 In the state of basketball, Fort Wayne is a hockey town. The fans have been faithful to this franchise across multiple leagues since the Komets came to town in 1952. The atmosphere in the building is electric with crowds hovering around 10,000 for weekend games, and loyal followers dress in the black and orange of the hockey club. Fort Wayne is among the best cities in the country for minor league hockey. 2. Kia Center - Orlando Solar Bears 4.43 The Kia Center is the home of the NBA Orlando Magic, but the Solar Bears make it their hockey palace during the ECHL season. The balcony seats are draped off, and the lower bowl becomes a hotbed of hockey fans in a state where palm trees are prevalent. The building is stunning; a vibrant and colorful concourse and lighting that extends to the main entrance lobby, to the unique arrangement of the court’s flooring – everything here is visually beautiful. 3. Huntington Center - Toledo Walleye 4.29 The Huntington Center has been a successful venture for the fans of the Toledo Walleye. The perfectly sized building is located downtown and offers patrons wide-open concourses, luxury seating, open views of the ice, and plenty of food and drink. The Walleye finished second in attendance in the league with an astonishing 8,000-plus average. 4. Indy Fuel - Fishers Event Center 4 The new state-of-the-art hockey arena for the Fuel in the suburbs of Indianapolis has been a hit with fans and players alike. The team has seen an increase in sell-outs, fans find it easy to pay for parking via an app, and grab-and-go food and beverage options make it easy for them to get back to the action on ice. The area around the arena also gives fans a place to visit before or after the game. 5. The Monument - Rapid City Rush 4 The seating area is U-shaped. There is no center-hung scoreboard allowing the passionate Rush fans the ability to see each other throughout the arena. A large, flat-screen video scoreboard is posted on the wall on the top end of the U and provides basic scoring stats and a visual broadcast of the game, along with replays. 6. Wings Event Center - Kalamazoo K-Wings 4 The Wings Event Center is one of those classic minor league hockey barns. It’s small, the concourses are narrow, it gets crowded during intermission, and the fans don’t hold back on their feelings. However, within a few years, the K-Wings will relocate to a new building, one that offers a lot more comfort and luxury. For a throwback to the team’s days in the old IHL, get to Kalamazoo sometime soon. 7. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena - Jacksonville Icemen 4 The Icemen have made a name for themselves since arriving from Evansville, Indiana, several years ago. The team finished number one in the league in average attendance with close to 9,200 fans per game this past season. Minor league hockey is thriving in the South. 8. Gas South Arena - Atlanta Gladiators 3.86 The Atlanta Gladiators are the only pro team in town and offer an affordable, family-friendly atmosphere. The arena offers stunning views of the ice, easy access to the seating bowl, and great food and beverage options for fans. It is a great night out with friends and family. 9. Tahoe Blue Event Center - Tahoe Knight Monsters 3.71 Undoubtedly, the most enduring gift the Tahoe Knight Monsters give this community is a sense of identity. This is largely a transient town, a place for seasonal residents, a destination for tourists and gaming enthusiasts. Yet the focal point of a team, a professional team, to compete, to cheer for, to wear the colors for, serves as a reminder for people looking to unite. 10. Idaho Central Arena - Idaho Steelheads 3.71 Do check out the delightful downtown Boise area for a fun-filled day. The Steelheads put on a good show, provide valuable sports entertainment, and it’s a rewarding place to watch and enjoy an ice hockey game. 11. Greenville Swamp Rabbits - Bon Securs Wellness Arena 3.71 The Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a better-than-average experience for almost every type of sports event or concert. The seating bowl offers excellent views of the action on the ice, and the center-hung videoboard constantly provides updated game stats and replays of the action on the ice. Seating is very comfortable. 12. Norfolk Scope - Norfolk Admirals 3.71 Although the Norfolk Scope is over 50 years old at this point, it is still going strong. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of newer arenas, hockey fans will definitely want to check out a Norfolk Admirals game here. If you walk into the seating area at the Norfolk Scope before warmups have begun, you will find the arena casked in a soft, blue glow. The full arena lights do not come on until the players come out for warmups. This creates an interesting first impression on fans arriving early. 13. Maine Mariners - Cross Insurance Arena 3.71 Cross Insurance Arena works well for hockey — its limitations don’t detract from the experience. The compact facility and amenities create a cozy, engaging hockey atmosphere. Larger arenas may impress with size and luxury, but that scale can dilute the energy, especially when seats go empty. Cross Insurance Arena’s smaller footprint concentrates the crowd, amplifies excitement, and keeps fans closely involved. 14. Maverik Center - Utah Grizzlies 3.71 The Utah Grizzlies have played their last season in Salt Lake City and will relocate to Trenton, New Jersey, for the upcoming season. The Grizz moved from Denver in 1995 when they were members of the IHL, then joined the AHL in 2001, and became members of the ECHL in 2005. However, after the Utah Mammoths of the NHL came to town, the 30-year history of the Grizzlies came to an end. It was the end of an era, but the Maverik Center was always a fine place for a hockey game. 15. Hertz Arena - Florida Everblades 3.57 The Everblades have been a fixture on the Gulf Coast for well over a quarter of a century. The team draws around 6,500 fans per game in a building that still maintains its charm after all of these years. The Everblades experience has improved with recent renovations to the video board and the concourse area. The seating bowl design offers a great view of the action, no matter where you sit in the building. 16. Enmarket Arena - Savannah Ghost Pirates 3.57 While Savannah is known for its preservation efforts in its large Historic District, Enmarket Arena is a decidedly modern facility. The front of the arena is almost all glass, allowing natural light to filter into the entrance lobby of the facility. Fans can quickly access the Ghost Pirates team store, which is filled with plenty of swashbuckling hockey gear. 17. Cable Dahmer Arena - Kansas City Mavericks 3.57 Cable Dahmer offers an above-average experience for the ECHL. The arena feels sleek and new and has nice selections available at the concessions. Independence also has plenty to do after the game and is close to Kansas City if it’s not enough. If you’re looking for an NHL experience on a budget, a Mavericks game is well worth it. 18. BOK Center - Tulsa Oilers 3.57 This venue, the BOK Center, is more than just an ECHL venue. It is a place for entertainment, from fan excitement to the action on the ice. When it comes to atmosphere, fun is the most important thing. The BOK has nailed this aspect of the sports experience. A real effort is made to sell team merchandise and get fans involved in promotions with huge booths 19. North Charleston Coliseum - South Carolina Stingrays 3.43 The South Carolina Stingrays are a solid organization that brings many of the northern transplants to the Charleston area regularly to enjoy a night of great hockey. The North Charleston Coliseum is the longtime home for Stingrays hockey. It provides easy access to the major interstates in the Charleston area. 20. Xtream Arena - Iowa Heartlanders 3.43 The Xtream Arena offers great vantage points throughout the building, concessions are spread in many parts of the concourse, and there is plenty of in-game entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the game in between periods. The hockey team voluntarily suspended operations for the upcoming season with plans to restructure and return in the future. 21. WesBanco Arena - Wheeling Nailers 3.43 Wheeling, West Virginia, has been the home of minor league hockey for 30 years, and the Nailers have been part of much of that history. The building is small, boxy, and ideal for hockey at this level. The atmosphere comes alive with packed crowds, throngs of fans visiting neighboring restaurants and pubs, and plenty of cheering from the stands. 22. Santander Arena - Reading Royals 3.43 When asked to name a professional hockey team in Pennsylvania, almost everyone would name either the Philadelphia Flyers or the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although Reading may not be the most desirable city to visit in the state, and in fact may be towards the bottom of the list, a trip to see the Royals at Santander Arena is reason enough to come to town. 23. INTRUST Bank Arena - Wichita Thunder 3.43 If travel takes you to Wichita in the fall or winter, or if you live in the area and you like hockey, a visit to a Thunder game is a worthwhile entertainment choice. Downtown Wichita is a walkable city and has several hotels, museums, restaurants, and a variety of other tourist attractions. 24. DCU Center - Worcester Railers 3.29 The DCU Center is a solid if unspectacular place to catch some quality minor league hockey. Recent years have seen the city of Worcester raise its profile in the sporting world by courting the Pawtucket Red Sox to the city. *Editor's Note: The story previously identified the home of the Railers as the Worcester Ice Center. 25. Cooling Insurance Arena - Adirondack Thunder 3.29 The GFCC is a great old hockey barn, and having a stable tenant occupying the building should go a long way toward ensuring a successful franchise after so many years of uncertainty. The team has stepped up its community presence, and the organization is beginning to understand that it will take increased effort to bring local hockey fans back to the Glens Falls Civic Center. 26. Heritage Bank Center - Cincinnati Cyclones 3.29 The arena is in need of a huge makeover, but there are no complaints that it’s a perfect place to watch a hockey game. The 51-year-old building was made for hockey and offers great views from the seating bowl. However, the narrow concourses are a reminder of buildings of that era, but cheap tickets and parking make it worth your while in Cincinnati. 27. Credit Union of Texas Event Center - Allen Americans 3.14 The Allen Event Center is a respectable venue in which to watch an ECHL game. It has above-average food choices, is in the midst of an outdoor shopping mall, and has hotels within walking distance. And the team wins. Check it out if in the area north of Dallas. 28. Grossinger Motors Arena - Bloomington Bison 2.57 This is the first year for the ECHL club (2024-25). Other hockey teams have failed here. I hope this one can make it because the arena is a nice place to see a game, and you could be seeing the stars of tomorrow. Being an ECHL team, some players and coaches may graduate to the AHL and NHL. NG. Colisée Vidéotron - Trois-Rivières Lions Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Colisée Vidéotron. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us. NG. First Horizon Coliseum - Greensboro Gargoyles Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the First Horizon Coliseum. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cool Insuring Arena 1 Civic Center Plaza Glens Falls, NY 12801 Adirondack Thunder website Cool Insuring Arena website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 4,744 Third League’s a Charm? Surely you will understand if the hockey fans of the upstate New York town of Glens Falls have become somewhat jaded. This small town of 14,700 residents built an arena in 1979 to house the top farm team of the Detroit Red Wings. After 20 years and four Calder Cup Championships, the Red Wings folded the team and moved their affiliation to Grand Rapids. The United Hockey League’s Adirondack IceHawks (later renamed the Frostbite) moved into the Civic Center in 2000. The Frostbite suspended operations in 2006, and it looked like the Civic Center had seen the end of professional hockey in Glens Falls. The city and arena got a second chance when the Philadelphia Flyers, looking for a temporary home for their American Hockey League Phantoms, placed the team in Glens Falls in 2009. What was originally planned to be a two-year stay in New York turned into five seasons. The overwhelming support given to the Phantoms by Glens Falls made the city a legitimate option for teams looking for a minor league home. The Calgary Flames stepped in with their AHL affiliate for the 2014-2015 season. The Flames signed a three-year agreement with the Civic Center, but from day one, there were rumors that the Flames would be part of a group of Western Conference teams that would move their affiliates to a new, Pacific Division of the AHL. This Pacific Division became a reality for the 2015-2016 season, leaving the Glens Falls Civic Center once again without an AHL tenant. Luckily, the building did not go without a team for long. The Flames placed their ECHL team in Glens Falls, christening them the Adirondack Thunder. With the Flames organization’s dismal track record in keeping their farm teams in one place for any significant period, only time will tell if Glens Falls third different minor league will have any staying power. So far, Adirondack hockey fans appear to be taking a ‘wait and see’ approach. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are set up in each corner of the arena, with each stand featuring a different theme (Pie in the Sky Pizza, Hot Dog Nation, Black Angus, and Fresh Classics). The menus don’t stray very far from your typical arena fare, and the prices are typical for this level of hockey. You won’t get any gourmet offerings here, but you also won’t need to take out a mortgage to feed yourself at a Flames game, either. There is a decent selection of beers available in bottles at the main stands and draft stands located throughout the concourse. Bud Light, Shock Top, Stella Artois, Labatt’s, and craft brews from local favorite Davidson Brothers can all be found here. Prices start at eight dollars. Thunder fans seeking non-alcoholic beverages can choose from various Pepsi products. Davidson Brothers also operates a pub in Heritage Hall, located underneath the stands during game nights. The Birch room, also located in Heritage Hall, offers a space for birthday parties, events, and buffet-style meals for fans before Friday and Saturday night games. The Ice Lounge, located here, offers discounted drink specials to season ticket holders. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Thunder meant the exit of the classic flaming “A” logo sported by the Adirondack Flames. Fans looking for Thunder merchandise will find a small area of the lobby set aside for sales of the new squad’s gear. Atmosphere 3 The Glens Falls Civic Center has a wonderful old-school feel to it. Part of that feeling is because the arena lacks many of the modern amenities that so many of the newer rinks possess. The center scoreboard is the old dot-matrix style of unit, and two large video screens hang in opposite corners of the rink. One of the highlights of attending a game at the Glens Falls Civic Center in the past was the noise and excitement generated in the old barn. While very little has changed in the game day presentation from the days of the Phantoms and Flames, the atmosphere at the GFCC feels very different this year (2015-2016). While there are still some old-school fans who try to make their presence felt with their non-stop heckling of the opposing team and officials, for the most part, fans seem quieter and more subdued than in years past. Perhaps with some on-ice success and continued presence in the community, the team can regain the support of Glens Falls hockey fans. The Thunder employs a mascot, Gunnar, who isn’t too much of a presence during the game, and an ice crew that also takes some time to throw t-shirts into the crowd. The team offers 50/50 raffles and jersey raffles to benefit local charities. Overall, the Glens Falls Civic Center and the Thunder put on a very family-friendly event. Neighborhood 4 The Civic Center is located right on the edge of downtown and is easy to get to from all parts of Glens Falls. I know what you may be thinking: what kind of downtown can there be in a town of 15,000? Despite the city’s small size, there are a surprising number of places to eat within walking distance of the Civic Center. Local establishments such as Dango’s, Davidson Brothers, Sandy’s Clam Bar, Sully’s West, and O’Toole’s Pub all attract Adirondack hockey fans before and after games. Fans who visit Glens Falls during hockey season may choose to travel a couple of hours north to the ski areas of the Adirondacks. Hockey historians will be drawn to Lake Placid, home of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” During the summer months, the nearby village of Lake George is a popular tourist attraction. Fans 2 Adirondack is averaging a shade over 2,400 fans per game two-thirds through their inaugural season in the ECHL, which ranks them 27th out of the 28 teams in the league. This mark also represents a decrease of 33 percent from their attendance in their final AHL season. Fans in this region are passionate and knowledgeable about their teams, so there is hope that they will return to the GFCC. Some fans at the Civic Center may be a little too loud and vulgar, but their passion is contagious throughout the building. Many fans choose to stand along the railing at the top of the seating bowl throughout the game. With the steep pitch of the stands, it’s a great vantage point from which to take in the game. Access 4 The Glens Falls Civic Center is located in downtown Glens Falls, just a couple of miles from Interstate 87, at the intersections of Routes 9 and 32. While the Greater Glens Falls Transit Company has several routes that serve downtown, most fans drive to the Civic Center for games. There are numerous lots within walking distance of the arena, most charging under $10. There are also many options for on-street parking nearby for fans who arrive early. There isn’t a whole lot of room to maneuver once inside the Civic Center. There is a small entry lobby that contains a concession stand, the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame. Pass through two sets of doors, and you will enter the top of the sharply-pitched seating bowl. There is a single concourse that circles the top of the seating bowl. This walkway can become quite crowded at times, but crowds move around without too much backup. There are restrooms located underneath the seating area, which are accessible by stairs at all four corners of the building. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Adirondack Thunder games range in price from $15-$27, which is a small increase over prices charged last year. Purchasing your tickets on game day will cost you an extra two dollars. Youth tickets can be purchased for $13 and $15 on game days. Since charging more money for a lower level of hockey may not be the best business strategy, the Thunder have come up with some ways for fans to save some money. Buy one get one deal and reduced ticket specials on selected games have been instituted. Factor in inexpensive parking and concessions, and the Adirondack Thunder continue to be an affordable entertainment option for local hockey fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded to the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame and the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, which are both located on the concourse outside of the seating bowl. Another extra point is awarded for the Calder Cup Championship Banners still hanging from the rafters of the Civic Center, 15 years after the Red Wings left town. Final Thoughts Adirondack hockey fans have been slow to embrace the Thunder and AA hockey after many years in the AHL. The team has stepped up its community presence and the organization is beginning to understand that it will take increased effort to bring local hockey fans back to the Glens Falls Civic Center. The GFCC is a great old hockey barn, and having a stable tenant occupying the building should go a long way toward ensuring a successful franchise after so many years of uncertainty. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Joe Molski and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Heritage Bank Center 100 Broadway St Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Cyclones website Heritage Bank Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 14,453 A Cyclone Along the Banks of the Ohio River Sitting right along the banks of the mighty Ohio River is the Heritage Bank Center. It opened in September 1975 as the Riverfront Coliseum; the indoor arena sits next to Great American Ballpark in downtown Cincinnati. The arena has a capacity of 17,556, and the most current renovations took place in 1997 and cost $14.7 million. The main tenant is the Cincinnati Cyclones, but the building has played host to numerous events. The Crosstown Shootout, Conference USA men’s basketball tournament, NCAA men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments, NCAA Frozen Four, concerts, and the World Choir Games in 2012. The originally planned tenant for the brand-new arena was supposed to be an NHL franchise. A group headed by Bill DeWitt, Jr. attempted to lure a team to the building but was rejected. Cincinnati would place an expansion franchise in the World Hockey Association and call it the Stingers; the team would play from 1975-1979 and feature future NHL Hall of Famers Mike Gartner and Mark Messier, both baby-faced teenagers at the time. Cincinnati was denied again when the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979. The Stingers played one more year in the minor-league Central Hockey League before folding after 33 games during the 1979/80 season. There have been three separate Cyclones franchises that began with the expansion club in 1990 in the East Coast Hockey League. The club jumped up a level to the International Hockey League in 1992 but folded with the league in 2001. The current club rejoined the ECHL the following season and, except the 2004-2006 seasons, have been mainstays at the Heritage Bank Center. Food & Beverage 2 A detail that has been overlooked by ownership is the concession areas. Many of the same food stands remain from when I visited this arena as a kid several years ago. The signage is outdated and could use an upgrade. Most were open, but a few on the short ends of the rink were closed. This particular night happened to be a $1 beer night, so long lines at stands were dedicated only to alcohol sales. You could get anything from moonshine to a cocktail. Beers included were Miller Lite, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, PBR, and other local breweries like 50 West. Wine in a can and also tropical mocktails were available at one vendor. There were classic brands of the area that included Donatos Pizza, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Skyline Chili. They offered the typical concession stand food, minus hot dogs, which I found interesting. Pizza by the slice is $4.50, and a burger/chicken finger combo is $8.50. RC Cola products are available at the concessions. The best deal is the $10 bottomless popcorn, which you could easily make your money’s worth. Atmosphere 4 The building’s cramped concourse was the main reason why the atmosphere was not awarded 5 points. The hallways are very narrow, which was a sign of the times when the arena was constructed. They were enlarged during the 1997 renovations, but they will have to be expanded again at some point to make it easier to navigate for visitors. Outside of this, the atmosphere was incredible. The Cyclones have a fantastic pregame player introduction and one of the better ones in the ECHL. An anthem from a local high school got a tremendous roar from the crowd. A great noise was only subdued by an early visitors’ goal against the run of play. After this, the crowd started to get back into the game with some shots from the home team. Cheering and chants during the game made it feel like a playoff game, not an early-season Thursday night tilt. Bringing your dogs to the ice was also part of the promotion tonight. Many dog-themed snacks and treats around the stadium for the furry friends. Barking could be heard throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 While it is downtown, it is quite a walk from the bustling Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods. The stadium sits next to Great American Ballpark and is within walkable distance of The Banks and northern Kentucky. Plenty of spots to eat at the Banks, like Holy Grail and Condado tacos. There are many breweries, and one of my favorite pizza spots, Dewey’s Pizza across the river at Newport on the Levee. Cold Stone Creamery is also just across the river. Fans 4 Nothing beats the promotions served up by minor league hockey teams, and tonight was Pucks for Pugs. Dog owners could bring their best friends to the game. The sounds of the barking dogs added to that unique atmosphere of the night. Fans were excited at the start with a terrific pre-game show on the ice and followed by player introductions to hype up the crowd. An early goal from visitors took a lot out of the fans, but a solid performance and win cured all blues. Thanks to the terrific Cyclones App – I got a free hat just from downloading it onto my phone. There is also a lot of gear available to purchase at the game. You could see a lot of hometown sweaters, some from The Avengers and Spongebob Square Pants-themed nights (another minor league hockey promotion). One thing to note, earlier in the day, a trade sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights from the Buffalo Sabres. I found an Eichel sweater in the stands. Access 3 The parking garage is attached to the arena and charged $10. There are a couple of outside lots around the stadium that are also for $10. You could also park in northern Kentucky and walk across the Purple People’s Bridge to get to the stadium and take in the beautiful Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. The narrow hallways around the concourse are a negative aspect of the arena, especially during COVID times. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $20 for a game, and you might not spend more than $35 total. The parking for $10 may seem steep, but you are only about 100 feet from the arena. The game was of high quality. Multiple goals, hits, and fights meant plenty of action. The food was reasonably priced, and the beer was $1. These are hard to beat. Extras 3 Head Coach Jason Payne is the only African-American ice hockey head coach in all professional hockey. The All-Access Bar & Grill is located on the 5th floor (Suite Level) of the arena but was closed during our visit. When operational, fans get a marvelous birdseye view of the ice along with a full-service bar and restaurant. Final Thoughts The arena is perfect for ice hockey, but it does need some care on the concourses and outside. The game was entertaining, and the food and drinks were reasonably priced. The Cyclones market their games for anyone, and I think anyone would have a great night at Heritage Bank Center.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Lancaster Municipal Stadium 45116 Valley Central Way Lancaster, CA 93536 Map It! AV Alta FC website Lancaster Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 (as baseball), 2024 (as soccer) Capacity: 5,300 Antelope Valley Fútbol Lancaster Municipal Stadium was a great little baseball ballpark when the Lancaster JetHawks were in the California League. Then in 2021, Major League Baseball completed a historic, major overhaul of the minor leagues, which eliminated 40 affiliates. The JetHawks were one of those eliminated. In 2023, the city of Lancaster and USL League One approved plans to convert the baseball stadium into a soccer-specific venue to house the expansion team AV Alta FC. And, what a marvelous job they did! So now, instead of being a great little ballpark, it’s a fantastic soccer (fútbol) stadium for the fans, players, and the community. The name AV Alta FC is derived from the region's nickname, aerospace history, and geographical elevation: AV: Stands for the Antelope Valley, the region in Southern California where the team is based. Alta: From the Latin word for "elevated", represents three things: the region's location in the High Desert, its deep roots in the aerospace industry, and Alta California, the name of the region before California became a state. The team made its inaugural regular-season home opener on April 5, 2025, to a sold-out crowd, and something great began brewing in Antelope Valley! Food & Beverage 3 Concession outlets line the inner concourse, while food trucks enhance the selection. The concession stands offer chicken tenders and fries, asada fries, chicken and asada tacos, nachos, and hot dogs (ranging from $8 - $13). For snacks, pretzels, churros, Dippin’ Dots, regular fries, and candy are for sale. Cocktails and beer run from $8 - $19. Pepsi products, non-alcoholic beer, water, and coffee/hot chocolate cost between $5 - $8. Mi Ranchito Mexican Grill is a very popular food truck behind the goal on what was once the first base side (the south end of the venue). Chick-fil-A and various other food trucks offer their wares in the Fan Village. The best place to get a beer is Bravery Brewing Co at the end of the grandstand. It sells cans of not only Bravery Brewing beers (the Kolsch is delicious), but also Corona, Estrella, Michelob Ultra, and more. Bravery Brewing even brews a special Cerveza Alta Mexican Lager as the official beer of AV Alta FC. Bravery Brewing at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey All in all, a good selection of food and drinks for any fútbol fan. Atmosphere 5 Attending a match here ranks among the most entertaining things to do in the Antelope Valley, from Palmdale to Lancaster and beyond. The transformation into a soccer‑specific venue is immediately noticeable. The grandstand, press box, scoreboard, and batter’s eye remain, but everything has been refreshed in the club’s Joshua green and desert sand color scheme. Upgrades include a premium seating area at midfield with new padded chairs, a club bar offering complimentary tapas and a soda, and a full cash bar. The renovations included the installation of The Green Wall (the 661 Supporters Group stands) providing seven or eight covered standing-only rows, creating a lively atmosphere. On the east side, a Chick-fil-A Family Stand boasts four sections of seven or eight rows of fold-down seating with handrails for easier access. These stands face the sun for the early portion of the match. A new Fan Village sits just behind the Chick‑fil‑A stands, providing space for food trucks, sponsor tables, and a wide, open concourse where kids have plenty of room to move around and play. Lastly, the field itself received a major upgrade, with a FIFA‑quality artificial turf pitch and new LED lighting. The lights flash in celebration after an AV Alta FC goal, adding more fun to the match‑day experience. AV Alta FC Goal Celebration! What makes soccer wonderful is that the match unfolds without a soundtrack; the cheers and reactions of the crowd become the music during match action. The announcer delivers calls with clarity, handling lineups, yellow cards, corner kicks, goals, substitutions, and extra time perfectly. Neighborhood 4 Lancaster is a respectable city to visit, and while no night life is walking distance to the stadium, there is plenty to see and do in and around town. A few regional fast food restaurants are nearby, with In-N-Out being the most popular choice, but don’t shun El Pollo Loco, which originated in Los Angeles.  Lancaster Marketplace is less than ½ mile south of the stadium and provides dining, shopping, and services. If you are looking for a few local options, drive the two miles downtown to the BLVD. In this tree-lined block, visitors can find a collection of ethnic cuisine, including On The Blvd Brooklyn Deli, Lucky Luke Brewpub, El Kachimbon Salvadorian Restaurant, Olive's Mediterranean Café, and so much more. The BLVD has the MOAH (Museum of Arts and History), Lancaster Performing Arts Center, and a Regency movie theater for cultural entertainment, and there’s often some kind of event in the downtown area. Craft beer lovers will enjoy Bravery Brewery (about 5 miles from the stadium), providing a wide variety of excellent brews. And, when in Lancaster, one must drive over the Musical Road at least once. Closer to the stadium, an IMAX movie theater is nearby (just across Valley Central Way). A Homewood Suites and a Hampton Inn are right across the street from the parking entrance. Just across Highway 14 is a Wyndham Garden. So, plenty of places are available within a ½ mile for those spending the night. Fans 3 The fans who attend AV Alta FC matches are a huge part of the cub’s success. The 661 Supporters Group stands and sings, chants, cheers, waves flags and scarves, plays drums and other instruments throughout the entire match. They even have a pregame tailgate in the parking lot. The other fans react similarly with good plays, and groan at missed opportunities. The fanbase tends to be a young crowd and includes families and plenty of kids, giving the match a lively, community‑oriented feel. Access 4 Reaching the stadium is not difficult, as it sits right off State Highway 14. Currently, the city is performing road construction on the highway, so be cognizant of that when arriving and leaving. Better yet, the team offers AV Alta Express bus service to the match from both Palmdale and Lancaster. For fans flying in, the closest commercial airports are Hollywood Burbank Airport - BUR (60 miles) and Los Angeles International Airport - LAX (75 miles). Once on site, plenty of parking is available. Advance parking is $10, while game day parking is $15. The venue allows clear bags up to 14” x 14” x 6”. The layout is entirely flat (except for the seating), so fans can move comfortably without encountering steps. Accessible seating is readily available for those who need it. The venue has several restroom areas, though the women’s facilities get messy by the end of the match. I’m not sure about the men’s. Return on Investment 5 Attending an AV Alta FC match is absolutely worth your sports entertainment budget. It’s a marvelous, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming way to spend a few hours, with an atmosphere that feels both lively and community driven. Tickets typically range from $17–$65, and you can save a few dollars by paying for parking in advance or skipping it altogether by taking the bus. The club also offers group rates, mini‑plans, and theme nights, all of which add even more value to the experience. Concession prices are reasonable, especially compared to what you’d pay at an LA Galaxy or LAFC match. It’s such a fun, engaging night out that I encourage everyone to experience at least one match. AV Alta FC Match Action, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Extras 3 During the evening of my visit, every single AV Alta FC staff member I interacted with made me feel so welcome, as if they were delighted I visited. This greeting extended across parking, security, concessions, and guest services. I wish I lived closer so I could attend more matches. The merchandise store has plenty of Joshua green and desert brown jerseys, caps, t-shirts, scarves, and even lapel pins! The players even sign autographs at the end of the match, adding a personal touch. Final Thoughts Every detail at an AV Alta FC match contributes to a welcoming, entertaining night out. With clear announcing, a vibrant crowd, and a venue that now feels purpose‑built for the sport, this is a club that has quickly become one of the region’s standout experiences.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 EagleBank Arena 4500 Patriot Cir Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website EagleBank Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 10,000 Patriot Games EagleBank Arena, home of the George Mason Patriots basketball team, is located in Fairfax, Va. in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. The 10,000-seat arena opened in 1985 and has played home to Mason ever since. George Mason’s high point came in 2006 when they made a Cinderella run to the Final Four as an 11-seed, knocking off top seed UConn along the way, but they have struggled to return to anywhere near that form ever since. George Mason was a founding member of the Colonial Athletic Association but moved to the Atlantic 10 in 2013, where they have remained ever since. Food & Beverage 5 EagleBank Arena has a wide selection of food and drinks at various stands scattered around the concourse. However, the prices are quite expensive. Basic items include chicken tenders ($15), cheeseburgers ($14, or $15 with bacon), crispy chicken sandwiches ($14), the vegetarian Beyond Burger ($16), and nachos ($9, with salsa cheese, and jalapeños). Several specialty burgers are also available for $16 each. The Southwest Burger comes with bacon, fried avocado, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli. The Wrangler comes with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce. The Patty Melt comes with onion strings and cheese on Texas toast. All come with fries. There are a wide range of snacks as well, including candy, chips, cookies, brownies, mini corn dogs, and hot pretzels. Alcoholic beverages are available for those of age, with beer costing $13 and wine $12. Soda and bottled water are also available. . Atmosphere 4 Every seat in EagleBank arena is a chairback, in alternating green and gold sections reflecting the school’s colors. There is a videoboard above center court which also shows the score and time as well as team fouls and timeouts. Unfortunately, 10,000 seats is far too large for EagleBank Arena, which rarely comes close to selling out. Some seats in the corners are covered by advertising signs, but there are still many empty seats, especially in the upper rows. This is not a good look for the school and really detracts from the atmosphere. The good news is that the school makes a good effort to keep fans engaged. There is a pep band called Doc Nix and the Green Machine which is among the best in the country. They bring music and energy to the arena for the whole game. Band director Michael Nickens (aka Doc Nix) is an impressive figure known for his audacious outfits, which often include sunglasses, audaciously colored suits, and a scepter. The band not only plays music but sings with a synthesizer and the drums are encircled by green lights making it not only a sound to behold but a sight as well. There are also cheerleaders and a dance team who entertain the fans during the breaks. Mason’s mascot is known only as The Patriot and is a costumed character who dresses in traditional colonial garb, which is of course colored gold and green. The cheerleaders throw t-shirts into the crowd after every Mason three-point basket. Ultimately, the team and especially the band do their best to make this a great atmosphere, but it’s really hurt by the large size of the arena. Game Action Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the 29 Diner in the City of Fairfax is a local favorite, as is Capital Ale House. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 3 Although Mason fans rarely come close to filling the arena, they can still make the place loud at times. After big plays, the crowd can get quite loud but there is rarely the sustained noise you see at the top arenas in the country. The cavernous nature of the arena does cut down on the sound somewhat, but this isn’t really the fans’ fault. Mason draws several thousand fans a game, but in a 10,000-seat arena, that doesn't feel like much. Mason does have a student section, but other than the band, they don’t seem that into it. This is disappointing as the students are typically among the most passionate fans at any college venue. Access 4 EagleBank Arena is located on Mason’s main campus just off Braddock Road and about six miles from the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495.) There is ample free parking in the lots surrounding the arena, including handicap parking for those who require it. Keep in mind if you’re traveling to a weeknight game, you will probably run into rush hour traffic, which is notoriously bad in this area. Be sure to allow a lot of extra time if that’s the case. Unlike the other arenas in the D.C. area, EagleBank Arena is not easily Metro-accessible. Despite having the school’s name in its title, the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line is about five miles away from George Mason. If you must go that route, you will need to either take a 15-minute taxi ride from the station or take a shuttle that will let you off in the center of campus, a 10-minute walk from the arena. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station despite the name, as it serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, nowhere near the arena. Getting out of the parking lot after a game can be tricky due to pedestrians seeming to walk anywhere and everywhere. Traffic can also get backed up getting onto Braddock Road, but this can be partially avoided by heading back towards the center of campus and then exiting onto one of the other side streets. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 for seats in the top few rows and some behind the basket to $50 for seats in the front few rows. This is about average for the Atlantic 10. However, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so expect to pay far more than listed price due to fees. It’s always annoying to see seats available for $10 each and then end up paying almost twice that due to outrageous fees. Concessions can also be quite pricey and can cost more than the game ticket itself, which drives down the score here significantly. Extras 4 Doc Nix and the Green Machine deserve an extra star, as well as they, are among the best in the nation. There is a Final Four banner behind one of the baskets honoring Mason’s 2006 miracle run. Before each game, the George Mason lineup is introduced as green and gold spotlights streak across the court. This helps get the crowd hyped up for the game. A fourth and final star for the murals on the concourse honoring George Mason basketball history. Pregame light show Final Thoughts Although George Mason rose to prominence after their Final Four run in 2006, almost two decades later they have failed to regain much of their former glory. The end result is a 10,000-seat arena that is over half empty most games and a whole lot of empty seats. Although Mason has one of the best pep bands in the country, and the fans who do show up are passionate for the most part, the team ought to be doing more to encourage fans to come to games so the place isn’t as empty as it is. Ticketmaster fees and high concession prices don't help matters either. The team does seem to be on the rise the last couple of years, and hopefully that continues and George Mason basketball can return to its former glory.