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.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 York Lions Stadium 230 Ian MacDonald Boulevard Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Toronto FC II website York Lions Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 4,000 __________________________________________________________________________________ Deuces Heading North The Toronto Football Club of Major League Soccer has an affiliate that is part of the third-division MLS Next Pro. The unimaginatively named Toronto FC II has been the affiliate of TFC since 2015, when they were part of the USL. The team joined MLS Next Pro in 2022, coinciding with their move to York Lions Stadium. TFC2 has not enjoyed much success, only making the playoffs in one season. In 2026, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment announced that Toronto FC II would be moving north to the city of Barrie for the 2028 season, where they would play in a brand-new, soccer-specific stadium that would be built. For the time being, York Lions Stadium is the home of Toronto FC II. The stadium was built for the 2015 Pan Am Games on the campus of York University at the north end of Toronto, in the borough of North York. It was built for the Track and Field events in the games and was renovated in 2021. It was made more appropriate for soccer and football by removing the track and shifting the field a bit. Food & Beverage 1 For the match that was reviewed, there were no concession options inside the stadium. Water stations are present for fans to refill their water bottles. There was an ice cream truck parked outside the stadium, which was referred to by the PA announcer during the match. Wristbands were provided at entry, and fans were able to leave and re-enter with ice cream. Atmosphere 2 York Lions Stadium has a fairly attractive exterior. An Inuit sculpture welcomes fans at the north gate. The exterior features brown paneling with silver and red trim on the single grandstand. The field is surrounded by attractive, black wrought iron fencing. However, there is not much in the way of signage around the stadium, and it is not inconceivable for fans to get confused and head to the older stadium, once known as York Stadium, currently Alumni Field. Inside, there is a single grandstand on the west side that is huge. The pitch is oriented from north to south with the videoboard at the south end. The grandstand features nine sections of thirteen rows of red, plastic stadium seats. The first row is elevated, so attempting to see through the athletes on the bench is not an issue. The surface is artificial turf, and thankfully, there were no football lines on the field to take away from the match. There are what look like temporary suites at ground level on the east side, which are probably used for other soccer matches with Inter, Toronto FC, and AFC Toronto. The gameday production at a Toronto FC II match is very simple. There is a lack of original content and pre-match videos, and the music is from the parent club, Toronto FC. The sound system is good, and the PA announcer is easy to understand. The proximity to the action and generally small crowd size will offer fans the opportunity to hear the sounds of the game that they would not normally hear. Neighbourhood 4 York Lions Stadium is located on the Keele Campus of York University in the York University Heights neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of North York. There are places for pre- or post-game food and drink that are not too far, but will require a hop in the car or a stop with transit. Some options include Nuovo Toronto, Chop Steakhouse, Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse, Romano’s, Picasso Grillz, and VMV’s Bar and Grill. There are also a number of fast food and chain restaurant options in the area. York Lions Stadium is also the home to other professional soccer teams, including AFC Toronto of the NSL and Inter Toronto FC of the CPL. It is also the home of the York Lions football and soccer programs. York fields a host of other athletic teams that play on campus, including hockey and basketball. Sobey’s Stadium is also on campus and hosts the Canadian Open tennis tournaments annually. Toronto is a very crowded sports market, and other teams in the area include TFC2’s parent club, Toronto FC, Toronto Blue Jays, Argonauts, Maple Leafs, Raptors, Sceptres, Marlies, and Tempo. Other tourist options in Toronto include Casa Loma, Medieval Times, Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and the must-see Hockey Hall of Fame. Canada’s Wonderland is a very short drive north on Highway 400. For fans wishing to stay close to campus, the Four Points and Best Western Plus Toronto North York are good options. Fans 2 Assessing fans in MLS Next Pro is very difficult as the league does not publish attendance figures. At the match that was reviewed, late in the 2026 season, it was pretty much a friends-and-family crowd that may have topped out at 150 people. There was a bit of a superfan in attendance who posted supporter banners on the grandstand, which fans could not see. The fan did lead some kids in cheers that were Toronto FC-based. Access 4 York Lions Stadium is located on the Keele Campus of York University. The campus is found in the York University Heights neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of North York. It is on the south side of Ian MacDonald Boulevard, at the north side of campus. It is not difficult to get to; however, Toronto traffic, even in the north end, is significant. Steeles Avenue, the northern border of campus, is among the busiest streets in the city. However, proximity to Highways 400 and 407 is very close. Fans traveling should be aware that Highway 407 is a toll highway. There is sufficient parking on campus, and fans will be required to pay a nominal parking fee. York utilizes the Honk app for ease in paying for parking. For fans wanting to take public transit, the Pioneer Village subway station is at the north end of campus, near the stadium. Fans are able to take the TTC from here down to Union Station if they wish. There are also York Region Transit buses that stop at the Pioneer Village station. Fans should check the TTC or YRT websites for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around York Lions Stadium does come with plenty of stairs. Those with mobility difficulties may find some challenges here. There is plenty of space behind the seating area for fans to stand or sit with wheelchairs if necessary. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 4 Toronto FC II tickets are very affordable. Tickets are purchased at the door for $10 each. Toronto FC season seat holders and kids under 10 are free, and York University students are only $5. Parking on campus will cost around $10. Although the atmosphere is very simple, fans will enjoy the match, even without all the bells and whistles. Extras 2 An extra mark for Toronto FC II moving north to Barrie, where they will most likely receive more attention. An extra mark for the synergy Toronto FC II enjoys with Toronto FC. Final Thoughts It is not an exaggeration to refer to Toronto FC II as an afterthought in the MLSE sports portfolio. The opportunity to develop their own fans and identity with the move away from York Lions Stadium to Barrie will be a welcome change that can only benefit the club. 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, Orego,n 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 dominated food in New Mexico? Chile, of course. Here you have many choices, from ribs braised in red chile to burgers, pizza, and fires 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 batters 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 in 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 sprots 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 miles north towards the University of New Mexico. There are a multitude of various 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 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 to where you can usually get around easy 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 organizationfor bringing in local food. I wish other teams would do this on as big 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 and 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 Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 ForeFront Field Stadium 2009 Baseball Blvd Avon, OH 44011 Lake Erie Crushers website ForeFront Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,000 Crushing It at the Ballpark When people think of baseball in the Cleveland area, their minds drift towards the Cleveland Guardians, but just a 30-minute drive away downtown is another baseball stadium. Nestled in the suburban town of Avon, the Lake Erie Crushers have quietly built a reputation of their own, emerging as a beloved gem in the local sports scene. Since their founding in 2009, the Crushers have steadily won over the hearts of residents throughout Lorain County and beyond. What began as a modest independent league team has blossomed into a community staple, drawing crowds with a genuine love of the game, an engaging atmosphere, and a strong connection to local fans. At the heart of the Crushers’ appeal is their commitment to accessibility and affordability. While big-league games can quickly become a costly affair for families, a night at ForeFront Field offers an affordable and stress-free alternative. Ticket prices are modest, parking is convenient, and concessions are budget-friendly—all without sacrificing the quality of the fan experience. The stadium’s cozy size ensures that every seat feels close to the action, and interactive features like on-field games, theme nights, and meet-and-greets with players help make each visit feel special, particularly for young fans. Food & Beverage 4 The Crushers offer down-to-the-basics food options at the multiple concession stands and kiosks, along with hard liquor varieties at the Third Base Bar. Sahlen’s hot dogs are prominently featured, along with brats, nachos, chicken sandwiches, steak burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken tenders, french fries, and walking tacos. A couple of interesting items are the loaded nachos with pulled pork and giant pretzels that can be shared with a couple of people. Plain and pepperoni slices are also sold at the ball game. A Chick-fil-A tent offers sandwiches, nuggets, and chicken wraps. For the sweet tooth, the stadium sells funnel cake fries, shaved ice, ice cream, soft-serve ice cream, and mini donuts. Pepsi products are the drink of choice at the Crushers game, with multiple varieties sold. The alcoholic beverages are offered by draft and in 16-ounce cans. Budweiser, Bud Light, Yuengling, Sam Adams, Busch Light, and Labatt Blue and Light are a few of the beer varieties. A few local craft beers include Great Lakes Dortmunder Lager, Mexican Lager, and Midwest IPA. For the non-beer drinkers,21 Brix Wines, Loncaro Long Drinks, and Carbless Vodka Cocktails include three varieties in cans. The 3rd Base Bar offers mixed drinks: old-fashioned, espresso martinis, the Crusher Margarita, and Crush on the Beach. Atmosphere 4 Stadium Journey took in a Saturday night game at ForeFront Field, which was Monster Hockey Night, the local American Hockey League team. The Crushers wore specialty jerseys, invited the hockey team’s mascot, Sully, to entertain fans, and featured a giant Monsters inflatable to introduce players. The weather was somewhat cloudy, but otherwise ideal for an evening of baseball. The design of the ForeFront Field is simple and similar to others of its kind this century. A sunken-style seating bowl with a concourse that opens up from foul pole to foul pole. At the corner of the right field foul line is the children’s play zone that offers inflatable rides for the children for $5 extra. The left field line is a giant grass berm seating area that may be fun for children to roll up and down on during the game. There are various table seating areas with tents on the main concourse that sit up to four people. Many of them were filled tonight, and the multi-color tents. Luxury boxes and suites are situated on the upper deck of the facility, and a third base bar offers a large area for fans to enjoy a few hard liquor cocktails during the game. The space also includes table tops and seating for fans. The Grape Race entertains fans in between innings, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The organization has leaned heavily into its community-first identity, hosting local school nights, charitable events, and youth baseball camps that further cement its place in the hearts of area families. The team’s mascot, Stomper—a lovable purple creature with a mischievous grin—has become a recognizable figure across schools, parades, and birthday parties throughout the region. Overall, a festive mood at the ball game with kids running around, fans grabbing a bite to eat, and plenty of mingling with neighbors and friends. The Crushers team shop has a small collection of merchandise, a stadium MC adds to the revelry of the crowd, and there are plenty of in-between promotions on the field that include a three-person race with runners dressed up in grape outfits. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio, is a suburban, family-friendly area with a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial developments. Just a short drive from the stadium is Chester Road and Detroit Road, where you'll find Target, Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot, and several strip malls. The area has a range of dining options, including fast food (Chick-fil-A, Culver’s), chain restaurants (Applebee’s, Olive Garden), and some local spots: Winking Lizard, a chain pub with classic American grub, hundreds of beer choices, and Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream. Downtown Cleveland is a 30-minute drive on I-90 by car and offers more choices of sporting events that include a Cleveland Guardians game at Progressive Field, a Cleveland Monsters or Cleveland Cavaliers game at Rocket Arena. Fans 4 The local community supports the Lake Erie Crushers. The stands are filled with kids and families, making it an ideal destination for a fun, family-friendly outing. From diehard baseball enthusiasts to casual fans just looking for a good time with friends or relatives, the Crushers are drawing a diverse and growing crowd. Access 4 The stadium is visible off I-90 and easy to drive from Cleveland (about 25–30 minutes east). Ample parking is available, and traffic is manageable even on game days. There are two areas of parking available at the stadium, including lots with accessible handicap spaces. Inside the ballpark, the wide-open concourse offers easy access to all points of interest, including the third base bar down, lawn seating in left field, and the children’s play area in right field. The official team store is located near the entrance steps of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket starts at $11, with seating behind the backstop at $17 and $19. However, there are other, more affordable options when attending a Crushers game during the week. $2 for Tuesdays, tickets start at the low price of $2 per person. It also includes $2 for hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and 12-oz sodas. Giving Wednesday allows fans to bring two non-perishable items for free admission. Thirsty Thursdays feature drink specials at the stadium. The team gift shop has plenty of merchandise. Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey The Crushers charge $6 for general admission parking and $10 for VIP parking, while concession items such as a hot dog are $5, and a 24-ounce can of beer is $7. A majority of the menu items are fairly priced for a Frontier League stadium. Extras 3 ForeFront Field earns additional points for the Third Base Bar offering hard liquor and mixed cocktails, affordable weekday games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and affordable concession prices from hot dogs to beer. It is one of those honest, simple suburban neighborhood ballparks. Final Thoughts The Lake Erie Crushers are a refreshing reminder of community, tradition, and a love of the game. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball enthusiast or simply looking for a fun summer evening with the family, a trip to see the Crushers play offers an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful—and all just 30 minutes west of Cleveland ------- 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: 2.71 Alumni Hall One Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02908 Providence College Friars Volleyball website Alumni Hall website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 1,854 Friartown Volleyball Alumni Hall was built in 1955 at the direction of Providence College President Rev. Robert Slavin. He felt the men’s basketball team needed an on-campus home to be competitive. Until then, they had played in local gyms off-campus or in a small gym in the basement of Harkins Hall. Built for $1.5 million, Alumni Hall was dedicated to PC alumni who fought in World War II. Alumni Hall served as home to the PC men’s team until the construction of the Providence Civic Center (now the Amica Mutual Pavilion) downtown in 1972. Volleyball has been played at Providence College since 1977. The Friars have won three Big East Conference titles (1983, 1985, 1987) and have qualified for two NCAA tournaments (1983 & 1985). In 2012, Alumni Hall underwent a $3 million renovation, which included the installation of new seating, lighting, air conditioning, video scoreboards, a control room, a sound system, and other amenities. LED lighting has also been installed in the facility. Today, Alumni Hall serves as home to the Providence College women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Alumni Hall Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions available at Alumni Hall during Providence College volleyball games. The Slavin Center, PC’s student union, is attached to Alumni Hall and contains a Dunkin’ Donuts, the campus store, and the Alumni Food Court. Depending on the time of the day and day of the week you may be visiting for a game, you may be able to grab a snack to bring into the game. If nothing happens to be open, there is no issue with fans bringing their own snacks into Alumni Hall to enjoy during a game. Atmosphere 3 Volleyball is experiencing a surge of interest around the country, but it still lags behind many of the other fall sports in this part of the country. If you’ve never been to a volleyball game, it’s a fast-paced, exciting game with a lot of chances for fans to influence the gameday atmosphere. The staff at Providence College put on a pretty basic show, which isn’t to say it’s boring by any means; it’s just a bit understated due to the smallish crowds and resources at Alumni Hall. They use the arena’s excellent sound system to play music during time-outs and other play stoppages, the small video boards at either ends of the court are used for pregame hype videos, replays and graphics. The PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings, fans are into the action, and volleyball players tend to add their own brand of energy to the games as well. If you’ve never experienced a college volleyball match, you’re certain to enjoy yourself. Alumni Hall Interior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Alumni Hall is part of a sprawling complex on the northern edge of the Providence College campus, which houses most of the college’s athletic, fitness, and social facilities. The Peterson Recreation Center, the Concannon Fitness Center, the Ruane Friar Development Center, the Taylor Natatorium, the Slavin Center, and the Providence College Bookstore are all built around Alumni Hall, which sits at the center of the complex. Located nearby are many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Schneider Arena, Lennon Family Field, Ray Tracey Track, and Anderson Stadium. The Elmhurst neighborhood, where Providence College is located, is a residential, working-class neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment, and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of the Friars basketball team, is located here. The loss of the Bradley Cafe, a popular student hangout, in March of 2026 was a huge blow to the PC community, but the owners have vowed to rebuild. For fans looking for a place to eat near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers, and LaSalle Bakery, where some of Providence’s finest baked goods can be found. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options. Fans 2 A Friar volleyball crowd is what we at Stadium Journey like to call a “friends and family” type of crowd, meaning that most of the people in attendance have a personal connection with the athletes down on the court. As a result, they are usually pretty knowledgeable about the game and very enthusiastic about supporting their favorite athletes. It’s no exception here in Providence. The crowd is vocal, but not overwhelmingly so. A typical Friar volleyball crowd numbers between 100-250 fans, depending on the opponent and the day of the week of the game. Recent seasons have seen up to 500 fans for bigger games. While there appears to be some support from the student body, there’s no organized student section or, frankly, any need for one. For big games, the athletic department does put out the call to the students, and they’ve been known to turn out in decent numbers. With much of Providence’s schedule consisting of other teams from New England, you can expect to see some visiting fans in the stands as well. This is a place you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition’s colors. Game Action at Alumni Hall. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To get to Alumni Hall, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to find. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has stops at Providence College and along Admiral Street, just a short distance from Alumni Hall. Fans driving to Alumni Hall can park in a small lot adjacent to the Ruane Friar Development Center or in the parking garage on the other side of the Lennon Turf Field. A short walk will take you to the Ruane Atrium, where the entrance into Alumni Hall will be on your left. The ticket office and Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame are located here. Fans will enter Alumni Hall at floor level right on the baseline. Most of the seating for volleyball is in the grandstand on your left, although the small bleachers on each end of the gym are also open. In this bandbox of a gymnasium, all seats have a great view of the action. Restrooms are located in the corners of the facility with additional restrooms in the Slavin Center. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to Friars volleyball games, nor is there a charge for parking. With no concessions on site, you will not have to reach for your wallet during your time at Alumni Hall. Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame at Alumni Hall. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2 Banners hang on the walls of Alumni Hall honoring Friar conference championships and tournament appearances in both women’s basketball and volleyball. Several banners hang at the opposite end of the gym honoring legendary figures in Friar women’s basketball history. The Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the entryway of Alumni Hall. Among the many notable names to be found here are several recognizable NBA, NHL, and MLB players and Olympians. Final Thoughts Alumni Hall is a basic facility that suits the needs of the Providence College volleyball team well. It’s great to see an old gym like this find new life with the school’s women’s programs. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Gary Noll, born Deaf in a New Jersey Deaf household, is a huge New Jersey/New York Sports fan who received the 2019 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award, the 2024 New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Award (as a “Community Pillar”) and a 2024 Russ Berrie Unsung Hero Award. He proposes and raises awareness of Deaf and ASL (American Sign Language) sports events. Gary is an advocate of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including promoting captioning and ASL communication technology during NJ/NY metropolitan sporting events. Gary has already discussed sports venues in New Jersey and New York with Stadium Journey and is excited to share the latest news about future Deaf or ASL awareness events. Please stay tuned for game announcements! The sports teams will be posting notices about the events online. Gary Noll at 2026 US Open 1. Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York City Unfortunately, there won’t be a New York Knicks American Sign Language (ASL) group event this season or in 2027. We hope we see it happen sometime in the future. This is because the team is limiting ticket availability, ticket costs have increased, and the NY Knicks have restructured their staff since winning the NBA championship in June 2026. We’re now focusing on hosting what could be their first-ever NY Rangers ASL group event in 2027 and beyond (keep your fingers crossed). Gary has already asked to include Deaf ASL anthem performers during some future NY Knicks and NY Rangers games. 2. Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York Yankee Stadium Closed Captioning, Photo by Gary Noll The NY Yankees baseball team is planning to host its fourth annual Deaf Awareness Event in 2026, but they’ve decided to hold it next year. Please keep an eye out for it. They’ve already reached out to schools and others, but they’re not ready to make a commitment at this time due to their new leadership. The New York Yankees still have plans for Deaf Awareness Events in the future. 3. Citi Field, Queens, New York Partnering with Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, the New York Mets hosted a dedicated Deaf Awareness event in May 2026, held during their home game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets are considering hosting either a Deaf Awareness Day or a special Deaf group event by partnering with one of the best Deaf schools in NYC and Long Island for future seasons. This 2026 season, you’ll notice the Mets already have an ASL anthem performer for some or most of their games, which is a thoughtful way to promote inclusivity. 4. US Open Tennis, Queens, New York Closed Captioning at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Photo by Gary Noll The US Open Tennis at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (August 23 to September 13, 2026) will feature Deaf ASL anthem performers for the opening night and the men’s and women’s championship matches, which will be broadcast on TV again for the third consecutive year. 5. Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey We haven’t had a chance to chat with the NY Jets and NY Giants about an ASL group event yet. We’d love for them to consider having a Deaf ASL anthem performer during one of their games! If FIFA decides to award NJ/NY the 2031 FIFA World Cup women’s soccer matches, we’d be thrilled to have a Deaf ASL performance. You can read more about this idea in this article. 6. UBS Arena, Belmont Park, New York Deaf Awareness Night at NY Islanders, Photo by Gary Noll After having a successful Deaf Awareness Night in 2023, the NY Islanders have not yet duplicated that event. The team is still considering whether to host another Deaf Awareness Night or a first-time ASL night in future seasons. If this happens, we expect to have live ASL interpreters broadcasting on the Jumbotron. 7. Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey Prudential Center ASL on Videoboard, Photo by Gary Noll The New Jersey Devils hockey team is planning to host its 8th annual ASL night this 2026 - 2027 season on Oct 20, 2026. They’re hoping to feature a Deaf ASL anthem performer and a group performance. To help ASL fans, there will be ASL interpreters throughout the stadium, and they’ll use them to include trivia and other activities on the Jumbotron. Plus, they’ll continue to offer NJ Devils ASL T-shirts for those who buy tickets to the ASL event. 8. Sports Illustrated Arena, (formerly Red Bull Arena), Harrison, New Jersey There’s been talk about a Gotham FC, pro women’s soccer (NWSL) Deaf Awareness Event at the Sports Illustrated Arena, but it hasn’t happened yet. We haven’t discussed hosting a Red Bulls (MLS) pro men’s soccer ASL event there, but we should think about it in the future. 9. Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York We’ve already pitched the idea of hosting the first-ever WNBA New York Liberty and NBA Brooklyn Nets ASL nights at the Barclays Center to the BSE Global team (the ownership company). They’re still not ready for an ASL event yet, but we’re not giving up! We’ll keep trying every year. 10. Etihad Park, Queens, New York It would be great to have live captioning at the new Etihad Park, which will be the home of NYCFC’s men’s soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS) and will welcome Gotham FC women’s soccer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) starting in 2028. We’re also hoping to have a Deaf ASL anthem performer during the first soccer match! 11. Office of the Big East Conference, NCAA, New York City Gary Noll at Big East Championship, MSG They plan to feature ASL anthem performances at both the men’s and women’s basketball championship games at Madison Square Garden in New York City and Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, marking the fourth consecutive season of this tradition. They’re also aiming to broadcast it on TV for the first time next March 2027.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Fred Rust Arena 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Fred Rust Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest college in Delaware. They are a privately governed university that receives public funding. The school from which the university grew (Academy of Newark) was founded in 1743, making it one of the oldest in the nation. However, UD was not chartered as an institution of higher learning until 1833. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UD’s undergraduate program high among public universities. The university’s programs in engineering, science, business, hospitality management, chemical and biomolecular engineering, chemistry, and biochemistry have been especially highly ranked. Fred Rust Ice Arena was built in 1971. The complex also hosts the Gold Arena, which is an NHL-sized rink. The facility is home to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens men’s teams competing at the club level and women’s ice hockey teams competing at the NCAA level. The facility is also home to the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club and the University of Delaware Synchronized Skating Club. Food & Beverage 4 There is an improved concession operation now over past years. There is a nice window offering more full service choices as well as grab and go options. UD dairy has temporarily moved it's operations into the building as a new main facility for them is being built next door. Even when they do move out the arena, proximity to great ice cream options is a nice option. Atmosphere 4 The arena has a main grandstand along the home side of the rink. It is nothing fancy and is pretty much metal bleachers. The best seats are the ones with a blue-enhanced bottom cushion. It seems like nothing much but it does help the comfort level of the fans. Across the ice, the visiting team bleachers are just metal alone. The atmosphere is pretty simple. This is a place to watch a good level of college hockey and not much more. They do offer spaces for kids' birthday parties and other group events. There is a very good pro shop located in the lobby. It is a place to get your serious hockey and ice skating gear. They will also sell some Blue Hens merchandise inside. Other team merchandise will be sold on temporary tables inside the arena, next to the rink. We attended this game during exhibition season so the crowd attendance was a bit lighter, but from our many visits we know the stands fill up for most games. Neighborhood 4 Newark (pronounced here as New Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty cheap price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the football stadium. Fans 4 The fans here are very knowledgeable. The Blue Hens teams have shown great success over the year so the fans expect to see quality hockey action. Some of the fans are family and friends of the players. There are also quite a few youth hockey clubs that attend the games. Access 5 Rust Arena is easy to reach and is only a couple of miles off Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Coming from points south on I-95, getting off at Maryland Route 279 will avoid the toll pretty easily, and it is a short drive to the arena . Return on Investment 5 Tickets are a reasonable $8 each. There are some options for group tickets and special events. Parking does cost which you use the Passport app to pay the charge. We saw that most people were not even doing that, but we don’t recommend you skip out on the parking fee. Because of the fairly high quality and level of activity, the return on investment is quite high. Extras 3 Check out the banners and memorabilia for the various UD hockey teams. The teams have shown great success over the years, including winning the 2012 ACHA national championship. While you are looking at the banners, make sure to look at all the awards and information in regard to the various UD ice skating programs and their success. This is a facility that is known to be the spot where the best of the best come to practice. Speaking of “the best” you will also see items displaying the various high-level ice skating talent that trains there, beyond just the UD teams. World ice skating champion Kimmie Meissner is just one of the individuals that made the Rust and Gold arenas their home rinks. If you get there early or stay late after a game you may even see these talents in person. Final Thoughts The University of Delaware has some very serious hockey teams, not to mention a high-level ice skating program. The Fred Rust Ice Arena is not flashy but is a great place to watch a very good level of college hockey.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Canterbury Park 1100 Canterbury Rd Shakopee, MN 55379 Canterbury Park website Year Opened: 1985 Carnival at Canterbury, with Horses Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota offers a carnival-like atmosphere on a typical horse racing day, complete with patrons’ pet dogs racing against each other, food trucks galore, multiple gift shops, and plenty of wagering. The typical card at Canterbury might only include seven or eight horse races, but you are guaranteed a full day of fun with all the other activities that go on. Food & Beverage 5 You can pretty much find any kind of food you might want at Canterbury Park, including food trucks next to the parade ring and on the apron, multiple bars, and food stands galore on every level. Food trucks include everything from burgers to home cooking, while other vendors offer pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, and other items, including sweet treats such as glazed and chocolate-covered almonds sold by the pound or half pound. There are a couple of sit-down restaurants at the track as well, but those require reservations, so you may want to plan ahead – reservations include your choice of dining outside next to the track itself (Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar) or dining inside the Clubhouse on the upper level of the grandstand. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Canterbury Park is excellent, although there is so much going on that it can feel a bit overwhelming. Besides the horse racing itself, the staff sometimes hosts pet dog races (no betting allowed), where patrons bring their own pooches. The dogs line up in front of the starting gate while their owners wave a favorite toy a couple hundred yards down the track, trying to coax their pet across the line first. The dog races are run in heats by breed, ending with a final race where the overall winner is crowned. It is a lot of fun, and pretty hilarious to see, especially when one dog steals another dog’s favorite toy! Like most horse tracks, Canterbury also has plenty of betting machines and cashiers, along with lots of TVs so visitors can wager on races at other tracks. There is also plenty of seating both inside and out, so you can get a view of the whole track safe from the elements, or get up close to feel the pounding of the hooves. Neighborhood 5 Shakopee is a bustling town about 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis, with all sorts of attractions within a few miles of the racetrack. First up is Valleyfair, a two-in-one destination including amusement park rides such as roller coasters, as well as a full water park for the same admission price. Also near Canterbury Park is a living history museum, a casino, and a fall festival complete with corn maze if you go see the races at the right time of year. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival also runs from August through October less than 10 miles away, so there is plenty to do if you want to make a weekend or longer trip out to southwestern Minnesota. Shakopee is also home to plenty of hotels and restaurants, including scratch-made barbecue, Mexican, burgers, and more. Fans 3 The fans at Canterbury Park are pretty typical of what you might find at most horse tracks. On days with pet dog races you will see plenty of families with kids, while other days bring a mix of veteran horseplayers (with their eyes glued to the TV screens) and first-timers just out to enjoy a day at the races. This racetrack is much more crowded than any of the other horse tracks I’ve been to, which means long lines at the betting machines, but there are enough concessions that lines for food and drinks are never too long. And as usual for horse racing, most of the cheering (or swearing) happens at the end of each race, and although you may not be able to sit exactly where you want, you will definitely be able to find a good spot to watch from somewhere on the property. Access 3 Getting to Canterbury Park is easy, as it is right off some major freeways and not too far from the Twin Cities. However, it is pretty crowded on a typical race day, so parking may be hard to find if you don’t get there early, and you will need to book a reservation several days in advance if you want to sit in the Clubhouse or at one of the tables outside. Return on Investment 3 Canterbury Park is a lot of fun, but very crowded with lots going on. If you are there to see the horse racing specifically, you might find all the other hullabaloo distracting, especially if you prefer to watch the races in (relative) peace and quiet. Canterbury Park also has a short card compared to other horse tracks, with only seven or eight races scheduled on a typical live race day. On the other hand, if you are just looking for an entertaining outing, you will probably enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere here, with all the food options to choose from and all the activities going on. Extras 3 There is a decorative horse statue near the main entrance, which is fun to take a selfie with. There are also many more cashiers here taking wagers than at other horse tracks I have been to; most tracks have dozens of betting machines and only a handful of cashiers. Canterbury also has both a dirt track and a turf course, instead of only one track. The race announcers are also very engaging and a lot of fun to listen to.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago Sky website Wintrust Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,387 The Sky’s The Limit The Wintrust Arena opened in 2017. It is truly a multi-purpose facility, as in addition to the usual sports and concerts, it also serves as the home for trade shows, large corporate meetings, conventions, and other major events. Wintrust Arena has a capacity of 10,387 in its basketball configuration, with 22 luxury suites also available. The Chicago Sky was founded in 2006 and has played in the Wintrust Arena since 2018. They previously played at the Allstate Arena. The club has won two conference championships (2014,2021) and took home the WNBA Championship on their home floor in 2021. The Wintrust Arena also serves as the home arena for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs of the DePaul University Blue Demons. Food & Beverage 3 There are seven concession stands that are evenly distributed throughout the arena and are numerous enough that you should not encounter a long line during a game. The concession offerings include nachos ($7), chicken tenders ($7), hot dogs ($8), an extra-large popcorn bucket ($9), pretzels ($6.50), chicken sandwiches ($13), pizza ($8.50), chips ($4), and candy ($4) Wintrust Arena serves Pepsi brand sodas ($6.50), Gatorade ($6), and bottled water ($5). The arena also offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Domestic drafts are $9.00, premium drafts are $11.00, premium cans are $!0.00, and craft IPAs are $11.00. Wintrust Arena is a peanut-free facility to protect persons with peanut allergies. Atmosphere 4 Wintrust Arena is very impressive from the outside, with a shiny steel and glass exterior. However, the inside of the venue is what is important to fans, and Wintrust scores high for its well-thought-out configuration. The seating bowl is compact without feeling crowded, with seats at all levels enjoying great sightlines. The seats are very comfortable and provide excellent leg room. The Sky’s court features the yellow and sky-blue color scheme of the franchise, with the team logo at midcourt and yellow and blue borders surrounding the court and endlines. Hanging above midcourt is a gigantic scoreboard/videoboard that features all the stats for the game and replays of outstanding shots during the game. You will never be bored at a Chicago Sky game, as the team does a great job of filling breaks in the action with contests, entertainment, and the antics of Sky Guy, the team’s hilarious mascot. Neighborhood 4 The Wintrust Arena is a part of the Collection at McCormick Square. This complex includes the McCormick Place Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis Chicago, and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. These buildings are connected via skybridges and pedestrian promenades. It draws the largest convention gatherings in the Windy City and has several on-site restaurants, as well as many dining opportunities in the South Loop neighborhood that surrounds it. The arena is convenient to nearby attractions in the Chinatown area (Chinese American Museum of Chicago) or along the lakefront (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum). Fans 4 The Sky has a large and loyal fanbase. The Wintrust Arena is one of the largest capacity arenas in the WNBA, and they manage to sell out games regularly. Winning the WNBA title in 2021 has really created a buzz in a city that has been starved for a major sports title for many years. The Sky and its Foundation are very active in the schools and civic organizations in the Windy City. It is not unusual to see the names of many of these groups running on the videoboard when they recognize the groups in attendance at that game. There are several special fan experiences available at each game. These include serving as an Anthem Buddy, serving as a Ball Kid, standing in the High 5 line as the team enters the arena from the players’ tunnel/locker room, or delivering the ball to the officials before the game. These special experiences must be arranged weeks before the game you will be attending. Access 4 Wintrust Arena is easily accessed by a wide variety of transportation options. There are multiple parking garages within the McCormick Place complex for those who wish to drive to the Sky games. These lots tend to have plenty of spaces available when the games take place on weekends or at night. However, it is important to remember that Chicago traffic can be a nightmare at most any time of the day. Directions coming from the north: Use the Kennedy Expressway and exit at 18th Street. Take 18th Street east to State Street. Turn south on State Street to Cermak. Turn left on Cermak Road. Directions coming from I-55: Take the ramp to the Southbound Dan Ryan Expressway. Exit at 31st Street and head east. At South Martin Luther King Drive, head north. McCormick Place will be at the corner of South Martin Luther King Drive and Cermak Road. There are several public transportation options to get to the Wintrust Arena. The CTA’s Green Line offers L service via the Cermak-McCormick Place Station. The CTA’s Red Line serves Wintrust Arena via the Cermak-Chinatown Station. CTA bus service to the arena is available via the #3 and #21 bus routes. METRA Rail services the facility via the McCormick Place Station. The doors to Wintrust Arena open 90 minutes before tipoff. Return on Investment 3 There are several ticket price points available for games at the Wintrust Arena. The lowest seating price is $19, which is on the Upper Level at the end of the court. The other price levels are $28 (Upper Level in the corners), $33 (Upper Level on the sides of the court), $44 (Lower Level at the end of the court), $55 (Lower Level corners), and the highest-priced seats are $71 (Lower Level on the sides). Very honestly, Wintrust Arena is a very cozy facility, and there really is not a bad seat in the house at any price point. The arena uses Ticketmaster as its official ticket sales vendor. Parking in Lot A of McCormick Place costs $15 on game nights. Extras 3 The 2022 WNBA All-Star Game was played at Wintrust Arena. The facility has hosted the Big East Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament on numerous occasions. In 2020, Wintrust Arena hosted the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game as part of the city’s celebration of All-Star Week. Final Thoughts The Chicago Sky has been one of the most successful WNBA teams for years. In 2021, the team won the WNBA title for the city of Chicago, a city starved for a sports championship for the last few years. The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. It is a shiny arena, with excellent views of the game action from any of its seating areas. It also features a wonderful audiovisual package, with a huge center-hung videoscreen/scoreboard. It also offers easy access for fans, as the arena is located on multiple bus and train routes in a city that relies on public transit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 7 17 Credit Union Park 300 South Main St Akron, OH 44308 Akron RubberDucks website 7 17 Credit Union Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 7,630 Baseball in QuAkron Akron, Ohio, is often referred to as the rubber capital of the world. At one time, Akron was the heart of tire manufacturing. It remains the corporate headquarters of Goodyear, and it has a baseball team. The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians and play in the Eastern League. The franchise originated as the Binghamton Triplets of the New York-Penn League. Since 1967, the team has been a part of the Eastern League. After a number of moves, they ended up in Akron in 1997 as the Aeros. With the explosion of unique brand names in Minor League Baseball, Akron rebranded as the RubberDucks in 2014, a humorous nod to the historical industrial focus of the city. Since moving to Akron in 1997, the team has won six Eastern League Championships, including 2016 and 2021 as the RubberDucks. The team is currently owned by the Prospector Baseball Group, which also owns the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the International League. The franchise landing in Akron coincided with the opening of Canal Park. The name of the stadium is derived from its location close to the Ohio and Erie Canal, which is behind left field. In 2025, the naming rights of the stadium were sold to 7 17 Credit Union. Food & Beverage 5 The concession scene at 7 17 Credit Union Park is among the best in Minor League Baseball. The concession stands are all unique, most of them with common items as well as some signature items. The Cleveland Browns-themed Dog Pound highlights its menu with the Three Dog Night, a hot dog stuffed in a brat stuffed in a Kielbasa on a bun with sauerkraut. The brisket and pork belly sandwich known as the Smokestack is also at the Dog Pound. The Bier Garden has a variety of sandwiches known as dugouts as well as loaded pierogies. For the game that was reviewed, the RubberDucks played as their alternative brand, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts, and a maple cracker jack creamstick was the feature item. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice. There are also a number of premium beer options to go along with Budweiser and Miller Lite, including Modelo, Golden Road, and Rhinegeist. Atmosphere 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is a bit of an inconspicuous ballpark, but definitely attractive. Field level is below street level, and the exterior on Main Street is attractive brown brick. The end that is closest to home plate features a small clock tower. Inside the ballpark, the concourses are open, allowing for a constant view of the field. There are some team markings in the concourse, including support beams with portraits of former Akron players who have made it to the majors. Unfortunately, the concourses are a horseshoe design, and a full 360-degree path around the park is not available. Traditional seating dominates 7 17 Credit Union Park, with suites above the lower level, behind the plate. The left field side has picnic seating and the right field side has some rail seating. The tiki bar beyond centerfield and the Duck Club bring the experience to the next level. 7 17 Credit Union Park offers two videoboards, the smaller of which in left center field offers the traditional baseball line score. One thing of note is the retired jersey number 23 for Akron native and NBA star LeBron James. The gameday production in Akron is solid, with the in-game host keeping everything moving with some promotions on the field. There is no lack of mascots in Akron, with Webster being the leader of the group of four. Neighborhood 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron. There are a number of spots that are near for pre or post-game food and drink. Some options include Barley House, The Lockview, Cilantro, Diamond Deli, Insomnia Cookies, and Missing Falls Brewers. The RubberDucks are not the only game in town, but there are not many others. The University of Akron fields a number of athletic teams, including Akron Zips football, basketball, and baseball. Other tourist options in Akron include the Akron Children’s Museum, Akron History Center, Akron Art Museum and Hower House Museum. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Hilton and Courtyard are good options. Fans 3 Akron has a decent, but unspectacular following for the RubberDucks. In the 2026 season, at the time of writing, the RubberDucks averaged just under 4,000 fans per game, ranking them 6th in the 12-team Eastern League. In the 2025 season, they were around the 4,000 mark again and ranked 7th. At the game that was reviewed, an Akron Cream Stick Donuts game with a giveaway had a complete sellout. The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive of the team, but there is plenty of room to grow. Access 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron on the north corner of Exchange and Main. It is ½ km south of Highway 59 and 2 km north of I-76, so a big drive through the city is not necessary. There are some surface lots and parking garages nearby, but pre-purchasing parking is a good plan, especially on a date when a big crowd is expected. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Main and Exchange. Rides are free to the RubberDuck games. Fans should consult the Akron Metro website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the ballpark is not too difficult; however, it should be noted that 7 17 Credit Union Park does not have a 360-degree path, so doubling back will be required along the route. The washroom facilities are good for the ballpark. Minor League Baseball security protocols are constantly changing. Stadium Journey recognizes this and strongly encourages consulting the Akron RubberDucks website before heading out for the most up to date security information including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 4 Akron RubberDucks tickets start at $8 for General Admission berm seating. Reserved seats go from $21 up to $31. Parking will cost a few dollars, and concession prices are what one would expect. The experience at a RubberDucks game is solid, and fans will enjoy themselves, although tickets are heading into expensive territory. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Akron RubberDucks’ alter ego, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts. An extra mark for the RubberDucks brand, a perfect fit for the city with a unique twist. An extra mark for the Ohio and Erie Canalway, just on the other side of left field. Final Thoughts When visiting the Rubber Capital of the World, taking in some baseball is not a bad idea. The Akron RubberDucks at 7 17 Credit Union Park will fill the void and have fans QuAkron with delight! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Tampa Bay Rays website Tropicana Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,042 Swinging with the Rays Tropicana Field opened to the public on March 3, 1990, and was originally named the Florida Suncoast Dome. It was built to lure an existing or expanding major league baseball team, but it wasn't until 1998 that the then-named Tampa Bay Devil Rays took the field at the newly renamed Tropicana Field. ​The stadium is affectionately known as “The Trop” and is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was built before Camden Yards and Chase Field, but its slanted roof was designed to reduce the interior volume, reduce cooling effects, and protect from hurricanes. ​However, on October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton tore through the roof and ripped it to shreds, causing the ball club to relocate to the New York Yankees spring training home, Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, for the 2025 season. The roof had outlasted its service by more than a decade. A new $55 million roof was installed, and the Rays returned for their first game in April 2026 ​Tropicana Field continues to make improvements for the betterment of the game and fan experience. It is worth the flight or drive to see a Major League Baseball game at “the Trop”. Food & Beverage 4 From the everyday fan to the foodie, there is something for everyone at Tropicana Field, offering fans far more than your standard ballpark fare. They have ballpark favorites, signature items, and savory specials throughout the stadium. The Budweiser Porch has many creative offerings, including the Flamin' Hot Corn Dog and the indulgent Pig + Potato from Haute Potato. Cuban sandwiches, Cubano dogs, and footlong pretzel dogs are also available. The Pretz-Strami Reuben and Short Rib Grilled Cheese are creative sandwiches. The 1B and 3B Food Halls offer more options, including chicken parmesan heroes, buffalo chicken tenders and sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak nachos, tacos, loaded nachos, and garlic fries. The Hall of Fame Bar & Grill, home to the Smokin' Rays Burger and more Loaded Nachos. This is also one of two spots where you can grab a Souvenir Daiquiri Bat—a frozen treat that doubles as a plastic baseball bat. The Pacific Counter is home to banh mi sandwiches, sushi rice bowls, egg rolls, and edamame. The Trop features domestic and local beer, including options from Cigar City and Coopertail Brewing Company. Many of them can be purchased from the multiple Grab N’ Go sections. The stadium also serves many wines, spirits, cocktails, and hard seltzers. Atmosphere 4 It’s a traditional and unique baseball stadium under a fixed dome with enthusiastic fans throughout. It is the only fixed-dome or roofed stadium in Major League Baseball, and a throwback to other domed stadiums like the Astrodome or the Metrodome. It sets the mood for the entire experience. ​The changes hope to create the mood, along with a team that usually battles for the division title. When the Rays returned to and updated the ballpark that featured new premium seating, all-inclusive areas with new graphics, LED lighting and interior murals, upgraded premium spaces, and the installation of new turf.​ The Rays Tank was overhauled and is located in right-center field just beyond the outfield wall. The tank is full of rays that are safe to touch and are great for small children. Fans can stay anywhere around the tank and watch the game. The Rays Tank, Photo by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey ​The Budweiser Deck was also reconfigured for a better fan experience. The MaintenX SkyDeck, above left field, was refreshed with new graphics, LED lighting, and a new interior mural celebrating Tampa Bay. ​There are other fan-oriented areas at the stadium that aim to create a positive vibe at games. Ballpark and Rec is a social space with arcade games, pinball machines, and tailgating activities. The Budweiser Porch is where you will find grab-and-go food and drink in an open-air-style viewing patio. Neighborhood 3 There is no walkable neighborhood immediately surrounding the stadium; however, it is located in St. Petersburg. A short car or bus ride from the stadium will bring you to many interesting shops and restaurants. Downtown St. Pete offers a mix of casual and upscale dining, wonderful museums, shops, and plenty of accommodations within a laid-back atmosphere. The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center features a permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly's unique glass artwork, while The Dali Museum houses an impressive collection of Salvador Dali's works spanning his life and career. The Museum of Fine Arts showcases collections of ancient antiquities, photography, and sculpture. If the weather permits, a walk through North Straub Park along the basin is time well spent while in town. ​Stillwaters Tavern is an American restaurant; BellaBrava features water views, Parkshore Grill serves up dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere, and The Wooden Roosters is a quaint little place for crepes and coffee. Fans 3 Unfortunately, Tropicana Field draws relatively low crowds for a Major League Baseball stadium. So don’t expect a booming fan base and packed house; however, the ones that do come are as energized as any other. Out in left field, you have Randy Land, where a group of diehard Rays fans resides, named for outfielder Randy Arozarena; you can spot them with their unique club T-shirts. When weather permits, you will see fans tailgating, which is part of the Rays Up. Fans will begin tailgating at Fergs Sports Bar and make their way to the stadium. Access 3 Conveniently located off Interstate 175, there are several parking lots, from premium parking to general parking off of 1st and 5th Avenue. You can also travel by bus and ride-share, which will drop you off near gates 3 and 4 behind home plate. This is a good place to also meet up with family and friends. A convenient mass transit option, the SunRunner, a rapid bus transit route with a stop on the north side of the Tropicana. The SunRunner runs every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. A great way to get in and out of this area with ease. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices, depending on the opponent, begin around $10 for an adult. Games against the Yankees and Red Sox can double in price, especially for tickets closer to the field. Parking in city and private lots will run between $15 and $30. Recent improvements, upgrades, and food expansions, which are reasonably priced, do make it worth the out-of-pocket expense. Extras 3 The dome is uniquely tilted and lights up orange after any Rays victory. It also provides much-needed AC during the muggy summer days and nights. The rotunda resembles the former Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. The Ray Tank might be one of the more interesting features at a major league baseball stadium. You can schedule the Tropicana Field tour that's worth taking (this is not free; tickets for adults are $15 & kids 14 & under are $12). It is done when the crowds are gone, and keep this in mind: the air conditioning is off. During the tour, you can really appreciate this structure from a different perspective. Final Thoughts Tropicana Field is an aging but unique structure with many features to be enjoyed. It is definitely worth it for the experience, not just as a fan of baseball but also of architecture, engineering, and new experiences. The new roof, new lighting, and food options upgrade the ballpark atmosphere and experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Victory Field 501 W Maryland St Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Indians website Victory Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,500 Victory Field: The Perfect Ballpark for Indianapolis Baseball Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis remains one of the premier spots to enjoy a minor league baseball game in the country; its design, setting, minor improvements, and simplicity continue to attract fans throughout the season. The team has been an institution in town since 1902 and has a stadium that is synonymous with baseball in Indianapolis. The Tribe has been the top draw in minor league baseball over the past two seasons, averaging well over 9,000 fans per game. The secret to the team’s success might be the spacious ballpark that ages like fine wine and affordable tickets, or its downtown location near the zoo, White Water Amphitheater concert venue, restaurants, bars, bike paths, museums, and Lucas Oil Stadium. Then again, it may be just the perfect ballpark for the size of the city. The Indianapolis Indians of the International League have been playing baseball at the stadium since July 11, 1996. The 14,230-seat stadium replaced the aging Bush Stadium that had housed the Tribe since 1931. Ironically, Bush Stadium was known as Victory Field from 1942 to 1967 after World War II. Baseball itself has been played in the city since 1877, while the Indians franchise has called Indianapolis home since 1902. The team has made several renovations over the past two seasons that have included a new $2.4 million, 35-foot-by-50-foot HD video board in the right field, updated suites, and hallways that now include the team colors of red and white, along with pictures of former players, managers, championship seasons, and a franchise timeline of major league affiliates and historic moments. The lawn seats are popular for weekend games. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 Victory Field upgraded its food options to include fresh–never frozen–burgers, loaded tots, and other delights for the baseball visitor. There are always the staples that include the always tasty Victory Dog, loaded nachos at the salsa bar, and Sun King beer that includes the exclusively produced Indians Lager–a Vienna Lager only found at the ballpark. Indy Burger Kitchen offers the classic single or double burger along with tots at its concession stand behind the backstop. The meat is never frozen, and fans can load their tots with cheese, chili, peppers, or bacon for an additional $3. Many fans were walking around with boxes of pizza. The size serves 2 children or 1 person and comes topped with either sausage or pepperoni. There is also a shareable portion of tots with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and peppers and onions. The Chicken Tender and Love stand offers chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches with fries, along with a sauce bar just outside the concession area. A condiment bar offers an array of sauces from barbecue, buffalo, Carolina gold, and hot honey. Tenders Love Chicken is a popular meal at the ballpark. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. There are a couple of kiosks on the first baseline that serve Korean brisket, adobe chicken, and harissa cauliflower tacos with chips. The Eisenberg sausage stand offers Polish sausage, footlong hot dogs, and the Dog of the Homestand, a tribute to the visiting team. The version on sale was the Gwinnett Glizzy, topped with coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and grilled onions. In the beverage category, Coors, Leinenkugel, and Budweiser products are served on draft, while local craft brewery Sun King offers 16-ounce cans. Sun King provides a variety of beers, including Vienna Lager, Wee Mac Scottish-style Lager, and the popular Sunlight Cream Ale. Fans can also pick up varieties from King Jugg Brewing Company. The Rum Bar offers flavors of Malibu rum: margaritas, dreamsicles, and pina coladas. Other options include Tropical Sno, where fans can build their own and purchase a Rowdie's Cheery Bear Sno or a Shark Attack. Surfside cocktails. Cutwater and Nutrl hard seltzers are also available at Grab and Go sections on the first and third base side of the stadium. The Yuengling Landing offers eight cocktail drinks served in mini fish bowls that are as colorful as they are tasty. A few of the selections include Blue Hawaiian, wine slushies, vodka and pink lemonade, and pineapple mango mojito. You can also find vendors hawking soda, beers, cotton candy, and peanuts in the stands. On Tuesday, it is Dollar Menu Night featuring $1 hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, and peanuts at specific concession stands. This night is also extended to Thursday night for playoff games. Thursday nights, during the regular season, feature Thursdays, which include $2 Pepsi products and $3 draft beers. The food at Victory Field does not try to reinvent ballpark cuisine, but rather, makes it a little bit tastier. Atmosphere 5 When you have a ballpark situated downtown, the views are spectacular throughout the concourse. There are two-tier seating and a long, lush grass berm area that is perfect for lying out on a blanket or enjoying a few snacks from your cooler. The berm is a favorite gathering spot for both your baseball and non-baseball fans to enjoy the game in unison; it is also a great place to get a tan. A lot of other ballparks have grass seating in the outfield, but here it is spacious and perfectly sloped for comfort. The majority of visitors enter through the center field entrance under the arched signs of Victory Field into the PNC Plaza. This area offers the children’s play zone, access to lawn seats, and concession items. You will also find a few sellers offering a cold beer or cotton candy to everyone who walks through the entrance. Fans either walk to their seats, gaze at the surrounding views, or head to other concession areas of the stadium. Then again, you may have a ticket in The Yuengling Landing in the left-field corner. A ticket will cost you $30, but you will have table-top seating with wait service. The popular section can handle up to 150 people per game and is usually sold out from June to September. Victory Field Yuengling Landing, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It is a place for adults 21 or older to enjoy the game in a much more prestigious setting at the ballpark. The Elements Financial Club is $85 and includes food and drink. It is located in the suite area above the grandstand and offers a full-service bar, indoor seating, and outdoor seats. Rowdie is the official team mascot, and he can be seen throughout the game entertaining fans. If you are with children, the team offers carnival games behind the batter’s eye in the center field. Kids can test their pitching arms, win prizes at ball tossing, or enjoy t-ball hitting and water gun races. There is also a small team gear stand and a food stand in this area. The team’s official merchandise store is rather small, but there is a lot of great team swag for both men and women that pays tribute to the team’s long history. There is an additional store down the first baseline. Also, look out for tables offering discounted shirts and caps during select times throughout the season. The main concourse features heritage posters that pay homage to past greats, including Harmon Killebrew, Roger Maris, Randy Johnson, George Foster, and current star Andrew McCutchen. Many of the Indians’ former Hall of Famers, all-stars, and championships are on display on the exterior of the outfield entrance. Neighborhood 4 Victory Field is located in downtown Indianapolis, and there are many options, including hotels, bars, restaurants, and museums; although many of them are chains, there are a few places worth visiting before or after a game. A great destination after the game would be Mass Ave., where the vibrant streets offer an array of dining and late-night destinations. The Eagle has some of the finest fried chicken in the city; Bru Burger Bar is widely popular, but then again, so is the taco and tequila bar Bakersfield. If you are looking for music, cocktails, and a cool vibe, visit Union 50. The downtown scene features many local breweries, including Sun King and Metazoa. The Tap Beer House and The Yard House feature even more craft beer choices from around the Midwest and the country. If you are with the family, the Indianapolis Zoo and State Museum are within walking distance of the stadium, and for a place the kids will enjoy, The Children’s Museum is just a few short miles north. The Fountain Square neighborhood is worth visiting as well, with even more restaurants, shops, bars, and comedy clubs. Fans 5 There is a question that lingers over each visit made to Victory Field. Are the fans here to watch baseball, or are they here for a nice night out with friends or family? It is solely about enjoying time outside, having a lazy afternoon, or enjoying a night with a group of friends or colleagues. It is a quintessential minor league baseball experience where fans come out in droves on the weekends, during fireworks nights, and during promotional Sunday afternoon games. The city fills up the place consistently year after year, and there has rarely been a negative word said about Victory Field by any of its fans or first-time visitors. Access 4 Moving around the concourse at Victory Field is simple and easy; markers are located for bathrooms, seating areas, and exits. Ushers are available to assist with seat location, and there are very few barriers in anyone’s way inside the facility. Concession booths are set up nicely around the stadium, and there is free WiFi for patrons. After and before the game, local police do a great job of making congestion dissipate on the streets and sidewalks outside of the main outfield entrance. The best way off I-70 is to exit 79A S. West St. and proceed north until the stadium is on your left. However, during certain weekends or Holiday games, the crowds can swell to close to 15,000–plan to arrive early and look for concession lines down the third base side to reduce wait time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for an Indians game will cost you between $13-$19 (add $2 if purchased the day of the game), depending on where you want to sit. This is the average price point compared to other International League teams. Tickets to Yuengling Landing are $32 and are near the foul pole in left field. Fans in the Landing have access to an exclusive menu, reserved tables and drink rails, a dedicated bar, and wait staff. The team offers its Dollar Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, where beer and soda are $3. Victory Field parking is accessible by several city lots surrounding the stadium, including the Senate State Garage (a 15-minute walk) for $7 and the White River State Park and Government Center Garage ($10). Lucas Oil Stadium Lot 1 and Convention Center Lot A are both $7 for most home games. Parking in the neighboring lots should cost you no more than $7-$10; however, parking in the museum lot can run you $10. If you can find street parking, the prices are from $1.50-$1.75 an hour until 9 PM, or if taking in a Sunday afternoon game, the meters are free of charge. Extras 5 One extra point for the lawn seats in minor league baseball; the area is perfectly sloped and wraps around the entire outfield perimeter. Fans are also allowed to bring in a single-handed cooler no larger than 20 inches, sans non-alcoholic beverages and glass containers. An extra point for the victory bell that gets rung after every Indian victory. The collection of merchandise from the team’s illustrious history is worth an extra point. The team introduced a brand new look for the 2026 season. However, you can spot Cincinnati Reds-era caps, Montreal Expos pinwheel caps, powder blue shirts, and Chicago White Sox-era navy caps on fans throughout the ballpark. One final extra point for the video menu boards at almost all concessions and kiosks throughout the facility. More ballparks are catering to visual customers who eat with their eyes. Final Thoughts Victory Field is my minor league baseball headquarters. I have the opportunity to visit the spacious facility numerous times each year and see what is new. Certain nights and promotions are better than others, but it is a ballpark that feels new, clean, vibrant, and beautiful after 30 years. It’s not uncommon to have 12,000 fans at the stadium on a Friday Fireworks Night. If architects were to create a new ballpark for Indy, they would make it exactly like Victory Field. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Strong Stadium 1499 Chapin St Beloit, WI 53511 Beloit Buccaneers website Strong Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 3,000 Don’t Give up the Ship The Beloit Buccaneers football team competes in the NCAA’s Division III, and while their home facility, Strong Stadium, is dated, their fans are as loud and vocal as can be. The small contingent in the stands under the press box screams wildly on every positive play for the Buccaneers. There is also no cost for admission, no cost to park, and cheap concessions. Food & Beverage 2 Strong Stadium has a Kona Ice food truck on the north side of the stadium, as well as a small concessions stand in the athletics building located under the grandstand. The stand sells hot dogs, chips, candy, soda, and bottled water, with nothing costing more than $3. During my most recent visit, there was also a table set up by Wisco Votes, a non-profit movement aimed at getting students to the polls in November, which was giving away free hot dogs and bottled water. Atmosphere 1 Strong Stadium is a bit dated, with only a digital scoreboard and metal bleachers to sit on, with a few cracks and potholes in the cement walkway used to get to your seats. There is no mascot, no band, no cheerleaders, and not much going on except the game itself. The stands are all on one side of the field, under the press box, with the student section on the north side and the visitors on the south end. Neighborhood 3 Beloit, WI, sits near the border of Illinois, close enough that on a good day, you could probably throw a rock across the state line. There are several restaurants in the area, most of them to the west of the stadium along Rock River, as well as a couple of hotels. There is an anthropology museum in town that looks like an old church, with its Gothic Revival architecture, as well as a couple of art museums. Or, if you prefer to immerse yourself in more sports, you can see the Beloit Sky Carp at ABC Supply Stadium, as long as you plan your visit early in the football season. Fans 5 The stands at Strong Stadium will probably not be full, but the fans who are there are INTENSE. If you sit in the center section (the non-student home side), you will find yourself surrounded by a couple dozen absolute diehards, screaming their heads off for most of the game, cheering on their beloved Buccaneers. I assume these individuals are friends or family members of the players, given how enthusiastic they are, but I don’t know that for sure. The students are a little more subdued, but the crowd in the center section more than makes up for it. Access 2 Finding Strong Stadium is a little tricky – once you get to Beloit, it is a little off the beaten path, but your GPS should be able to get you close enough to see the facility. Once you arrive, there is free parking in the grass next to the venue, a short walk from the grandstand. The weird part is the grandstand itself. A couple of tunnels look like they might take you to your seats, or down into the building under the stands, but most of them either dead-end or lead to locked gates. Your best bet is to walk in front of the seats until you get about halfway down, then use the ramp to enter the athletics building; that will take you to the concessions and bathrooms. You can also walk around the back side of the athletics center, behind the grandstand where the grass parking is, and use the double doors to get inside. On the plus side, there is enough room to sit anywhere in the grandstand you want, either higher up to get a better view or lower down to get closer to the action. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to get in, no cost for parking, and concessions are super cheap. The facilities aren’t the best, but the crowd is intense, so you might find it very enjoyable. At this level of college football, games are usually over in about two and a half hours, or at most two hours and 45 minutes, so the lack of amenities is less of a problem than it would be during longer contests. Extras 2 There is an inflatable football tossing game next to the Kona Ice truck, as well as trophies and plaques next to and above the concessions, so you can take a walk through Beloit’s athletic successes during a break in the action.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mohegan Sun Arena 255 Highland Park Blvd Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins website Mohegan Sun Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 8,350 Twenty Years of Hockey in Wilkes-Barre For a facility that has been in existence for only twenty years, the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza has gone through a number of name changes. Initially named The Northeastern Pennsylvania Civic Arena and Convention Center, the building has also been called The First Union Center at Casey Plaza and The Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza before entering into a 10 year naming rights deal with the nearby Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs racetrack and casino. The Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins are the primary tenant of the facility. The team has enjoyed quite a bit of success in their time in the American Hockey League, qualifying for the playoffs in 18 of their 20 seasons in the American Hockey League, including every season since 2002. The Penguins have reached the Calder Cup finals three times in their history. Food & Beverage 4 The Mohegan Sun Arena offers an impressive menu for a mid-sized arena. Fans attending Penguins games can choose from several stands, each offering unique menu items. Stands operated by local favorites Chickie & Pete’s and Revello’s Pizza headline the offerings. Other options include Center Ice Grill, Brewski’s & Brats and Power Play Pizza. In addition, portable carts offer a wide variety of snack foods to round out the culinary experience. Chickie’s and Pete’s Stand at Mohegan Sun Arena, Photo by Pauk Baker, Stadium Journey Craft beers from local breweries Lion Brewery, Troegs and Dogfish are sold throughout the facility. Fans seeking non-alcoholic beverages can choose from a variety of Coca-Cola products. The Stix Sports Bar, located behind section 119, features seating that overlooks the arena floor. This sports bar features several high-definition televisions, and sells craft beers and mixed drinks. Puck’s Craft Vodka Bar offers specialty drinks for thirsty Penguin fans. Mohegan Sun Arena offers several signature items for the adventurous eater. The Roast Beast, sold at the Lion’s Den concession stand, contains 8 ounces of Roast Beef in au jus, cheese sauce with bacon, horseradish sauce and crispy onion straws on a Kaiser roll. It comes with a bucket of house-made kettle cooked chips seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning. Other fans may head to Glazed & Confused, where they can order a “Sticky Pig,” a pulled pork sandwich topped with an onion ring on a donut shell, or a “Beef of Burden,” a sandwich with beef brisket on a donut shell topped with an onion ring. A detailed description of Mohegan Sun Arena’s concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 3 The Penguins offer your standard minor league hockey experience, complete with loud music, in-game giveaways, and between period shenanigans. If you are at a Penguins game, you will certainly be entertained by Tux, the Penguins’ mascot. Tux has a wide repertoire of gags and skits to keep fans entertained, and is one of the better mascots in the AHL circuit. Many a visiting fan has left Mohegan Sun smelling like popcorn after getting a bucket of the stuff dumped over their heads by Tux. Tux, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Despite Wilkes Barre’s location close to both Philadelphia and New York City, this city seems to have fully embraced the Penguins. The crowd is a sea of black and gold, and the fans in this corner of Pennsylvania know their hockey. The crowd here can get really loud when the building is full, and it gives the Penguins a definite home-ice advantage. Be ready for the obnoxiously loud goal horn whenever the Penguins score. Neighborhood 4 The area around the Mohegan Sun Arena has been built up significantly since the opening of the facility in 1999. There are several hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers within a short distance of the arena. Unfortunately, the area is not an organic neighborhood that can be accessed by foot, or where you can simply park your car and explore. The neighborhood is a hodge-podge of strip malls and developments that have gone up piecemeal over the years. Thus, while there is a ton of activity around the Mohegan Sun Arena, this is not a cohesive neighborhood that would earn higher marks. Most of the eateries here are national chains, which may make the area a bit less attractive to foodies. Still, some local favorites can be found among the clutter. Lucky’s Sportshouse is a popular gathering spot for Penguins fans, and Stations Grill is a highly rated sandwich shop and deli. The Wyoming Valley Mall is less than a block away from the arena. Fans looking for a little more action locally will undoubtedly flock to the nearby Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs. Fans 3 Attendance for Penguins games has declined steadily over recent seasons. The team enjoyed a sellout streak of 54 games from 2000-2002, which was followed by another sellout streak of 90 games from 2002-2004. From 2000-2007 the Penguins averaged over 8,000 fans every season. Those days seem like a distant memory now. The team is averaging just over 5,000 fans per game in 2018-2019, good for the middle of the pack in the AHL. The fans who come to Mohegan Sun Arena are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the arena can get loud when the Penguins get on a roll. Wilkes-Barre fans have a reputation around the AHL as one of the more unwelcoming groups in the league, but these concerns are overstated. As is the case in most minor league facilities, the Penguins are marketed as family friendly entertainment, and visiting fans are treated well in northeast Pennsylvania (with the possible exception of Hershey Bear fans). Access 3 The Mohegan Sun Arena couldn’t be easier to get to. Visible from Interstate 81, the arena is located just feet from exit 168. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the facility that does not charge for parking. Unfortunately, this is where the good news ends. Mohegan Sun Arena does not have an entry lobby, resulting in fans entering directly onto the concourse from outside the building. As a result, fans are required to wait outside while they pass through security. If you are attending a Penguins game on a cold, rainy night, the long lines that form are a most unwelcome nuisance. Once inside the arena, fans enter into a cramped concourse that is much too small for the crowds that come to Penguins games. Concession stands line the inner wall of the concourse, and many portable carts line the outer wall. Lines from these stands often spill out, making navigating the concourse even more problematic. The concourse is horseshoe shaped, with a small walkway behind the sections 123-126. This walkway is only wide enough for two people, making getting around in this area even more difficult. The seating bowl does not share the same cramped feeling as the concourse. Seats are divided into two levels, each featuring individual padded blue seats. These seats are wide and comfortable, even for fans of larger stature. All seats feature excellent sight lines. Avoid the seats in the 200 sections on the end, as they consist of uncomfortable folding chairs with poor views of the action. Unfortunately, once you leave the seating bowl and exit the arena, traffic problems rear their ugly head once again. There are only two ways out of the parking lot, making exiting a slow process. It can take up to a half hour to get out of the lot on certain nights. Return on Investment 4 Lower level tickets at Mohegan Sun Arena range in price from $25-$36, and upper level tickets range from $18-$28. This puts the Penguins in the same range as other minor league hockey teams in the area. Concession stand prices are also in line with other venues at this level of hockey. Where the Mohegan Sun Arena shines is that they offer free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. Seeing how it is the only option for parking here, it would be easy to charge a fee and collect some extra money from every fan coming to see a game. The fact that the Penguins don’t charge for parking more than makes up for the slow egress in leaving the lots after a game. Extras 3 In the far corner of the arena behind section 126 is an open area where the team has set up display cases to display the many bobbleheads that the team has given away over the years. Also set up here is the WBS Penguins Hall of Fame, Kids Club and Booster Club. Banners hang from the rafters of the Mohegan Sun Arena honoring the many division and conference championships won by the Penguins over their history. Also hanging are large banners featuring pictures of Pens alumni who currently play in Pittsburgh. A final extra point is awarded for the nice variety of Penguins merchandise available at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Pens logo, which features a muscular Penguin (they don’t drug test logos, but there’s got to be some doubt about steroid use here), is one of the more popular in minor league hockey. In addition, a small kiosk on the concourse offers discontinued items at a discount price. Final Thoughts Thanks to the success of the baby Pens, northeastern Pennsylvania has become Penguins country even though it is located closer to Philadelphia and New York. The arena may not pack in the fans like it used to, and may not stack up when compared to other minor league arenas in nearby Hershey and Allentown, but it remains a solid place to take in a game. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Carson Park 100 Carson Park Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54703 UW-Eau Claire Blugolds website Carson Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 6,500 Our Name is our Colors The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team is nicknamed the Blugolds, a creative play on their team colors. The team plays its home games off campus, but still in the city of Eau Claire, at community-owned Carson Park, nestled behind the baseball and softball fields sharing the same facility name. The Blugold band is ginormous, boasting 400-475 members, which is about half the size of the school’s total student-athlete population. The field is a bit hard to access, and the band members tend to have more energy than the rest of the crowd. Food & Beverage 2 Carson Park has a concessions building behind the main grandstand, which doesn’t boast a lot of options. Hot dogs and brats are the only main dishes (brats are a must in Wisconsin), accompanied by popcorn, chips, ice cream, candy, and beverages such as soda, bottled water, hot chocolate, coffee, and cappuccino. Most items are under $2, but the quality of the food is not the best. There is also a beer garden behind the opposite grandstand (beer is also a must in Wisconsin); no alcohol is allowed inside the stadium except within the beer garden itself. Atmosphere 3 The Blugold band is very lively and brings a lot of energy to the experience, with their constant playing, chanting, and (gentle) harassment of the other team. The band is so large they practically stretch from end zone to end zone when performing before the game and during halftime, and as you might expect, they are quite loud, given how many instruments it includes. The halftime performance seems to be the highlight of the day, with many fans recording it on their cell phones; the football game itself doesn’t generate quite as much excitement (more on this later). The band also competes at times with the PA system, which plays upbeat music that gets a few fans grooving rather than letting the band play those types of songs. Occasionally, the band picks up where the PA system leaves off; for example, when the PA system started playing “Jeopardy!” music during a replay review, the band jumped in, prompting the PA system to stop. It was unclear whether this was intentional. Neighborhood 3 There is a lot to do in Eau Claire, with plenty of restaurants, nature trails, and even a zoo. Carson Park itself, though, is separated from the rest of the city by being on a peninsula, almost an island, which juts into Halfmoon Lake. This peninsula includes a train-themed amusement park ride, a local museum, and the Wisconsin Logging Center, which shares a parking lot with the football, baseball, and softball fields. I recommend stopping at Roadside Ice Cream & Diner (at the tip of the peninsula) for a “Legend” (soft-serve ice cream mixer) before or after your Blugolds game. Fans 2 The Blugold fans at Carson Park are not very lively; they are totally overshadowed by the noise of the band. The only cheering after big plays seems to come from the south side of the field, where the band sits, in their very own triple set of bleachers. The student section on the east side of the field also completely emptied out by the end of the third quarter, even during a tight game. Access 3 Getting to Eau Claire is simple enough; the city is located on I-94, which you can take east from the Twin Cities or west from Madison or Milwaukee. Getting to Carson Park itself, however, is a little tricky as it sits in the middle of Halfmoon Lake, with only two roads going in or out. Parking is also very haphazard; there are parking lots next to the field, but the football stadium is blocked from view by the baseball and softball diamonds, so it is hard to tell where you’re supposed to go. A lot of people just park on the grass or under trees along the road that winds its way toward the facility. Some of the gates are also locked, so you may have to walk around the property a little to actually get inside to see the game. Return on Investment 2 I’m not sure I’d recommend making the trip to see Blugold football. Don’t get me wrong; there is no cost to get in, no cost for parking, and the concessions are dirt cheap, so this would make a great low-cost (practically free) outing for friends or family. However, there did seem to be a lot more interest in watching the band than watching the team; the concessions weren’t great, and getting in and out was a bit confusing. Extras 2 There is a team gear stand next to the concessions, and the staff brings in boxes and boxes of stuff to ensure they don’t run out of anything. I did not see a mascot on site, and the scoreboard is static, not video, but the beer garden is a plus (many college stadiums at this level do not permit alcohol). No cost to enter or park is also hard to beat.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Parkview Field 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Fort Wayne TinCaps website Parkview Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 9,266 Applesolutely Amazing One of the crown jewels of Minor League Baseball is found in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The franchise began as the Mattoon Indians in 1947 as part of the Illinois State League. The team moved around, including stops in Keokuk, Wisconsin Rapids, and Kenosha, before settling in Fort Wayne in 1993. Upon arriving in Indiana, they were known as the Wizards until 2008, when they rebranded as the TinCaps, a nod to John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, who wore a tin cooking pot as a hat. It is believed that Chapman lived his final days in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne has been an affiliate of the San Diego Padres since 1999 and a member of the Midwest League since 1993, where they won the league title in 2009, their debut season as the TinCaps. Home for the TinCaps is Parkview Field. A gem of a stadium built in 2009, it replaced Memorial Stadium, which was the home of the team from 1993 until 2008. It, like the TinCaps, is owned by Hardball Capital, a conglomerate that also includes the Columbia Fireflies and Chattanooga Lookouts as part of its portfolio. Parkview Field, surprisingly, has a naming rights deal with Parkview Health. The TinCaps have sent plenty of players to the majors, including Hunter Frenfroe, Fernando Tatis Jr., Trea Turner, Zach Ellin, Max Fried, Cal Quantrill, David Bednar, C.J. Abrams, and Jackson Merrill. Food & Beverage 5 Parkview Field has a fantastic array of concession options available. The expected burgers, fries, pretzels, hot dogs, and popcorn are all available. There are plenty of other options that are unique and worth trying. Manzana’s Mexican Grill has walking tacos and burrito bowls; Bases Loaded BBQ has pulled pork and brisket items, and The Hot Corner has cheesesteaks, both steak and chicken. Those with a sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied at Parkview Field. Ice cream, funnel cakes, and churros lead the way. However, The Apple Cart is the true star of the menu. Apple Pie, Apple Dumplings, Apple Pancakes and Apple Crisp are all available and a truly unique offering. A full lineup of concession options are available on the TinCaps website for those who like to plan out their culinary experience. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at Parkview Field, and there is a huge selection of craft beer. Some options include Angry Orchard, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, 1301 Brewing, and Bell’s Oberon. Seltzers, wines, and slushy drinks are also available. Atmosphere 5 Although Parkview Field is over fifteen years old, it still feels like new. The exterior is attractive with brown brick and light accents and pergolas for shade at the main, home plate entrance. Other entrances also feature brown brick and wrought iron gates. There are plenty of markings around the exterior of the park to ensure that passers-by know that it is the home of the TinCaps. Inside the ballpark, the concourses are spacious and open, with a view of the field. There is a full 360 degree path around the park with plenty of different seating options. Traditional stands are behind the plate and extend to both bases. Berm seating with some Adirondack chairs is found in the outfield. Table seating is on each side of the traditional seating. Rail seating is in the right field corner. Club 400 in centerfield is a large gathering area, perfect for group outings. Club seating and traditional luxury boxes are behind the plate and make up the second deck. Parkview Field also has its own version of rooftop seating beyond right field known as The Treetops. Just about any possible type of seating is found at Parkview Field. Around the concourses, a number of banners hang on lamp posts sharing key baseball figures in Indiana history, which will keep the history buffs interested. The batting cages used by the players are open for fans to watch the players prepare for the game in a similar fashion to bullpens being open to view. Inside the batting cages is where the championship flags for the TinCaps are found. The third base side has a fully stocked kid zone, including a climbing wall, and those hot days can be spent out beyond centerfield where a cooling splashpad and fountain can be found. It is obvious that the outfield area is designed more as a public park than a traditional ballpark. The gameday production at a TinCaps game is solid. The mascot, Johnny, maneuvers through the crowd, interacting with fans and taking part in on-field promotions. The Bad Apple Dancers, who double as the ground crew, perform a dance while cleaning up the field between innings. Post game fireworks are a staple in Fort Wayne. Neighborhood 4 Parkview Field is located in the West Central neighbourhood of Fort Wayne. There are a few spots for pre and post game food and drink in the area. Some options include Copper Spoon, Conner’s Kitchen, Proximo, Marquee at the Landing and Spoke & Ivy. There are not too many other sporting options in the area. Fort Wayne Komets hockey and Purdue Fort Wayne basketball are probably the best bet. Ruoff Mortgage Stadium, home to Fort Wayne FC, of USL League One is about a 15 minute drive from the ballpark off of I-69. Other tourist options in Fort Wayne include Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, The History Center, Fort Wayne Zoo and the Historic Old Fort. For fans wishing to stay close by the Hampton Inn, Courtyard and Hilton Fort Wayne are all within steps of the ballpark. Fans 5 The Fort Wayne TinCaps have enjoyed tremendous success at the turnstile. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, the TinCaps averaged over 4,600 fans per game. In 2025, the TinCaps averaged just over 5,000 fans per game. In both seasons, they ranked third in a very competitive Midwest League. Fans in attendance are loud and supportive of the team. Access 4 Parkview Field is located in the West Central neighbourhood of Fort Wayne. It is on the northeast corner of Ewing and Breckenridge, 7 km east of Interstate 69. Fans will require a bit of driving through the city, but traffic should not be a big issue. There are a few parking lots and garages in the area for those driving. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Ewing. Fans should consult the Fort Wayne Citi Link website for schedules, fares, and maps. Getting around Parkview Field is not difficult at all, and the concourse offers a full 360-degree route around the ballpark. Washroom facilities are good for the venue. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for sporting events are constantly changing. Stadium Journey highly recommends checking the Fort Wayne TinCaps website for the most up to date security information, including prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for a Fort Wayne TinCaps game are very affordable, starting at $9 for lawn seating and going up to $17 for seats behind the plate. Concessions prices are what one would expect and fans will pay a few dollars if parking is needed. Putting that all together and comparing it to the experience that the TinCaps put together, it is questionable how it could get much better. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Johnny Appleseed motif, including the bronze statue of John Chapman outside of the Hampton Inn, right behind the ballpark. An extra mark for Parkview Field operating as a public park, open to the public through the day. An extra mark for Parkview Field as the focal point of Downtown Fort Wayne. Final Thoughts 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 is one that baseball fans from all over must experience. It is applesolutely fantastic! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kinsman Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Zy Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club website Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 1,607 The Home of Brave Lacrosse In 1967, junior lacrosse was founded in Kitchener, Ontario. A hotbed for junior hockey, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves took their place among the other lacrosse teams in Junior B. The Braves would win the Founders Cup as Junior B Champions in 1987 and 1988 and eventually move up a tier to Junior A in 1991. The rebrand of the league to become the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League in 2021 would pave the way for the modern Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club. The KW rebrand would take place in 2020 as teams across the sport would trend away from Indigenous names. The OJLL operates much like the Ontario Hockey League does, as a feeder system to professional box lacrosse leagues such as the National Lacrosse League. Box Lacrosse legends such as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the Braves moniker and cut their teeth in Kitchener-Waterloo. Home for the KW Lacrosse Club is the Kinsmen Arena. Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability. Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened some time in the late eighties. Paired with the Kiwanis Arena and known locally as the “Twin Pads,” Kinsmen Arena draws its name from the local charity and part of the Kin Canada organization. Although the KW Lacrosse Club has bounced around over the years in different locations, Kinsmen offers a solid venue, the perfect size, for the local version of the fastest game on two feet. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Kinsmen Arena are very simple. There is a cart present at games where fans can purchase light refreshments including soda, Gatorade, water and a few different varieties of canned beer. Chocolate bars are also available. Normal concessions that would service the Aud for bigger events are not usually running during the summer months when lacrosse is happening. However, having a licenced venue that serves alcoholic beverages was a surprise Atmosphere 2 Junior A lacrosse is a bit of a hidden gem. The KWLC play at the venerable Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is also the home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Rather than playing in the iconic Dom Cardillo Arena, lacrosse is found at the Kinsmen Arena, a much newer and smaller arena in The Aud complex. The arena is not over the top and is fairly simple. Fans will enter the indoor portion of the complex from the Eugene George Way, side of the arena as opposed to the main arena off of East Avenue. The exterior of the building is attractive enough with light coloured brick and an LED ribbon to advertise events. The breezeway from this entrance leads past the main box office, which will be closed, past the memorial dedication plaque and Kraut Line display to the twin pads. Tickets for purchase are just inside the Kinsmen Arena doors at a temporary table. Home to hockey at various levels in the winter months, the ice comes out during lacrosse season and the KW Lacrosse Club finds a solid home for the summer. Kinsmen is located at the northeast portion for the complex buildings. It features a simple, low ceiling and light coloured walls, essentially lacking much in the way of colour. The floor surface runs from west to east, with all of the seating on the south side. Four sections of benches which surround a centre section of traditional arena seats make up the seating area and there is plenty of standing room in the east and west corners and behind the seating area. A simple hockey scoreboard is found hanging in the northeast corner of the arena. It would be beneficial if the Kinsmen Arena felt more like the home to the KWLC. The interior of the arena is as bland as the current branding for the team. The opportunity to showcase some of the history of the team would be great and give fans a better sense of the longevity of the team. The game differs a bit from what one would expect in the National Lacrosse League. The concrete floor, as opposed to green carpet, offers a different experience to the game. The squeaking sneakers, similar to that of a basketball game, creates a different feel and when players hit the ground, they tend to slide, unlike the game on the carpet. The gameplay also differs from the pros as music does not play throughout the play. This offers fans to hear the sounds of the game like the ball cracking off the goaltender’s pads or off of the boards, or the metal smashing of two sticks in combat. The smaller venue gives fans a closer perspective to the game and a better sense of just how fast and tough box lacrosse can really be. The gameday production is pretty simple with some basic music being played before the game and during intermissions as well as for goals. The PA announcer does a decent job of conveying information to the fans, however the PA system has much to be desired and most announcements are lost to poor speakers and poor acoustics. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and post game meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld you will definitely want to hit Moose Winooski's. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. The Friday buffet at the Concordia Club is a great way to experience Kitchener’s German heritage before a lacrosse game! Other sporting options locally would have to begin with the headline Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, who play in the Dom Cardillo Arena on the other side of the hall. When the nicer weather hits, then the Kitchener Panthers can be found on the other side of the parking lot at Jack Couch Stadium. Other options include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium, their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex. Downtown, fans may also want to check out The Museum. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 3 Junior A lacrosse has a small, but hardcore following. Assessing fan support can be difficult as attendance figures for games are not published as part of the game sheets. That being said, there were a few hundred people in attendance at the game which was reviewed supporting both home and away squads. A large percentage of those are most likely friends and family, however, the fans in attendance were loud and definitely knew the game and the team. Access 5 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the lacrosse game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Kinsmen Arena is no issue at all as the building is not packed and there are not a ton of concession options. Fans with mobility issues are better served in the Kinsmen Arena than the Dom Cardillo Arena as there is not the main staircase to ascend in the Kinsmen. Return on Investment 4 With the rising cost of sports at all levels, finding affordable entertainment for the sporting dollar can be a real challenge. K-W Lacrosse is very affordable at just $10 a ticket. Students and seniors can get in for $5. There are not many places that offer this kind of value. Concessions, although limited, are reasonably priced and parking is free at The Aud. The product on the floor is definitely fast-paced and hard-hitting and fans of lacrosse will enjoy the Junior A level of lacrosse. Extras 2 An extra mark for the long history of the Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club, as one of the oldest clubs in the OJLL. An extra mark for the sensational alumni that have found their way through KW and moved on to stardom in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Lacrosse will not be taking over the top spot as the favourite sport in North America anytime soon. It remains very much a niche sport. However, the fastest game on two feet is a great way to see some top notch athletes in a way that fans may not be accustomed to. The Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club provides a window into the future of the sport, profiling the athletes who will one day be professionals in the NLL and it's very affordable! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

The Pecos League is an independent baseball league stretching across the desert and mountain regions of Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Stadium Journey has visited 10 of the league’s 14 ballparks; the Austin Weirdos operated as a traveling team in 2026, though we previously reviewed their former home stadium. We congratulate the Garden City Wind for capturing the 2026 championship. Though teams come and go in this league, currently, four parks remain on our to‑visit list: the Blackwell FlyCatchers, North Platte 80s, Pecos Bills, and the new Grand Junction Razorback Suckers. If you’re interested in contributing a review to Stadium Journey, we’d love to hear from you. Founded in 2011, the Pecos League has carved out a unique place in independent baseball, and for the first time, Stadium Journey is ranking its ballparks. Rankings are based on our patented FANFARE system, which evaluates food and beverage, game‑day atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the venue), return on investment, and a bonus category for anything that falls outside the standard criteria. When stadiums earn identical scores, the Stadium Journey Council of Elders steps in to break the tie. To read each full review, simply follow the link for the corresponding ballpark. 10. Fallon Field - Dublin Leprechauns - 1.71 Meg Minard - The cleverly named Dublin Leprechauns, founded in 2023, play their home games at Fallon Park, a premiere sports complex owned and operated by the City of Dublin, CA. The Leprechauns play in Ball Field G at the corner of Fallon Rd and Central Pkwy. 9. Sam Lynn Ballpark - Bakersfield Train Robbers – 2.57 Meg Minard - Baseball has been part of Bakersfield, CA for 85 years, and Sam Lynn Ballpark has welcomed generations of fans through its gates. Built in 1941, it hosted multiple California League clubs before the Bakersfield Train Robbers of the independent Pecos League made it their home in 2017. 8. Fort Marcy Ballpark - Santa Fe Fuego – 2.57 Meg Minard - Baseball fans visiting Santa Fe should try to catch a Fuego game during the May - July stretch. The costs are low enough that most fans should find a Fuego game budget‑friendly. Just keep in mind that the ballpark can be tough to navigate if you use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or feel unsteady on your feet. 7. Parque Zaragoza - Austin Weirdos - 2.57 Marc Viquez - The traveling team in 2026, the Weirdos played their inaugural 2022 season at Parque Zaragoza. Management acknowledges this venue is not the ideal place for a game and want to make Austin its home for the foreseeable future. However, the team’s branding is on point with the city’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” 6. Clint Lightner Field - Garden City Wind – 2.71 Meg Minard - Capturing their first-ever league title on August 8, 2026, the Wind provide an entertaining, affordable evening out. If you live in the area or happen to be visiting nearby, be sure to check out a game at Clint Lightner Field. 5. Central Park - Trinidad Triggers – 2.71 Meg Minard - The Triggers have established themselves well in Trinidad, CO and in the Pecos League, beginning with their debut in the 2012 season. The Triggers play at Central Park Field, a city park located one mile from downtown Trinidad, CO. The city of Trinidad made several improvements to the field and park for this team: updates to the bullpens, adding a cement backing/wall to the seating area, improvements to the grass seating areas and the field itself. 4. Joe Bauman Stadium - Roswell Invaders - 3.00 Meg Minard – Charter members of the league, an Invaders game provides a low-key, local, welcoming impression where the focus is still more on the game than other extra activities. If in Roswell, NM visiting UFO and alien-related items during June and July, make an effort to head to Joe Bauman Stadium to catch a relaxed, entertaining baseball game. 3. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium - Tucson Saguaros – 3.14 Watching a Tucson Saguaros game is an enjoyable, affordable way to spend an evening out. Tickets are only $10 general admission ($8 for seniors). Fans can sit wherever they choose, roam around, and switch seats as desired. Parking is free. The food is inexpensive for stadium fare. Even the t-shirts are only $20. Baseball fans get a pleasant, albeit warm, evening out. 2. Albert Park Field - San Rafael Pacifics – 3.14 Meg Minard - If you find yourself in the Bay Area, take a trip to San Rafael for an affordable, entertaining baseball game. The city of San Rafael and the Pacifics consistently make alterations and improvements to Albert Park for the betterment of the fans. Examples include a new scoreboard, upgraded restrooms, and new fencing along the ADA ramp and in front of the dugout. 1. Waterfront Park - Martinez Sturgeon – 3.29 Meg Minard - Visiting Martinez, CA and the Martinez Sturgeon is a delightful day trip or evening out during the summer months. Grab your family or friends, take a trip to this historic city, and catch a game. The fans are very welcoming to all visitors and are easy to strike up a conversation with.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey How many people know that the Las Vegas Raiders were once known by another name when they entered the American Football League in 1960? The franchise was originally named the Oakland Senors, but it was a decision that touched off a “unanimous and extremely vociferous disapproval” from almost everyone in town. Oakland was officially awarded a franchise in the AFL on January 31 of that year; by March 20, a Name Your Football Team contest was being held in conjunction with the Oakland Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland Boosters in conjunction with the Oakland Tribune. Participants would clip out the official entry blank with their name suggestion and an explanation in 25 words or fewer of why they chose the name. All of the entries were judged on suitability, completeness, and originality. The winner would receive a trip to Acapulco, Mexico, plus two tickets to the first home game. The second-place winner would receive a trip for two to Oakland's game in Los Angeles, plus two tickets to the first home game. The third-place winner won a season pass for two to all home games that season. There were 10,000 entries submitted, including 1,777 different names. Many of them stood out and would be ideal for a current minor league club, including the following: Atom Smashers, Aristocrats, Bonecrushers, Bicarbonates, Electrons, Gringos, Iron Ponies, Litterbugs, Nutcrackers, Poison Oaks, Termites, Zodiacs, and Prune Pickers. A little more than two weeks later, on April 5, a five-man committee dwindled the suggestions to the Admirals, Lakers, Diablos, Seagulls, Metros, Gauchos, Nuggets, Senors, Dons, Coasters, Sequoias, Missiles, Knights, Redwoods, Jets, Clippers, Dolphins, and Grandees. In the end, the Senors were chosen as the victor. Helen Davis suggested the name, along with seven others, but her explanation of why the name would make a good fit for the football team was the deciding factor. She had entered contests before but had never won, even at bingo. She stated that she was “flabbergasted.” Davis stated that the name “symbolizes the history, strength, and solidarity of the Old World of California. The name personifies the original fighting spirit characteristic of the first settlers of California.” Davis added that she was not an “ardent fan” of football but that she would now be due to her name being selected for the team. Management chose the “Americanized” spelling of the name Señores, which translates to a gentleman in Spanish, and team colors of black and silver with gold trim. There appeared to be a leaning towards naming the team with a Spanish-influenced name. Members of the voting committee liked the name Dons, but that was already in use by the University of San Francisco. Also, it was suggested for fans early on in the voting process to look for inspiration from California's rich Spanish ancestry. However, by the next day, there were already questions about the new name. The City Council disapproved of the name 4-1. Mayor Clifford E. Richell said he had not come across anyone who liked the name. Councilman Robert L. Osborne quipped that he would sell his interest in the team due to displeasure with the name. The next day a petition appeared in the Oakland Tribune to change the name. It is listed that the new name is without force, impact, local significance, or color. The name will not hold up and will be subject to community ridicule. “If it can't be spelled correctly, don't use it because it is not dignified to misspell it. Miss Helen Davis had a very good idea, but somebody botched it up for her,” wrote Emily Castro in a letter to the editor Tribune. A few other letters to the paper pointed out the lack of a tilde over the "n", and the misspelling of the name has been deemed a source of confusion. A few more stated that it was a lack of foresight from a 3rd rate city and that it belongs on the pages of the comic strips. Then there were the voices who said they would no longer support the new club and remain fans of the San Francisco 49ers. It was business as usual for the Senors, who were signing players, looking for a suitable stable to call home, and setting ticket prices at $4.50 a person, the same as the 49ers across the bay at Kezar Stadium. Also, the Oakland City Council approved a $13,500,000 bond to build a new stadium for the team. Finally, on April 14, Oakland management bowed to public objection and changed the name to the now-familiar Raiders. The winner of the new name was Kendrick Martin, who also won a trip to Mexico. It was met with a universal appeal from the populace of the area. Martin and 26 other contestants submitted the name Raiders and won trips to Acapulco. However, he was selected as the winner based on his reasoning for why the club should adopt the name. “Our team of supporters must be fired and inspired by a fighting name. Raiders imply early sustained offense, carrying the fight to the opponent's camp.” The new name was met with almost universal appeal, Alan Ward wrote in his column for the Oakland Tribune, the following: "The switch from Senors to Raiders for the local grid team has been greeted with undisguised glee by the populace. Not in 100 years would football fans, and non-football fans, have been satisfied with the appellation Senors. It simply didn't fit. It had no meaning. It might have had meaning elsewhere, but not for an Oakland club. Raiders-now there's a solid name. It conjures images of Sir Frances Drake and Blackbeard. It's pithy, provocative, and fits easily into a newspaper headline." Tribune columnist Ray Haywood suggested in his column that if the club keeps changing names, there will be enough Oakland area fans in Acapulco to hold a Raiders pep rally. Miss Davis was not bitter about the name change and still planned on attending every home game, shouting “Ole!” after every first down. “Raiders is a nice name. I don't care that they discarded my name. I want everyone to be happy. I'm just sorry Senors caused so much satisfaction. I've been kidding so much since the contest, I'm actually relieved that they changed the name.” Perhaps the public would have learned to accept and love the Senors name; it could have been possible, but after a modest 6-8 maiden season, the club went 3-25 in their next two seasons playing out of three stadiums between San Francisco and Oakland. Crowds were no bigger than 13,000 per game, and a name change would have most likely arrived sometime soon. Raiders GM Chet Soda added the following statement after the end of the 10-day naming saga. “We certainly appreciate fans' interest in our club. Public sentiment disapproves of 'Senors’. We hope everyone will like Raiders as much as we do.” After 63 years, three Super Bowl championships, and legions of fans all over the country. I think many people liked the name Raiders. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Brockell Field One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Brockell Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Baseball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The baseball stadium is named after former long-time baseball coach and 2019 Cecil College Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie "Dick" Brockell. Food & Beverage 1 There are limited food options available at Brockell Field. There is a shared concession stand with the softball field but we do not know when it is open. We will award a 1, assuming that it is open on busy weekend games. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There is a large and weird variety of seating options around the field. There is a couple of small three-row bleachers, a couple of garden benches, regular park benches, park picnic tables, and a raised stone seating area. You can also sit on the grass to bring your chair. The baseball field is located right next to some nice woods, that offer a nice view past the fences. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is simply named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs is a good choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the busiest and most well-known highways in the country so getting to campus will not be difficult. Follow signs to the back of the campus and you will find the athletic field. There will be plenty of parking. We are dropping our rating down a bit as current construction might make your way back to the baseball field a bit of an adventure. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 The unique variety of seating options is an extra on its own. Final Thoughts Brockell Field is a basic pleasant baseball field located in a nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Cecil College Gymnasium One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Cecil College Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970: Remodeled 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Basketball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The Seahawks won the NJCAA Division II national championship for basketball in 2006. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, The gymnasium is located on the first floor of the Physical Education building (Building E) on the North East campus. Food & Beverage 2 There are no real food options available at the arena. We are giving much credit to the vending options, which include a hot pizza vending machine. We attended after a major snowstorm and between semesters so the machine was not working, but we are hoping it is as awesome as it sounds. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level basketball game. There are some simple PA announcements and music played. There is only one grandstand in the gymnasium with nice comfortable seats. Technically there is also a small 4-row set of stands behind the benches but we think it is usually only used by the athletic trainers. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs is a good choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games, as well as other local teams fans. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the country's busiest and most well-known highways, so getting to campus will not be difficult. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the building. You can enter from both sides of the gymnasium as there will be people charging for tickets at both entrances. Return on Investment 4 There is a simple $5 admission charge, paid in cash. That small price, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 Cecil has a good number of trophies and other things that show their past accomplishments throughout the arena and building. Look for the National Championship trophy. Final Thoughts The Cecil College Gymnasium is a simple affair but serves as a decent, albeit simple, venue for intercollegiate sports.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Turf Field One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Turf Field website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: n/a Soccer Playing Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The College dedicated its new synthetic turf field on June 13, 2023 Food & Beverage 1 There are limited food options available at Turf Field. There is a shared concession stand with the baseball and softball field but we do not know when it is open. We will award a 1, assuming that it is open on busy weekend games. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level softball match. There is very little atmosphere for Seahawks matches. There is a PA system but it plays at an extremely low volume. There is one small stand on the main side of the field and some various seating on the opposite side. A loose stone walking path surrounds the field Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is simply named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs is a good choice for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the busiest and most well-known highways in the country so getting to campus will not be difficult. Follow signs to the back of the campus and you will find the athletic field. There will be plenty of parking. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 The unique variety of seating options is an extra on its own. Final Thoughts Turf Field is a basic pleasant soccer pitch located in a nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a sports fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Warrior Field 220 Columbia Street West Waterloo, ON N2L 0A1 Waterloo Warriors football website Warrior Field website Stadium opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,700/5,700 Black and Yellow… Although the Waterloo Warriors have been playing Canadian university football since 1957, they are one of only six teams in the country that has not been to a Vanier Cup. The fight continues at Warrior Field. Although the Warriors have tasted some success, including Yates Cup Championships in 1997 and 1999, the Warriors have had strings where there has not been much winning on the field. They had a stretch where they failed to make the playoffs from 2004 to 2017 and last had a season with more than four wins in 1998. Even through the tenure of their only Hec Crighton Award winner, Tre Ford in 2021, the Warriors were unable to make it to the next level. At one time, the former Seagram Stadium, built in 1958, was owned by the University of Waterloo. It was given to the City of Waterloo in 1974 and remained home for the Warriors. In 1992 it was taken over by Wilfrid Laurier University and renovated. This left a less than desirable situation where Waterloo played at the home of their biggest rival. Coach Dennis McPhee pushed the university to build their own home, on campus. Warrior Field opened in 2009 giving Waterloo a home of its own. The latest renovation is the opening of the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House, which towers over Warrior Field and adds to the atmosphere. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Warrior Field are pretty restricted. University of Waterloo Food Services is on location and provides basic concession options including hot dogs, sausage and burgers. Vegetarian options are also available. Soda and water can also be found at the main tent. Domino’s Pizza also has a presence at the game. Warrior Field provides just enough to get by, however for fans looking for something more, looking elsewhere before or after the game would be the best idea. Atmosphere 3 Warrior Field provides a very simple structure in a wide open part of campus. Located as part of the Columbia IceField athletic complex, north of Columbia Street, Warrior Field is not an imposing structure. The turf field runs from east to west with a simple aluminum bleacher seating structure on the north side and berm seating on the south side. The most notable feature of the field would be the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House, which towers over the field, with a large Warriors logo on the facade. The Field House provides washroom facilities and a ticketing office. The simple, digital scoreboard is at the west end of the field along with the flag poles. Warrior Field has a bit of a natural feel to it as it is surrounded by plenty of mature trees. The Columbia IceField, which is attached to the Field House, offers other athletic facilities as well as the football offices. Outside of the football office, fans can find the Warrior Football Ring of Honour, which includes such Warrior football greats as Mike Bradley, Tom Chartier, John Shoniker and Dave “Tuffy” Knight. It is unfortunate that these honours are hidden away from regular fans and it is not possible to see this on gameday. Also, it would be beneficial for the Warriors to erect flags or banners commemorating the 1997 and 1999 Yates Cup Championships that the Warriors earned. The Warriors have dedicated a rock near the players’ entrance to former Warrior Lam Diing who was fatally stabbed in 2018. The gameday presentation is fairly consistent with what fans would expect from any OUA football game. The Warriors enter the field from the northeast corner, running through an inflated Warrior helmet. The Waterloo mascot, King Warrior often joins the Warrior cheerleading team on the sidelines. Select games will also bring out the small, but committed Warrior Band to provide music at the east end of the grandstand. The sound system has seen some improvements and announcements by the PA announcer are now easier to hear. Neighbourhood 4 Two universities, University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, within the vicinity of Warrior Field make the surrounding neighbourhood very interesting. The University of Waterloo is an urban campus so there are many nearby options. For the most variety, head over to University Ave and select from a plethora of locales and cuisines. Some spots you may want to check out will include Mel’s Diner, Molly Bloom’s and Williams Fresh Cafe. The Bomber is within walking distance of Warrior Field and is the campus pub. The other option would be to head up to King Street where Morty’s Pub is the best among a list of options. If it is possible to see the Warriors play in the late fall, then celebrating Oktoberfest may be a possibility. The largest North American Bavarian festival brings thousands into town and is a highlight for many of the locals. There are a huge number of events for all ages and not something to miss. Otherwise, a Saturday afternoon Warriors game can lead into a great evening of jazz at The Jazz Room at the Huether Hotel, close to Uptown Waterloo. On the campus of Waterloo, the Physical Activities Complex plays host to the Warriors basketball team and Columbia IceField is home to the Warriors hockey team. A short walk across campus leads to the campus of Wilfrid Laurier. The former home of Warriors football is now Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium and is home to the Laurier Golden Hawks. The WLU Athletic Complex is home to Golden Hawks basketball and nearby Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is home to the Laurier hockey teams. Across town in Kitchener, visiting fans will most definitely want to catch a Kitchener Rangers hockey game at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. If you are looking for a place to stay in town, Delta Hotels Waterloo is a good option. Fans 3 USports is guilty of some sporadic attendance reporting. At the time of this review, the first game of 2026, the Warriors welcomed 812 fans to Warrior Field. This game was also before the students were due to arrive at campus for the fall semester. The previous season, the Warriors did not report any attendance results, however they averaged over 1,700 fans in 2024. Attendance is elastic and will change with special events like Homecoming or a home game against Wilfrid Laurier, and weather can have a significant impact. The fans in attendance provide decent support, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Access 4 Warrior Field is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Waterloo. It is southwest of Highway 85 and a pretty significant distance from the highway. To get to Warrior Field, fans will be required to drive through the city a bit. Warrior Field is on the same plot of land as the Columbia IceField. Driving through the main campus, between University Ave and Columbia Street, is not required. Public transit options will be left to the GRT buses, of which there are a few that travel in and around the University of Waterloo. The Ion light rail has two stations within a 20 minute walk of Warrior Field. Check the GRT website for schedules and maps. Parking is available around Warrior Field. There is a pay lot at the Columbia IceField and is predominantly reserved for season ticket holders and tailgate parties. Free parking is available on weekends behind the optometry building to the east of the Columbia IceField. There is more than enough parking if you give yourself a bit of time before kickoff. The Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House houses a permanent ticketing box office. Tickets may be purchased right at the stadium using cash or credit with relative ease and a small lineup. The Fieldhouse is open during the game to offer permanent washroom facilities. The portable washroom facilities are now much more limited, with one remaining on the south side of the field. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Warriors are very affordable with grandstand tickets going for $12 and tickets for the berm for $10. It is an extra dollar for each to purchase on gameday. Tickets drop to $8 for seniors and alumni and $5 for children. University of Waterloo students are free with proper identification. Parking can be found for free and concession prices are decent. The opportunity to see high quality football on a nice autumn afternoon is definitely worth the cost. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Warrior Band, which has been running from 1966 and is advertised as “One of the Bands in Canada.” There isn’t really anything like it in the rest of the league. An extra mark for the student-run nature of a Warrior game. The students run just about all of the aspects of the game, including radio and internet streaming broadcasts. An extra mark for the rivalry against the Laurier Golden Hawks across all athletic teams. The Battle of Waterloo is better than it has ever been. Final Thoughts The Waterloo Warriors continue to provide a good atmosphere for USports football. Hopefully, the Warriors will break through and get to that elusive Vanier Cup and make the Black and Yellow proud. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

No baseball fan needs to be told about the cost of seeing live baseball. According to Action Network, the average price for a family of four to attend an MLB game is $319.26, including tickets, parking, and concessions. But it doesn’t have to be. With a fair bit of planning, you can enjoy a beautiful day at the ballpark for much less than you’d expect. Through some research and planning, I recently took in a game at Fenway Park, one of the most expensive ballparks in baseball. For a ticket, transportation and food at the game, I paid under $50. So yes, it can be done. (You can read about how I did it here.) Below are some of the better money-saving tips for enjoying America’s pastime on a budget. Take Advantage of Team Ticket Offers Ticket deals are your biggest opportunity for savings on live baseball. My favorite tip for saving money on tickets is this: sign up for team email ticket alerts. (You will need an account on MLB.com). Every baseball team offers ticket deals, especially when they aren’t enjoying great success on the field. The Yankees, for example…a team you wouldn’t expect to make games affordable for fans…actually offer some very nice discounts. As this sentence was written, you can find $10 seats, half-price deals for MasterCard holders, and up to 80% discounts on single seats for games. There’s also ticket discounts for military members, teachers and seniors. Every team will make you aware of specials they’re offering in their email alerts. Beyond that, they’ll tell you about giveaway nights too, where you can score souvenirs, T-shirts, or kids’ activities without shelling out extra cash. If you don’t mind the extra notifications, it doesn’t hurt to get text alerts and follow teams on social media too. That said, buying tickets through the team isn’t always the cheapest route. There are third party ticket re-sellers too, like Gametime, SeatGeek, and StubHub among many others. It’s a great opportunity to find deals…if you play it right. Shop Around – And Be Flexible The more flexibility you have for which game to attend, the better your opportunities to find cheaper tickets, especially through third parties. Baseball ticket prices vary greatly by time of year, day of the week, and the team’s opponent. I’ll use Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox as an example. A Saturday night game in July against the rival Yankees is going to cost far more than an Wednesday day game in April against the Athletics. That’s probably common sense, but the point is to choose something that is low demand. June, July and August games are the most popular for most teams, while April is usually the easiest time to find cheaper tickets. In April, the kids are still in school, the weather can still be chilly, and teams aren’t usually generating excitement with their performance yet. Low Demand Cubs Game, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey Weekday games are less expensive than weekends, and games against popular rivals, especially teams that aren’t far away, will draw more fans. If a team is out of the playoff hunt by September, you can often find great deals on third party sites. Timing matters, too. If it’s not vital to see the game you want, try waiting until the last minute. It’s very possible that ticket prices will drop precipitously as fans get desperate to unload their unusable tickets. With today’s smartphones, you can be right at the gate of the ballpark when you buy. If you see something you can live with, though, don’t hesitate; jump on it right away. Finally, use the weather! If a blazing hot or excessively frigid day portends a less pleasant experience, you can sometimes find a deal. There‘re always ways to escape the elements during a game if you need to. Getting To The Game Cheaply Parking can sneak up on your budget, especially if you just show up without a reservation. Don’t do that, plan ahead. With a little research, you can cut this cost way down. Apps like SpotHero (my favorite) and ParkWhiz let you book in advance and save quite a bit of dough. If the ballpark is in a residential neighborhood or in the heart of the city, there will likely be plenty of parking options. People even sell their driveway spots. Recently I parked in a driveway about a five minute walk from Wrigley Field for $16 – which, for that distance, would cost around $50 in an official Cubs lot. Incidentally, at Wrigley you can even do better than that. The Cubs offer free parking at a remote lot for night games, from which you can hop on their free shuttle service. So it doesn’t hurt to check and see if teams offer such deals. You also don’t have to drive and sit in gas-guzzling traffic to get to most ballparks. There are almost always one or more money-saving public transit options, especially if a ballpark is in the heart of the city. Take the Train to Yankee Stadium, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey Baltimore’s light rail is a great example. You can park in one of a number of lots for free outside the city, and hop on a streetcar that will drop you off right at the warehouse entrance of Camden Yards. The ride is just $4 round trip as I write this. One more tip for parking savings – in some cities, there are a few taverns and restaurants that will let you park there for free, and take you to the game in their shuttle if you order a meal or a drink there. Try doing a search for “ shuttles” and see what comes up. Save On Food And Drinks – Bring Your Own It’s less of a secret these days, but most all MLB teams will allow you to bring your own food and drinks into the ballpark. There are limits of course. You can’t bring in alcohol (anyone familiar with Ten Cent Beer Night in Cleveland knows that wouldn’t end well), in some ballparks you’re only allowed one bottle of water for a drink, and bottles must be plastic and sealed. Each team has different rules; you can do a search for “ bag policy” and usually find what they won’t let you do. Bringing your own, as you can imagine, is a huge money-saver over ballpark food prices. There will often be vendors outside selling soft pretzels, peanuts, drinks etc., but even that will cost significantly more than a short trip to the supermarket before the game. But if you like to get at least something at the game…like a hot dog…go for the “generic” stands that just sell the basics, as opposed to the fancy offerings. You can often find a meal deal, but if not, they’re still the places for the cheapest food items like basic hot dogs. Fenway's Budget Frank, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey No one loves a beer at the game more than I do, but you can save mucho dinero avoiding alcoholic drinks inside the ballpark. Not only are the prices of drinks highly inflated, many teams offer a “designated driver” program, where they’ll give you a free soda for promising not to imbibe. Getting The Extras At A Discount It’s always fun to see the jerseys, tees, mugs, pennants and other team logo-adorned stuff in the ballpark’s team store, but you’ll pay top dollar for most anything there. If you’re liking that official team jersey, try this: go to MLBShop.com on your phone and look for it. See if the price is the same there or less. It might be the same, but the website could offer a discount code or some other deal. There’s also eBay, if you don’t mind that someone wore it once. At many ballparks, there will often be vendors and even stores selling team-related items cheaper than inside. Remember: outside vendors are often prone to haggling! When they tell you the price of a cap, offer to buy a second one at half price. After the game especially, these folks may be desperate to unload their extra stuff. Souvenirs Outside PNC Park, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey Yankee Stadium is my favorite example of this; there are not only vendors everywhere, but also several stores right there with tons of great stuff for fans. But wherever you are, if you have time, wander around a bit after the game. Saving Money on MLB Games - It’s All About Planning + Knowing Hopefully this piece helps you enjoy live baseball for much less than you expect. It just takes some planning, timing, and maybe a little patience. When it comes to baseball tickets, transportation, food, and souvenirs, take advantage of the one tool that our grandparents didn’t have…the Internet. Because when it comes to enjoying live baseball, a little research goes a long way. Kurt Smith is the author of Ballpark E-Guides, the ultimate website for making the most of your game experience at 18 MLB ballparks, including Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium. You can find many more great ballpark tips at his website: https://ballparkeguides.com.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 O2 Arena Ocelářská 460/2, 190 00 Prague 9 – Libeň, Czech Republic Czechia National Hockey Team website O2 Arena website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 17,383 Hockey In The Heart Of Europe It’s only fitting that the Czech Republic’s national sport of hockey gets played at the second-largest hockey arena in all of Europe. With a capacity of 17,000, O2 Arena Prague is a venue that has hosted a fair share of marquee events as it is home of Sparta Prague HC, many shows, concerts, tennis, the 2024 IIHF World Championships, and Czechia’s National Hockey Team. We happened to be in attendance for Czechia vs Finland during the Swiss Ice Hockey games, serving as a competition to prelude the upcoming world championships. While the O2 may not be the most modern arena in the world, it continues to provide a memorable game day experience while standing the test of time. Food & Beverage 3 The selection of food and beverages is as expected in an arena. They offer all the basics that a stadium typically would. The menu you can prepare to find includes chicken tenders, fries, hot dogs, burgers, sausages, sandwiches, pizza, Coca-Cola products, Fuze Tea, wine, and beer. Food items will cost anywhere between $2-$6. The food quality is what you would expect from stadium food, nothing crazy, but nothing horrible. The only beer on tap is a Staropramen, but it is hard to complain about the lack of variety when it is priced at just under $3 a beer. Cards are accepted at every concession stand in the arena, and all food is priced at face value, meaning tax is not hidden. While the products themselves may not be flashy, they come at unheard-of value compared to stadium food in the United States. Atmosphere 4 Opening its doors in 2004, the O2 Arena in Prague continues to stand out as a top hockey venue in Europe. The arena’s concourse does not have the flashy amenities that the latest arenas have, but entering its 20th year, the O2 continues to provide an excellent game day experience. The stadium is built with four levels: the main bowl being the first, the two middle levels containing the hospitality seats and private boxes, and the upper bowl on the 400 level. At the game we attended, every seating level was open, but for Sparta Prague HC matches, it appears that the upper deck is closed off. I love a venue with a vertical interior, and the O2 provides just that, allowing the arena to be furnished with a louder and more intimate atmosphere even with its large capacity. This also entitles you to purchase 400-level seats without worrying about obstructed or inadequate sightlines, meaning the 400-level is my seating recommendation if you plan on attending a game here. Why pay more for tickets when you don’t have to? The seats themselves are not too wide, but they are padded and equipped with cupholders on both armrests. Plenty of merchandise windows are scattered throughout the lower concourse offering every type of apparel you would expect from a team. The video board must have been replaced since the opening of the arena as it is much more modern than you would expect when comparing it to the semi-old concourse. It is mammoth-like in size and does a solid job of providing stats, replays, and keeping the fans entertained during stoppages with promotions, music, etc. Much of the atmosphere provided during the game was delivered from the stands in the style of chants and songs. Two fans operate drums located in the sections behind the goal in the lower bowl, and these two take the lead when starting a song in the crowd. Once Czechia took the lead in the third period, the two fans who operated the drums kicked off a chant that resembled Wisconsin’s “jump around" tradition, and the entire area turned into a trampoline park. The O2 Arena truly delivers an outstanding hockey atmosphere, and I do not doubt that it will do so for the 2024 IIHF World Championships. Neighborhood 4 Prague is one of the most popular cities in the world when dealing with tourism, and it's for good reason. Beautiful mid-evil architecture, easily accessible public transit, excellent walkability, outstanding food, and cheap booze are just some things the city itself has to offer. Prague is divided into ten municipal districts and 22 administrative districts that are titled, Prague 1, 2, 3… and so on. The main tourist districts would be the city center, also known as Prague 1 and Prague 2. However, the O2 Area is situated in Prague 9, which does not have a ton going on. Outside of O2 Arena, Prague 9 offers a very new and sleek mall containing an assortment of stores and pregame food choices that a considerable number of fans visited before the gates opened. The Stages Hotel is adjacent to the arena for visitors who wish for accommodation close to the arena. It was not open for our visit, but the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame is also next to the arena, and even though we were not able to experience it, reviews suggest it is well worth the visit. We suggest you stay closer to the city center and take public transit to the arena. If you are a solo traveler many hostels can be found around the city center for as low as $10-$25 a night, and if you are traveling with others or a family you can find hotels for $50-$90 a night if you book in advance. This also puts you in the vicinity of the limitless attractions Prague has to offer like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the National Museum to mention a few. Staying in the main parts of the city will also give you a plethora of food and drink options as there is something for everyone. In terms of a couple of examples, Lokal Dlouhaaa is the best site for a traditional Czech meal for a low price and Johnny’s Pizza Bar is a superb pizza spot, for once again a low price. In terms of teams that call Prague home, they are as follows; Sparta Prague HC, AC Sparta Prague, Bohemians 1905, and Slavia Prague. Fans 4 Hockey is recognized as the national sport of Czechia, so needless to say the Czechs love their national team. Before the game, there was an induction ceremony from the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame, and the fans in attendance made sure they were in their seats early to pay their respect to Czech hockey greats. People from all over the Czech Republic made their way to Prague for this game as many teams from the Czech Domestic Hockey League, the Czech Extraliga, were represented in the crowd. The fans do a great job staying involved for the entirety of the match. The drums are constantly leading the chants, little air horns are going off, and the crowd reacts to every little thing that happens on the ice. One thing that I appreciated from the crowd was that the concourse was empty during the game, signifying that they remained in their seat when the game was on. They had O2 Arena rocking when they took a 2-1 lead in the third period, which was easily when the building was at its loudest. This also led to the whole arena jumping during a song from the drums, which was a great display from the fans to cap off a great showing by the crowd. Access 3 The public transport in Prague is nothing short of exceptional. It is fast, reliable, and covers the entirety of the city. The city has implemented four subway lines and 35 tram lines in addition to numerous bus lines that expand to areas not covered by the subway or trams. There are three forms of public transit tickets that you can purchase: a 30-minute ticket for $1.34, a 90-minute ticket for $1.79, a 24-hour ticket for $5.37, and a 72-hour ticket for $14.77. Whatever ticket you purchase is valid for all trams, subways, and buses. With that being said, the easiest way to get from the city center to O2 Arena is the yellow subway line, which drops you off right at the main gate to enter O2 Arena. If you are visiting Prague International Airport, I’d advise you to take the 119 bus to the subway taking you to the city center. Parking is available, which is generally used for locals or other Czechs driving in from out of town, but as a visitor who is most likely staying in the city, just take the train there. Gates open 1.5 hours before the event. The main gate is located on the north entrance facing the subway stop. This gate is the only main entrance to the arena, so the queue to enter can be quite long and cumbersome close to game time. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketportal.com, and you will need to print those tickets beforehand. Small purses are pretty much the only bags that are allowed in the arena, however, luggage storage is provided by the arena if you have to bring a large bag that will not be permitted entrance. The concourse is pretty basic and easy to navigate, as it's just a bowl on both levels with nothing crazy inside the concourse. There is not a prototypical team store, but the merchandise is sold within concession-like windows. All lines for concessions and restrooms move very quickly. English is also well-spoken by the staff. Return on Investment 5 Compared to American arenas and stadiums, there is nothing that even comes close to the value of the O2 Arena. Tickets to get into the game were $13 for the 400 level which provided unobstructed and good sightlines for upper-level seats. Lower bowl tickets started at about ten dollars more which is still of great value to see the national team compete. Now if you are in town for a Sparta Prague HC match, lower bowl tickets start at a whopping $12. Concessions are set by the great value standard that is set by the tickets. You are paying anywhere between $2-$7 for every food item and a stadium beer costs $2.50, which is unheard of for American visitors. And as we already covered earlier, public transit is very reasonable and reliable. I don't think many places or teams in the United States deliver that environment for that price level. Extras 2 Not too much in terms of extras from the stadium itself, but before the game we were in attendance for the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It was neat to see familiar NHL faces in that setting. Congratulations to the Czech greats who were acknowledged for their career accomplishments that night. Final Thoughts It would be an oddity to be in Prague while the National Team is playing unless you are making the trip for the IIHF World Championships. But if you are in Prague during hockey season, it is well worth the visit to see a hockey game whether that being the national team or Sparta Prague HC. O2 Arena offers a great hockey experience for a great price.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Weserstadion Franz-Böhmert-Str. 1 Bremen, Germany 28205 SV Werder Bremen website Weserstadion website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 42,354 The Weserstadion I love Bremen... but it didn’t start well. It’s a cold and grey winter day. I have just 24 hours to discover what makes the Weserstadion a German favourite and ascertain what this gritty north-western port city has to offer. As I arrived on my train from Hamburg, an impressive ‘up and coming’ city, Bremen refused to entice or court me with any obvious landmarks, style, or allure. Outside the Hauptbahnhof (central station), six lanes of tram tracks, buses, and cycle paths on the pavements each sought to end my visit to Bremen before it began. A less than salubrious onward walk plus a shifty looking ‘room-mate’ in my hostel and I’m considering surfing the net for an early flight home. At this point, I’m concluding that if a football team mirrors its city’s characteristics then Werder Bremen, or the ‘green-whites’ as they are known, will be an uncompromising and feared opponent. The first sight of their 40k-plus stadium, nestled on the north bank of the River Weser however reveals such an imposing and classy grandeur that it’s clear there’s far more to Bremen than first meets the eye. History suggests the same, whilst WB has struggled recently, with their better players poached by newest rivals Schalke, they’ve only once not been eating at the ‘Bundesliga top table.’ Their 4 league titles, 6 cups, and a 1992 European Cup Winners Cup win make them one of Germany’s top clubs. The Weserstadion, their home patch since 1909 is full for most games. Food & Beverage 3 Eating and drinking at the stadium is an intrinsic part of the German football experience. A ‘beer and bratwurst’ is mandatory. If you buy inside the ground remember to first acquire (and load with cash) a ‘Werder Card.’ Then use the card for all purchases at the various catering outlets. As a UK supporter, this seems an unnecessary additional transaction and another queue to ‘enjoy’ but it is normal across Europe and you can buy outside if it bothers you. Outside the ground, catering stalls can be found behind the north stand (Gates 4-8) and behind the west stand (Gate 11), providing the usual sustenance options. Back inside ‘Hunger & Durst’ catering outlets provide bratwurst (a mild smoked pork sausage) at 3.30 Euros, currywurst at 3.50 Euros, and krakauer (a smoked and cured sausage with garlic) at 3.30 Euros. You can get some brezel (a glazed brittle biscuit) for 2.50 Euros and for some matches, they also have some frikadelle im brotchen (Meatball rolls). Hunger & Durst also provides a variety of drink options: soft drinks come in at an expensive 4.20 Euros, coffee 2.50 Euros, and Becks and Haake Beck (a low alcohol version) are 4.30 Euros. In the south stand, drinks can also be purchased from a supporter’s bar that does a brisk business serving Becks into special club-branded containers which you can keep as a memento or return and get some cash back. If you’d like to avoid queuing for a werder card, then try offering a supporter 5 Euros cash at the bar and use their card, job is done. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at the stadium is positive, even when Werder is experiencing a tough season. With only a small ‘away’ allocation it is left to the home fans to make the majority of the noise. Weserstadion has hosted international football but was sadly overlooked as a venue for the 2006 World Cup. A recent interview with former player Sandro Wagner suggested playing at the Weserstadion “still makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.” The ground has been developed many times over the years; football was played here as far back as 1909. The most recent upgrades began in 2008 and have bequeathed an impressive stadium. A request to add a third tier however proved too costly. If that were to ever go ahead this really could be up with the best grounds in the world. A ground with no real ‘bad views,’ the playing surface was lowered during the last renovation which helps sight lines and gives a ‘close to the action’ feel, lacking when the ground had an athletics track in years past. Two LED video screens provide the information you need including ‘goal flashes’ from other Bundesliga games, this adds to the atmosphere as relegation rivals' goals are jeered and, when they concede, cheers. The unique features of the ground are the floodlights. Sixty-one metres high, peering down into the ground like ticketless schoolboys striving to get a view of the action. The other unique string in the Weserstadion is environmental; the stadium website explains best: “The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system, which consists of a total of 200,000 solar cells and blends harmoniously into the construction concept. The system covers an area of ​​more than 2 football fields and generates up to one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This efficient use of renewable energies significantly reduces CO2 emissions and thus relieves the burden on the environment." Neighborhood 4 The Weserstadion is southeast of central Bremen, however, it’s by no means an ‘out of town’ ground. The size of Bremen means that the use of the trams or buses isn’t necessary during a visit but of course, they’re available if needed. Location means a lot to football fans, being able to walk from your city centre to the ground and straight back afterward is an attractive component of a fan’s match day experience. Three main areas are recommended to be explored during a visit; Viertel, Schlachte, and Alstadt. Viertel is an upmarket area with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you stay in central Bremen it’s on the way to the ground as well. Coffee Corner (on the corner of Vor dem Steintor & Am Dobben) does exactly what it says on the packet and is great for people watching too! Further east along Vor dem Steintor is Bellini’s, a great Italian restaurant that shows Sky Sports. Schlachte has several bars and restaurants overlooking the River Weser. With Beck’s factory on the opposite bank, seemingly looking over your shoulder, you’ll feel bad ordering anything else (nonalcoholic versions available). Red Rock bar provides a lively atmosphere and shows the Bundesliga Friday night match. You can visit the Beck’s factory by the way and of course, the tour involves a little sampling. Altstadt (old town) is impressive and by day you need to tick off the town hall and Roland statue, both UNESCO world heritage sites, and St Petri Dom (cathedral) in the market square. Seek out the Spitzen Gebelin bar in a side street adjacent to the square, a 14th Century gothic townhouse, badly damaged in World War II. A trail you could take heads from the Aldstadt to Viertel then on to the Weserstadion. Stroll from the marketplace through the delightful windy lanes of Schnoor, numerous craft shops and bars are well worth a visit. Then head to Tandour restaurant, highly recommended by the locals, before continuing along Am Wall for the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery featuring Rembrandt and Rubens no less. Then it’s the Theatre am Goetheplatz (however if it’s theatre you want the Theaterschiff, a theatre on a boat moored on the River Weser is worth experiencing). Continue along Am Wall, it’s a road that also provides some interesting street art and graffiti. The road becomes Ostertorsteinweg and that’s where the Irish bar Hegarty’s can be found. Deceptively large, there is a great atmosphere with the standard Irish singer and his guitar. At this point on the walk you are back to Coffee Corner and the Viertel area, another recommended bar here is Bermuda, especially when it's happy hour. Then continue to the Taubenschlag to meet the fans. Accommodation-wise, Townside Hostel is more than adequate (just up the road from Coffee Corner), but the City Ibis at 60 Euros a night might be more to your liking. Worth noting the Bremen tourism website is excellent and a must-visit if you are going to come to Bremen. Fans 4 Werder has a passionate and knowledgeable fan base that is proud of its Hanseatic status. The numerous ultra-groups add spice of course, many of whom drink in the Taubenschlag and other nearby bars just up the Auf Dem Peterswerder from the ground. Rivals of old are the mighty Bayern Munich, local rivals are Hamburg, and the newest addition to the list of rivals is Schalke. Capacity at the Weser is 42,100 and Werder fans' regular support means they average over 40,000 per match each season. The fans behind the goal on the east side of the ground (Ostkurve) make most of the noise, choreographed by a new loud hailer. This area of the ground is standing and the chants keep coming, the most spine-tingling when they call out ‘Werder’ and the west stand replies with ‘Bremen,’ over and over again. Then add all the usual songs and tunes you’d expect. As a fan from England, it’s always great to hear the Germans singing ‘Football’s Coming hHome’ which they do heartily before the game begins. A goal for the home side is followed by the sound of a fog horn and then ‘The Proclaimers” are blasted out on the tannoy singing 500 Miles, random but brilliant. Access 4 The size of Bremen means you don’t necessarily need to use the trams or buses once during your visit, but of course, they are there and available to use if needed. There are various ways to get to the Weserstadion; Walk – One route to get to the stadium is to walk along the Weser River, just 1 kilometre from the Aldstadt. The ground gradually comes into view and for night games those impressive floodlights beckon you in. Boat - One better than that would be to arrive by boat, prices from as low as 3.50 Euros and you can board from various locations – more info on the Bremen Tourism website Tram - Better to be in a tram than under one, so you can take the number 3 to the Weserstadion stop. Car - Cars are restricted near the ground however beyond that try north of the ground or use one of the parks and rides. Train – It’s a 40-minute walk from Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Fly – Bremen airport is very close to the city center so that’s your plan a. If you fly into Hamburg airport, it’s a 20-minute train ride into Hamburg Hauptbahnhof followed by an hour train to Bremen. Tickets can be purchased online from the club website and if you are on the ball, they are no problem to purchase. Once in the concourse areas, toilets and catering facilities are all within easy reach. If you have specific access issues then contact the club before you visit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range in price depending on the category of the game. For a category 2 game expect to pay between 30-50 Euros with terrace tickets even cheaper. Buy online from the club website which includes a print-at-home option. Overall a trip to Bremen is good value. The Bundesliga is still cheaper than the English Premier League and often the atmosphere eclipses its UK counterpart. The Proclaimers' song played after the Bremen goal is worth the admission fee alone. Of course, it’s not cheap. We all know that lower down the football ‘food chain’ there are grassroots clubs that provide a warm welcome at a tenth of the price. However, in its context and maybe with a match where there are a higher number of traveling fans, the Weserstadion will be rocking and you wouldn’t be worrying too much about the amount you spend. Extras 3 Museum – There is a club museum within the north stand. Make time to visit if you can. Tours – Similarly if you are in Bremen for a few days you can book a tour of the stadium. Programme – Full colour, A4, 36 pages, and surprisingly good for mainland Europe, which isn’t noted for its programme par excellence. Final Thoughts Bremen is an open-minded, honest, and traditional city, and the football stadium and the team share those features. After an enjoyable week in Hamburg, enemy territory for Bremen fans, followed by an inauspicious introduction to the city, I leave with a heavy heart. Why? Because this place gets under your skin. Yes, there are fewer ‘bright lights’ than in Hamburg, but gems like the Market Square, the Schnoor and the huge mural of an old couple looking out on the city from the corner of Auf Den Hafen and Eduard-Grunow Starbe are irresistible. Then there is the walk along the river Weser towards the stadium, which is hugely evocative. From almost a kilometre away you can see it’s special, but as you get closer and closer its imposing shape and positioning do impress. I met a proper Bremen fan too, humble, fun and so welcoming that I’m not leaving early, I’m left wishing I could stay a while longer, and you will too.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadium of Light Millennium Way Sunderland, England SR5 1SU Sunderland AFC website Stadium of Light website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 49,000 Sunderland 'Til I Die The Stadium of Light, one of England’s biggest stadiums, was built in 1997, providing a home for Sunderland A.F.C. The Black Cats moved here from their previous home, Rocker Park, Sunderland’s home for 99 years. The name “Stadium of Light” is a tribute to the former mining industry, which was a huge part of Sunderland’s history. Originally, the Stadium of Light was built as a 42,000 all-seater stadium, but in 2002, it was expanded to 49,000. This resulted in the North Stand being extended and now has a reputation for being a huge stand, much like Tyne-Wear Derby rival Newcastle United’s St James’ Park. As it is a simple design, the stadium can be further developed to a 63,000 all-seater ground, which would make it the third-largest soccer stadium in England. Not only are soccer matches played here, but it has played host to many concerts and has also been put forward as a venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Food & Beverage 3 English soccer stadiums aren’t renowned for the greatest of grub, and this falls in this category. Various pies but the price at £2.50, which is fairly reasonable, and sausage rolls and pasties will set you back £2. Beverage-wise, a pint is £3.60, which is very good for a soccer stadium, while a soft drink costs £2.00. Unlike many other stadiums, the Stadium of Light offers a variety of meal deals. For a child, the £5 meal deal includes a small chocolate bar, a packet of crisps (or chips if you’re American), a soft drink, and a sausage roll. Now, that is by far the best children’s meal deal I’ve seen at any other soccer stadium! The other meal deals include a pint, a packet of chips, and a sausage roll for £5.50, or you can change the sausage roll for a pie, which would be an additional 50p. Atmosphere 2 If I was basing this review on when Sunderland played Newcastle, I would possibly give it 6 stars, but I’m not. When Sunderland battle against Newcastle in the “Tyne-Wear Derby,” a fierce and crazy loud atmosphere is created. But as you may know, this only happens once a year at the Stadium of Light. As the team slowly declines, the negativity in the stadium rises. During the 2012-13 season, the Black Cats have been probably the most depressing and lifeless teams in the Premier League, and the fans just can’t get behind a team who have won only four times at home this season. A couple of years ago, because the Stadium of Light was a fortress and for an away team visiting, a draw would be a good result. Now, the hostile environment that the away players were used to just isn’t there, and anything less than a win is disappointing. No songs are sung by the home supporters anymore, and it seems like they just can’t be bothered, and I can’t blame them. It’s sad to see such a great stadium have so little noise. Neighbourhood 4 The surroundings of the stadium are pleasant, and there is nothing that can be faulted. On offer for the away fans is a pub and barbecue tent area, which proves extremely popular! The locals are very helpful if you are lost. Also located right outside the stadium is a fantastic aquatic complex. From an overnight point of view, just 0.2 miles away is a highly-rated hotel called “The Chase Guest House.” This is not from highly-rated experience scores, but from looking at reviews, it has a 9 out of 10 scores and is also not too expensive. If you’re wanting to make a weekend out of a trip to Sunderland, Europe’s largest shopping mall, The Metro Centre, is easily reached from the stadium. Fans 3 The team has been very poor over the last couple of years. This has resulted in a dip in crowd scores. However, that said, 40,000 people still turn up week in and week out, which is very creditable. The noise made by the fans can be deafening when they are on the counterattack, though understandably, boo their team more often than not. When Sunderland beat a major team (Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United), I have to admit that it’s something that you have to witness. The passion attendance shown by these supporters is unbelievable. Last year when Man City came to town, that exactly happened. Just watch this video and be amazed. Overall, the Black Cats fans are a friendly, loyal bunch who will stick with their team through thick and very thin. Access 5 Getting to the stadium is very easy. In and around the stadium is a lot of traffic, but is dealt with quickly and isn’t a problem at all. If quickly by train, you’re in luck. The train station is a stone’s throw away from the stadium, and that seems to be a popular choice of transport. Additionally, I recommend getting to the ground early and parking in the train station car park. I can’t remember exactly how much it is, but it is only a few pounds. From the station to the stadium, it’s about a quick five-minute walk. Otherwise, you can get a spot in the other car parks around the stadium or on the streets by the housing estate. Return on Investment 3 Although the team is pretty dismal, the ticket prices are very good. It seems like The Black Cats’ target audience is childrentravelingfive-minute because, for an Under 16, it’s only £12, which must be one of the cheapest tickets in the Premier League. For an adult, it starts at £27, which is fairly expensive for the quality of football you’re watching. The team has a lot of young, budding players, but at the moment, the excitement level is quite bad from the team. I would pay to watch Sunderland pay, just to get the experience of being at a Premier League game. Extras 4 Around the stadium are a few statues. The first one is of 1973 FA Cup-winning manager Bob Stokoe, which was unveiled in 2006. Located at the entrance, the other statue is of a Davy Lamp, a tribute to the mining industry. Also, a large “Red Wheel” is just outside the West Stand – something the miners used to use. On a game day, a couple of activity destinations are dotted around the stadium for the kids. One of them is a penalty shoot-out stall, and the other is a target shooting stall. I found this quite fun and the first I had seen at a Premier League ground. Also, a club shop is just outside the ground, and a programme is on sale for £3. It is a great read and has been regarded as among the best in the league throughout the years. Final Thoughts Visiting the Stadium of Light is something you should do. It’s a program ground, which at times can be very full of atmosphere. My only problem is that when you get there, you will be disappointed with the contest. However, overall I would recommend visiting this stadium, as it is reasonably priced to get in and has well-designed many-around all-around features that not many other stadiums have.

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

Photos by Vinny Martin and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field 615 Silver Lane East Hartford, CT 06118 Connecticut Huskies Football website Rentschler Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 38,006 Huskies Football at The Rent Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field is home of University of Connecticut Football. The stadium, built on the former site of the Pratt & Whitney Airfield in East Hartford Connecticut, opened in 2003 following rumors of a relocation of the New England Patriots to Hartford. While rumors are all they were, The Rent was built as a quality venue for Huskies football, albeit around 20 miles from the campus itself. The stadium is named after Frederick Rentschler, the founder of Pratt & Whitney and United Technologies. UConn Football has an interesting history. The Huskies, along with Notre Dame, are currently the only two “independent” (conference-less) teams in college football, after they left the American in 2019. Connecticut is undoubtedly a basketball school, with both men's and women's teams dominant since the turn of the century, but there has been renewed excitement for Husky football following a successful 2025 season. Food & Beverage 4 For one of the smaller FBS stadiums in the country, The Rent has a very impressive array of food options for Husky fans. You can find the typical stadium options such as hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, nachos, and pretzels, all at a fairly reasonable price. Premium offerings are available at a few Connecticut-based stands, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Randy’s Wooster St Pizza. Chick-fil-A fans can also find their favorite spot right next to Gate C. There is no shortage of quality concessions at Rentschler Field. Thirsty fans will find Coca-Cola products at all stands, as well as a solid variety of beer. The Sam Adams Brewhouse features a variety of Sam Adams beers as well as Dogfish Head and Suncruiser vodka drinks. Tap & Twists and Tito’s Stillhouse have a good variety of draft beer and cocktails, as well as some unique food offerings, such as a Chicken Bacon Ranch wrap at the latter. Jesper Howard Memorial at Rentschler Field. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 3 The design of Rentschler Field can be best described as basic and ordinary. It is a simple structure with plenty of exposed concrete, lacking in any unique features. Fans can find some history of Pratt & Whitney and Frederick Rentschler available in the stadium, as well as many banners commemorating past success of Husky football. The gameday presentation and experience is typical of a Division One college program. The talented UConn marching band plays prior to kickoff, at halftime, and at various points throughout the game. The sound of the victory bell can be heard throughout the game, as it is rung prior to kickoff, and after each Connecticut touchdown, which is a nice touch. A Connecticut local celebrity, “GameDay Connor”, serves as the in-game host. He can also be found at other UConn sporting events as well as Hartford Yard Goat games. Jonathan the Husky makes his way around the concourse during the game, and the live Husky mascot Jonathan XV can be spotted at games as well. The area behind the south endzone, called “Food Truck Row”, is the most happening place at The Rent. There are multiple food trucks located in a large standing room area which is the perfect place to hang out for fans looking to escape the bleachers. Neighborhood 2 The area immediately surrounding Rentschler consists of mainly parking lots. This means while there is a lack of things to do within walking distance, there is an impressive tailgating scene before games. The venue is located in East Hartford, Connecticut outside of the campus of Pratt & Whitney, but lies about 20 miles away from the UConn campus. Downtown Hartford is close by. UConn Men's and Women's basketball, as well as men's hockey, play a portion of their home schedule at PeoplesBank Arena, and Dunkin' Park, home of Minor League Baseball's AA-level Hartford Yard Goats, is close as well. The trendy Blue Back Square of West Hartford is also a short drive away with plenty of restaurants and bars for fans to flock to after games. UConn Cheerleaders Take the Field after a Huskies Score. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Fans 2 As previously mentioned, Rentschler Field is located about 20 miles away from UConn’s campus. This creates an interesting dilemma regarding student and fan support. Connecticut is undoubtedly a basketball school, with both Men’s and Women’s seeing incredible success and corresponding fan support. The buzz for Husky football is trending up after a stretch of impressive seasons, but is still limited due to the venue's distance from campus. Still, the tailgating scene is solid and the student section, despite being small for college football, is typically full. However, the energy at The Rent cannot be compared to an experience at a power conference stadium. Access 4 Rentschler Field is located directly off of I-84, making it very easy to get to from anywhere in Central Connecticut. Getting in and out of the stadium is surprisingly simple, with parking being easy and traffic on the way out manageable. You can pay for parking in advance or at the gate, and both cash and card are accepted. There are 4 gates into The Rent, one at each corner. Almost all seats in the stadium are bleacher style, save for one section at midfield on each side with traditional seats. The concourses here are wide and easily navigable, and bathrooms are spacious and clean. Game Action at Rentschler Field. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 4 A UConn football game is a fairly inexpensive way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Most tickets are available for under $50, with many deals on the secondary market being offered for less than $20. With the intimate size of the stadium, every seat offers a great view of the action, so even the cheapest tickets can offer a quality experience. Concession prices are average and reasonable, and parking will cost fans $20. In general, it is very likely you will have a fun time at The Rent without breaking the bank. Extras 3 One point here for the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame, a nice area of recognition for coaching success at that level, located in the southwest concourse. Another point goes to the victory bell in the northeast corner of the stadium, which is rung by UConn band members at the start of games and after Husky touchdowns. A fantastic UConn tradition is Jonathan the Husky, a real dog that has been the face of the school since the first iteration in 1934. Named after Jonathan Trumbell, the first state governor of Connecticut, Jonathan can be found at UConn games at The Rent as well as other school events. The current Jonathan is the 15th and can be found greeting fans around the stadium. Rentschler Field Historical Marker. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Conclusion Connecticut football games at The Rent are an enjoyable experience. The stadium is nothing spectacular, and the atmosphere can fall flat at times, but what The Rent lacks in character, it makes up for in convenience and practicality. Despite recent success on the field, the potential of a UConn football experience may never be reached unless they move to a venue on campus. Follow Vinny’s stadium journeys on TikTok @vinnymartin_