Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews 1505 Tank Town Rd Matthews, NC 28105 Charlotte Independence website Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 5,000 Come On You Boys in Blue The Charlotte Independence are a professional soccer club competing in USL League One. Founded in 2014, the team acquired the USL Pro franchise rights from their predecessor, the Charlotte Eagles, who have since moved to USL League Two. The club’s name and crest draw inspiration from the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, featuring the year 1775 and Captain James Jack, who is said to have carried the declaration to Philadelphia. In his honor, the team is affectionately known as The Jacks. The Independence have called several stadiums home over the years. The club opened its inaugural season at Transamerica Field on UNC Charlotte’s campus, with some matches also played across the state line at Winthrop University’s Eagle Field. From there, the club moved to Ramblewood Soccer Complex, but in recent years the Independence have split their home schedule between their Uptown Charlotte home, American Legion Memorial Stadium, and the suburban Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in neighboring Matthews. Food & Beverage 3 Food options are somewhat limited, with a single food truck and a concession stand offering salted, cinnamon, and garlic parmesan soft pretzels with cheese sauce, along with fresh-squeezed lemonade. Cotton candy, popcorn, and chips are also available. The food truck does provide a more extensive menu that goes beyond typical stadium fare and helps elevate the overall offering. Alcohol options are limited but provide some variety. Available beverages include hard seltzers, White Claw, and cans of typical domestic beers. Bottled Coke products are also available. Atmosphere 3 Mecklenburg County Sportsplex is a beautifully designed soccer facility featuring split stands, with locker rooms and club seating located above the seating areas. One drawback, however, is that soccer is a sport played in nearly all weather conditions, and there is no protection from the elements for fans looking for relief from the sun or rain. A large video board sits at the north end of the pitch, displaying a live feed of the match with the score and game clock across the bottom. It also features graphics for goals, corner kicks, substitutions, and cards shown during the match. The seating configuration places fans right on top of the action. Many supporters choose to watch from along the rail at the front of the walkway, creating an intimate viewing experience despite the venue’s smaller crowds. Neighborhood 3 Mecklenburg County Sportsplex is located in suburban Matthews, North Carolina, about 15 miles southeast of Uptown Charlotte. Surrounded by athletic fields, open space, and residential neighborhoods, the complex provides a much different atmosphere than the club’s home in Charlotte. The area is designed primarily as a destination for sports rather than a place where fans can gather before or after matches at nearby bars and restaurants. The typical experience is that visitors arrive by car, attend the match, and leave. The location does benefit from its proximity to downtown Matthews, a community with small-town charm and a growing local scene. Breakman’s Coffee & Supply, a train-themed coffee shop, serves as a community gathering space, while Carolina Beer Temple has become a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts, with its extensive rotating tap list. Nearby parks and trails also add to the appeal of the area. However, the lack of walkable entertainment directly surrounding the Sportsplex limits its ability to become a true soccer destination. The setting works well for attending a match, but compared to the energy and convenience of an Uptown Charlotte location, the suburban environment presents challenges in creating a complete matchday experience. Fans 2 Since 2022, when the Independence self-relegated from USL Championship to League One, attendance has steadily declined, dropping from a high of approximately 2,300 fans per match to an average of fewer than 800. While multiple factors likely contributed to the decline, it has coincided with the arrival and growth of Charlotte FC, which has clearly drawn attention and support away from the League One side. The club currently averages just over 800 fans per match, ranking just above expansion side Corpus Christi FC. The Independence’s suburban location appears to impact attendance, as nearby fans have limited opportunities to walk or use public transportation to attend matches. Access 3 Matthews, North Carolina, is located in the southeast corner of Mecklenburg County, just off Charlotte’s I-485 outer loop. The location provides convenient access from the eastern suburbs, though it is less convenient for those traveling from the western side of Charlotte via I-77 or I-85. Parking is located directly outside the stadium entrance, providing a short walk from your car to the stadium gates. First-time visitors must also create an account with Vivenu, the club’s ticketing platform. While not an unusual requirement, it adds an unnecessary step to the entry process. Seating is limited to one side of the pitch, which makes sense given the typical crowd size. However, supporters standing along the front rail can occasionally block the walkway, making it difficult for fans to move from one end of the seating area to the other. Return on Investment 2 Charlotte Independence matches at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex begin at $16, while matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium are priced at $10. It feels unusual that the same club offers different ticket prices depending on the venue, especially when the more expensive option lacks some of the benefits of the Uptown location. Parking can also impact the overall value. While there is abundant parking available, the $10 fee feels high given the suburban location and the lack of alternative parking options nearby. Concessions here are fairly priced, however, especially considering the quality and variety offered by the food truck. The food options provide good value, but the overall matchday experience does not quite justify the higher ticket price. Extras 2 The “First Horn of Lake Norman,” Melvin Morrison, is part of every Independence match, regardless of location. The ringing of the Freedom Bell is another nice tradition used to open matches and celebrate goals. While these traditions provide some unique identity, the venue lacks many additional amenities or features that would enhance the overall matchday experience. Final Thoughts Mecklenburg County Sportsplex is a great venue that checks many boxes from a facility standpoint, but struggles to capture the energy of a top-notch professional soccer experience. The complex offers fans modern amenities and an intimate setting that puts them close to the action. However, the move from Uptown Charlotte creates a much different matchday experience – one that feels more like attending a tournament or community event than a professional soccer match. The Charlotte Independence has a solid home at the Sportsplex, but the challenge is creating an experience that draws fans for more than just the match itself. Even when Charlotte is near the top of the table, the club continues to struggle to draw fans. With limited food and entertainment options nearby, declining attendance, and competition from Charlotte FC, the club faces an uphill battle in building consistent excitement around its alternate home in Matthews.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mortgage Matchup Center 201 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004 Map It Phoenix Mercury website Mortgage Matchup Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 18,422 X-Factor The Phoenix Mercury are one of the WNBA's most iconic franchises, representing Phoenix, Arizona. As one of the eight original teams when the WNBA launched in 1997, the Mercury have played an important role in the league's growth and success over the past three decades. Success has long been part of the franchise's identity. The Mercury have captured three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, and 2014) while building a passionate fan base along the way. Attending a Mercury game is about more than basketball. Between the action on the court, fans enjoy interactive contests, energetic dance performances, booming music, t-shirt launches, and one of the more enthusiastic crowds in women's professional sports. The team's name complements its NBA counterpart, the Phoenix Suns. While the Suns name draws inspiration from Arizona's intense sunshine, the Mercury take their name from the planet closest to the sun, a fitting tribute to one of America's hottest major cities. The Mercury play their home games at Mortgage Matchup Center in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The venue serves as the home of both the Mercury and the Suns while also hosting concerts, WWE shows, boxing, the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, and more. Phoenix Mercury Introductions, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Since opening in 1992 as America West Arena, the facility has hosted numerous professional sports teams, including the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, the ECHL's Phoenix RoadRunners, the IFL's Arizona Rattlers, and professional indoor soccer clubs. The arena has undergone several name changes and major renovations, most notably in 2003 and 2020, helping it remain one of Arizona's premier sports and entertainment destinations. Food & Beverage 4 Mortgage Matchup Center offers an extensive selection of food and beverage options, though fans should be prepared for higher-than-average prices. The arena's signature concession stands, the 480 Grill, 520 Grill, 602 Grill, and 623 Grill, are named after Arizona area codes and serve traditional stadium fare such as hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, French fries, pretzels, and popcorn. Fans looking for local favorites can stop by Spinato's Pizzeria for pizza, while Wetzel's Pretzels remains one of the arena's most popular destinations. Other notable options include Big Chicken, featuring its signature chicken sandwich and Uncle Jerome's Nashville Hot Sandwich; Tostitos Cantina, known for its Walking Tacos; Gorilla Grill for burgers and grilled classics; Los Soles Taqueria for tacos, tamales, and nachos; and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, a well-known Arizona-based burger chain. Several Grab & Go stations are located throughout the concourse for fans seeking a quick purchase. In addition to beverages and snacks, these kiosks feature a $2 Value Menu with items such as hot dogs, chips, bottled water, and ice cream sandwiches, one of the building's best bargains. The concourse is also lined with bars and alcohol kiosks, including the Grey Goose Bar, Footprint Champions Bar, and Hornitos Bar. These gathering spots are especially popular before tip-off. Concession stands offer Coca-Cola products and a selection of domestic and craft beers, though prices remain steep. One money-saving tip: the main entrance lobby includes a hydration station where guests can refill an empty water bottle free of charge. Atmosphere 4 The Phoenix Mercury provide a fan-friendly game-day experience highlighted by strong fan engagement and excellent sportsmanship on the court. Fans can view the seating bowl from the entry area behind a huge lobby bar. The open concourse includes two corner bar areas with drink rails and stools overlooking the court. The arena features two seating levels separated by suites and a club level. Most lower-bowl sections extend to Row 28, with fans entering around Row 19 and walking either up or down to their seats. Sightlines are excellent throughout the venue, with center-court Sections 114 and 115 offering some of the best views. For most Mercury games, only one side of the upper deck is open, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Attendance surges for marquee matchups, particularly when the Indiana Fever come to town, often resulting in the entire upper level being used. A high-definition center-hung scoreboard hangs above center court, providing clear replays, statistics, and game information without distracting from the action. Additional video boards above the baskets and along the sidelines ensure game information is always visible, while player statistics are displayed throughout the contest. The arena also deserves credit for providing closed captioning on all four ribbon-board corners. Mortgage Matchup Center Closed Captioning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Entertainment remains constant from tip-off to the final buzzer. The Mercury's Hip Hop Squad energizes the crowd with cheerleading and on-court performances during breaks in play. Fans can also expect t-shirt tosses, interactive contests, dance cam appearances, and the popular "Who's in the House?" segment highlighting notable guests. One aspect visitors should be prepared for is the volume. Music and sound effects are played at a consistently high level, which helps create energy but may overwhelm some guests. Those sensitive to loud noise may want ear protection or noise-canceling headphones. The arena's temperature is refreshingly cool, but fans who chill easily may want to bring a light jacket or sweater. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Phoenix has a plethora of places to eat, drink, visit, and sleep. Two relatively new dining restaurants nearby are Blanco Cocina + Cantina (Mexican) and The Ainsworth (upscale American restaurant and lounge), and a Tom’s Watch Bar recently popped up near the MM Center. Old favorites like Majerle’s Sports Grill, The Arrogant Butcher, Crown Public House, and The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub are still excellent selections. If you just want a beer pre or post-game, visit the Whining Pig. Craft beers in cans, bottles, and on draft, mead, wine, and cider are much more affordable here than in the arena. Other things to visit near the arena are the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Police Museum, Heritage & Science Park/Historic Heritage Square. The Phoenix Convention Center is just two blocks from the Footprint Center. The MLB Arizona D-backs is another sports team to visit in downtown Phoenix during the WNBA season. Occasionally, you can attend a D-backs and Mercury doubleheader. Several places to stay within walking distance of the arena include the Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, or Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown. The Hampton Inn and Suites is about five blocks away and may be more affordable than the others. Fans 4 X-Factor is the official name of the Mercury's fan base and supports group, and they help create an energetic atmosphere from start to finish. Fans are welcoming, friendly, and respectful, while providing enthusiastic support throughout the game. One of the team's traditions has supporters standing until the Mercury score their first basket, and dedicated fans often begin lining up outside the arena more than 30 minutes before the doors open. Once the game starts, most spectators remain engaged in the action and stay through the final buzzer. The Mercury have consistently drawn strong crowds by WNBA standards, averaging around 11,000 fans per game over the past decade and routinely ranking among the league's better-supported franchises. Access 5 Getting to and around Mortgage Matchup Center is relatively easy. The best option is the Valley Metro Light Rail, with game tickets including free rides. Use the Washington/3rd Street or Jefferson/3rd Street stations, depending on your direction of travel. The light rail even stops at Sky Harbor Airport. Drivers will find the arena conveniently located near I-10 and I-17. Parking is available in numerous nearby garages, though event rates can be expensive. Expect to pay roughly $15 to $30, with premium locations costing more. The Jefferson Street Garage, adjacent to the arena, typically charges about $20. The plaza outside the main entrance offers ample seating, making it an ideal gathering place before the game, a feature more venues should emulate. Upon entering, fans pass through walk-through security scanners, and bags may be inspected. Security staff are friendly yet thorough. The arena follows standard NBA bag policies, permitting bags up to 14" x 14" x 6" without requiring them to be clear. The concourse was widened during the 2020 renovation, creating a comfortable flow of pedestrian traffic. Restrooms are plentiful and remain clean throughout the game. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets start at around $28, though Ticketmaster fees can push the total cost to more than $40 for an entry-level seat. Premium seats can exceed $150. Tickets are mobile-only and accessible through the Phoenix Mercury app, which links directly to Ticketmaster. A nice perk is that game tickets include access to Valley Metro Light Rail service, allowing fans to avoid downtown parking costs. While ticket prices are slightly higher than those at other WNBA venues, the included transit benefit helps offset the expense. Fans who choose to drive should expect to pay approximately $15 to $30 for parking in nearby garages and lots. The Mercury enhance the game-day experience with a variety of ticket packages, giveaways, and theme nights throughout the season. Promotions include Buy One Get One Free offers, specialty jersey packages, fan sweepstakes, cultural celebration nights, and Fan Appreciation events. Be sure to check the Mercury website before purchasing tickets. Concessions are plentiful but carry premium arena pricing, with food and beverage costs generally running higher than at many WNBA venues. Extras 2 Easy access via Valley Metro Light Rail is a major plus and helps distinguish the Mercury game-day experience from many other WNBA venues. Fans are also reminded of the franchise's rich history by the three championship banners (2007, 2009, 2014) hanging overhead, along with Diana Taurasi's retired No. 3 jersey, the first in team history. Final Thoughts Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. If you haven’t been to the arena in a while, come check out some summer hoops at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk and Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 PK Park 2760 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Eugene, OR 97401 Eugene Emeralds website PK Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,000 A New Chapter in Ems Baseball The city of Eugene may be best recognized for two things: The University of Oregon and a storied track and field history. Little known outside of the Pacific Northwest is the lone professional franchise in the city, the Eugene Emeralds. Dating back to 1955, the Ems have had a storied history, much of it spent in the single-A Northwest League. A true relic in the ballpark world, Eugene played in Civic Stadium, a WPA facility that was configured for baseball only in the late 1960s. Since then, the venerable wooden ballpark would be home to summer baseball in the Emerald City, and the rare structure was admired by old-timers and ballpark enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the place started deteriorating quickly, and the Ems made a controversial decision. With the University of Oregon restarting their baseball program at a new on-campus facility, Eugene sadly moved away from its long time home after the 2009 season. Civic Stadium still stands (barely) and a grass-roots campaign, Friends of Civic Stadium, is trying to keep the place alive. In the meantime, the Emeralds are looking for their first league title since 1980, as they have now spent the last several years across town in PK Park. While the Ems are clearly a second tenant with the stadium’s focus and visuals centered on the Ducks, it is still a beautiful park in which to watch baseball. Food & Beverage 4 While there is only one main concession stand at PK, there are several side carts with decent options and a somewhat hidden spot featuring many choices. Down at field level near the picnic area known as “Levi’s Landing,” the nearby stand is open to all fans and not just reserved for those at the landing. The lines are much shorter and the offerings are the same, with a few bonus items like a grilled BBQ chicken sandwich ($7.75) or an avocado turkey burger ($8.00). Playing up the Sasquatch theme, a few Jack Link’s jerky choices are available, too. For the best value on these generally high food prices, head to the Ems Shack, where $8 is enough for a meal, as both the Thai ginger chicken wrap and the Southwestern wrap are very good (they are available in a bowl, too). As for beer, you are in Oregon, where it is nearly a crime not to drink a local craft brew. Eugene has an abundance of great breweries to try, as draft products from OakShire, Ninkasi and GoodLife are all on tap. Despite being in the confines of a single-A ballpark, be sure to have lots of cash on hand, with a small craft beer costing $7 and the large premium running $9. Atmosphere 4 At PK Park, it is blatantly obvious who this ballpark caters to: the University of Oregon. Logos and wordmarks from the well-funded university are splashed all over the stadium, and while aesthetically it looks good, the Emeralds have been relegated to a second tenant. A few touches try to change that (like the Sasquatch peering from outside the women’s bathroom), but in the end, there is a real shadow from Autzen Stadium in the distance. With that being said, PK Park is a really nice baseball stadium and a great place to watch the Emeralds. Instead of spreading out the seating bowl, all of the forest green chairbacks are located between the bases in a steeply pitched set-up that features excellent sightlines. Adding to the ambiance is a nice looking wooden roof that covers most of the seats. While the Emeralds play baseball in the dry season, there are still some nights this roof comes in handy. The outfield does not have much of a visual; however, the scoreboard sits on a pair of snazzy lightpoles that are incorporated into the design. For games starting in the early evening, it is hard to see the numbers on those boards, as the setting sun shines directly upon them. The baseball atmosphere in the park is decent with the frequent (almost too frequent) playing of an old-school organ. The highlight of attending an Emeralds game is their hilarious green mascot, Sluggo. For the good mascots, they are able to entertain the young ones during the game. Sluggo, does well to entertain everybody, and I found myself laughing several times at his antics. Just search YouTube for some of his best work, but the move of the night for me was seeing him throw water balloons into the visiting team’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 Oregon’s second largest city is located in the southern end of the Willamette Valley. Similar to the rest of the state, Eugene is full of people who love the outdoors, and opportunities are plentiful with many biking paths, along with spots to run, hike, raft or climb. The Emerald City is also very green and environmentally-conscious. Walking around town, you are sure to see some interesting people, as this is a quirky and eccentric place to visit. With the nearby University, the center of Eugene has a large college town feel, and there are several places to enjoy a drink or bite to eat. On the other side of the Willamette River, PK Park can be found in a separate university athletic complex. In the Barlow neighborhood, this section consists of Autzen Stadium, Pape Field and pavement, lots and lots of pavement. Parking lots for the football stadium make up much of the area, and this leaves PK Park a little soul-less in terms of the neighborhood. With downtown a few miles away, this side of the river contains Alton Baker Park, which includes a children’s museum. For food, check out the O Bar and Grill. Fans 3 Similar to other Northwest League teams, the Emeralds only average a few thousand fans, and on the night I attended, about half of the park was full. Ducks apparel outnumbers those wearing hats or shirts with the Emeralds logo on them. Despite what seems like a generic approach to the Ems, the crowd is quite lively and they are into the game. Along with good support, little things like clapping at the result of a helpful second strike gives the perception that these fans care about their players and the game. Access 3 I-5 is the north-south highway that connects the major cities in Western Oregon, and this interstate leads right into Eugene. While getting to the ballpark from downtown is simple, it is a little awkward coming from the north, as drivers have to backtrack a bit after getting on I-105. The best directions are to just follow the well laid-out signs and arrows for Autzen Stadium, and that will lead you right to PK Park. Because of the football stadium, parking is abundant, but I was surprised at how far the actual lots are from the ballpark. I did not expect having to walk 5-10 minutes for a stadium with so much parking. Instead, the new soccer stadium gets the luxury of being next to the main lot. Another gripe is driving through the uneven and bumpy gravel lot. Inside, concourses are open and wide, with plenty of room to walk around. Though there is just one set of bathrooms, the space is quite large. In fact, women often comment how incredibly large the bathroom is. Just watch out for that Sasquatch! Return on Investment 4 Prices for the most part are reasonable for this level of baseball and the location. Most tickets cost $10, while the parking is a $3 charge. The exception is the aforementioned concession prices, which are surprisingly high, and I didn’t appreciate the little charges (like $1 for a cheese cup or $3 for a pickle). Otherwise, there is certainly value to an Emeralds game, and a visit to PK Park is well worth it. Extras 1 A few years ago, the Emeralds brought on the excellent design company Brandiose to re-brand the team. What followed was a terrific new logo and scheme that focused on Eugene’s eccentricities, along with their nature as an outdoor city. The green coloring and Sasquatch-based logo really spoke to the Emeralds and the team has run with this change, continuing to execute great ideas and promotions. This is not necessarily worth a bonus point, but it should be noted that PK Park has FieldTurf. While, the surface is important for a rough climate like in the Pacific Northwest, it just seems strange to watch players slide on fake grass and fake dirt. Final Thoughts While the most authentic experience at PK Park may be an Oregon Ducks baseball game, the Eugene Emeralds have done their best to set up shop at their relatively new home. With one of the best mascots in baseball and a terrific modern field, the Ems continue to produce a good experience for fans during the summer.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Providence Park 1844 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97220 Portland Timbers Providence Park Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 25,218 Taking the Timbers to the Top “It’s a fantastic place to play. These environments didn’t exist when I played…Portland is among the top of the list of great environments…this is what soccer should be like.” – Robin Fraser The Portland Timbers game experience is unparalleled in MLS. Without a doubt, this is one of the best experiences any sports fan will have in America, let alone MLS. After recent stadium expansions and enhancements, the transformation of Providence Park from a former baseball field into a top-tier soccer establishment is complete, and the results are breathtaking. A vaulting sideline seating expansion that added multiple levels of seats and concessions for fans provides some of the best views in the stadium, and a new fan store near the main entrance provides fans a perfect place to gear up before matches. Add to that the biggest crowds and the loudest environment in the league, making this a perfect place to watch MLS at its best. Food & Beverage 4 Food and drinks at Providence Park are exceptional, but the prices tend to be higher than other soccer stadiums. There is a wide variety of options, however, something one would expect a sports stadium in Portland to have. Fresh food and cold beer are the name of the game here – beer ranges from $9 to $10.50, while water and soda run $4.75 to $5.50. A hot dog costs $6.25 while a veggie salad can be purchased for $10.50. Chicken tenders with tater tots cost $11, a cheeseburger runs $10.50, and the increasingly popular Impossible Burger costs $12. Ice cream bars are also available for $5, while Tillamook dairy items can be found all over the stadium. Atmosphere 5 During Portland Timbers games the stadium is rocking the entire game – fans cheer with every goal, and smoke fills the end zone. The facilities are clean, plentiful, and you never have to wait longer than needed. From the moment you walk up to the outside entrances of the stadium you feel the energy. The outside of the former baseball stadium still sports the old marquee letters for game days, while the new east side entrance on the corner of 18th and Morrison sports light up letters that read ONWARD ROSE CITY as the night darkens. All throughout the stadium the colors and the feel of the city are echoed, while natural wood is used in various places to give you a true Pacific Northwest feel. The main thoroughfares and walkways throughout the concourses are also well lit and clean, meaning you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Neighborhood 5 Providence Park is located right in the middle of shopping, dining, and everything Portland. Like the majority of the city, the stadium is within walking distance to anything you want. Situated in the historic Alphabet District, this soccer stadium is perfect for those who also like to enjoy the city in which it is located. Just blocks away from Providence Park are Park Lake Suites & Inn and Hotel deLuxe. Blue Star Donuts, Von Ebert Brewing, Multnomah Whiskey Library, TILT, and countless more restaurants are also nearby to satisfy every palate possible. And if you are looking for something to do, Portland has it – you are only an hour away from Mt. Hood and beautiful national park scenery, as well as the Columbia River Gorge. You are also not far from the International Rose Test Garden or Pittock Mansion. Fans 5 Before the start of the 2019 season the Timbers had the distinction of selling out every single MLS home game in the team’s history, including playoffs. That stat alone should help one understand how loyal the fans in Portland are. The wait list for season tickets is upwards of 10,000, and interest continues to grow. The north end zone is where the fan zone is located. Here, the Timbers Army sing, chant, and yell the entire game. Whenever a Portland goal is scored, the Army erupt with green smoke filling the air. The rest of the fans in the stadium are also as passionate about the Timbers as possible. Each fan seems to have a favorite player, and they know the team better than anyone else. The stadium is also filled with the youngest fans, as families find Timbers games perfect for bringing out the kids for a night out in Oregon. Every kind of fan can be found here, from the diehard loyalists from the team’s USL days to the visitors passing through. Access 3 The biggest downfall at Providence Park is the lack of on-site parking. The venue does not feature a parking garage or any parking lots, as it is located literally right in the middle of a commercial and residential neighborhood. However, various parking lots in the area offer their spaces up to fans attending games. The big push here in Portland is the use of public transportation – several bus lines take you right to the stadium’s neighborhood. In addition, many fans choose to make a night of their game visit, spending the afternoon and evening shopping and eating at local restaurants before walking to the game. Getting to the stadium is easy as signs help direct you to the facility when you exit off I-405, and Providence Park itself is located just blocks from the highway, just off of W. Burnside Street. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Portland Timbers games range from $41 on up, depending on the matchup. The team sells single game tickets through SeatGeek, so some tickets may be available at under the face-value price, though most games are face value or higher. The price, however, is easily worth it as experiencing a game in Portland is well worth the money spent. Without a doubt this is one of the top experiences in America for sports, let alone MLS. The stadium is beautiful and very intimate, meaning you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action no matter where you sit. The fans make the game day experience extra special too, thanks to their hardcore loyalty and love of the Timbers. Extras 5 After each Timbers goal and/or clean sheet, Timber Joey uses a giant chainsaw to slice off a piece of pine tree in front of the Timbers Army. During the game, he also wanders around the sidelines of the pitch interacting with fans as the team’s unofficial mascot. Timber Joey, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey The new east seating area features several art installations throughout the concourses, adding to the local history and connection of the stadium. In addition, the stadium also features several banners hanging from the rafters, showcasing the history and successes of the Timbers and their stadium-mates, the Portland Thorns. After every Timbers game the players who scored goals come over to the supporters’ side and hold up the slices of wood cut by Timber Joey in triumph to celebrate with the home fans. Also, before games there are plenty of home fans who meet up at various local bars and restaurants before kickoff to get ready for the match. Final Thoughts Timbers games are what make the MLS shine. Akin to the game day experiences in Orlando, Seattle, and other successful cities in the league, the Timbers have made their home one that is inviting for fans and electric to experience. This is the model experience for soccer in America, and anyone who visits will tell you it is on par with some of the best stadiums overseas. Without a shred of doubt, the Portland Timbers have made their home a shining beacon for sporting excellence in North America, something that should not be missed if you’re in the Pacific Northwest.

Imagine if Lord Stanley presented the Stanley Cup to the winners of the top amateur hockey team in Canada, only to have it sent back to him not once, but on two occasions. Could you have imagined his bewilderment at seeing his contribution to the sport returned to him on multiple occasions? Well, that happened to a man who donated a similar trophy in a similar league, one that has been lost to time. The Horlick Cup was a $300 silver trophy presented to the winning team in the Western Polo League. It wasn’t the type of polo on horses, but the kind played on roller skates like ice hockey. The sport changed its name in the 1920s to roller hockey and is still played today in many parts of the world. The cup was created in 1904 when the sport was widely popular in the Midwest, especially in Indiana, where most of the teams were based. The cup was two feet high, with two polo sticks crossed on the front, with a ball at the bottom. The tulip-shaped trophy had two handles and was supported by a base. It would be kept permanently if a polo club won it in three consecutive seasons. William Horlick, a businessman and philanthropist who made a fortune through the invention of malted milk, donated the prize. He lived in Racine, Wisconsin, where he owned a polo team in the league the season before. He later donated land for Horlick Athletic Field, which hosted the Racine Legion of the National Football League and the Racine Belles in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The trophy was awarded to the Elwood Grays, who finished the 1902-03 season with a 50-30 record, five games ahead of the Richmond Quakers. The cup arrived by train and stopped in Richmond for folks to admire before heading to Anderson to be engraved. It was on display at the Opera House drug store before being awarded to the Grays before their last game of the season. The inscription read, “Winners of the Pennant, Western Roller Polo Association, 1902-03.” It also listed all six players’ names. The cup was displayed in the window of the Nasbaum and Mashmeyer department store. The following season, the Richmond Quakers captured the cup with a 52-36 record, one game ahead of the second-place Marion Foxy Five. The trophy was presented to the Quakers before their last game against Elwood. The Coliseum was decorated for the occasion, and small flags were provided to the fans. The cup was placed on a stand in front of the net that was draped with an American flag. Both teams lined up on opposite sides, and members of the Elwood teams handed silver horseshoes to the Quakers as a sign of good luck while holding the cup. A speech was given in front of a raucous 2,000 faithful in the building. The Quakers held the cup and skated off the floor while an orchestra played in the background. After the season, the Horlick Cup was put on display in the club room of the Elk’s Club, where most of the roster were members. Before the start of the season, Richmond released a statement that it would remain in the Western League for the season but leave for the proposed National Polo League the following season due to salary limits on players. They also intended to keep the Horlick Cup, a clear violation since they had not won it in three consecutive seasons. The Western League began its third season but lost two members, Indianapolis and Elwood, early in the season. After 40 games, the league was down to four clubs and announced that it was folding for the year. Marion was in first place with a record of 23-16, just ahead of Richmond with a 22-18 record. Marion felt that the cup was rightfully theirs and that the league managers awarded them the pennant when the league shut down operations. Based on this decision, it qualified them to hoist the cup regardless of whether the season ended prematurely. On the other hand, Richmond said since the season ended early, Marion was not the rightful owners of the cup. It should be kept with them until the league is reorganized, and that Mr. Horlick should be consulted on the issue. Marion president Ben Larrimer said that if M.C. Henley, president of the Richmond Athletic Association, did not send it to his team, representatives would travel to Richmond and take it. Henley then replied that it would be sent to Marion once the engraving from the previous season was completed on the trophy. To make things more confusing, Marion joined the Central League after the Western Loop folded and became eligible for that league's championship trophy, the Hennings Cup. However, as they were still playing regular season games, the club was still setting its sights on Richmond, which was holding "their" trophy. On March 16, Marion challenged Richmond to a series of games plus 70 percent of the receipts. Richmond, thinking that they were the true cup champions, decided to challenge Danville, the champions of the Hennings Cup in the Central Polo League, to a post-season series. However, none of these challenges occurred, and the cup was sent back to Horlick in Racine until the Western League was revised again. That would occur two years later with a smaller schedule of games. The new loop consisted of Anderson, Marion, Logansport, and Kokomo. They would play an 18-game schedule, with the pennant winner awarded the Horlick Cup. For the third time, Marion had a chance to rightfully claim the championship. The cup was sent back to Indiana and put on display at the four different rinks. Newspaper articles once again talked about the silver cup; most folks thought Marion would be the clear favorite to capture it. After a two-year hiatus, roller polo appeared to be back in favor with fans in all four cities. Opening night games in Anderson and Logansport attracted 1,200 and 1,000, respectively, and Kokomo played in front of 2,000 howling fans the next night. However, the average crowd at games could be as low as 300 fans per game in some cities. Paid attendance figures were lower than what league management had expected. After just 10 games and one week left in the season, Anderson called it quits due to low gate receipts and a lack of available players. With only three teams left, the league attempted to add Lafayette as a fourth team to finish the season, but that fell through. Kokomo then decided to throw in the towel a few days later due to a disagreement with scheduling. In the end, Marion and Kokomo were tied atop the standings with 6-4 records, and no decision was made on who would win the cup. Since Kokomo had quit the league, Marion might have had a claim to it, which ironically was on display in town. In the end, Marion felt that they did not rightfully earn the cup and sent it back to Mr. Horlick in Wisconsin. The local paper had this to say. "It is some satisfaction to know that they had to break up the league to keep Marion from taking the cup." For the second time, the trophy was sent back to its creator. What happened to it remains a mystery since there were never any other attempts to revise the Western League. There would be other roller polo leagues, but it appears that Horlick never bothered again to donate it to crown its champion. After two fiascos, he probably found a better use for it. William Horlick’s name — and his many contributions — are still remembered, but the game he loved has largely faded into history. The once-prized cup may still exist somewhere in a family archive, though it’s just as likely lost to time. Had the league managed its affairs more effectively, the Horlick Cup might still hold a place of recognition today. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

It's time to spotlight the ballparks that define High-A minor league baseball across the Midwest, Northwest, and South Atlantic Leagues. Some stadiums are timeless classics, others are newly constructed or only a few years old, and some have recently undergone significant renovations. One new High-A ballpark debuted in 2026, the Hillsboro Hops Ballpark, while one former team returned to affiliated ball, the Frederick Keys, who previously played in the Draft League. We congratulate the Quad City River Bandits for their 2026 Midwest League Championship, the Winston-Salem Dash for the SAL Championship, and the Vancouver Canadians for winning the 2026 Northwest League Championship. Stadium Journey rankings are based on our patented FANFARE scale, which evaluates each venue across seven key categories: 🍔 Food & Beverage Options 🎉 Game Day Atmosphere 🏙️ Surrounding Neighborhood 🙌 Fan Support 🚗 Access (inside and outside the park) 💸 Return on Investment 🧩 Extras - Unique features that don’t fit neatly into the other categories or deserve additional acknowledgement When two or more ballparks earn the same score, the Stadium Journey Council of Elders steps in to break the tie with their seasoned insight. To dive deeper into each stadium’s review, just click the link associated with the team’s name. Enjoy the rankings - and see where your favorite ballpark lands! Our list won’t match everyone’s, and that’s okay. We’d love to hear what you think. Share your take with Stadium Journey on any of our social media channels. How does your list stack up against ours? In your view, where do we line up, and where do we miss the mark? Hillsboro Hops Ballpark – Hillsboro Hops (No Review) Stadium Journey needs your help. If you are interested in writing a review of the new ballpark in Oregon, please contact Stadium Journey! 29. AdventHealth Stadium - Rome Emperors – 3.00 (SAL) Gregory Koch - Rome, GA, has been home to minor league baseball since 2003, when the Macon Braves relocated to the city to become the Rome Braves. The team moved into AdventHealth Stadium, where they continued competing in the South Atlantic League. Following the 2023 season, the Braves rebranded as the Rome Emperors, with the logo being an emperor penguin in the outfit of a Roman emperor. 28. Gesa Stadium - Tri-City Dust Devils – 3.00 (NWL) Matt Finnigan - With great views and reasonable costs, a game at Gesa Stadium enables fans to enjoy baseball in a unique setting that does not break anyone’s bank. The ballpark is clean, well-maintained, and well worth a visit. 27. PK Park - Eugene Emeralds – 3.14 (NWL) Sean Rowland - While the most authentic experience at PK Park may be an Oregon Ducks baseball game, the Eugene Emeralds have done their best to set up shop there. With one of the best mascots in baseball and a terrific modern field, the Ems continue to produce a good experience for fans during the summer. 26. Classic Auto Group Park - Lake County Captains – 3.14 (MWL) Marc Viquez - Classic Park features a nautical theme, evident throughout the concourse with mini-boats, concession stands named Castaway’s Bar and The Galley. The stadium is one mile from Lake Erie, where many ships lie shipwrecked underneath its deep waters. However, there are a few quirks that make it stand out from the average ballpark around the league. 25. Dozer Park - Peoria Chiefs – 3.14 (MWL) Michael Rusignuolo - Dozer Park is a decent place to catch a game if you find yourself in Peoria. Like its host city, it neither hits the heights nor delves the depths, but finds a pleasant middle and stays constant in it. 24. Heritage Financial Park - Hudson Valley Renegades – 3.29 (SAL) Greg Venuto - Heritage Financial Park is a solid venue to take in minor league baseball. The scenery is picturesque, the ballpark is cozy and the new improvements make it even more worthy of a stadium journey. And there’s always a chance to witness a future NY Yankee. 23. Bowling Green Ballpark - Bowling Green Hot Rods – 3.29 (SAL) Marc Viquez - Bowling Green Ballpark is a serviceable ballpark that offers all the amenities for fans. The wrap-around concourse offers fantastic food options, activities for children, drinks for adults, and gorgeous views from multiple vantage points. It is a great spot to check out a game when you are on your way between the Triple-A ballparks in Louisville and Nashville. 22. ABC Supply Stadium – Beloit Sky Carp – 3.43 (MWL) Marc Viquez - The history of baseball in Beloit almost came to an end, but the construction of ABC Supply Stadium helped save the franchise from relocations or being ousted by Major League Baseball. It is located in a beautiful setting in Beloit and has a charm that is not found at many minor league stadiums across the country. 21. Nymeo Field At Harry Grove Stadium - Frederick Keys – 3.57 (SAL) Richard Smith – The Frederick Keys and their staff go out of their way to make Harry Grove Stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience. 20. LMCU Ballpark - West Michigan Whitecaps – 3.57 (MWL) Meg Minard - It could be easily said that a West Michigan Whitecaps game is a party with a baseball game going on. It’s an affordable way to spend a fun afternoon or evening. And with major upgrades underway, LMCU Ballpark is being transformed into a state-of-the-art venue that fans will enjoy for years to come. 19. Fluor Field - Greenville Drive – 3.71 (SAL) James Clotfelter - The Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Red Sox, has called Fluor Field home since its gates opened in 2006. Paying homage to their major league affiliate, Fluor Field shares many of the same dimensional characteristics as Fenway Park. The Drive front office has made a continued investment in the stadium since its inauguration, maintaining the standard of one of the best High-A experiences in the country. 18. Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium - Everett AquaSox – 3.71 (NWL) Lloyd Rothwell - Fun and affordable, entertaining baseball. Visitors to the Pacific Northwest should definitely add Everett Memorial Stadium to their travel itinerary. 17. Veterans Memorial Stadium - Cedar Rapids Kernels – 3.71 (MWL) James Hilchen - Veterans Memorial Stadium isn’t anything fancy, but it provides everything you need to enjoy a fun baseball experience. If you are a ballpark fanatic, don’t sleep on this one. 16. Daniel S. Frawley Stadium - Wilmington Blue Rocks – 3.71 (SAL) Dave Cottenie - With an excellent acknowledgment of Delaware baseball and sports history, the Wilmington Blue Rocks have put together a good presentation of minor league baseball. Judy Johnson Field @ Daniel S. Frawley Stadium is a solid home for the team and offers plenty for fans. The popularity of the Mr. Celery character is curious and seems pretty organic. It is just something that needs to be seen in person to fully understand. 15. HomeTrust Park - Asheville Tourists – 3.86 (SAL) James Clotfelter - HomeTrust Bank Park is an old-school ballpark filled with quirky features, from the oddly high outfield wall to the giant grassy hill beyond the outfield. Together, these elements give the stadium a unique, cozy feel that is difficult to replicate in a modern ballpark. 14. ShoreTown Ballpark - Jersey Shore BlueClaws – 3.86 (SAL) Matthew Collins - Bruce Springsteen once said “Down the Shore Everything’s Alright,” and the same can be said about the experience at a Jersey Shore Blue Claws game. If you’re visiting the shore for a week, a day, or the summer, be sure to catch a game in Lakewood. 13. Maimonides Park - Brooklyn Cyclones – 3.86 (SAL) David Welch - The passion Brooklyn has for baseball creates a fun and knowledgeable baseball community. Partnered with the work the Cyclones do in meshing fans with fun, and the carnival atmosphere from neighboring Luna Park midway and the Coney Island boardwalk, baseball at Maimonides Park is one of the true gems in minor league baseball. 12. Avista Stadium – Spokane Indians – 4.00 (NWL) Meg Minard - Seeing a game in such a historic venue and having a fabulous customer service atmosphere makes attending a game here well worth the price of admission. 11. Truist Stadium - Winston-Salem Dash – 4.00 (SAL) Paul Baker - North Carolina is a state which contains no shortage of minor league ballparks, some of which are undoubtedly among the best in the country. While Truist Stadium is not as new and shiny as some of the other ballparks in the state, it remains a fantastic place to take in a ballgame and should absolutely be on your to-do list should you find yourself in the Tar Heel State. 10. Day Air Ballpark – Dayton Dragons – 4.00 (MWL) Paul Baker - Support for the Dragons in Dayton remains strong. Often cited as an example of a ballpark that spurred economic growth in an urban neighborhood, Day Air Park continues to be the center of activity in downtown Dayton. Recent and planned improvements will ensure the ballpark’s viability for another quarter century and beyond. 9. Jackson Field - Lansing Lugnuts – 4.14 (MWL) Meg Minard - Catching a Lansing Lugnuts game is a highlight of any visit to this capital city in the spring and summer. The Lugnuts deliver a fun, family-friendly baseball experience at Jackson Field at an affordable price. 8. Neuroscience Group Field - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers – 4.14 (MWL) Michael Rusignuolo - With well thought-out renovations and an attention to detail and customer service, Neuroscience Group Field is a great park to visit and is exceptional in nearly every area. The "Ballpark Of The Year" title was fairly won, and Neuroscience Group Field is a standout in nearly every way, if only held back by the price tag and its airport-adjacent location. 7. First National Bank Field – Greensboro Grasshoppers – 4.14 (SAL) Gregory Koch - First National Bank Field is a gorgeous, modern stadium with all the amenities one might expect of a newer ballpark. The Greensboro Grasshoppers have a loyal fan base and put on an outstanding gameday experience. Baseball fans in North Carolina will definitely want to hop on down here to check out a game. 6. Four Winds Field - South Bend Cubs – 4.29 (MWL) Dave Cottenie - In the land of the University of Notre Dame, minor league baseball is alive and well. The South Bend Cubs offer one of the best experiences a fan could ask for in minor league baseball. 5. Fifth Third Park – Hub City Spartanburgers – 4.29 (SAL) Michael Rusignuolo - Fifth Third Park opened its doors in 2025 for the team's first home opener. (And if the name gives you deja vu, you're not imagining it: Fifth Third Bank currently has naming rights for at least seven sports venues across the country.) The new Fifth Third Park provides an exceptional home for the Spartanburgers, shining especially brightly with its concession options and attention to the little things. 4. Modern Woodmen Park - Quad Cities River Bandits – 4.29 (MWL) James Hilchen - The view from Modern Woodmen Park qualifies as one of the best in baseball. The view of the Mississippi and the Centennial Bridge is just as amazing. The view at night with Centennial Bridge lit up is worth the price of admission by itself. 3. Parkview Field - Fort Wayne TinCaps – 4.43 (MWL) Dave Cottenie - For nearly two decades, Fort Wayne has been opening the eyes of baseball fans, as Parkview Field is one of the top venues in minor league baseball. The TinCaps experience and the Johnny Appleseed motif are ones that baseball fans from all over must experience. It is apple-solutely fantastic! 2. Dow Diamond - Great Lakes Loons – 4.43 (MWL) Meg Minard – The Great Lake Loons stadium and game day experience rank among the best in minor league baseball, thanks to exceptional accessibility, a courteous and welcoming staff, affordable pricing, and enjoyable (not forced) entertainment. 1. Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver Canadians – 4.57 (NWL) Stadium Journey - While the actual baseball being played on the field may not be Major League quality, Nat Bailey Stadium offers a first class experience for fans of all ages. It is an enjoyable and affordable way to spend an evening in Vancouver. The fun factor cannot be beaten, and wandering around the stadium gives spectators a sense of childlike joy.

Photos created and designed by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It’s a cold winter’s night, with lines full of cacophony from the fans, and the action on the floor is palpable. Cheers echo off the wooded seats and bounce off the steel beams, and chants of a score are equal to the roar of a victory. However, the squeak of the sneaker is repelled by the grind of the roller skate. The game is roller polo, and it was the first love in the state before basketball. Indiana was gripped with “polo fever” in 1903. The sport blossomed like a tulip and attracted the attention of entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the sport. They built beautiful palaces, attracted top talent, and created a movement that filled the newspapers from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne to Terre Haute. Once the sport reached its peak, it swiftly fell from grace. What led to its rapid decline and eventual obscurity within a single generation? Maybe the old newspaper articles hold the story of a sport that seemed destined for greatness, if only for a brief time. Roller Polo is hockey on roller skates for today’s audience. However, there were differences. There were five players: two rushers, one halfback, one center, and a goalkeeper. They played on a wooden regulation rink of 80 feet by 40 feet with curved wooden sticks, shin guards, and a goalpost. Each game would be split into three 15-minute periods. The sport was first introduced in the United States from England in the early 1880s and received a second wave of popularity in Indiana in the late 1890s, thanks to M.C. Henley and a few others in Richmond. They formed a polo team, and soon, other cities began holding exhibitions of the new sport. In 1901, the Western League was formed and operated with three clubs. Around the same time, polo leagues back East were not as popular, and local polo magnates decided to entice them to Indiana with high salaries. Soon, the Western League became a professional entity for its second season, with the best players earning double $50 a week. One of these players, Frank Woedtke, was paid $110 to play for Anderson. The quick success of the sport attracted entrepreneurs who suddenly became polo magnates. They formed the six-team Central Polo League for 1903-04. These men built or converted existing buildings into polo rinks to house their new investments. There would be 12 teams, from Terre Haute to Richmond and Fort Wayne to Logansport, to satisfy the masses. Several new polo rinks were constructed to cash in on the popularity of the sport in 1903. Kokomo built a 3,000-seat building and called it “The Alhambra”; Indianapolis constructed a 3,500-seat auditorium, the Terre Haute Coliseum offered over 2,000 seats, and the Lafayette Coliseum had a capacity of 5,000. Anderson opened the Apollo Rink, and Fort Wayne opened The Princess Rink. They all offered modern conveniences: electric lights, steam heating, and unobstructed views of the game. When leagues began play in November of 1903, the fans packed many rinks to see what the Indianapolis News described as “the vim and fire that characterize polo are to be found in no other game. Its excitement is nerve-racking, and as it is 'reasonably' dangerous, it appeals to the hearts of Americans.” The same newspaper filled the sports section with "Polo Dope" with box scores, statistics, stories, and recaps from all over the state. Next to this data would be advertisements for that evening's game, costing 50 cents for a box seat and 25 cents for general admission. In Richmond, local businesses closed during matches, and employers bickered that employees spent the workday talking about previous or future games. Theater performances in Elwood closed during games, city council meetings were held an hour early on game nights, and many cities hosted amateur matches before the main event at home rinks. It was reported that over a million tickets were sold to polo games, and Marion attracted 140,000 fans for 45 home games. 12 teams took to the rinks in 1903 in Indiana and Illinois. Before the start of the 1904-1905 season, both leagues knew that they no longer could afford to pay top dollars for players, but team managers wanted the best athletes to draw crowds. The Central League paid reasonable salaries, drew crowds, and made money, but the Western League paid exorbitant salaries, drew crowds, and made a small profit. They decided to impose a $265 weekly salary limit, much to the chagrin of its players. Meanwhile, Central decided to do away with its $175 weekly limit and pay top dollars for players. Fort Wayne then announced they would pay $75 per star to join their club. Many players refused to take a pay cut and signed with the Western League. The Central had filled its 7-man roster and was in fine shape as its season approached. The Richmond Quakers were not happy with the salary limit and wanted to raise it to secure better players. The team almost left the league in dispute; they had the money to sign better players, but couldn’t based on league rules. Quakers president Micajah C. Henley explained his thoughts. “High salaries ought to bring the best players, and the best players will bring the best crowds. The salary limit seems reasonable, but until there is assurance that every team in the Central League will not try to get players in the Western League, there is danger. We must outbid them.” The 1904-05 season started for both leagues, but whatever peace was made between the two leagues was shattered when the Indianapolis Indians left the Western League for the Central League early in the season. The reason was that the Marion Royals allowed Long John Wiley to sign with Lafayette Sycamores instead of them. This led to all Western clubs posting a forfeit of $1000 to finish the season to discourage any other club from jumping over to the Central. When Elwood failed to post, they were having trouble signing players, and they announced that they were ceasing operations. Elwood sold two players to Kokomo of the Central for $1,000, which was a direct violation of the agreement between the two leagues. Both players should have been sent to teams in the Western League. “While we realize that a war over players at this time would be a bad thing for both organizations, we will do everything in our power to prevent it,” said Foor. “I do not think we stand to lose by it as much as the Western League. We are not looking for trouble and will make any reasonable concessions to prevent a clash, but if a fight is necessary, we can stand it.” Daily newspapers had plenty of photographs of polo players of the era. The rest of the month, the magnates of the Western Loop tried in vain to add two more clubs. They suggested a new one in Indianapolis and contacted Cincinnati Reds management to operate a team. In the meantime, both leagues continued talks of consolidation, but the Central League did not want to add all four teams from the West. The four-team Western League continued to struggle financially. Richmond lost $1,200, and only Marion made money. Anderson had only four players on its roster, and other members were unwilling to give players to strengthen the club. League president Norton had this to say about the situation. “This fight has not only been expensive to both leagues but has also injured attendance. I believe that we are both ready to quit.” The Western loop would cease operations on January 16. Whether it was the fighting between the two leagues that was printed in the daily newspapers, the switching of players, the promises of new teams, or the same four teams playing each other, interest sagged, causing management to call it quits. A few days later, Anderson and Marion joined the Central League, while Richmond and Muncie closed shop. With the polo war over, you think the Central League would see smooth sailing for the rest of the season. It was not the case; clubs were shedding money, attendance had fallen, and there was still fighting over players’ rights. In many cities, the sport’s popularity was fading quickly, and managers of each rink were looking to get out of the polo business. The league would end one week earlier when Lafayette chose not to finish the season and awarded the pennant to Danville, who finished the season in first place with a 59-32 record. The Central League would start a third season, but there was concern with salaries; the profits were no longer large enough to pay $300 a week for players. Two new polo leagues, the Interstate and National League, opted for amateur players and paid them $25 weekly. Danville president William Foor, who owned three clubs in these leagues, said it cost him less to operate them than his Danville team. “The managers and owners of these clubs are not reaping a harvest, but they are making money.” All one had to do was open up the newspaper to see if there was a game that night. Unless salaries were cut under $200 a week, there was no chance of reviving the league for a third season. Another argument was that the public was losing interest in roller polo, according to the Fort Wayne News. “The crowds toward the end of the season grew smaller and smaller until the general public gave open evidence of its impatience with the sport and stayed away.” An eight-team league, minus Terre Haute—whose owner opted to transform his rink into a vaudeville theater—launched its 1905-1906 season on October 23. Teams were scheduled to play 3 to 4 games a week, with Sundays off, and player salaries were slashed to $50 for star athletes and $200 per week for the entire roster. The opening night crowds drew 1,500, but it was apparent from fans and reporters that the type of polo was slightly above amateurism. An elderly man in Anderson called it “punk” and said he had seen better play in local leagues, and one reporter said the following. Attendance figures fluctuate from as high as 2,000 in games in Indianapolis to as low as 500 for contests in Fort Wayne. Many of the best players held out for higher salaries and refused to participate in the league. On February 11, 1906, Fort Wayne played its last game due to heavy financial losses. The Lafayette franchise shifted to Champaign, Illinois, but folded three days later due to poor attendance. Logansport players decided to finish the season despite not being paid. Only Kokomo made a profit, and Danville, Indianapolis, and Marion were ready to quit. The season ended with the top four clubs participating in a post-game series. The winner would receive the Hennings Cup, created to award the champion of the Western League, and be in storage at the Hotel Anderson. Despite some of the largest crowds in recent months, including 3,000 for the final day in Kokomo, a champion was not crowned. Danville and Indianapolis were 2-1 heading into the final day and were expected to play for the cup, but the last-minute change forced Kokomo and Marion to play one another, resulting in all four teams with an even 2-2 record. A $100 prize was divided evenly among all players, leading to a majority of them boarding trains the next day to head back east to start the New England leagues. Fans no longer looked at the game as being “on the square,” and that gamblers were heavily involved with games in Anderson, perhaps elsewhere in the league. There would be no fourth season for the Central League for 1906-1907. Team pictures were taken with uniforms and equipment, highlighting the styles of the time. Soon, managers moved on to other business ventures, and players returned home to New England. The ornate rinks that were created for the game went on to hold roller skating sessions and basketball games, and eventually were razed or lost by fire. Business and attendance were more profitable for roller skating sessions throughout the week and on weekends. Indiana had been cured of its “polo fever,” and though there were revivals of the game, it would be played sporadically until 1958; it never reached the zenith it had during the 1903-1904 season. It had a good run of 4 years in small and large markets in the state. However, one has to believe that with better efforts by league managers and players, maybe it could have lasted a little bit longer. The tale of the two polo leagues is a reminder that some things never change in American sports. Salaries, operational costs, competition for players, and rapid expansion have killed many leagues this past century and will continue to do so in the future. If roller polo had been allowed to grow organically without competition for players and high salary demands, who knows, it might have had a chance. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Sodexo Field 40 University Drive Rindge, NH 03461 Franklin Pierce Ravens football website Sodexo Field website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,000 Football with an Extra “H” Franklin Pierce University is a private liberal arts college located in the small town of Rindge, New Hampshire. Founded in 1962, the school is named after New Hampshire resident Franklin Pierce, who was the 14th President of the United States. Today, the campus has an enrollment of over 1,700 students who study in 25 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs. Among the school’s notable alumni is famed animal behavior researcher Temple Grandin. Franklin Pierce has had some athletic success over their history. The women’s soccer team has won five national championships, and the men’s soccer team has won three national titles of their own. The Ravens compete in the Northeast-10 Conference, a Division Two association consisting of teams located throughout New England and New York. Franklin Pierce first sponsored football in 2012, competing in the Collegiate Sprint Football League from 2013-2017. For those who are not familiar with Sprint football, it is played with identical rules as regular college football, but all players must weigh under 178.0 pounds. After a transitional season, the Ravens joined Division Two. Over their first four seasons in D-2, the Ravens have posted a record of 7-34. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small tent located to the north of the main grandstand. The concessions are staffed by Franklin Pierce's other athletic teams, with proceeds going towards their operations. On the night of Stadium Journey’s visit, the men’s hockey team was working the concession stand. There’s a basic menu featured here, with freshly grilled hot dogs and burgers, assorted candy and chips, and cans of Pepsi products making up the entire menu. On the plus side, no item costs more than four dollars. You can purchase a combo meal featuring a dog or burger with a bag of chips and a drink for just five or six dollars. Atmosphere 3 Franklin Pierce is a small school in a small town. So, you may be surprised by the support and game day atmosphere here at Sodexo Field. There’s a fairly active tailgating scene here at Franklin Pierce, highlighted by the party tents located atop the hill on the north side of the facility. Fans who purchase these tents can simply pull right up to their tent, pull out their gear, and start the party while the game goes on below them. For those of us who cannot afford a season pass in the VIP section, a Ravens game at Sodexo Field is still a pretty entertaining way to spend an afternoon or evening. There’s a good turnout from the student body, who are into the game and boisterous in their support. The Raven’s marching band sets up shop on the berm at the north end of the stadium, and the cheer and dance squads keep the energy up throughout the game. You may even see Rocky the Raven roaming the sidelines. A small scoreboard in the northwest corner of the facility provides basic game information. While there is a lot of fun to be had at a Ravens game, there are some parts of the game day experience that hold down the score a bit. One of these things is the lack of unobstructed views at the facility. Fences surround the field, with windshields tied to all these fences. The presence of the fences, the teams and tents on the sidelines, and the combination of fans standing along the fence and the foot traffic in front of the grandstand throughout the game make it difficult to see everything unless you’re one of the lucky fans sitting in the top few rows of the tiny grandstand. Another aspect in which the Ravens gameday experience struggles is the sound system. The music is played at a modest volume, while the PA announcer tends to scream his way through the game. Fans noted that music was played whenever a player was down on the field injured, which is a definite breach of etiquette at most venues. Neighborhood 1 Franklin Pierce University is a self-contained campus located in a rural area of a small town. There’s not a whole lot in the immediate area of the campus that will attract visiting fans. Emma’s 321 Pub and Kitchen provides solid bar food and draft beer, and Hometown Diner is another great option for a hearty breakfast before heading over to watch some football. Lodging options nearby include the Monadnock Inn, Woodbound Inn, and the Benjamin Prescott Inn. Attractions near Franklin Pierce include Monadnock Mountain, which features miles of hiking trails to its summit. Tourists flock to this part of the country every fall to take in the breathtaking colors of the fall foliage. A Franklin Pierce football game could be a fun part of a weekend of leaf-peeping. Fans 3 Stadium Journey visited Sodexo Field on a beautiful September Saturday night with a reported crowd of 345 in attendance. This appears to be a representative crowd. What the Franklin Pierce crowd may lack in quantity, it makes up for in quality. The fans, made up of friends and family of the players, along with a sprinkling of locals, are energetic and strong in their support of the home team. There’s also a good amount of sportsmanship on display and respect for the visitors. The student body shows up in good numbers, cheering on their classmates and filling the berm with noise. As mentioned earlier, it’s a fun, laid-back time. Access 3 Franklin Pierce University is located in the small town of Rindge, New Hampshire, a town with just over 6,000 residents in the southwestern part of the state. Sodexo Field is at the southern edge of the campus, adjacent to Pappas Field. Driving is the only way you’ll get to this rural campus, with the nearest highway about 20-30 minutes away. State Routes 119 and 202 will get you near campus. Parking is available near Sodexo Field, with the lots adjacent to the facility reserved for season ticket holders and VIPs. Other fans will need to utilize the lots around campus. Just be ready to deal with some hills as you approach the stadium. Seating consists of a small grandstand on the east (home) side of the field and a small set of bleachers on the west (visiting) side. All seats are metal bleachers without backs. Additionally, there is standing room on three sides of the field. Unfortunately, some fans choose to stand at the fence right in front of the grandstand, obstructing the views of fans in the first few rows of the bleachers. Fans requiring special access will be disappointed with the lack of accessible locations. Many fans choose to bring their chairs or blankets and sit on the large hill at the north end of the facility. With the tailgating tents behind you and the band next to you on the berm, this might be the best place on the grounds to watch the action. The grounds are well-manicured, with paved sidewalks leading to all areas of the facility. Small restrooms are located on the ground floor of the press box building behind the main grandstand, with port-a-johns located around the facility to help with wait times. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Ravens football games are priced at ten dollars for general admission seating, with seniors and children admitted for five dollars. Franklin Pierce students are admitted for free. Parking is free of charge in the lots around the athletic fields (just be ready to climb some hills). Concessions are very reasonably priced, visiting Sodexo Field, an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 Banners honoring Franklin Pierce’s national champion soccer teams are hung on the façade of the press box, as well as on the windshields on the far side of the field. While this does not earn an extra point, a Stadium Journey reader, who is a Franklin Pierce alumnus, pointed out that the name of the field is spelled wrong in the facility’s entryway. As you enter the field, look at the welcome arch above your head. Sodexo Field is spelled “Sodexho,” which is the former spelling of the sponsoring company. Sodexo, a French food service and facility management company, dropped the “H” from its name in 2008 because, in certain languages, an “X“ followed by an “H” is difficult to pronounce. A decade and a half later, the misspelled sign remains. The scoreboard, meanwhile, has Sodexo spelled correctly. It’s one of those things you can’t unsee once you see it. Final Thoughts Sodexo Field is typical of other small school facilities in this part of the country. While it may be small, there is a lot of fun to be found here in the foothills of New Hampshire. Just be ready to climb, and please excuse the spelling. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Highbury Canco Arena @ Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre 249 Sherk Street Leamington, Ontario N8H 4X7 Canada Leamington Flyers website Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 2,500 Ketchup War in the Tomato Capital The Ketchup War was an actual thing. For 100 years, there was a Heinz plant in the Tomato Capital of Canada, Leamington, Ontario. In 2013, when Heinz announced they would no longer produce ketchup in Leamington, jettisoning some 700 jobs, competitor French’s stepped in and filled the void. With the aid of social media, the Ketchup War was on, and the battle for shelf space in grocery stores was real. Throughout all of this, the Leamington Flyers played hockey. Established in 1954, the Flyers began at the Junior B level, dropping to Junior C from 1968 to 1992. Success was found in Leamington with Schmalz Cups as Junior C Champion in 1970, 1972, and 1980, to go with 7 league titles. The Flyers jumped up to Junior B in 1992 and went on to win a Sutherland Cup as Junior B Champions in 2023. Immediately following this, the Flyers made the bold move to make another step up to the Junior A level and the Ontario Junior Hockey League. The relative isolation of Leamington in the OJHL makes the move bold, as the closest opponent is over four hours away. The team is owned by Jason Melo, Craig Mahon, Dan Jancevski, David Halliwell and Cam Crowder. Flyers alumni include T.J. Brodie, Tim Gleason, Steve Ott and Zack Kassian. Home for the Flyers is the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre. Built as an aquatic centre in 1985, the Recreation Centre is a community hub that now features two ice pads and community rooms as well as the swimming pool. Naming rights are held by Nature Fresh Farms, a local greenhouse farming operation. The Highbury Canco Arena is the larger of the two ice pads and home of the Flyers. Food & Beverage 3 Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre has a snack bar-style concession that is between the two ice pads. Run by the local Kinsmen, the Kinsmen Kanteen concession proceeds are donated to local charities. The typical items are found here, including burgers, fries, hot dogs,, and nachos. Soda and candy are also here, and Slush Puppies are quite popular. In the northeast corner of the arena, a beer tent stands selling products from the nearby brewery, Brookston Oaks. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre is fairly attractive with light brick and blue accents. The main entrance is from the parking lot on the west side, which offers a canopied entrance. Inside the recreation centre, there is a large atrium that functionally joins the two arenas with the swim complex. It is bright and attractive and features a cute box office structure in between the stairs that go up to Highbury Canco Arena and down to Unico Arena. In the atrium, curious fans will find a few trophy cases as well as torches from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and 2015 Toronto Pan Am games. Fans will ascend the stairs to the Highbury Canco Arena and are greeted at the entrance with portraits of local products who have reached the highest levels of hockey, including Tim Hrynewich, Pat Ribble, Kirk Bowman, Randy Manery, Brad Selwood and Darren McCarty. A special place is held for Olympian Meaghan Agosta. Inside the arena, the ice is north-south oriented with a full 360 walkway behind the seating bowl. The retired number 2 of Meaghan Agosta hangs above the doors. Only the most recent championship banners hang along the east side of the arena, including the 2023 Sutherland Cup banner. There is no hint of the Junior C days. There are also some trophy cases in the arena for local hockey teams. The seating bowl consists of six rows of maroon, plastic, arena seats. The sightlines are strong in Highbury Canco Arena, and there are rails behind the seating, perfect for those fans who prefer to stand for the game. Fans should beware of stickers on seats or standing room spots reserving places for season ticket holders. The game-day production in Leamington is fairly simple. The sound system is very good, and the PA announcer is clear and easy to understand. A pair of flag bearers lead the Flyers on the ice and stand with the players during the national anthem. Neighbourhood 3 Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre is located in the town of Leamington. It has a population of just over 29,000. There are a few options for pre- or post-game food and drink that will require a short drive to get to. Some options include Moonlight, Imperial Diner, Rays Ribhouse, and Augusto’s Grill. Leamington has a few solid Mexican restaurants also, including Cancunsito and Salsa Caliente. The Leamington Flyers are the only game in town. For other sports options, fans will need to head to nearby Windsor, where the Windsor Spitfires are king. Other tourist options in Leamington include Point Pelee National Park, Seacliff Park and Beach, and The Bank Theatre. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Quality Inn is a good option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the OJHL can be a challenge as there are few outlets that compile attendance figures. At the game that was reviewed, the home opener for the 2026-27 season, the Flyers welcomed over 660 fans. This is not far off what they averaged in the previous season. It is fair to say that the Flyers rank in the top third of the OJHL with regard to attendance. The fans in attendance are definitely loud and proud, many bringing noisemakers and air horns to aid in their cause. Access 4 Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre is located in the town of Leamington. With a population of less than 30,000, traffic should not be an issue, and getting to the arena should not be difficult. The arena is approximately 3 km south of the confluence of Highways 3, 33, and 77. Obviously, driving through town will be necessary but should not present a challenge. There is plenty of parking at the rec centre at no cost. For fans who wish to take public transit, there is an LTGO On Demand Transit system. Fans should consult the LTGO website for details. Getting around the arena is not difficult after the initial set of stairs. The washrooms are adequate for the venue, both in Highbury Canco Arena and in the atrium. Fans should note that the arena is quite cold and should dress accordingly, especially early in the season. Fans should also be aware of stickers on seats and in standing room spots reserving them for season subscribers. Return on Investment 5 OJHL hockey is very affordable, and the Leamington Flyers are no different. Flyers tickets are $15. Tickets for students and seniors are $13, and $6 for kids. Tickets are available at the door or online before the game. Parking at Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre is free, and concession prices are good. The Flyers provide a good game-day atmosphere, and the fans in Leamington add to the experience. It all adds up to a great time for a very reasonable price. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Flyers as the only game in town in Leamington. An extra mark for the successful jump the Flyers have made from the Junior B to Junior A level. An extra mark for the Flyers being successful in the face of the relative isolation from the rest of the OJHL. Final Thoughts The Tomato Capital of Canada is ripe with hockey atmosphere! The Leamington Flyers are a solid member of the OJHL, and their home, Highbury Canco Arena @ Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre, is a great spot to catch some junior hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium 291 Catamount Rd Cullowhee, NC 28723 Western Carolina Catamounts website Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 13,742 Mountain Cats On The Attack Western Carolina University lives up to its name, as it is the westernmost campus in the North Carolina University System. It was founded in 1889 and now serves nearly 12,000 students. The school is particularly known for its computer sciences and liberal arts programs. It is also famous for preserving the mountain heritage of the region. The home of the Catamounts is the on-campus Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium. Bob Waters was the winningest coach in Western Carolina history and served as athletic director for the school. E.J. Whitmire was a longtime member of the school’s Board of Trustee’s. The stadium originally opened in 1974 and has a capacity of 13,742. It has gone through numerous upgrades over the years. However, the stadium has really been transformed over the 2024-2025 off seasons and opened the 2026 season with a radically different facility. A new multi-story skybox was added to the western side of the field, which formerly served as the visitor’s side of the stadium. As a result of this massive addition, the western side of the field is now the home side of the facility, and the east side of the stadium now is the visitors seating. The skyboxes include a Hospitality Level with enhanced concessions and premium rooftop seating. Additional upgrades to the stadium include new lighting, a state-of-the-art videoboard and a new field turf surface. Western Carolina has fully dedicated the west side of the stands for its alumni, fans and major donors. To improve its home field advantage, it has left both the Catamount student body and the Pride of the Mountain’s Marching Band in the east stands. This effectively cuts down on the support/noise the visiting team’s fans can generate during a game. The stadium retains both the Ramsey Regional Activity Center at the south end of the field and the Jordan-Phillips Field House at the north of the field. This preserves both a hospitality deck and a scoreboard that overlooks the north end zone and the team locker rooms in the Ramsey Center. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands on both the east and west concourses of E.J. Whitmire Stadium, plus enhanced concession areas in the new skybox area. A food truck court is located at the north end of the stadium offering additional food selections. These trucks include Kona Ice, Wood Fried Grill, Glazed and Infused Donuts, Dragon Pit BBQ and Burgers, J &K Lemonade, Depot Pizza and Cat Daddy’s Creole Cuisine. The main concession stands carry hot dogs ($6), personal-sized pizza ($10), nachos w-cheese ($9), jumbo pretzels ($5), popcorn ($4), chips ($4), candy ($4), and Bojangles sandwiches ($7). Drink selections include Pepsi brand sodas ($6), Gatorade ($5), Sunset Slush and Bojangles sweet tea ($5) and bottled water ($4). Alcohol sales are available at designated stands for patrons over the age of 21. ID’s must be presented, and there is a two-drink limit per purchase. Brands include Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Hazy Little Thing IPA, Paws Pilsner and Barefoot Pinot Grigio. Credit cards are preferred, but there are also cash-only drink and snack stands available. Atmosphere 4 While a game at E.J. Whitmire Stadium does not create the buzz of a 60,000-seat stadium, it more than makes up for it with a beautiful natural setting, rabid fans and a welcoming spirit for visitors. They’ve even painted purple cat paws on the streets on the campus to guide you to the stadium. They are also very proud of the newly upgraded facilities and are eager to show visitors around their new football home. The tailgating scene is quite active throughout the WCU campus. In addition to the fan tailgates, the Greek organizations, school clubs, alumni, and other school organizations also sponsor tailgating activities. The student section really leads the gameday atmosphere, as they all seem to be armed with thunder sticks. The student section is strategically located immediately behind the visiting team’s sideline, making it difficult for the team to communicate. The WCU band is also located on the visitors’ side of the field, doing their part to make communications difficult for the visiting squad. Neighborhood 3 Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC, an unincorporated area of Jackson County, NC. There are no hotels, restaurants or attractions in Cullowhee, except for the on-campus theatre and the Mountain Heritage Center museum. The closest services can be found seven miles north of Cullowhee via Highway 107 in the town of Sylva. Restaurants in Sylva include O’Malley’s Pub and Grill, El Patron Mexican Restaurant, the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company and Forager’s Canteen. Hotels in Sylva include the Holiday Inn Express-Sylva and the Western Carolina Comfort Inn. Other than the fall foliage, the nearest attractions to Western Carolina University are Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC. and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The city of Ashville is less than 60 miles east of Cullowhee. Fans 4 The WCU fanbase is mostly made up of WCU alumni, the students and faculty of the school and townspeople from area communities. Western Carolina has led the Southern Conference in attendance for several years and ranks 20th in the country in attendance for schools at the FCS level of competition. The stands are a sea of purple and gold for every home game. The Western Carolina mascot, Paws, does a great job in keeping the fans enthused throughout the games. He is assisted in keeping the fans involved by the 500-member Pride of the Mountains Marching Band. Access 4 Whitmire Stadium earns our midrange score for access due to its relatively isolated location in the mountains and its long distance from any interstate. However, the state highways and local roads leading to the campus are well maintained. You can also expect heavy traffic on any of the roads in the area during the peak of fall foliage season. Gameday parking for non-students and visiting fans is in the HHS Commuter Parking Lot located across Highway 107 from the WCU campus via Little School Road. Free shuttles begin running between the campus and the satellite parking area two hours prior to kickoff. The Ramsey Center behind the south endzone is the on-campus pickup/drop-off location. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are $23 for General Admission for adults and $18 for children. Bench Back Reserved and Bleacher Reserved tickets are $32 for adults and $22 for children. Parking at Western Carolina games is $15 for advance purchases and $20 on gamedays. Concession prices are in line with what most college concession charge. Merchandise stands are located on both sides of the stadium, as well at the school bookstore, which is open on Saturdays when a home game is scheduled. However, lodging can be very expensive during the fall foliage season in late September and early October. You might want to consider staying in Clayton, GA for lower prices and not too long of a gameday drive the rest of the way up to Cullowhee. Extras 5 So… what’s a Catamount? A Catamount is any type of wild cat such as a cougar, lynx or a bobcat. These types of cats are found in the mountains surrounding the WCU campus. Western Carolina is the only college football team in the country using Catamounts as its nickname. Western Carolina has two rivalry games each season. They play Appalachian State University with the winner taking home the Old Mountain Jug and they play East Tennessee State University in the Blue Ridge Border Battle. WCU has a victory bell which can be transported to both home and away games. It is rung after wins and scores by the Catamounts. The school offers an excellent yearbook, Extra Points, which includes information on every Catamount player, articles on the history of E.J Whitmire Stadium, a section on the various spirit squads, and profiles of the opposing teams that will be battling the Catamounts that season. The beauty of the mountains surrounding the Western Carolina campus at their peak of fall foliage season is absolutely an extra. Final Thoughts The Catamounts have plenty to roar about in their newly upgraded mountain lair. There is so much more to brag about now than just a pretty place to play football amid the gorgeous fall foliage!

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Clover Park 525 NW Peacock Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Map It St. Lucie Mets website Clover Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 7,347 Mets Territory - Port St. Lucie The Single-A St Lucie Mets play their baseball games at the newly renovated Clover Park in Port St Lucie, FL. Clover Park is better known as the spring training facility of the New York Mets. As soon as you see the ballpark (even before entering the parking lot), you know you are in Mets territory. The vibrant shades of Mets orange and blue decorate the exterior of the building, Mets signage and championship years are displayed, and former Mets greats have billboard-sized posters on the outer walls. A palm tree-lined plaza contains plaques with a brief bio for many famous Mets players. And the Mets prominence continues in the interior of the ballpark. Pictures, photos, and murals line the corridors, and the organization painted the cement walls with the likes of David Wright, Jose Reyes, and others. New York Mets retired numbers and championship banners line the façade of the press box. Clover Park Press Box, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Mets home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. The St Lucie Mets originated in 1988 and are members of the Florida State League (FSL). They have won the FSL championship six times, most recently in 2022. Notable alumni include Pedro Martinez, Jacob deGrom, and Mike Piazza. Visitors and fans have a fun time catching a Mets minor league game at Clover Park. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand is open for the St Lucie Mets games, and that’s enough. An additional cocktail cart is open if you all want is an adult beverage. Another cart selling lemonade and frozen Italian ice is also on hand. The Home Plate Grill concession stand offers the basics: chicken tenders & fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, Nathans hot dogs, and Italian sausages ranging from $4.75 - $8.50. Gluten-free buns are available on request. For healthier food, fans can purchase cauliflower pizza or a garden salad. Snacks include popcorn buckets, peanuts, pretzels, Cracker Jack, ice cream, and chips ($3 - $5). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand sodas, bottled water, and traditional domestic beer brands like Michelob Ultra and Budweiser. Atmosphere 3 Palm trees, a few benches, and plaques of many retired Mets greats line the main entrance plaza. The plaza has an impressive 9/11 memorial created from a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Clover Park 9/11 Memorial, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Seating is two levels of traditional blue fold-down stadium seats. Most have cup holders. The rows do not have a lot of legroom between them. The third baseline has tables and chairs. Some seats are covered and not used during the FSL season, and the paths to the outfield concourses are blocked off. A medium-thick net extends down both baselines; there’s no place to sit net-free for the Single-A games. For the most part, they don’t play music over the announcer. The game day staff mostly play music between batters and innings (not pitches), except towards the end of the game when they annoyingly play it between almost every pitch. The music volume is louder on the second level. If you like jamming with the tunes, that’s the area in which to sit. Sit in the first level if you want to enjoy the sounds of the game. The scoreboard shows the name of the player at bat and his stats, the team line-up, and the line score. The game day staff provides the traditional minor league between-inning activities like trivia contests and a smile cam. Trees adorn the area behind the outfield fence, providing a pleasant view. The St Lucie Mets dugout is on the third base side. Both bullpens are behind the left field fence. Neighborhood 3 Several chain hotels, restaurants, and shopping are a mile+ from Clover Park. Places to stay include a Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and more. Shop around as prices differ. A shopping mall is a mile away and has plenty of choices for eating before or after a game. Thirteen or more restaurants are in the area, including Duffy’s Sports Grill, Chili’s, and Pueblo Viejo. The area has a myriad of fast food places. For breakfast or lunch, I recommend Berry Fresh Café. Hopheads can enjoy a local brew at Hop Life Brewing. A food truck with yummy meals is at this brewery. The Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens is worth a visit on the cooler mornings or afternoons. Other sports in the area include the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals about a 45-minute drive south. Fans 3 Lots of Silver Sluggers are in attendance (even on a non-Tuesday), as well as plenty of retired fans. The St Lucie Mets have a decent season ticket holder base. A good number of families with kids attend the games as well. The fans are vocal, and you will hear an abundance of New York accents from the crowd, as it should be. So far, the 2023 attendance numbers have ranged from approximately 700 to 2,300 per game, with the higher attendance on Saturdays. Admirably, most fans throw their own trash away. Access 4 Getting to and in and around Clover Park is easy. The ballpark is less than a mile off Interstate 95. Parking costs $5 (credit card only) and is mostly on paved lots for FSL games. Grass lots extend past the pavement. Several small regional and private airports are nearby. The closest commercial airport is Melbourne (MLB), an hour's drive north. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is one and a half hour’s drive south. The county offers local ART bus service to the ballpark. However, service ends at 7 pm and is not operational on weekends, so it is not conducive for 95% of the St Lucie Mets ball games. The ballpark gates open only 40 minutes before the first pitch. For stadium journeyers and those visiting for the first time, that’s too little time to check out the venue and all it has to offer. Getting through the security check-in is slow, though certainly not intrusive. Standard clear sports bags and small clutches are allowed. After going through security, fans climb a large staircase to get to the concourse. The venue has an elevator to the right of the staircase. Several sets of wheelchair-accessible restrooms are open for a St Lucie Mets game and a separate family restroom is along the concourse. Return on Investment 5 The St Lucie Mets offer a good value for your sports entertainment dollar. Refreshment prices are comparable to other FSL venues. Tickets are $12 on game day, and seating is general admission. It’s unfortunate the team charges for parking. Those over 55 years old can spend $35 and get a variety of perks as a Silver Slugger: A t-shirt, lower ticket prices, free admission on Tuesday games, and a free hot dog and soda on Tuesdays. That’s a great deal. I wish I lived in St Lucie. Fans can purchase a ten-game flex pack ($80). The team offers all kinds of promotions throughout the season: kids crew night, fireworks, dollar nights, family 4-pack nights, military appreciation nights, and the list goes on. Extras 3 The stadium has a sizable team shop to the right of the ticket booth – go to this one. The one inside the stadium doesn’t have as much merchandise. Something I haven’t seen before is chalked lines by second base. I suspect these are visual reminders to the infielders on where they can (or cannot) stand based on MLB’s new rules. Clover Park Chalked Lines by Second Base, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. It’s fantastic the Mets organization holds both its spring training and Single-A games in the same facility. Final Thoughts Clover Park is a well-branded NY Mets facility. The Single-A version is an enjoyable, cost-effective way to spend a few hours experiencing our national pastime. Visit it if in the area.

The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball is generally considered to be the highest level of baseball among all of the independent leagues. One of four MLB Partner Leagues, its ten teams are located in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states. The league requires its ballparks to be built to Triple-A specifications, and for the cities to be able to support a ballpark in the 4,000-7,500 seat range. Play in the Atlantic League is considered to be at about the Double-A or Triple-A level. When Minor League Baseball reorganized in November 2020, two Atlantic League ballparks, in Somerset, NJ and Sugar Land, TX, were chosen to join affiliated baseball. This speaks to the high quality of the ballparks in the circuit. Stadium Journey’s writers are frequent visitors to the ten ballparks in the Atlantic League. We were able to update reviews for three of the league’s ten parks in 2026, and eight of the ten venues have been reviewed within the last three years. The ballparks are ranked according to Stadium Journey’s patented FANFARE system, which ranks facilities according to their Food and beverage, gameday Atmosphere, surrounding Neighborhood, Fan support, Accessibility, Return on investment, and an Extra category for anything not covered by the other six categories. When two or more ballparks are tied, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is convened to break the deadlock. Without any further ado, we are proud to present Stadium Journey’s ranking of the ballparks of the Atlantic League for the 2026 season. 10. CaroMont Health Park – Gastonia Ghost Peppers 3.14 Michael Rusignuolo - Although the surroundings, food, and crowds won't blow you away, the park is easy to get to and provides an affordable night out in a unique layout that doesn't skimp on the extras. 9. Truist Point – High Point Rockers 3.14 Gregory Koch - Truist Point is an unusual stadium, and not necessarily in a positive way. Nonetheless, if you are in the Piedmont Triad, a trip to a Rockers game can be a fun way to spend a summer's night. Hang out with Hype and watch a baseball game up close for a great price. 8. Staten Island University Hospital Community Park – Staten Island FerryHawks 3.14 David Welch - SIUH Community Park’s location has a rich history of hosting baseball, rooted in the borough’s love for the game and its waterfront setting. With intimate sight lines, breathtaking skyline, and harbor views, the park offers a unique and memorable outing for fans. 7. Legends Field – Lexington Legends 3.29 Marc Viquez – Legends Field was built in an era where minor league ballparks opened up across the country in record numbers. The ball club has placed itself above the copious sporting and entertainment options for over 20 years and is growing in Lexington. A ballpark that features seats close to the diamond, cheap tickets, and cheaper eats is what minor league baseball used to be and what it still should be for the average fan. 6. Regency Furniture Stadium – Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 3.43 Joseph Oakes - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are within the footprint of both the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. If you don’t feel like fighting big city traffic and forking out a lot of money, the Blue Crabs are just the spot for you! 5. GoMart Ballpark – Charleston Dirty Birds 3.57 Paul Baker - GoMart Ballpark may not be the type of ballpark that makes anyone’s “Best Of” list. But it does many things well. It’s inexpensive, cozy, and thanks to The Toast Man and the cast of regulars in Section 107, incredibly entertaining. This ballpark suits the Atlantic League, the city of Charleston and its baseball fans perfectly. 4. Wellspan Park – York Revolution 4.00 Richard Smith – Wellspan Park is home to the tallest outfield wall in all of baseball. At 37 feet, 8 inches, the left field wall is called the “Arch Nemesis,” and is 8 inches taller than the famed Green Monster at Fenway Park. 3. Penn Medicine Park – Lancaster Stormers 4.14 Richard Smith - In 2005, Lancaster came back to professional baseball as part of the independent Atlantic League. The name “Barnstormers” was chosen in a team-sponsored fan ballot. The name served two purposes: first, playing on the term “Barn,” as well as referring to the act of “barnstorming,” which is playing in exhibition games while travelling around in various areas. In 2024, they rebranded with the Stormers name and the bull as a main part of their logo, as well as using some storm and barn imagery. 2. Fairfield Properties Park – Long Island Ducks 4.29 Meg Minard – Summer on Long Island can be a lot of fun with the beaches, piers, and boating. When on Long Island, be sure to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying a laid-back, entertaining nine innings with friends and family at Fairfield Properties Park. 1. Meritus Park – Hagerstown Flying Boxcars 4.43 Richard Smith – After losing the Suns and Municipal Stadium, the initiative to reintroduce baseball to Hagerstown happened quickly, and within four years, the newly established team, the "Flying Boxcars" (named after the Fairchild military cargo plane manufactured locally after the war), along with the ballpark (named after the local healthcare company Meritus), had their inaugural season in 2024.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Tucker Stadium 1105 N Peachtree Ave Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Tucker Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,000 The Eagles Have Landed The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles recently completed a $60 million renovation of Tucker Stadium, completely rebuilding the west side of their football venue. Changes included adding chairback seating, drink rails, club seating, luxury suites, and all-new concessions. The project also included a 40,000-square-foot football operations center; renovations began in 2024 and were completed in time for the 2026 season. So far this season, the Golden Eagles have struggled to fill the new west side to capacity, but attendance should increase over time, as fans start to learn more about this new gem in Cookeville, Tennessee. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage scene at redesigned Tucker Stadium lacks little, if anything. There are a slew of food trucks on offer behind the east stands (visitors side), which were doing brisk business during my most recent visit. But the west side is where the concessions really shine, with options ranging from Bojangles’, Pizza Hut, Auntie Anne’s, and Crumbl Cookies to more traditional fare such as hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, coffee, and fries. As an example of the prices, a personal-sized Pizza Hut pizza or 4-piece Bo Supremes is $10, Pizza Hut bread bites or a Bo chicken sandwich is $8, nachos with cheese are $6, and popcorn is $4. Beverages include beer, hard seltzer, and hard cider for the 21 and up crowd, with dirty sodas, tea, milkshakes, and Coke products for everyone else. Alcohol is $9, or you can spend $10 on a souvenir cup to get free refills on soda. Regular-sized sodas and bottled water are $4 each. Atmosphere 5 The Golden Eagles pull out all the stops when it comes to football at Tucker Stadium. That includes an artillery gun in the north end zone to celebrate Eagle touchdowns, a great mascot, and fireworks after the game, win or lose. There are also scoreboard games and various recognitions, as well as a fabulous band with almost 200 members. Thanks to a huge purple and gold banner marking their location on the visiting side, the band is visible all game long near the student section. There is also a great tailgating scene across the street from the west stands. The seats on the home side, while more expensive to sit in, are also super comfortable, consisting mostly of purple bucket-style individual chairback seats, with a few rows of chairback benches at the top of the concourse. More importantly, there are also drink rails at the top of the lower level, near the concession stands, so you can eat and drink your food without having to take it back to your seats – this is a major plus which keeps you from having to bump elbows with your neighbors while you eat. The stands on the east side are metal bleachers without backs. Neighborhood 4 There is plenty to do in a town the size of Cookeville, TN, with myriad restaurants and hotels near the football venue. Two great food options are Crawdaddy’s Public House, featuring New Orleans-inspired dishes such as jambalaya and po’ boys, and Red Silo Brewing Company (if you are into microbrews). Hotels nearby include well-known chains such as Holiday Inn or La Quinta. Attractions in the area include the Cookeville Depot Museum, a national historic site which preserves the depot of the old Louisville & Nashville Railroad. There are also several parks in the area, as well as Mean Mel’s, a live music venue that also offers comedy shows, trivia, karaoke, and even dancing lessons. Fans 2 The fans at Tennessee Tech football games are passionate, but unfortunately the crowds are not very large at present. As mentioned above, the gorgeous west side is mostly empty, while the opposite side is only about half full. While the amenities are much nicer on the west side, tickets there are more expensive, so most fans opt to sit on the visitors side instead. Access 3 Parking is free at Tucker Stadium, which is a plus, but you may have to walk a bit depending on how early you arrive. The main parking lot is the Hooper Eblen South/Main Lot, located between Tucker Stadium and Eblen Center, Tennessee Tech’s basketball arena. You can also park a little further away near the school’s baseball field, Bush Stadium. One potential challenge is that will call and ticket purchasing are combined, leading to long lines. These windows are located on the west side of the venue with only two cashier windows available, so be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time if you don’t want to risk missing kickoff. There is also ongoing construction at the present time behind the east side of the stadium, so be mindful of that if you visit the food trucks. These issues should resolve themselves, however, in the next several months. Return on Investment 5 Despite the potential access issues and the small crowd, I would definitely recommend visiting Tucker Stadium for a Golden Eagles football game. I would also suggest you spend the extra dough to buy seats on the west side; the comfort and upscale concessions you will find there are worth the extra cost. Extras 4 During the game, you will often hear the Tennessee Tech PA announcer say, “All right, Golden Eagles Nation, it’s not first down, it’s not second down, it’s thiiiiiiird down. Get loud, let’s hear ya!” There are also two team gear stands at the facility, the main one being a trailer down on the track; the other is a satellite stand on the west side concourse. Either location will provide you with plenty of options to rep the purple and gold. Final Thoughts Tucker Stadium is a great find on the college football scene. While this may not be a destination many college football fans had considered in the past, the recent renovations have made this venue top notch. Make time to visit Cookeville soon – go Eagles!

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Carilion Clinic Field 1008 Texas St Salem, VA 24153 Salem RidgeYaks website Carilion Clinic Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 6,300 Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox Editors Note: Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the team rebranded as the Salem RidgeYaks. While the name and look will changed, the club remains proudly affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, the city of Salem has hosted minor league baseball since the 1930s. Though much of that minor league baseball was hosted just down the street at Kiwanis Park, the Salem Red Sox have been one of three affiliated minor league teams to call Carilion Clinic Field home since it opened in 1995. Food & Beverage 4 With several concession stands around the stadium, the Salem Red Sox serves up an extensive menu. Along with all the typical stadium food, several stands have their themes. The Bigs, located on the secondary concourse along the first baseline, serves specialty hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. This stand has the feel that each menu item is its food challenge – no other menu option displays this more than the “Fat Sandwich”, consisting of chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese sticks, fries, and marinara Sauce. Alternatively, Buckets on the third base side has many fried options, including chicken wings, cheese curds, mini corn dogs, and even a bucket of fried veggies for those looking for a…healthy…option. In addition, tucked away under the first base bleachers, The Cantina might have the most culinarily advanced choices with their street tacos and quesadillas. Carilion Clinic Field also serves a wide array of alcoholic beverages; local breweries Ole Salem Brewing Company and Big Lick Brewing are two of the featured local beers served. Seltzers, wine, and premixed drinks are also served. There are also a handful of non-alcoholic brews, along with a full variety of Pepsi beverages and sports drinks for non-beer drinkers. Atmosphere 3 As fans initially enter Carilion Clinic Field, they are greeted by a wide-opening view of the field-level seating bowl, as well as the mountainous backdrop. A large bar sits just steps from the front gates to greet fans and quench their thirst as they initially survey the stadium. The seating bowl is broken into two general areas, and there is no overhang or roof to the seating bowl providing shelter from the elements. The stadium has the feel of one large concrete edifice – it is somewhat reminiscent of PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders, before its renovations in 2013. When it comes to the in-game presentation, on-field contests, and scoreboard games are like those found at many stadiums around the county, although there does not appear to be much that is regionally unique or a new take on an old favorite. Fans seem to only have a passing interest in most of the contests or games; even the Red Sox’s tradition of Sweet Caroline played in the middle of the 8th inning garners minimal involvement. Coming out of the 2021 reorganization of minor league baseball, Salem saw their Red Sox affiliation move to Class-A from their previous High-A status. With a capacity of 6,300 fans, Carilion Clinic Field is the third largest in the Carolina League, though the size of the stadium for the classification just makes the stadium seem too large given the typical attendance. For those who enjoy the serenity of simply being at a ballpark with breathtaking views while taking in the game, Carilion Clinic Field will suffice, but a bit is missing when it comes to the overall entertainment value of the experience. Neighborhood 3 Salem sits just east of the Appalachian Mountains that run up the eastern shore board, and they are prominently visible behind the first base side of the stadium. Carilion Clinic Field itself is just about a mile from the cozy downtown of Salem, Virginia, and the campus of Roanoke College. The baseball stadium is part of the City of Salem’s athletic facilities, sandwiched between Salem Stadium, which has twice hosted the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl (NCAA’s Division III football national championship game), and the Salem Civic Center. Though there are not a lot of pre-game entertainment options at the stadium itself, downtown Salem does have several restaurants where fans can easily grab a bite to eat. Fans 2 Salem’s attendance ranks in the bottom third of teams in the Carolina League, but it will see spikes throughout the year for popular promotion nights. Of those who do turn out, their attention does seem to be on the game, but there is not much when it comes to the atmosphere created by the fans. Every stadium is going to have its diehards, but many of the fans here seem to be at the ballpark only for the social aspect of the evening. Access 3 Salem is located just off I-81 in the northern Virginia mountains. It is commonly used as an alternate route to avoid some of the traffic around the larger cities along I-95. With its proximity to the interstate, getting to the Carilion Clinic Field is rather direct. Once at the stadium, the parking lot does not have a lot of attendants, so where to go can get a bit confusing, but once parked the front gates are just a short walk away. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are a bit difficult to figure out given the team’s average attendance. Upper-level seating, which is general admission seats, runs $13 and seems to be a touch high given the smaller crowds. The best tickets for the money, though, are the $19 Strike Zone seats that make up the four field-level sections behind home plate and also have an in-seat concession service. You are paying more for the ticket, but the extra $6 for a seat this close to home plate is worth the extra charge. Given there is no charge for parking and concessions are fairly priced, fans are getting their money’s worth here. Extras 3 The external concourse is adorned with banners of many of the more high-profile players to have come through Salem, on their way to careers in the Majors. Behind the third base side bleachers is a wiffle ball field built to Fenway Park specifications, complete with a Green Monster, center field triangle, and right field bullpen – all that is missing is the Citgo sign. The views of the surrounding mountains and other nearby peaks are stunning and create some amazing sunsets. Final Thoughts Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. Though the overall fan involvement in games tends to be inconsistent and does impact the atmosphere of the game, there is enough serenity from the setting, and enough variety of food items, to visit Carilion Clinic Field an enjoyable experience.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Centennial Stadium 13740 East Fremont Ave. Centennial, CO 80112 Map It Denver Summit FC website Centennial Stadium website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 12,000 The Climb Begins for the NWSL Denver Summit FC For a professional sports franchise that didn’t exist 20 months ago, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Denver Summit FC is doing well for itself. The NWSL announced in January 2025 that the Summit would become the league’s 16th team, debuting in the 2026 season. That debut on March 28, 2026, was a resounding success: the Summit set the American attendance record for a women’s professional sporting event (63,004) in the franchise’s first home game at Empower Field at Mile High But the Summit joined the league without a permanent stadium. After the franchise debut, the Summit played four games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home of the MLS’s Colorado Rapids, during the 2026 Men’s World Cup Break before moving into their interstitial home in Centennial. The Summit will have a permanent stadium soon, however, in a 14-acre redevelopment project located just south of downtown Denver in Santa Fe Yards near the intersection of Interstate 25 and Broadway. The permanent location will seat 14,500 fans, with parking, mass transit connectivity, and new housing, restaurants, and hospitality areas as part of the project. It’s expected to open either during the 2028 NWSL season or before the 2029 season. Until then, the Summit play home games at Centennial Stadium, a 12,000-seat temporary home located at the team’s practice facility approximately 20 miles south of downtown Denver in Centennial, Colorado. The surrounding, suburban neighborhood – which probably wasn’t designed with an inkling that a pro sports team would play among its business parks and light industrial zoning – doesn’t offer much atmosphere (or parking; more on that later). But the experience at Centennial Stadium offers a glimpse of the Summit’s bright future once the permanent stadium opens. Food & Beverage 4 For a temporary home, Centennial Stadium offers a decent array of food and drink. A high point: the Summit have popular local restauranteurs and food trucks among the concessionaires. Maria Empanada (beef, chicken chimichurri, Italiana, BBQ, and roast corn and cojita), Little Finch, Simply Pizza, and Sweet Action Ice Cream (7 flavors, a seasonal sorbet, and ice cream floats) have locations in the stadium. Hot dogs ($6.50), popcorn ($9), and bottled soda ($7) are sold throughout the stadium as well. Cans of domestic beer (Tivoli, Coors Light - $10-$11), premium beer (Michelob Ultra, Modelo - $13), craft beer (Holidaily, 4 Noses IPA - $13-$14), and High Noon hard seltzer ($14) are sold throughout the facility. Centennial Stadium sells Coca-Cola soda products. Atmosphere 3 Even compared to a permanent facility, Centennial Stadium has surprisingly good atmosphere. All seats are close to the action, with good sight lines. Centennial Stadium doesn’t have the dramatic mountain backdrops that some of Colorado’s other sports venues have. If you’re looking for views or something Instagrammable, this likely isn’t the place. The action on the field is the main attraction. Most of the seating is exposed to the elements. At least in the seating bowl, there isn’t much shade. However, the concourses underneath the stands are completely shaded and covered to give respite to fans looking to escape direct sunlight or rain. Fans can bring empty water bottles but filling them inside the stadium can present a challenge. The Summit should consider adding water bottle filling stations. The Summit supporters’ section is behind the south goal, in section 114. Purchasing a ticket in this area can be confusing, however. Tickets indicate a row and seat in that section but fans treat all seats in section 114 as general admission. Also, be advised that watching the game from this part of the stadium exposes fans to blasts of smoke when the Summit score. That smoke delivers a sulfuric olfactory punch that can catch the unwary off-guard. Centennial Stadium View from Section 114, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 1 The area around Centennial Stadium was never intended to host a professional sports venue. There aren’t any restaurants or bars within reasonable walking distance (though there are multiple construction companies, a county courthouse, the Denver Broncos’ practice facility and team offices, and a Hindu temple nearby). Otherwise, a quick drive north to Arapahoe Road leads to strip malls that seem to offer a seemingly limitless array of fast-casual chain restaurants. That should change, of course, when the Summit’s new stadium opens. An entertainment district will surround the facility, ostensibly with places for fans to meet before and after games. No one knows what those restaurants will be. The Summit will be wise to bring local favorites to that development, as they have at Centennial Stadium. Until then, however, fans will have to be creative in their pre- and post-game get-togethers. Fans 5 The Summit have been an instant success with regard to fans, beyond the franchise-opening game at Mile High. As of this writing, the Summit have the NWSL’s second-highest, per-fixture attendance (18,938, trailing only the Portland Thorns’ 19,150 per fixture). They’ve sold out matches at each of the three pitches where they’ve played and have become a sought-after ticket in Colorado. Local stars Janine Sonis (Highlands Ranch) and Lindsey Heaps (Golden) are part of the reason for the team’s popularity. And the 14ers, the team’s supporter group, is a fun and conspicuous part of every match. Access 1 Parking at Centennial Stadium presents several challenges. The lack of it might be the biggest, and confusing information on the team’s website compounds that problem. Parking at the stadium is limited, though permits can be purchased ahead of time. Some surrounding businesses, closed on weekends and at night, seem to provide options. But the Summit’s messaging is unclear. For instance, the website encourages fans in a website blurb titled “Free Shuttle and Offsite Lots” to park a mile away at a business along Tucson Way; a free shuttle is advertised. However, attendants turn away fans arriving without a parking permit. The website doesn’t indicate that this is a permitted lot, nor does any signage. Fans thus queue for a lot where they can’t actually park, only to be sent elsewhere. Attendants don’t provide direction on parking options. This can force fans to scramble to find parking in an area that’s probably unfamiliar to many people who don’t live in or near Centennial. Street parking is an option, but it’s not clearly marked and can require long walks. And, because the area around the stadium isn’t pedestrian-friendly, fans must frequently walk in the street around construction projects or without sidewalks on grass, pocked with groundhog holes. The Summit need to clarify on its parking map which lots are permit-required and should provide more information about street parking and walking routes. This would ameliorate confusion, particularly for those attending a game at Centennial Stadium for the first time. Additionally, Centennial is at Denver’s south end. Those coming from the north side of downtown potentially face drives of 45 minutes to an hour, perhaps more if the notorious traffic through the Denver Tech Center rears its ugly head. There is some public transit available, but not much. RTD-Denver’s Bus Route 153 connects the stadium with the light rail station on Arapahoe Road. Return on Investment 3 Notwithstanding the Summit’s popularity, tickets are not bank-breakers when compared to other live sporting events in Denver. Prices start at $34. Given that seats around the stadium are closely positioned to the pitch, entry-level tickets won’t force fans to watch the game from a pilot’s-eye view. Tickets near the center pitch routinely exceed $100. Paid parking is an option. It, too, isn’t terribly costly in the $10 range. Given that it’s limited, though, fans are wise to buy it well in advance of a match. Free parking is available but, as noted, it’s unmarked and not close to the stadium. Plan ahead. Food and beverage prices align with other sports venues in Denver. The Summit do have a 3.03 menu, selling popcorn, PB&J sandwiches, and bottled water for $3.03 apiece (303 also happens to be the primary area code for the Denver area, for those of us old enough to remember those telephonic relics). Extras 1 The Summit earn an extra point for including excellent local, non-chain concessionaires. It’s a nice display of support for some of Denver’s independent restaurants that will hopefully be part of the permanent stadium in a few years. Final Thoughts Despite Centennial Stadium’s placeholder status as the Summit’s home, it’s quite nice. Summit staff have created a solid game-day experience in a very short time, all while the team has played in locations all over town. This has grown the team’s popularity and also demonstrates significant promise for what’s yet to come when the new stadium opens in 2028 or 2029.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Art Keller Field 2001 Alford Park Dr Kenosha, WI 53140 Carthage Firebirds website Art Keller Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 2,418 Red on the Water Art Keller Field is a wonderful football stadium near the shores of Lake Michigan. The student center is underneath the home stands, giving football fans access to a full team store and great concession options. The team also has a great mascot, and there is comfortable, backed seating on both sides of the field. Parking is free right next to the field, and the bright colors really pop. All in all, you are in for a real treat when you visit Kenosha for a Firebirds football game. Food & Beverage 5 Art Keller Field’s home stands are built above the student center, which means fans get access to the students’ full array of dining options. Inside the student center are three main options – chicken wrap/wings/tenders at one stand, $8 design-your-own burrito bowls at another, and lastly a full-on gas station-esque grocery store offering almost anything you could want to snack on at a game, including hot dogs, popcorn, cold cut sandwiches, chips, cookies, candy, and beverages galore. The prices are fantastic because you are paying what the students pay. Atmosphere 5 Art Keller Field has chairback benches on both sides of the field, but the nice thing about the home side is that all seats have small dividers/arm rests, making sure you have your own space to sit – keeping your friends close, but not too close. Carthage also has a great mascot, with a unique costume you probably won’t see anywhere else in college football. The cheer squad and band also do a great job keeping fans engaged during the contest – it is enjoyable to watch the cheer squad in particular, rapidly twirling their flame-themed banners. Another fun twist is that the staff strobes the lights to temporarily darken the facility after big plays by the Firebirds, such as turnovers and touchdowns. At the very beginning of the game, the P.A. announcer even warns fans that this will occur, giving light-sensitive visitors a chance to plan, which is a nice touch. Neighborhood 4 There is a ton to do in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with probably the biggest attraction being outdoor activities around nearby Lake Michigan. These attractions include several local parks, as well as the 50-foot-tall North Pier Lighthouse (which you can visit but can’t go inside, as it is privately owned and still active). Other attractions in Kenosha include riding the streetcar or visiting one of the museums downtown – the most popular for families is probably the dinosaur museum, but there is also a Civil War museum. The Civil War museum in Kenosha is a bit different than what you might expect, as it is all about the “forgotten” home front; no major battles were fought in Wisconsin, but the Midwest sent over a million soldiers to the war effort. In addition, the Midwest supplied the Northern army with foodstuffs such as grain and pork, horses and mules to drag the artillery and move the army, and munitions and weaponry built in the Midwest’s many factories. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area as well, if you want to extend your visit and stay a couple of days in town to take in everything Kenosha has to offer. Fans 3 The fans at Carthage Firebird games are wonderful. While not every seat may be filled, they are polite and supportive of their team. They cheer at the right times and stay all the way to the end. Another plus is that the home stands are much fuller than the visiting stands; it is always great to see students and local fans outnumbering those who traveled in! Access 4 Getting to Kenosha is easy, as both I-94 and I-41 get close to it; Carthage College itself is about 15-20 minutes from the interstate. And as I mentioned earlier, once you get to the facility, there is free parking right next to the field, making it easy to get in and out. Having the student center below the home side is also great because it means you can use actual bathrooms inside the building, instead of port-a-johns like at many stadiums at this level. The only downside is that if you do sit on the visiting side – which you might be if you are reading this article – you have to walk across to the other side for concessions and bathrooms. However, since seating is open, you are welcome to sit on either side. Return on Investment 5 I would absolutely recommend attending a Carthage football game. Admission is only $10, and the comfortable seats, free parking, and low-cost, high-variety concessions make it well worth the trip. The mascot is also great, and I really loved the color scheme as well. Extras 4 There is a full team gear store – not just a stand – inside the student center, which you are welcome to visit before or during the game. The staff provides paper armbands as your ticket, so you can go in and out of the building at will during the game. Because the stadium is small, you can also get really close to the action and clearly hear the sounds of the game. Final Thoughts Even if you are not in the area, I think you should make a trip to Carthage College to see a Firebirds football game. While Kenosha may not be seen as a premium college football destination, Art Keller Field is a beautiful hidden gem in the D3 football scene.

Photos by James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 CHS Field 360 Broadway St St Paul, MN 55101 St. Paul Saints website CHS Field website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,210 A Saintly Good Time Opened on May 21, 2015, CHS Field is home to the Saint Paul Saints. The Saints were born in 2003 and were a member of the Northern League until 2005 when they became members of the American Association. 2021 marked a new beginning of sorts for the team as the Saints left the independent baseball world and became the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Between the beautiful ballpark, great food, unique promotions, and a very creative staff, CHS Field is one of the true gems in all of baseball. CHS Field replaced Midway Stadium as the home of the Saints. Midway Stadium, which had hosted the Saints since 2003 simply became outdated and too small to hold the fans of a franchise that has proven to be extremely successful over the years. Located in the Lowertown District of St. Paul, the $89 million ballpark played host to both the 2016 and 2019 American Association All-Star Games. Food & Beverage 5 If you can’t find anything you like to eat here, you probably aren’t trying very hard. The ballpark offers a litany of different foods along with an abundance of choices for beer drinkers. In addition to all the usual ballpark fare, CHS Field ups the ante on food choices. The poutine with smoked pork shoulder is a favorite among the fans. French fries with cheese curds and pork shoulder all smothered in brown gravy is a winning combination and highly recommended. Bacon-wrapped blueberry bratwurst, pork belly pops (pork belly on a stick dunked in coleslaw), chicken and waffles with maple syrup, bacon and sausage gravy, and smoked turkey ciabatta are among the other unique items offered up. On warmer days at the park, be prepared to stand in line for Snuffy’s Malt Shop. It may be a bit of a wait, but the shakes and malts are far superior to most ballpark shakes and you have a perfect view of the field action while waiting. If you are a craft beer fan, you will be happy. There are numerous options throughout the ballpark to go along with the more traditional domestic options. Head to the left field corner where over 30 craft beers are available. If alcohol isn’t your thing, give local Killebrew (yes, that Killebrew, we are in Minnesota Twins country) Root Beer or Cream Soda a try. Atmosphere 5 This is what the Saints are known for…crazy promotions and between innings entertainment. They certainly deliver and what else would you expect from a team that includes Bill Murray as one of its owners? Prior to entering the stadium, take a look to the left of the entrance area. There you will see plaques that celebrate the contributions of scouts that are in the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame. All inductees are honored by having their plaques displayed at three minor league and three independent club’s ballparks. You can walk around the entire ballpark and it is highly suggested. In the right field corner is the Treasure Island Terrace. You can’t miss the black and yellow pirate ship which is a multi-level space that can be rented to groups during games. Also towards the right field corner is the team shop. The team shop is well worth a look, but generally very popular and therefore busy, so be prepared for a bit of a line. There is a kids play area behind the center field wall and in left field are great views of both bullpens along with a grass berm that sits directly behind the bullpens. Down the third baseline is the must-see attraction at CHS Field. Between sections 118-120, is the City of Baseball Museum. Opened in May, 2019, the museum celebrates baseball in Saint Paul. Among the treasures in the museum are a Roy Campanella game-used bat, Rey Ordonez’ 1997 Gold Glove, a Toni Stone (first woman to play professional baseball for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League) autographed baseball, and so much more. Admission is free for fans during games and is also open during the team’s regular business hours of 9-6 Monday-Friday and 10-2 on Saturdays during the season. Behind home plate sits Monument Pork (an homage to Monument Park in Yankee Stadium). The inductees are all past live pigs who were team mascots. It won’t take much time to see that pork plays an important role is all-things Saints baseball. Neighborhood 4 Lowertown is a fun area that boasts a large array of food and drink options, many within a few blocks of the ballpark. The Ox Cart Arcade & Rooftop offers up some great food options (try the loaded tots sampler!). You can come in and watch a game on one of their televisions, play some arcade games, or simply relax before or after the game. Big River Pizza is a great option for pizza fans and is one block west of CHS Field. The Buttered Tin is a terrific bakery that also offers up breakfast and sandwiches. It’s a good choice for a day game (they are open from 7-3 daily). CHS Field sits a few blocks from the Mississippi River and there are plenty of walking areas right next to it. The Minnesota Children’s Museum and Minnesota Museum of American Art are also within a mile of the ballpark. Fans 5 The Saints have given fans every reason to turn out and they certainly do. The fact that the team meets the expectations of regular fans above and beyond fielding a decent team makes the fans even more loyal, especially now with the Twins affiliation. As such, they are always engaged in the game and promotions, which makes the atmosphere even better. Access 4 With a full ballpark, there are always going to be some areas where getting around is slower than one would like. The team has done a very good job at trying to space things out well, keep lines moving, mark sections and restrooms well, and there are plenty of friendly employees and ushers that will help as well. Return on Investment 5 You can get in the ballpark for as little as $5 for berm seating. $6 will get you a bleacher seat. For reserved seating, the outfield reserve is $15, with infield reserved and home plate reserved being $18. The Capital Box seats (directly behind home plate) are the most expensive at $30. I’d avoid the Capital Box simply because the views are so great from the other seats, you can save a few bucks for food/drinks and not miss out on anything. Parking is available directly across the street but is a bit pricey at $20. Parking in the Union Depot parking lots will save $10 and is right around the corner from the ballpark entrance. Parking farther away will be even cheaper if walking a few blocks isn’t an issue. Combine the ticket and parking prices along with average food and drink prices and you get a huge bang for your buck when attending a Saints game. Extras 5 First and foremost, the City of Baseball Museum alone is worth the 5 stars here. The on-field promotions are more unique than most ballparks and the cast of unique characters that interact with the fans throughout the game provides a fun experience. CHS Field is trying to go green as much as possible. They collect runoff water to help irrigate the field and flush toilets. 12% of the electricity used comes from solar panels in left field and there are various recycling bins clearly marked throughout the park. The entire staff couldn’t be friendlier. From the ticket takers to the ushers to the concessions folks, everyone seems genuinely interested in making sure the fans have a good time. CHS Field is a mere 12 miles from the home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field. With the major league affiliate being so close, there are opportunities to take in two games in the same day which is a fun option. Final Thoughts Moving to affiliated baseball in 2021 hasn’t changed what has always made CHS Field such a great place. From the employees, to the food, to the entertainment, to the amazing museum, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Louisville Slugger Field 401 E Main St Louisville, KY 40202 Louisville Bats website Louisville Slugger Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 13,131 Where Louisville Swings for the Fences Louisville Slugger Field is the home of the Louisville Bats of the International League. The 13,131-seat Louisville Slugger Field debuted along the Ohio River. It would be one of the top drawing facilities in minor league baseball for the next decade. The Triple-A franchise is a farm team of the Cincinnati Reds, who are about an hour from the city. Slugger Field is not our ordinary minor league ballpark. A key design feature of the $40 million ballpark is the integration of a historic rail freight depot at the main entrance. The restoration of the late 19th-century depot station is a vital component that houses everything from weddings and meetings to a children's play area. During the 2021 season, the ballpark received $7 million in renovations that transformed the outfield concourse, removed the bleacher seating, and transformed the area into a social area for fans during the game. The additions included new outfield bars, an expanded kids' area, and tiered lawn seating. There were other improvements in other areas of the ballpark, including premier seating behind home plate, net extensions, and three new LED video boards. Organized baseball in Louisville dates back to 1776. The Louisville Eclipse were members of the American Association in 1882 before changing their name to the Colonels three years later. The club then joined the National League in 1892 and played until contracted by the league after the 1899 campaign. The Colonels would join the Western Association in 1901, but relocated to Grand Rapids in late June. A new version of the club arrived the next year in the American Association, and they would remain until 1962. The Colonels returned in 1968 as a Boston Red Sox affiliate, but ceased operations after the 1972 season. The current franchise arrived in 1982 as the Louisville Redbirds and became the first minor league franchise to attract over a million fans. The club changed its name to the RiverBats in 1998 and moved into Slugger Field in 2000. Two years later, the franchise became the Louisville Bats. Food & Beverage 4 Louisville Slugger Field has a lot to offer in terms of food and beverages. The ballpark features classic staples but offers regional items that include top-shelf cocktails, craft beer, and homemade cookies and water ice. The main concession areas behind the first and third baseball dugouts on the concourse offer items such as hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, footlong corn dogs, pretzels, and popcorn. There are a couple of Grab and Go areas for beer and Pepsi products, and several kiosks that include fried bologna sandwiches, spicy Italian sausages, brats, and cheesesteaks. Kizito Cookies is a city bakery that sells homemade cookies in 12 different varieties. Philly’s Best Frozen Custard is also local and sells custard, water ice, and frozen treats, and a few team-inspired stands feature pizza, tacos, walking tacos, and rice bowls. Fans with a sweet tooth will find plenty of dessert options throughout the ballpark, including funnel cakes, cotton candy, ice cream, candy, sno-cones, and flavored ice. Many of these treats can be found in the right field corner near the children’s play area and the grass-tiered seating section. The Bats also feature an impressive beverage lineup with premium cocktails, craft brews, and popular domestic beers. Guests can choose from a wide variety of hard seltzers and canned cocktails, including selections from Surfside, High Noon, Sun Cruiser, and Twisted Tea, while wine is also available at several concession stands. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark stands out among its contemporaries in the league with an expansive brick exterior. The main entrance of the stadium was once a train shed and home to the Brinly-Hardy warehouse. The historic building structure was preserved and incorporated into the ballpark’s design. Guests entering through the main entrance will walk through the old train shed. This creates an indoor space for inflatable rides for kids and window cases with memorabilia that includes jerseys, photos, accolades, and championship banners. It almost feels like a mini museum of Louisville baseball history. Once inside the stadium, fans will take notice of the views of Louisville’s skyline, which includes the various bridges crossing the Ohio River into Indiana. The outfield concourse includes the Miller Time Tap House that houses cushioned lounge chairs and tables, an outdoor bar, curved railing for views of the game, and a variety of beers on tap. The right field corner has tiered grass seating, where seating once stood, that includes trees and a neighborhood park atmosphere at the game. The kids’ zone right behind the grass seating has been updated with modern playground equipment that includes slides, swings, and other fun for the children. The main concourse behind the infield features legacy banners of former players hanging from the ceiling, large concessions and kiosks, and the Bats Team Store that features a variety of caps, shirts, and other team spirit. Seating in this area also provides a great view of the stadium and the skyline behind the outfield walls. Buddy Bat, the official mascot, roams the ballpark offering hugs, high fives, and photo opportunities. Neighborhood 4 Louisville Slugger Field is located within steps of the Louisville Waterfront Park and a 15-minute walk to the KFC Yum! Center. The Troll Pub serves typical pub fare, but in a dungeon-like atmosphere where you can also take a picture with a ceramic troll. Adjacent to the Troll Bar is the Sidebar, where bourbon and bourbon-inspired cocktails are in fashion. A few blocks away is the popular 4th Street Live, a one-stop destination for retail, dining, and entertainment, with local restaurants abundant in two levels of fantastic nightlife. Louisville is a foodie town and local restaurants are abundant, attracting not only fans of visitors, but that of the local populace. Many spots are a short walk from the stadium. Royals Hot Chicken and Feast BBQ are both located in the East Market District of the city and offer affordable and delicious cuisine. Feast is known for its barbecue, but it also has excellent desserts (s’mores, chocolate chess pie, sides (vinegar slaw), and drinks (bourbon shakes). Another favorite is the Garage Bar, housed in a former auto service garage, serving up ice-cold beer, bourbons, wood-fired pizzas, and Southern menu items. Also, a great spot for a few rounds of cornhole or table tennis. If you are still looking for more options in the neighborhood, check out Grind Burger Kitchen and La Bodeguita De Mima, a Cuban restaurant inside a decorative building in the NuLu neighborhood. Holy Grale is a unique gastropub featuring a long, rotating beer list & locavore fare in a 1905 former church. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Churchill Downs (racing after dark during June and July), the University of Louisville, and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience are not your typical bourbon trail tour. You will be able to keep yourself busy in town before or after a baseball game. Make a weekend out of the visit and enjoy this great city. There is also the possibility of being in town when other sports are taking place. Surprisingly, Louisville has a bit to offer, including Lynn Family Stadium within walking distance. Louisville City FC (USL Championship), Racing Louisville (NWSL), and the Louisville Kings (UFL) all play at the 12,000-seat stadium. The Louisville Cardinals play their college baseball games at Jim Patterson Stadium, about 5 miles from the University of Louisville campus. Fans 3 The Bats attracted over 600,000 fans for each of their first 12 seasons at the ballpark. Those numbers have dipped down a bit in the past few seasons, but the team has averaged a very respectable 7,000-plus per game during that time. A Louisville fan enjoys a good night out, but maybe even baseball a little bit more. The crowd is old-fashioned gear, both new (blue and red) and old (purple and black), and can be heard talking with good old-fashioned baseball lingo. Everyone in attendance is there for a great night out of baseball, food, and drink. Access 4 Whether you are crossing into Kentucky over the Ohio River from Indiana on either I-64 or I-65, Louisville Slugger Field is visible from the interstate. A quick distance from Exit 136C, you can find either parking on the streets (meters expire at 6 p.m.) or in lots across the street from the stadium for $6. The choice is yours, but I have been lucky enough to find free parking at the meters for evening games a few blocks away from the stadium. It is well worth saving some money for a short walk. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets start at $12 for lawn seats and top out at around $36 for club seats. Baseline reserved seating tickets are $17, and infield seats are between $22 and $26. There are a few nights where tickets in the L&GE Power Alley sell for $4 with the code: THRIFTY and other special codes listed on the team website. It should be no more than $10 to park in a public or private lot for a Bats game, and there are multiple areas of free parking east of the stadium along East Witherspoon Street. Meter parking is available and free after 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and free on Sundays. However, there is an official lot located at the left center field wall. For discounts on public parking, look at SpotHero for options and pricing. Extras 3 The historic freight rail train depot is an enclosed section of the building that is draped with the various championship pennants won by the club since 1901 and is used for various events all year long. There is a long list of baseball memorabilia behind the glass cases. The renovations have made it a relaxing spot to view the game and take in views of the city skyline. Thursday night features live music before the game in this area of the stadium. The organization does an incredible job of providing a link to its predecessors and the rich history of baseball in the city with pictures, banners, trophies, and artifacts all on display inside the main entrances. A glorious statue of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Louisville native Pee Wee Reese adorns the main entrance. There are photos of the city’s former ballparks that include bricks from Parkway Field creating a frame for the black-and-white photo and a larger-than-life picture of Honus Wagner, who began his career in town in 1897. Final Thoughts Louisville Slugger Field is an often overlooked Triple-A ballpark. The stadium is situated in a part of town that is walkable to restaurants, bars, and distilleries, along with other sporting venues. It offers beautiful views of the city skyscrapers, bridges, and neighborhood buildings, and is packed with plenty of history behind its enclosed walls. However, it seems as if fans have not been making their way to the stadium in recent years, and that is a shame. It is a fabulous way to spend an evening at the yard. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bohl Diamond at Blair Field 4700 Deukmejian Dr Long Beach, CA 908044 Map It! Long Beach Coast website Blair Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,238 Mount Up LBC Blair Field in Long Beach, CA is one of those under the microscope venues in Southern California with a rich baseball history. Blair Field is no stranger when it comes to hosting professional baseball as it was once home to the Long Beach Armada. MLB players Jose Canseco and Jose Lima are some MLB players who had their day with the Armada. Blair Field has been the longtime home to the Long Beach State baseball program. The Dirtbags history can be seen through some permanent tributes along the concourse and at the left field fence, where the Dirtbags display the program’s retired numbers and College World Series appearances. Blair Field has also hosted several NCAA Regional tournaments and was the 1966 spring training facility for the Chicago Cubs. MTV Rock & Jock and several Hollywood productions have also taken place at Blair Field. 2026 marks the inaugural season for the Pioneer League’s Long Beach Coast. Co-owned by Long Beach’s well renowned hip hop artist Warren G and throughout the season, the Coast will take on a second identity as the Regulators as a nod to Warren G’s hit song Regulate. The Regulators identity is primarily on Friday nights. The Coast/Regulators are managed by former L.A. Angel pitcher Troy Percival. Blair Field Long Beach Regulators Every Friday, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 3 Nothing much out of the ordinary beyond your usual hot dogs, footlongs, classic burgers, smashburgers and nachos should be expected when attending this Indy league venue. Other food items are your usual popcorn, soft pretzels, peanuts and assorted candies. Coca-Cola products provide the soda options while Coors and Miller products are the beer suppliers. Specialty beer Beechwood also provides Regulators IPA, available only at the venue. Rotating food trucks are also available throughout the season, many of them matching the cultural theme of that game such as Mexican or Pacific Islander nights. Atmosphere 4 Blair Field, constructed in1958, offers an old school charm that is more than proud to display its history. All seats provide excellent sight lines while never straying too far from the field. The in-game entertainment crew does an outstanding job of combining organ music with hit music, especially when a visiting player strikes out and Dr. Dre’s ‘Til The Next Episode' is blasting over the speakers, adding to the local hip hop element of the game. Various theme nights throughout the season add to the local atmosphere, such as when part team owner and local legend Warren G performs a postgame concert. Other surprises that have added to the excitement include Regulators Friday, where anything including free postgame beer, yes that’s right, have given fans reason to be excited. Neighborhood 4 Blair Field sits right next to Recreation Park, a 210.9-acre park that makes for a great pre/postgame spot. The name Recreation Park pretty much says it all, with all sorts of recreational activity happening ranging from volleyball to two hand touch football to kids and parents doing a little pre and postgame catch, along with family picnics. Stroll through on a weekend and you can't help notice the smell of various forms of meat wafting through the grills as you get closer toward the ball yard. All this gives Blair Field an urban neighborhood field, blending in with the area very nicely. For entertainment and dining beyond Blair Field, Rainbow Harbor (scenic waterfront marina) and Belmont Shore (popular beachfront neighborhood with plenty of dining and shopping choices) are not too far away, both being about a good 10-minute drive. Not far from Rainbow Harbor is The Queen Mary (historic ship). Fans 5 In its first season of operation, fans of the Coast/Regulators have come in droves from Long Beach and its neighboring communities. The majority of the crowd consists of family and group outings. Locals within the 562 area have proudly embraced their independent league organization that provides local area fans a great budget friendly alternative without the long drive to DTLA or Anaheim. Access 4 Blair Field can be easily accessed from the 405 freeway as well as Pacific Coast Highway. Upon arriving you will be happy to know that parking is ample, however, be warned that the closer you park toward the grandstand, the higher the risk your car will be struck by a foul ball, a fact not lost upon the facility as signs are posted throughout. Fans can take the Long Beach Transit (LBT) to the game but be sure to check the schedule for available days, times and route. Blair Field is about a 10-min drive from the Long Beach Airport. Return on Investment 5 The majority of the tickets are general admission tickets with prices starting at $14. Tuesday nights provide the best bargain with $2 GA tickets. Reserved baseline seating along the dugouts and behind home plate can be priced as much as $24. The return far exceeds the investment, especially considering the added perks like free postgame beer on select nights, rotating cultural food trucks and and the Regulators identity. Few ballparks offer this level of atmosphere and fan engagement at such a budget‑friendly cost for Southern California. Extras 3 Prior to entering the gates is a memorial dedicated to Bob Lemon. Once inside the gates, in front of the main concession stand is the Long Beach Baseball Hall of Fame. Any fan of baseball owes it to themselves to make a stop here either prior, during or after the game. Among those enshrined in the Long Beach Baseball HOF are Tony Gwynn, Bobby Grich and Ron Fairly. While more recent Long Beach State legends Jered Weaver and Troy Tulowitzki have yet to be enshrined, the right field bullpen and batting cage have been named in their honor. Blair Field Jered Weaver Bullpen, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts It’s been a highly successful first season for the playoff bound Long Beach club. The hip hop vibe, no doubt influenced by co-owner Warren G, has certainly had a huge impact in creating a new sizeable following from and beyond the 562. The hip hop vibe as well as the affordable ticket prices and nearby alternative have given fans a great reason to, as Warren G would say, “ MOUNT UP”.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Running Aces 15201 Running Aces Blvd Columbus, MN 55025 Running Aces website Year Opened: 2008 A-OK in Minnesota Running Aces racetrack in Columbus, Minnesota features live harness racing from May through September on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. There is no clubhouse seating or grandstand, but visitors can reserve dining tables, either inside or out, to watch the races while they eat. There is also a casino taking up part of the space inside. Food & Beverage 4 The restaurant inside Running Aces has table service both inside and out, but tables must be reserved for $10 each at least one day in advance. Walk ins for those tables may be accepted after the first or second race, if patrons don’t show up for their reservation. If you don’t have a restaurant reservation you can order food from the Trout Air stand, located behind the wall after you walk around the bar. There are also two food trucks outside, on a patio to the left of the apron. The Trout Air stand offers items such as smoked trout dip, tacos, flatbread, wings and chicken tenders, wraps and burgers, fried rice and noodle bowls, and pot roast. The restaurant also offers patrons the unique opportunity to fish for their own dinner; visitors can literally catch their own trout on the property and have the kitchen prepare it. This feature is only offered seasonally, however, and I am not sure it is offered on race nights. The food trucks by the apron offer basic fare such as hot dogs and burgers, or Asian cuisine such as egg rolls and giant bao buns. Running Aces also offers all-you-can-drink fountain soda from the fountain next to the Trout Air stand; restaurant patrons also get free non-alcoholic beverages in return for their $10 reservation fee. The food here can be a bit hit or miss, and the restaurant staff did not appear very friendly toward walk-ins; it would have been helpful to better explain the food options to those who didn’t have a reservation. Atmosphere 3 For those without dining reservations there are only a few tables outside, which fill up quickly, so most of us were relegated to the benches – at least they have backs, though. There is also no upper level to get a better view of the action on the far side of the track; you either have to watch from the apron or from the first floor inside the venue. There are plenty of betting machines but only two cashiers I saw, so the line to cash out was very long, and the lines for the betting machines were also long at times. The staff does offer some unique activities on featured racing nights, such as a reptile petting zoo where you can hold snakes, lizards, and turtles. You can also pet the lead ponies in between races if you stand along the fence line. In addition, there are giveaways on certain nights; on my most recent visit they handed out free Running Aces-branded work gloves with your purchase of a program. Neighborhood 3 Running Aces is about 25-30 minutes north of Minneapolis and St. Paul, with most of the local attractions centered around wildlife and nature, such as Blaine Wetland Sanctuary or Coon Lake County Park and Beach. There are also a few restaurants in the area, as well as several lodging options, including Running Aces Hotel on the racetrack’s property. Fans 3 Running Aces racetrack gets pretty crowded during featured race days, but is less busy on a typical night. There is a lot more money in play on featured nights, but you might prefer going when it is less crowded. During my most recent visit I saw lots of families with kids, including some large parties inside the restaurant. And as at all horse tracks, the most crowd noise occurs at the end of a race, as fans cheer on their favorite or bemoan the huge betting windfall that got away – if only! Access 4 Getting to Running Aces is simple enough, as it is located along a major highway and is not far from the Twin Cities. The crowd size did make it a little hard to move around during my most recent visit, but you should still be able to find a spot along the fence or a seat on one of the benches. There are bathrooms inside the facility, and the racetrack has its own entrance, so you won’t have to meander through the casino to get here. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to get into Running Aces; the $3 programs are helpful but not required. There is also no cost for parking, so the only thing you might have to pay for is the food. Skipping the dining tables will save you $10, although that does mean you won’t have a guaranteed place to sit. The free soda is definitely a plus, especially if you are bringing a large group. I would definitely visit Running Aces again; now that I know the score, I can plan ahead to reserve a table. I also enjoyed the special activities they had on site, as well as the more relaxed atmosphere here vs. at some other horse tracks I have been to. Extras 3 The back of the program has a map of the venue, which is helpful in finding the different food options and seating (be sure to read it early in the evening). The staff also brings in a red trailer on the patio next to the apron, which has a couple of betting machines plus the second cashier. This makes it easier to place a bet right before the off, although there are lines out here just like inside.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium 81 Seagram Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 3B7 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football website Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,000 Country Roads … Complete The 2026 season of Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football welcomed a construction free zone for the first time in years. The Seagram Project, which reimagined the football experience at Laurier has completed the first two phases. The old, wooden grandstand that was condemned back in the 2021 season, is gone and replaced with a new, permanent grandstand on each side of the field. The project was named after Seagram Stadium, the original name of University Stadium when it was built in 1958. The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks began as Waterloo College before becoming Waterloo Lutheran University in 1960. With the provincial funding of only secular post-secondary institutions, the name Wilfrid Laurier University was adopted in 1973. The football team has been playing since 1924 and enjoyed a modicum of success for a small school, culminating in Vanier Cup victories as National Champions in 1991 and 2005. Originally called Seagram Stadium and owned by the University of Waterloo, University Stadium was purchased by Wilfrid Laurier University from the City of Waterloo in 1992. In 2007, the field was renamed Knight-Newbrough Field after Laurier coaching legends Dave “Tuffy” Knight and Rich Newbrough. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at University Stadium are pretty good for an OUA football facility. The main concession stand under the grandstand offers regular stadium fare including popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, chips and Domino’s Pizza. Coffee and Coca-Cola beverages are also available. In the west endzone there is normally a BBQ going that offers sausage, hot dogs and burgers. Also, for those of age, alcoholic beverages are available in the east endzone from Sleeman Brewing. Atmosphere 3 The 2026 season boasts the completion of two phases of the Seagram Project and essentially the stadium atmosphere is set. The final phase is the replacement of the attached building, including the gymnasium and locker rooms and it is debatable how much this phase will change the fan experience for football. From the exterior, the entrance from Seagram Drive is dominated by the red brick of the gymnasium. Heading toward the west endzone will bring fans to the ticket booth, and main entry into the building, which is a nice, grey brick. Inside the stadium, there are a few posters along the permanent building for each of the teams that play at University Stadium. On the opposite side, on the north grandstand, dark siding has enclosed the underside of the bleachers. There is a perfect opportunity for more Laurier markings, preferably some notation of the nine Yates Cups the team has won as conference champions. The field is east-west oriented, with two separated grandstands on the north and south sides. The north side is the bigger of the two and offers plastic, molded seats with benches on each of the end sections. The north side offers a better picture of the 55 yard line logo on the brand new turf. The press box and coaches boxes are behind the north grandstand. The south grandstand is smaller, however is a steeper pitch and the highest rows offer a view more akin to the old, wooden grandstand. There is a significant standing room area on the south side also. A new videoboard and scoreboard stands beyond the west endzone. Underneath the scoreboard is a sign recognizing the 1991 and 2005 Vanier Cups. The gameday atmosphere is about what one would expect from an OUA event. The requisite promotions are part of the fun, and the host finds fans in the stands to take part in short competitions or to be Wilf's Fan of the Game. The cheerleading team leads the fans in standard football cheers and performs many gymnastic stunts. The Laurier mascot, Midas, can be found around the stadium interacting with fans and posing for pictures. The Laurier anthem, “Country Roads,” can still be heard at each game. The Hawkline plays from the northeast corner. The 2026 season welcomed some brass instruments to the drumline for the first time. Neighbourhood 4 Wilfrid Laurier is an urban university located just up the street from another urban university. As a result there are a ton of great options for pre and post game meals. University and King streets are where one would find most of the options. There are a ton of great spots to get something to eat before or after the game. Some places one might consider checking out include Crabby Joe’s, Smoke’s Poutinerie and Ethel’s Lounge. The on-campus pub is Wilf’s and offers a great atmosphere and food while being student run and managed. The place you probably should settle on, however, is Morty’s Pub. Home of arguably the best chicken wings in the city, Morty’s always satisfies your post game craving. Their chicken wings are legendary in the city. As far as entertainment goes, there are a few options in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Fans planning on catching a Laurier game around Canadian Thanksgiving, could be able to catch Oktoberfest. This is the signature festival of Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany. There are a number of great events that take place over the 10 day festival at a variety of locations including the numerous Fest Halls. Heading south on King Street toward Uptown Waterloo, fans will find a great spot for some evening entertainment in the Huether Hotel Jazz Room. One of the top jazz venues in the province, The Jazz Room offers weekend performances at a great price. There are also a number of pubs in Uptown Waterloo that feature live music. If fans are interested in enhancing their sporting weekend then there are also a few other options. Wilfrid Laurier also fields other athletic teams, specifically basketball at the WLU Athletic Complex and hockey at the Sun Life Financial Arena. Just up the road, the University of Waterloo also fields USports athletic programs. Fans will find football at Warrior Field, basketball at the Physical Activities Complex and hockey at the Columbia IceField. If willing to drive across town, then fans can catch the phenomenal experience of the Kitchener Rangers at the legendary Aud. For fans who are planning on staying the night, the Delta is just a short drive from the Laurier campus and is a pretty decent place to stay. Fans 3 Assessing fans in USports can be a bit of a challenge as attendance figures are not always reported by the teams. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, the Laurier Golden Hawks averaged 2,400 fans per game. This is a decent showing and probably puts them in the top half of the OUA. This was also before the Homecoming game, which boasts a capacity crowd every year. The previous season the Hawks attracted an average of over 3,300 fans per game. Attendance will fluctuate through the year. Often the first game of the season happens before students are even on campus. Homecoming is an annual sellout. A game against Guelph or Waterloo will bring plenty of travelling fans. A game where the weather is poor will often have fewer than 1,000 fans in attendance. The students are a bit of a wild card. There is no distinct student section and often it feels like there is little to no student presence. Access 4 Getting to University Stadium and around is not very difficult. University Stadium is located on Seagram Drive which runs between University and Albert Streets. Fans who are coming from out of town will have a decent drive through the city as the university campus is a fair trek southwest of Highway 85. Traffic on University Ave moves fairly quickly, so getting to the stadium should not be too much of an issue. There are a number of bus routes that travel along King St and University Ave. The Ion Light Rail also has a stop at Waterloo Park, a few steps from the stadium. Check the Grand River Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Parking can be for sale in the stadium lot, however most spaces are reserved for season ticket holders and media. There is some parking available west of the stadium in the Granite Club parking lot, but be mindful of the signs as ticketing often happens for violators. Parking can also be found on campus or in some of the University of Waterloo lots that are close to Seagram Drive. The ticketing office is located in the permanent building under the grandstand. Other than that, there is no specific, grand entry gate. Security is present at 2 or 3 gates for entry which is more than ample for this facility and entry into the stadium is very quick. Moving around University Stadium is much easier with the completion of the majority of the Seagram Project. A full path around the stadium is now available and all of the permanent stands are in place. Permanent washrooms are decent, however a large crowd necessitates the use of portable toilets which are also on site. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Golden Hawks have come down in recent years. Regular adult tickets are $13 if purchased in advance. Staff, alumni, students and seniors are all $11 and Laurier students are $5 while kids are $7. Each ticket category is more expensive when walking up. The concession prices are decent and parking can be found for free. The product on the field is significantly under-rated and fans will no doubt enjoy their afternoon. Extras 4 An extra mark for the continued nod back to West Virginia. The heart of the Laurier athletics program came north from West Virginia. Over the years, the Hawks have embraced John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as their anthem. When the Hawks won the Vanier Cup in 2005, it was John Denver that blasted over the PA. The Laurier anthem has found a home during each game, an improvement from previous seasons when it was only played at Homecoming. An extra mark for Laurier announcer Chris Povey, who has done a fantastic job as the public address announcer for Laurier football and hockey for a number of years. Chris brings energy and enthusiasm to the game every time and does his best to entertain and inform the crowd, even if the game is not so interesting. An extra mark for the interesting history of the Golden Hawks mascot. An extra mark for the program that Tuffy Knight and Rich Newbrough put together and the honor of having the field named after these Laurier Legends Final Thoughts The completion of the first two phases of The Seagram Project is a welcome change for Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football fans. The new Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium offers fans a great spot for a fall afternoon of university football and a break from the construction is also a plus. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Hilchen and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It Albuquerque Isotopes website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Duke City Baseball Disclaimer: This is NOT a review of the Springfield Isotopes at Duff Stadium. For that, check this link. Built on the same site as its predecessor, the Albuquerque Sports Stadium, Isotopes Park is home to the Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast League. Isotopes Park made its debut with the first home game of the Isotopes on April 11, 2003, in a 5-3 loss to Oklahoma. Albuquerque’s rich baseball tradition dates back to the mid-1940’s when the city hosted a team (the Dukes) that remained, although in different leagues, until the team was sold to a group in Portland, Oregon, in 2000. Demand for baseball in Albuquerque never waned, and three years later, a group bought the Calgary franchise and moved it to Albuquerque, and the Isotopes were born. The ballpark initially had a hill in center field. Nicknamed “Hoffman Hill” to the fans because center fielder Jamie Hoffman patrolled the area and took away multiple home runs on the hill, the hill was removed after the 2022 season. The ballpark has hosted some big games over the years, including the Triple-A All-Star game in 2007 and the Triple-A National Championship game in 2011. In addition to the Isotopes, the ballpark also hosted the University of New Mexico Lobos baseball team from 2004-2013 and currently has the USL New Mexico United as a tenant, although the United are in the process of getting their own stadium. Known as “The Lab” due to its relationship to science (Isotopes), Isotopes Park is a fantastic venue and one of the crown jewels of minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 5 All the basics are covered. You can find your hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, etc. Where Isotopes Park shines is its local fare. What dominates food in New Mexico? Chile, of course. Here you have many choices, from ribs braised in red chile to burgers, pizza, and fries with green chile. Dion’s Pizza is a local institution. If pizza is your thing, try a Pepperoni and green chile slice (or two). Dion’s also has great sandwiches and salads. Perico’s is another great option for local fare. Here you can find many versions of Mexican food with the New Mexico twist of chile added. While at Perico’s, try the “mystery beer.” It’s cheaper, but you don’t know what you’re getting. Beer and mixed drinks are available throughout the ballpark, and Pepsi is the soda of choice. Keep in mind that the ballpark is cashless, so bring a card. Atmosphere 5 As soon as you get into the seating bowl, you’ll see the amazing view of the Sandia Mountains. It’s hard to imagine a better backdrop in all of baseball. There is a picnic area in left field along with one of the biggest video boards in minor league baseball. In center field, you will find a very unique batter's eye comprised of trees and other greenery, while in right field is a large grass berm along with a big kid’s play area. Stadium seating runs foul pole to foul pole with a second deck on the left field side. If you are looking for tickets in the shade, your best bet is the third-base side in the back rows. One of the cool things about the stadium is you can walk all the way around it. It’s definitely worth doing as you get some unique and picturesque views. Isotopes Park with Hill, Without Hill, Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits amongst all the other sports venues in the city, including the famous “Pit,” home to New Mexico Lobos basketball. The UNM football stadium (University Stadium), along with Lobo Baseball Field and the venues for softball and tennis, are also located on the same corner. Unfortunately, there are no restaurants within walking distance of the ballpark. Your best bet is to head a couple of miles north towards the University of New Mexico. There are a multitude of restaurants and bars in the area. There are two restaurants in the area worth noting. 66 Diner is a throwback to the diner era. They offer typical diner fare, and if you like shakes, this is the place for you. Also, if you are a fan of Greek food, Olympia Café is a great spot. Albuquerque is a unique city with plenty to see, from Old Town to the Tram (which takes you up to the top of the Sandia Mountains), to some of the best day trips you’ll experience. This area of town is near the airport and, as such, there are plenty of hotels. Fans 4 Albuquerque has a rich baseball history. The Dukes were a Dodgers affiliate for decades, and the list of players who came through Albuquerque reads like a who’s who of Dodger lore. The Isotopes have been affiliated with the Marlins, Dodgers, and now the Rockies, but you’ll still see a huge Dodgers representation amongst fans. They are a knowledgeable bunch and know the game and the players. Access 4 The ballpark is located just off I-25, and getting in and out of the area is an easy task. With the other sports venues, there is plenty of parking available and most parking costs $7. If you are coming on a big giveaway day, come early. Fans usually show up very early, and with the gates not being open yet, it can result in some super long lines and waits. Once inside, the concourse is wide enough that you can usually get around easily unless the ballpark is completely packed. There are sufficient restrooms spaced out well throughout, and the lines at concessions generally move at a good pace. Return on Investment 5 Parking and concessions are in the range of most minor league ballparks. The value here is getting some local fare while enjoying the game. Tickets range anywhere from $16-$35 for seats depending on where you sit. You can buy berm tickets the day of the game for $10-$13. There are no bad seats, so for the price of any reserved tickets, you’re getting a great seat and a good price. Extras 5 I can’t stress how amazing the view is, and it deserves an extra point. An extra point goes to the organization for bringing in local food. I wish other teams would do this on as high a level as the Isotopes do. The staff and ushers are top-notch. You see the same people that have worked there for years. They like their jobs, and it’s reflected in how they treat the fans. A nod to The Simpsons television show is a unique aspect. You’ll see evidence of this throughout the stadium. Even if you aren’t sitting in the Club level, be sure to go into the entrance. There is a Hall of Fame dedicated to Dukes/Isotopes players, and it’s very well done. Final Thoughts Isotopes Park is a gem in minor league baseball. From the amazing views to the staff, the local food, and the great atmosphere, if you are anywhere near Albuquerque during the baseball season, a visit is an absolute must. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Ethan Hennessy, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Brown Field 1009 Union St Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Beacons website Brown Field website Year Opened: 1919 Capacity: 5,000 Valpo Football at Brown Field, Steadily Improving Brown Field is the home of the Valparaiso University Beacons who compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Pioneer Football League. The 5,000-seat stadium opened in 1919 and was named after Henry Baker Brown who served as the school president from 1873-1917. Valparaiso Football has struggled recently on the field only winning league championships twice in 2000 and 2003 during the past 46 years. In addition, Valpo has experienced three winless seasons in 1988, 1989, and 2010 and is typically found at the bottom of the non-scholarship Pioneer LeaguBeforer to the 2008 season, a new artificial surface was installed at Brown Field as part of numerous renovations under the fund-raising campaign known as FITT (Football, Intramurals, Track, and Tennis). The first phase of the multi-million dollar project included the installation of the programs, as well as moving the grandstands and adding handicap accessibility. Lights were added as well in 2010. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions are rather simple but inexpensive. A hot dog, nachos with cheese, and pretzel with cheese all cost $2, while hot dogs with chili and cheese, and the loaded variety of nachos cost $3. They also offer popcorn, chips, Slim Jims, cookies, and candy for $1 at the concession stand. The nachos are highly recommended. All beverage options are $2 featuring bottled water, Gatorade, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate took 15 minutes to serve ,and it still burned my tongue. Valparaiso University is a dry campus, so there is no alcohol served at Brown Field. Atmosphere 2 The stadium features bleachers along both sidelines of the field. The larger bleachers are closest to the ARC (Valparaiso’s basketball Arenare is where the home crowd sits while the visiting team’s fans occupy the opposite side of the field. The Valpo side was at about 70% capacity along with a 10-person pep band, an unusually large turnout on the account it was Senior Day for the Crusaders. On the other hand, the visitors' side was almost empty. Valpo must not attract many opposing visitors to games as they cover up a large portion of the visitor’s bleachers with a tarp. The 5,000-seat stadium does not usually sell out for football games. The team enters the field through an inflatable tunnel, a small cannon is fired when the Crusaders enter the field or score, and the team mascot and lively cheerleaders keep the crowd involved during the game. The best seats are located in section C directly below the press box providing a nice view of the 50-yard line. The entire stadium is metal bleachers and many fans bring t own seat cushions for added comfort. Neighborhood 4 Valparaiso University is a beautiful campus, especially in the fall; Brown Field is on the edge of campus near the ARC. The places to eat in town would be the Round the Clock Restaurant downtown off of Lincolnway, a family-style restaurant that offers ample parking and plentiful menu choices. Another fabulous option is the Tomato Bar off of La Port Avenue, two minutes from campus serving many varieties of pizza, calzones, oven-baked sandwiches, and a full-service bar. The Chapel of the Resurrection is a landmark of northwest Indiana and can be seen from just about anywhere on the campus. The town is a stereotypical small Midwest college town featuring quaint shops and restaurants in a picturesque downtown setting. There are many hotels around the university. The best place to stay is Hampton Inn and Suites – a 4-minute drive from campus offering plenty of spacious, comfortable rooms. Fans 2 Valpo fans care noticeably more about their basketball than football. They rarely pull in big crowds, especially when the weather is poor. The crowd is generally on the quieter side apart from a few individual fans and a very small student section; however, it does perk up for big plays in the half-filled stadium. Access 2 The stadium is easy to get around and park at, but it does lack many comforts of a modern stadium. There are port-a-potties just outside the gates and bathrooms inside the ARC, but none inside the stadium itself. All seats are bleacher style, the stairs are slightly rusted, and there are ramps to accommodate fans with disability. Most people drive to Brown Field, but the V-line (Valparaiso’s bus line) runs to the university. Brown Field is not well advertised, but signs for the Fitness Center and ARC will lead fans to the buildings adjacent to the field. There is parking for $5 at lots around the stadium and the ARC. However, if you’re looking to save a few bucks there is street parking about half a mile further down Lincolnway. There are two ways to enter the stadium: on the home on the visitor’s side. Return on Investment 2 The facility houses a box office, but a set of folding tables to take tickets. General Admission tickets are $10 and allow you to sit anywhere in the stadium. Children 10 and under are free. Valparaiso University students, faculty, and staff get in free with their One Card (Valpo ID). The team has not had a winning record since 2003 but seems to be improving for the 2016 season. This could help get fans in the seats. Extras 2 Brown Field has flags displayed along the top of the stands of fellow Pioneer League members’ teams and their primary color. The victory bell, which was unveiled in 1956, is rung after every win. Final Thoughts Valparaiso Football has been making strides on the field to improve as a team, but the stadium and game day experience need to start catching up to the terror attending a game to be worthwhile.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium 138 Rockdale Rd. West Haven, CT 06516 New Haven Chargers football website Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,000 The Other Football Team in West Haven The University of New Haven was founded in 1920 as the New Haven Junior College, a subdivision of Northeastern University. They shared buildings, laboratories and faculty members with Yale University for 40 years. Today the school boasts an enrollment of over 9,000 students, who study in 109 undergraduate programs and 116 graduate programs. The University of New Haven’s first football team played in 1973. They began as a member of Division III, moving up to Division II in 1982. The Chargers competed as an independent until the school dissolved the football program after the 2003 season. During their 22 seasons as a D-2 independent, UNH qualified for four postseason tournaments, reaching the national semifinals in 1992 and the finals in 1997. Among the head coaches for New Haven were Tony Sporano and Mark Whipple. The team played their home games at Robert B. Dodds Stadium on the University of New Haven’s north campus. Dodds Stadium served as home to the school’s football team until the dissolution of the program in 2003. Dodds Stadium continued as home to the Charger soccer and lacrosse teams until 2007. The facility was shuttered at that time for renovations, which included the installation of new turf, a new press box, scoreboard and video board. Financing these renovations was UNH alumnus, CIO of DellaCamera Capital Management LLC in Manhattan, and member of the school’s Board of Governors, Ralph F. DellaCamera. The signature element of the new facility is its blue turf, which was chosen to generate excitement and publicity for the re-establishment of the football program. The new-look stadium debuted on September 19, 2009. A week later the facility was dedicated in DellaCamera’s name. The Chargers, now members of the Northeast-10 Conference, won six conference titles and played in four D-2 tournaments from 2009-2024. Five New Haven alumni have gone on to play in the National Football League. Beginning with the 2025 season, New Haven moved all of their athletic programs to the Division One level, joining the Northeast Conference (NEC). During their first season of play at the FCS level, the Chargers went 5-5. Food & Beverage 4 There’s a small concession stand in the southeast corner of the stadium. A basic menu is available here, with burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos and french fries all sold at the two points of sale. Chicken wings and corn dogs add a bit of variety to the offerings. Snacks, including cups of chili, fried dough, assorted candy and pretzels round out the menu. Prices are decent, quality is good, and lines are not bad, even at halftime. Greater variety is achieved at DellaCamera Stadium with the presence of food trucks, which set up shop in the southwest corner of the stadium. During Stadium Journey’s visit, trucks offering BBQ and Fried Chicken were offering their wares. Pepsi products are featured at DellaCamera Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage can head to the north end zone, where the end zone club offers all you can eat food and a selection of beer and wine for purchase for a $20 fee. Atmosphere 3 The gameday atmosphere at DellaCamera Stadium is pretty typical of what you find at small college facilities across the country. There aren’t a lot of fancy bells and whistles available for the New Haven athletic staff to use, but they do a nice job with the tools at their disposal. Their resourcefulness is on display from the start of the game, as the Chargers enter the stadium to a cloud of smoke created by a phalanx of fire extinguishers operated by staffers. All of the elements found in a proper college gameday presentation can be found here. The school boasts a large marching band. Featuring 300 members, the band plays throughout the game, along with the cheerleading and dance teams. The scoreboard in the north end zone displays basic game information, and features a small video screen, which is used for some pregame hype videos and some in-game advertisements and graphics. The sound system could use an upgrade, as it didn’t seem to be able to handle the music volume. The PA announcer kept fans informed and entertained without being too over the top. Despite a capacity crowd in attendance during Stadium Journey’s visit, the fans didn’t add a whole lot of energy to the proceedings at DellaCamera Stadium. This could be due to the Chargers’ performance on this afternoon, which was a sub-par 21-3 loss, giving the fans little reason to cheer. It does seem that this would not be the place for a rowdy fan base, anyway. The New Haven Marching Band performs at Halftime. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 DellaCamera Stadium is located separate from the main University of New Haven campus alongside the rest of the University’s athletic facilities, including Frank Viera Field, The Hazell Center and New Haven Softball Center. Less than two miles away are many of Yale University’s athletic facilities, including the Yale Bowl, George H.W. Bush ’49 Field and Reese Stadium. The rest of the University of New Haven campus is located on the other side of Boston Post Road a half mile away from the stadium. This part of West Haven is a mixed residential/commercial district, with plenty of local restaurants and access to New York, Hartford and Boston nearby. For more information on things to do in West Haven/New Haven, the University has detailed information here. New Haven is known as the home of some of the nation’s top pizza. The local version, called apizza, can be found throughout the city at legendary spots including Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s and Modern. Another top spot, Zuppardi’s, is located just three miles from DellaCamera Stadium in West Haven. In addition, New Haven claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. Louis Lunch, founded in 1895, was recognized by Congress as the place where the first hamburger was made. They continue to make their burgers the same way they were made back in the 19th century. They have been featured in countless food shows over the years. Fans 4 New Haven debuted at the FCS level in the 2025 season. During that season, they averaged 5,949 fans per game, a figure well over DellaCamera’s listed capacity of 5,000. Stadium Journey visited New Haven for the Chargers’ second home game of the 2026 season. The team’s first two games drew crowds of 7,000 and 4,800. The team is drawing fans like crazy since their ascension to D-1. Despite their large numbers, the fans don’t feel like they are adding a ton of energy to the proceedings at DellaCamera Stadium. You’ll find a good turnout by the student body, but no organized student section. The Chargers are viewed as an alternative to the nearby Yale Bulldogs, and the locals are responding. Game Action at DellaCamera Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 DellaCamera Stadium is located along with most of UNH’s other athletic facilities a few blocks north of the main campus. Despite its location in a busy neighborhood, the stadium is easily accessible by car, as it is just a couple of blocks from Boston Post Road (Route 1) and about a mile and a half from Interstate 95. Fans utilizing public transportation can take the CTTransit’s 261 or 265 busses, which both run along Boston Post Road, stopping at Pruden St. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the Jeffrey Hazell Athletic Center a short walk from the football field. This lot fills up quickly. Additional parking is available in the lots around campus, with shuttle buses available to take fans to the stadium. Parking is not allowed on local streets. DellaCamera Stadium is located at the far end of the athletic complex, and fans will have to take the walk from the lots past the softball and baseball fields before entering the football stadium. The field is oriented in a north-south fashion, with bleachers on either side of the gridiron. All seats consist of metal bleachers without backs, with one section of individual plastic seats at midfield. There is standing room on either end of the field. There are paved paths around the field, but much of the grounds is covered by small stones, so those with unsteady gait should tread carefully. There is a small restroom in the southeast corner of the facility. Additional port-a-johns are lined up in the southwest corner of the stadium to help alleviate lines. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Charger football games are priced at $11 for adults and $6 for seniors and children. This price is for general admission seating. Reserved seats (one section of plastic seats at midfield) are priced at $21 per ticket. Parking in the main lot near the Hazell Athletic Center costs $10, with other satellite lots free of charge. As mentioned earlier, access to the End Zone Club will cost $20, but features all-you-can-eat food and access to the beer garden. Concessions are reasonably priced for this level of college football. The University of New Haven Marching Band Pregame. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 DellaCamera Stadium’s blue turf warrants an extra point. Far from being as distracting as you might think, the turf was installed for the 2009 return of the school’s football program. One of 15 non-green college football fields in the nation, and one of only 3 at the FCS level, the University of New Haven had to enter into a licensing agreement with Boise State to use their blue and yellow field, which they tweaked to their school colors to differentiate it from the famous “smurf turf” at Albertsons Stadium. Final Thoughts New Haven’s rise to FCS has been met with great enthusiasm and large crowds at DellaCamera Stadium. Time will tell if this momentum will continue, but for now, fans are all charged up for more football in West Haven. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 NBT Bank Stadium 1 Tex Simone Dr Syracuse, NY 13208 Syracuse Mets website NBT Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 10,812 Last Stand of the Mets Among Minor League Baseball fans, a water-cooler topic of discussion is always branding. A debate rages as to the benefits of the Minor League team adopting the branding of the Major League affiliate. After moving to Syracuse from Jersey City in 1934, the team adopted the Syracuse Chiefs as an identity. This lasted through several affiliations until 1997, when, as an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, Syracuse adopted the moniker SkyChiefs to avoid the Native American reference and capitalize on the SkyDome phenomenon in Toronto. In 2007, the team returned to the nom de guerre Chiefs for the rest of their Toronto affiliation and the entirety of their Washington Nationals affiliation. In 2019, the team was purchased by the New York Mets to be their Triple-A affiliate. It was also announced that they would now be known as the Syracuse Mets. The bland branding was panned in Minor League Baseball circles. In 2026, the team announced that they would be retiring the Mets branding and moving to a new, fresh identity for the 2028 season. As of this writing, the branding announcement has not yet been completed. Syracuse is currently owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings. Home for the Mets is NBT Bank Stadium. The stadium, originally known as P&C Stadium, replaced the venerable MacArthur Stadium, which was home to Syracuse baseball for over 60 years. The stadium is owned by Onondaga County and opened in 1997. Naming rights are held by NBT Bank. Food & Beverage 3 NBT Bank Stadium has decent concession options. All of the expected items can be found at a number of concession stands in the main concourse. Some stands of note include Chick-fil-A and local favorite, Perry’s Ice Cream. Some items of interest that are a bit more unique include the Buffalo Chicken Pierogi and local favourite, salt potatoes. NBT Bank Stadium has a good selection of beers headlined by local legend, Utica Club, which is also cheaper than other options. Saranac, Labatt’s Blue, Coors Light and Heineken are also available. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice in Syracuse. Atmosphere 3 NBT Bank Stadium has an attractive exterior that is dominated by brown brick with light accents. There are plenty of Syracuse Mets markings on the exterior. The home plate gate is the most popular to enter and has a large rotunda which is enclosed to look like a rampart. Inside the stadium, the concourses are fairly spacious and open so that fans won’t miss any of the action on the field. They are more functional than decorative, and items that were once a staple have now been moved. Up the stairs, the portraits of Jackie Robinson, Hank Sauer and Tex Simone have been replaced with Mets logos. The Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame, which was once in the concourse, has been moved to the Metropolitan Club on the first base side. The concourses do not complete a 360-degree path NBT Bank Stadium has plenty of traditional seating with a split lower level and an upper deck on either end of the suites and press area. There is berm seating on the lower-level corners and the 315 Bullpen Bar is above the left field wall. The Salt City Deck is found on the right field side. A good videoboard is beyond left centerfield with a huge map of New York State behind it. Probably the two most notable items within view from seats behind the plate are the old-school derrick light stands and the view of the school bus parking lot beyond right field. The retired numbers for the team and any sort of championship notations are not readily visible. The game-day production at a Syracuse Mets game is good, but not overly noteworthy. The in-game host is good, and Scooch the mascot takes part in various promotions and fan interactions. When the Mets hit a home run, the video board shows an orange colored apple, similar to the home run apple found at Citi Field in New York. Neighborhood 3 NBT Bank Stadium is located in the Northside neighborhood of Syracuse. Although the ballpark is fairly isolated, there are some options for pre- or post-game food and drink within a very short drive. Some options include J.R. Diner, Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse, Maplewood Bar & Grill, Tully’s Good Times, Aloha Krab Cajun Seafood, Riley’s, Change of Pace, and Dinosaur BBQ. Ultimately, Syracuse is a college town, and the Orange rule the sports landscape. The most popular sports at Syracuse are basketball, football, and lacrosse. The Syracuse Crunch of the AHL also play in town. Other tourist options in Syracuse include Erie Canal Museum, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Museum of Science & Technology, WonderWorks Destiny and the Salt Museum. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, Homewood Suites and Embassy Suites are both very close. Fans 3 The Syracuse Mets have fairly mediocre support for the International League. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, the Mets averaged over 4,100 fans per game. The previous season, they averaged over 4,500 fans. This ranked the team 16th and 15th, respectively, in the 20-team International League. The game that was reviewed did have a giveaway and a hot dog special and attracted over 7,300 fans. There is definitely room for growth in this category, and the ability to attract crowds is there. Access 4 NBT Bank Stadium is located in the Northside neighborhood of Syracuse on Tex Simone Drive. It is immediately east of Interstate 81 and therefore enjoys close access to the highway. There is plenty of on-site parking available at a reasonable price. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the bus and train stations are very close to the park. There are bus stops on Tex Simone Drive. Fans should consult the Centro website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the stadium is not too difficult once that initial set of stairs has been traversed. For fans with ambulatory issues, park employees were available to direct fans to the closest entrance to the elevators. The concourse does not offer a full 360-degree path around the park. The washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. Security protocols for professional sports are constantly evolving. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Syracuse Mets website before heading out to get the most up-to-date security procedures, including prohibited items and bag policies. Return on Investment 4 Syracuse Mets tickets start at $18 for upper-deck seats and go up to $25 for dugout box seats. Friday and Saturday games cost a few extra dollars, and seniors and kids receive a $4 discount. Parking will cost about $7, and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the field is decent, and fans will enjoy themselves at a Mets game. Extras 3 An extra mark for the broadcast royalty of Marv Albert, Sean McDonough, and Matt Vasgersian, who all honed their craft in Syracuse for a time. An extra mark for Syracuse legend Tex Simone, who started on the grounds crew at MacArthur Stadium in 1961 and moved up to General Manager of the Chiefs for nearly 30 years. An extra mark for Syracuse moving on from the Mets branding. Final Thoughts What the future holds for the new branding of the Syracuse Mets remains a mystery. That being said, it is definitely a positive for Syracuse baseball to have its own identity and some fresh branding at NBT Bank Stadium. In the meantime, it is still a decent experience that fans should not sleep on. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Principal Park 1 Line Drive Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Cubs website Principal Park website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 11,500 Principal Park: Home of the Iowa Cubs Located at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, Principal Park, then Sec Taylor Stadium, opened in 1992. Principal Park replaced the outdated Sec Taylor Stadium. The new stadium was also named Sec Taylor Stadium until 2004 when the Principal Financial Group bought the rights to the name and Principal Park was born. Through the years, upgrades have been made to the stadium, including adding sky boxes in left field. In 2006, new seats and a new video board were installed along with a fountain beyond right field. Before the 2013 season, the locker rooms were upgraded along with a small patio area beyond left field that now plays host to musical acts prior to and after selected games. In 2015, a brand new video board replaced the dated video board. The new Daktronics video board measures 64x24 feet and allows for far more statistical information to be displayed for fans. Due to safety concerns around baseball, the nets behind home plate were extended to the far ends of the dugouts prior to the beginning of the 2016 season. New for 2026, the two bullpens that used to be just inside the right and left field foul lines are enclosed, with 734 box seats removed to fit them. Principal Park hosted one of the most famous (or infamous) games in Pacific Coast League history on June 14, 2008. Torrential rains caused the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers to overflow, flooding a portion of downtown Des Moines. With the ballpark surrounded by water, the game that day was played in an empty stadium, to an official attendance of zero. In order to avoid having any fans show up, the game began at 4 P.M., was not broadcast, and was announced as postponed. Josh Kroeger’s seventh-inning home run was the winning run in Iowa’s 5-4 victory. The stadium played host to the 1997 Triple-A All-Star game and hosted the Iowa state high school baseball tournament for many years. In 2021, longtime owner Michael Gartner sold the team, which is now owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings. While there is new ownership, the front office has remained intact and, as always, the Iowa Cubs primary focus is presenting a fun and safe atmosphere for the fans. Food & Beverage 4 A wide variety of food options are available. Iowa is the biggest pork-producing state in the country and that fact is reflected here. The pork tenderloin sandwich, an Iowa staple, is available in two sizes. The large is enormous. Make it a basket if you want fries. Several items are available at the bacon stand, including the bacon explosion basket (bacon sliders w/fries) and bacon-wrapped hot dogs can be had. Stu’s BBQ serves up a great brisket sandwich and BBQ nachos. Other typical ballpark fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, chicken sandwiches, etc. are all available. Being a Cubs affiliate, you can pick up a Chicago Dog or Italian Beef sandwich at the Lil Chicago stand. You can also pick up an Old Style at this booth to go along with your food. A solid addition for 2026 are foods that are popular in cities from the visiting team. For instance, when St. Paul comes to town, you can purchase a Juicy Lucy. It's a nice touch to an already solid food scene. Coke products are sold at Principal Park in three sizes. For soda enthusiasts, you can buy a bottomless Coke. Be sure to check out the Coors Light beer box in the concourse. It’s a walk-in refrigerator full of beer. Inside are different sizes of cans and brands for about the same range of drafts. Craft beer is big in Iowa and Principal Park celebrates it. In the concourse behind home plate is the Iowa Craft Beer stand. You have your choice of a whopping 32 local brews, so bring your palate and enjoy! Atmosphere 4 Upon entering the seating area, it is impossible to miss the stunning view of the Iowa Capitol Building over the center field wall. The building sits atop a hill and as beautiful as it is during the day, it is even better at night when the numerous domes are lit up. There is also a tremendous view of the Des Moines skyline looking over the left field corner. If you have visited Principal Park before the 2015 season, the biggest noticeable difference is the video board over the right field wall. The upgrade makes a world of difference and allows for fans to get much more information, including current stats, the pitcher’s pitch count, etc. A new batter’s eye was installed prior to the 2023 season, but the views remain. The seats are comfortable and are all stadium seats in the infield seating bowl. General admission is down both lines and in right field, but the small added cost of a reserved ticket is well worth it. The bleachers under the video board can be particularly hot during day games and are best avoided unless there is a full house. In the right field corner (Schaal Chill Zone) is a fountain that runs during the game and is great for kids (and some adults) on particularly hot days. The fountain shoots water after Iowa home runs and other exciting plays that benefit the home team. Inside the concourse is a large play area for kids including batting/pitching games and a large climbing/jungle gym-type structure. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Des Moines has anything and everything you could desire. There are plenty of places to have a drink before or after the game and a litany of different food options. Just down the street from the ballpark is the High Life Lounge. Obvious by its name, the High Life Lounge serves Miller but, not to fear, plenty of other options are available. The High Life, with its shag carpet and old neon beer signs throughout, is worth a stop. It has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” show. The bacon wrapped tater tots are quite popular. Also the broasted chicken which customers rave about is some of the best chicken around. Buzzard Billy’s is another great option. They have plenty of drink choices and good food. Buzzard Billy’s serves many traditional bar foods but they are known for their Cajun and do it well. The catfish dinner is outstanding. The newest option will be particularly popular on nights with great weather. In 2016, the 300 Craft and Rooftop bar opened across the street from Principal Park. Take a two minute walk after the game and enjoy a few drinks on the 3,000 square foot outdoor patio atop a building that also includes a couple other restaurants and a gym. There are many options for lodging in the area although pricey with it being downtown. Two options are the Hyatt and Holiday Inn downtown. You can save a few dollars staying farther out. With the stadium being close to the interstate, it’s easy to get in and out of downtown. If traveling with family, the Iowa History Museum and Science Center of Iowa are great places to take the kids. When visiting Des Moines, a visit to the Capitol is a must, built in 1886 it is an amazing building. The view of the Capitol building from the stadium is outstanding and the inside is just as impressive as the outside and admission is free. Fans 3 Like at most minor league stadiums, the fans are a mixed bag. With the longevity of the team being affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, there are many diehards that you can count on seeing nightly. The fans have been spoiled with the amount of prospects that have played here the past few years. Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras, and others have made the team even more popular. The regular fans follow the game pitch-by-pitch and can tell you all you need to know about the team. There are also those that appear to be there more for the social aspect, to see fireworks, or that come with a group and don’t pay much attention to what is occurring on the field. Access 4 Principal Park is easy to get to and you can access it directly from I-235. Parking is steep at $13. You can park a little farther away, across MLK Parkway, and save a buck. You will have a little bit of a walk but that is recommended on nights where the occasion dictates large crowds such as fireworks nights. There are limited exits leaving the main parking area at Principal Park. One of those exits is blocked on fireworks nights because they close the bridge on MLK and use that bridge to shoot off the fireworks. As such, lines are long and slow moving when leaving. Inside the park, the concourses are wide and easy to maneuver. Restrooms, concessions, and handicap seating is sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 Depending upon your preference, tickets generally range from $10 for general admission to $40 for home plate club seats with wait staff. General admission for children (13 and under) is $7. In 2023, the team went to dynamic pricing for tickets. As such, the tickets prices will vary but they won’t drift far from what was the normal pricing. For those that plan on consuming a lot of food and drink, perhaps your best bet is a table in the Budweiser Club seats. Located down the left field line, you can purchase a table for 4 in the Bud Club for $290. Included is admission to the game and all you can eat and drink. Food is about what you would expect to pay at a ballgame and you can get a decent seat, a beer, and something to eat for less than $30. The only drawback here is the parking cost. The recommended spot to sit is over the visitor's dugout on the first base side. In addition to great seats, you have a great view of the capitol building and the Des Moines skyline. Extras 5 An extra point for the amazing view of the capitol building. It is certainly one of the better views around. The Iowa Cubs have a really neat tradition every year. A group of individuals from around the globe give their oath and are sworn in as citizens of the United States, in what is always a very popular citizenship ceremony. The walk-in beer cooler is a rarity and definitely worth a look. For history buffs, be sure and take a look in the north parking lot, near MLK Blvd. A preserved fort is on the ballpark’s property. The fort represents the birth of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The team does a great job of celebrating its long-time affiliation with the Chicago Cubs. The ballpark has reminders of this affiliation everywhere you go. Final Thoughts Des Moines is an underrated city with a great downtown scene. The location of the ballpark is in a perfect location for entertainment before and after the game. Inside the gates is a great place to sit back and watch a game while taking in some great views and a litany of good food and drink options. Principal Park isn’t the newest stadium around, but it still provides a quality time for baseball fans of all ages. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 BMO Field 170 Princes' Blvd Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Canada Toronto Argonauts website BMO Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 28,180 Sail Away and Returning Home The 2026 season has been one of the most difficult for the Toronto Argonauts. With Toronto as a host city for the FIFA World Cup, the Argos were displaced and hit the road for the first nine weeks of the CFL season. Returning home meant that the Argos had to deal with plenty of construction and other events at Exhibition Place. That being said, it is good to be home for the oldest gridiron football team in the world. The Argonauts were established in 1873 as the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club. Success has found the Argos on the field with their 19 Grey Cup Championships, most in the entire Canadian Football League. Argos have been a flashy team over the years boasting football stars like Joe Theismann, Doug Flutie, Damon Allen, Raghib Ismail and Rickey Williams. The current Argos are led by the most beloved Argonaut of them all, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, who acts as the General Manager. The Argos even boast Bruce McNall, Wayne Gretzky and the iconic John Candy as former owners. The Argos are currently part of the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment portfolio. Home for the Argonauts is BMO Field. Built in 2007 on the grounds of their former home, Exhibition Stadium, BMO Field was originally conceived as the home for the National Soccer team of Canada. When the Argonauts were told that they would no longer be able to call the Rogers Centre home in 2016 a return to BMO Field seemed natural. Although not the most popular decision amongst soccer fans, the City of Toronto owned BMO Field has been a good home for the Argonauts, with a more appropriate size and far better sidelines than Rogers Centre. Food & Beverage 5 The food selection at BMO Field is top notch. The main concession stands are the Food Junction stands and serve all of the expected stadium items including hot dogs, popcorn, burgers, chicken tenders and nachos. There are a number of specialty locations that serve more unique items that are worth checking out. Panini serves porchetta, smoked meat, and turkey club sandwiches along with Braised Beef Grilled Cheese. Frites serves a variety of fries and poutine including Jerk Chicken Poutine and Steak & Ale Pie Chips. Pizza Pizza is the purveyor of slices at BMO as well. The King Club bar has a massive selection of alcoholic beverages including a number of craft beer selections. For those who like to plan their culinary journey, the BMO Field website has a decent rundown of the concession options. Atmosphere 3 The basic structure of the BMO Field is two large east and west grandstands, each with two decks. BMO Field lacks a specific grand entrance. Fans will enter from either the north or south ends, with little distinguishing one from the other. The exterior of BMO Field is not unattractive, but there is little to make it stand out. The north end of the stadium is where the Argos locker room is, right inside Gate 1 and fans can get a glimpse of the team as they enter the field. The concourses are more functional than decorative and there are probably more markings for Toronto FC than the Argos. Inside the grandstands, the field is north-south oriented. As part of their agreement with Toronto FC, there are no markings on the field itself other than the football lines. This means that for picture purposes both the east and west grandstands are equally photogenic. A new set of luxury boxes, a remnant from the World Cup, are found at the north in a large structure. A pair of videoboards in the northeast and southwest corners replaced the older, single board. The banners for the Argonauts’ nineteen Grey Cup Championships (1914, 1921, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1983, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2012, 2017, 2022, 2024) blow constantly behind the north end zone. The banner honouring All-Time Argos (Les Ascott, Carl Brazley, Damon Allen, Michael Clemons, Royal Copeland, Jim Corrigall, Ulysses Curtis, Kevin Eiben, Dan Ferrone, Doug Flutie, Terry Greer, Rodney Harding, Ed Harrington, Lew Hayman, Condredge Holloway, Joe Krol, Marv Luster, Dave Mann, Peter Martin, Paul Masotti, Derrell Mitchell, Don Moen, Teddy Morris, Danny Nykoluk, Bob O’Billovich, Mike O’Shea, Ricky Ray, Jim Rountree, Chris Shultz, Dick Shatto, Jim Stillwagon, Bill Symons, and Bill Zock) has been moved under the press box on the west side of the stadium. Unfortunately the banner has type that is pretty small and difficult to see from a distance. The gameday atmosphere is solid. The video presentations for the player entrances are excellent. The players enter from the northeast corner through an inflatable contraption and are lined by flags, smoke and pyro. The mascot, Jason, stands at the touchdown cannon in the northeast end, which is something the fans should be ready for, or else! The entry of the team on the field features pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flag bearers and just about everything one would need to get hyped for the game.The Argos dance team, The A-Team, which is co-ed, performs during some breaks in the action and on the sidelines. The Argonauts also feature traditional cheerleaders who perform gymnastic stunts more akin to college football rather than the pros. Overall a pretty solid atmosphere for a football game. A highlight of the pregame is the lighting of the cannon, which is a virtual lighting with the “spark” travelling around the stadium on the ribbon boards before returning to the cannon which is set off with sparklers signifying the beginning of the game. At the game that was reviewed, the celebrity lighting the cannon was the son of legendary comedian, and number one Argo fan, John Candy. Neighbourhood 5 BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. BMO Field is shared with the Toronto FC. Coca-Cola Coliseum is across the parking lot and is the home of the Toronto Sceptres, Toronto Marlies and Toronto Tempo. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, sports fans should really try to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby. Fans 3 Attendance at Toronto Argonaut games has been an issue for quite a while. The game that was reviewed, the first of the 2026 season, saw over 16,000 fans in attendance. In 2025, the Argonauts averaged just over 15,000 fans per game, ranking them last in the nine team CFL. There is plenty of room for growth in this area, but the sports landscape in Toronto is ridiculously crowded. That being said, the fans in attendance are as loud and passionate as most other CFL teams. The noise does not seem to match the attendance, which is a plus. Access 4 BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place. Getting to Exhibition Place can be a challenge, as anything in Toronto can be. The Ex is immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although fans may think this is the quickest way to drive to the Ex, often a longer route on Lakeshore Blvd is the way to go, especially for those coming from the west. There are a number of parking spots available for fans at Exhibition Place. It is important for fans to do some research before heading out to see the Argos. At times there are other events taking place at the Ex and parking is a real challenge. Even at the best of times, parking is not cheap and other options may be the best plan. For fans who prefer the public transit route, Exhibition Place has some decent public transit options. There is a Go Transit station right by the Ex and this is probably the easiest form of public transit. A walk north of the Ex will bring fans through Liberty Village and eventually to some TTC options. Check out the Go Transit and TTC websites for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around BMO Field is not too difficult and concourses are fairly spacious. Washroom facilities are also adequate for this venue. With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Argonauts and BMO Field websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the stadium, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Toronto Argonauts begin at $38 and go up to around $80. There are often ticket deals to be had, so an eagle-eyed fan can make out well. One of the highlights of the season is the CNE game, which gives fans access to the Canadian National Exhibition in late August along with their game ticket. Parking at Exhibition Place is definitely expensive and concession prices are about what one would expect. It is undeniable that a great time can be had at the Argo game and helps balance out the investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the longevity of the Argonauts as the oldest professional football team in the world. An extra mark for the Argonauts’ top fan, former owner and movie legend, John Candy. Candy’s tenure as owner of the Argos with Wayne Gretzky and Bruce McNall was a highlight of the team’s duration including the signing of Rocket Ismail, the toast of the town, and a Grey Cup victory. An extra mark for the huge rivalry with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which culminates in the Labour Day Classic in Hamilton, the biggest date on the CFL calendar. Final Thoughts The Toronto Argonauts continue to fight and claw their way into the consciousness of the local sports fan in Toronto. Taking in an Argo game at BMO Field is definitely a positive experience, one that more fans need to experience. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Peoria Chiefs website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Peoria's Dozer Park is in the Middle Peoria has a deep history with professional baseball, dating back to 1878. In 1883, the local pro team moved to Lake View Park, where they remained until Woodruff Field was built next door in 1923. That team hung on until 1937, and except for a brief resurgence in the 1950s, Peoria was without a pro ballclub until the modern Midwest League Peoria Chiefs arrived in 1983, playing their games at collegiate Meinen Field. Despite beginning as an Angels affiliate, the team passed between the equidistant Cubs and Cardinals for the rest of their existence, sticking with the Cardinals since 2013. Along the way, the team also dropped their increasingly untenable native American mascot and branding, changing to the current Dalmatian fire "chief" in 2005. The Chiefs moved into their new home, O'Brien Field, in 2002. Eleven years later, local manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. acquired the stadium's naming rights, resulting in its current name, Dozer Park. Recent renovations from 2023-25 helped revitalize the aging park, adding a completely new grass playing surface, LED lights, upgraded player and umpire facilities, and new end-to-end safety netting. Much like Peoria itself, Dozer Park sits in the middle, neither standing out nor failing conspicuously, as well as physically a halfway point between Chicago and St. Louis. Food & Beverage 3 Dozer Field has a decent selection of food and drinks to keep your energy up while you catch a game. There are several concession stands along the promenade to choose from. Most cover the ballpark basics (burgers, dogs, chicken, and pizza), but there are some specialty items on offer, including tacos, smashed double cheeseburgers, and Italian Beef. Local Heartland BBQ has a stand, but it is sometimes only open for weekend games. Most concessions sell a modest selection of Bud/Miller beer products, local craft beers, and some cocktails. The Big Grove Brewery kiosk at home plate is your best source for true craft suds and variety. Coke products rule the roost on the non-alcoholic side of things. I was travelling through Illinois, so I eventually had to grab an Italian Beef sandwich and a Friendly Neighborhood Beer from Big Grove Brewery for an early summer evening. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Stadium has undergone some recent work, which helped tidy up a downtown park that was showing its age. The ballpark follows a familiar minor-league design, with a single level of regular seating sloping down from a promenade that circles the park. The scoreboard rises above the outfield wall in right-center, set against the backdrop of the Peoria Warehouse District. A second level of corporate and group boxes sits above the first to third base. A group Party Patio is in left field, the Home Run Landing is in right field, and the outdoor batting cages are in the batter's eye in center field. The seating bowl ends in two grass berms, a shorter one on the right and one on the left that runs all the way into center field. Dalmatian fire chief Homer is the current team mascot and assists with the pre-game and between-inning activities at the park. The events are minor-league standards of races, quizzes, and contests of dubious skill. In the park's intimate seating area, your major choice is sun or shade. Grab something towards the first baseline to grab more sun, or home plate, or third base to sit more in the shade. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located in the heart of downtown Peoria. Fans of the locale cite its affordable, community feel, with just enough variety to keep it interesting, while being a short distance from both St. Louis and Chicago. Detractors see Peoria as a small town with unrealistic aspirations, propped up by two industries that dominate an otherwise barren cultural landscape. Several eateries are within walking distance from the park, including the Bar at Black Band, Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro, Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer, Bay Leaf Indian, Saffron Social, and top-rated The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. What's there to do downtown is right by the park. The Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Caterpillar Visitor's Center, and Riverfront Park are a short walk from the ballpark, while the Peoria Playhouse children's museum and the Peoria Zoo are a short drive to the northeast. The Civic Center is right downtown, which hosts various concerts and events. Near the river downtown, several high-end hotels are a short walk from Dozer Field, including Staybridge Suites, Four Points, the Mark Twain Hotel, and the Peoria Marriott, with the Embassy Suites just across the Illinois River. Cheaper options are a short drive down or up I-74 in East and North Peoria. Fans 3 Although the Chiefs generally sit near the bottom of the Midwest League attendance rankings, those numbers are stronger than they might appear at first glance. The league as a whole consistently draws well, and the Chiefs attendance was solid enough to help secure their promotion to High-A during the minor league reorganization of the early 2020s. While they aren't the biggest draw in the league, the local families who make up the fan base do their part and stay involved in the game and the events between innings. Access 3 Dozer Field, like Peoria itself, is well served by transit options. I-74 crosses downtown a short distance from the park, and State 40 bridges the Illinois River right next to the park. All of Peoria's CityLink bus service ($1 per ride/ $3 all-day) begins at the transit center, a couple of blocks from the park, and is serviced by Trailways, Greyhound, and Amtrak buses. The local General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is just southwest of town. The official lot is $7, but if you're willing to walk a block or two, there is generally plentiful, free street parking in the warehouse district, unless there is another big event going on. Traffic shouldn't be too bad getting out either way. There are two entrances, the main one at home plate and a smaller one in left field. The crowd usually isn't too big to need to go to left field, but if you grab closer street parking, you can use that once. The seating areas are surrounded by a wide promenade that narrows a bit in the outfield, but there shouldn't be too much trouble getting around. Return on Investment 4 The Chiefs cater well to their budget-conscious family audience, with decent seat prices and plenty of specials that help cut the cost of a night out. Seat prices are average for the league, running from $14-$22 most nights. Tickets can be purchased with bundled food options or all-you-can-eat packages that help defray some of the cost. Some of the specialty food options can be quite pricey, but that is offset by cheap base menu options, teamed with money-saving combos on nearly every type of food, making individual or family-level eating much more affordable. Parking is officially $7, but free street parking is plentiful. Extras 3 You won't get two feet in the park before you notice its biggest memorial, a statue of Pete Vonachen interacting with a young fan. "Mr. Baseball" was the long-time Chiefs owner and beloved among the Peoria baseball faithful. On the first-base side is a (sometimes hidden) memorial to Peoria baseball championships and awards, as well as to local Bradley University's baseball achievements and players who have made the major and minor leagues. The team batting cages are in the batter's eye in center for your voyeuristic pre-game pleasure, a small children's area sits behind it, and the Firehouse team store is right by the main entrance. Also worth noting is a home plate Roomba that helps out the grounds crew before games to keep home plate up to snuff. Final Thoughts Dozer Park is a decent place to catch a game if you find yourself in Peoria. Like its host city, it neither hits the heights nor delves the depths, but finds a pleasant middle and stays constant in it.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Szőnyi úti Stadion 1142 Budapest, Szőnyi út 2. Hungary Map It BVSC Zugló website Year Opened: 1952 (late 1920s) Capacity: 5000 (current) Crossing the Line Association football has been played on Szőnyi Utca, enclosed by a major transport interchange for over a century. The compact site soon became the home ground of Budapest Railwaymen’s Sports Club due to its proximity to the huge Rendezőpályaudvar (Marshalling & Classification) railway yard. The stadium in its current guise opened on 1 May 1952, with a capacity of 18,000. Today, with a much smaller capacity, this is a must-visit stadium with bags of character and huge old-school floodlights to die for. Simply arriving at the ground takes you back to the club’s roots, as approximately ten train lines need negotiating to reach your goal! Food & Beverage 2 Three refreshment options are available within the footprint of the stadium. A wooden shed, situated behind the Szőnyi Utca stand, provides a limited menu of beer, soft drinks and sweets. The stadium is just one section of a thriving sports club complex. Head towards the swimming pool at the southern end of the stadium, and a leisure centre-style cafe serves hot drinks, filled rolls and other snacks. Finally, at the main entrance to the stadium, a modern bar and restaurant called SPORT Bistro has a variety of drinks and food available. Although this bar is technically outside the stadium, visitors are allowed to come and go throughout their visit to purchase refreshments. Atmosphere 5 Home fans and visitors are placed in open seating, running down the Szőnyi Utca side of the stadium. Five or six rows of unallocated large bucket seats are available. Front row views are affected by the pitch-side fencing so the stand tends to fill from the back. Access this stand from the main entrance by Sport Bistro. Then head past the wooden refreshment shed, and climb the steps into the seated area. Szőnyi úti Stadion - Seats Fill From the Top, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey The opposite stand is a beauty! The wooden fascias and central section with its own pitched roof have an ‘alpine’ feel. The perfectly symmetrical stand, resplendent in club colours is smaller than the touchline length, adding to its quaint appeal. This ‘main’ stand holds away fans on one side and the other, mainly press / VIP. This stand is accessed from a footpath running parallel with Teleki Blanka Utca in the north-west corner of the stadium. There is a ticket office next to the entrance that takes cash or card. There are no fans allowed behind the two goals. The north end has no facilities at all (this means you could view the match through the outer fence without entering the actual stadium). The other end is landscaped with a raised European-style half-moon curve. Aside from an attractive walkway, its only feature is the stadium’s large digital scoreboard. Neighborhood 3 Due to the excellent travel network in Budapest, there is no need for visitors to limit themselves to the Zugló district. (See our reviews of Bozsik Aréna and Sport utcai Stadion for other attractions and cultural sights in Budapest). Zuglo itself is known as the ‘green district’ with a city park, zoo and botanical gardens. It’s a very safe district situated less than 20 minutes from the centre of the city. With the stadium surrounded by railway lines and the 6-lane M3 motorway, visitors are unlikely to spend too much time in this part of Zuglo. The best local option is a small bar called Manó büfé with outside seating directly opposite the multiple pedestrian and road railway crossings. It’s a little ‘rough and ready’, but a pre-match beer here is a must. (Food also available, see their Facebook page.) Why here? Rail crossings in Hungary are not as strict as in some countries. When the barriers are down, pedestrians and bikes should stop but approaching trains can still be minutes away. This makes for fascinating people-watching as locals and match-going supporters on foot or by bicycle, stop at the barrier. A conscious debate is etched on their face as they glance left and right. Some relax and casually wait (correct option kids), others circumnavigate the barrier, look, listen and dash comedically across the rails! Fans 3 The wider sporting club has provided members with a century of sporting opportunity. Members and fans, initially from the adjacent railway depot, are now drawn from across the district. Recent attendances hover around the 500 mark, perhaps more when local sides are the opposition. Fans that do attend are still dedicated and, along with the club, have offered free sports club membership to refugees from the war in Ukraine. The blue and yellow colours of BVSC being familiar to their neighbours to the north. Like many clubs based behind the old Iron Curtain, the club has had numerous name changes. Founded in 1911 as MAVOSZ Budapesti VSC and settling on BVSC-Zugló (Budapesti Vasutas Sport Club-Zugló) from 2011 onwards. Tier 2 is the team’s current level (NB2) and so the standard is good. Fans have seen the club win the NB2 title on three occasions so far in their history. Their highest ever finish was runners-up in NB1 in 1996. This period also saw BVSC play six European games over two seasons, a peak time in their history which included becoming losing finalists in the National Cup in 1996 and 1997. Since then the football part of the sporting club actually closed for a decade before restarting in 2012. Fans Watching a BVSC Zugló Match, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Access 4 Zuglo is on the edge of Budapest’s 14th District, nestled between train tracks and the 6-lane M3-as autópálya. To get the full railwaymen experience, stop off at Manó büfé and cross those railway tracks yourself. Arriving from the west is best. Head to the stadium along Szegedi út from district 13. This means heading for the Béke tér tram stop and walking 20 minutes to the ground. If visitors are arriving from the centre of the city, use the historic and ornate underground metro line 1 to Mexikói. From there it’s a 7-minute walk to the large main entrance which includes the aforementioned SPORT bar. The nearest overground train station is Rákosrendező, alight there and cross those numerous train tracks to the stadium. If arriving by car, free parking spaces are available in Teleki Blanka Utca, subject to availability. Additional parking is available at the BVSC main parking lot on the corner of Mexikói and Szőnyi út. The entrance desks selling tickets generally open 1 hour before kick-off. No need to buy tickets in advance. Return on Investment 5 Tickets cost just 1,500 HUF and 1,200 for OAPs and students. This is extremely good value and with no merchandise to purchase, a trip here represents excellent value! Extras 2 Dig deeper into the club’s roots by visiting the Hungarian Railway Museum in Zuglo, a 7-minute drive from the stadium. More than 15 others sports are covered by the club. In summer 2026, the BVSC swimming section returned from the European Swimming Championships in Paris with gold medals aplenty. Final Thoughts This ‘railway’ stadium could be missed by visitors to Budapest as they take in the brighter lights of Honvéd, Ferencváros and MTK. However, these venues have all benefited (and lost?) from costly and extensive renovations. Zuglo retains its working class background. The ‘proper’ old floodlights, can be seen for miles. The eclectic mix of stands and the railway’s ongoing presence combine to make this a real experience. This and the whole visit could cost visitors less than ten euros. The ground may not ‘score’ highly in conventional aspects, but on many other scales it’s a 10/10 must-visit.