Images from Bob Wilke and the YouTube Page/Matt Werner Michigan City, Indiana, sits on the coast of Lake Michigan, 54 miles east of Chicago. It is known for its miles of coastline, access to the Indiana Dunes National Park, lighthouses, and growing art scene. However, 70 years ago, the wheels were in motion to make it a professional baseball town. The city might have never had a franchise in the league if it weren’t for a 21-year-old player-manager, Al Shinn.  In 1955, he was playing in Hannibal in the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League, which was on the verge of folding. Shinn had just married a girl whose family lived in Long Beach, Indiana. He had met her at a train stop the previous year while traveling to games in Kokomo and Lafayette. Long Beach borders Michigan City, and Shinn thought the town would make a good baseball town and convinced the New York Giants to relocate the financially struggling Hanibal club to Indiana following the season. At the time, Michigan City had a population of 30,000. On November 28, 1955, the league changed its name to the Midwest League and voted the city in as a member. Shinn and his brother-in-law Bob Hood became part-owners, and Shinn continued as player-manager for what was now the White Caps franchise. “Can Michigan City support professional baseball?” asked South Bend Tribune columnist Dick Micell. “The city’s proximity to Chicago and the high death rate of lower classification clubs are popular arguments used by the skeptics.” Michigan City Mayor-elect Francis Fedder was not keen on the announcement, as the ballpark was being used all summer long by various boys’ programs. Ames Field had been in use since 1922, but received a major uplift of $33,462 in 1939 due to WPA funds. The stadium was used for high school football and baseball programs, as well as various youth programs in the area. The home jerseys resemble those worn by the White Sox in 1987. There was also the concern about the shores of Lake Michigan. The popular summertime destination for many in the Midwest would impact attendance at the ballpark. It was estimated that operating the club for the season would cost $50,000, with a minimum of 800 fans per game. The name White Caps was chosen from the foamy, white crests that form on waves when strong winds blow over the water from Lake Michigan. It was not the first time the name was used; a newspaper article from The South Bend Tribune from January 28, 1913, reported on a St. Floryan indoor baseball (softball) victory over the Michigan City White Caps by the score of 16-8. Ames Field was spruced up before the arrival of the White Caps. It received a fresh coat of paint, a new press box, a 35-foot screen behind the backstop, covered dugouts, a large scoreboard displaying league standings, and an updated electronic scoreboard atop the left field wall. Ticket prices were set at 75 cents, and management aimed to attract 800 fans per game to break even.  However, Ames was a traditional football field at the time. The press box was on the left field line, close to third base. The grandstand seats were not covered, and the left field fence appeared to be much further from home plate than in right. “Michigan City is fast becoming a baseball-minded town again, with large signs placed throughout the city and countryside, advertising 'Happy Days are here again' and to support the White Caps.” Team President Ralph Waterhouse announced that $14,000 worth of tickets had been purchased and that the goal of $20,000 sold would be reached by the opening night of April 29. A crowd of 6,000 was expected to attend the White Caps first game, a doubleheader where the team would play the afternoon in Kokomo and the nightcap at Michigan City. However, Mother Nature washed out both games, leading to only 1,000 customers for the game the next night. A bird's eye view of Ames Field and action shots from Michigan City Red Devils high school games. During the inaugural season, Waterhouse passed away from a heart attack at the age of 50. Then, controlling stock in the club was sold by Shinn to a syndicate headed by B.M. Bergerson, the owner of the B&K Root Beer stands mentioned earlier at Stadium Journey. The move was made to ensure that the ball club remained in business until the end of the year. The Caps held special nights honoring local towns like LaPorte and South Bend. They also announced they would give away 1,000 silver coins if 4,000 customers showed up to a Wednesday afternoon game in May. A crowd of 3,300 showed up for a doubleheader against the Kokomo Dodgers in August. Future Major League Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal began his minor league career as a 20-year-old, recording a 21-8 record with 246 strikeouts and a 1.84 ERA for the Caps in 1956.  He would be joined by 10 other men who made it to the big leagues, including Matt Alou and Manny Mota. The White Caps averaged 774 per game and lost $10,000 during the inaugural campaign. The attendance figures were impressive, but the losses were staggering. The ball club even threatened before the second season to drop out of the league in a dispute with the city park board over revenue. The next season, the club had a full working agreement with the Giants and hoped to improve on attendance figures. Cold weather resulted in crowds of 450 and 200 for the first two games of the 1957 season. Attendance dipped over the next three years to 28,775 (an average of around 456) in 1959. After the season, the Giants moved their affiliation to Quincy, Illinois, in 1960. There was sentiment for civic groups to back the club, but it failed to find a major league affiliation by a February 12th deadline. It also did not have an agreement with the Parks Department to use Ames Field, which had just installed new floodlights. The franchise continued playing in Quincy until 1973, when it relocated to Dubuque, Iowa, before folding after the 1976 season. Ames Field would continue hosting high school baseball for close to 50 years, but like the White Caps, it too would disappear. The old ballpark began being torn down in June 1994. The press box was the first to be knocked down, followed by the rest of the grandstand and walls. It was rebuilt as a football-only structure for the high school team and opened in 1995. It is impressive, but it's not a place to put a baseball diamond.  High School baseball continued playing at Ames Field well into the pullover days of the 1980s. Shinn stuck around in the area promoting amateur baseball and sat down with The (Hammond) Times in 1993 to reminisce about his former team. He described that after World War II, the babies boomed, people made money, gas was cheap, and the new mass transportation system made travel the new American pastime. The White Caps were left choking on the fumes of that economic expansion. “It was a time in history that was not right for success in minor league baseball. People could easily drive to Chicago to see the game to the highest degree.”  Shinn’s words remain true well over 30 years later and almost a decade after his death in 2016. Michigan City still attracts tourists throughout the summer months and is a short hop to the resort town of New Buffalo, Michigan, and about an hour's drive to Chicago. The White Caps were a strange anomaly in the history of the Midwest League, part of the failed Indiana expansion era that included other Hoosier towns like Lafayette and Kokomo . Those cities saw the return of summer collegiate baseball through the Prospect League, and it is unlikely that a baseball club will return to Michigan City.  However, who knows when someone will eye the coastal town as a potential team there in the future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner and promises to be the biggest event in U.S. soccer history. Venues across North America, from Vancouver to Mexico City, are poised to be the host venues for what promises to be one of the largest World Cup tournaments in history. As part of the conditions for hosting the matches, multiple venues across the country will be rebranding and temporarily renaming themselves to comply with existing FIFA rules. Currently, FIFA does not allow stadiums with corporate-sponsored names to be host venues. They do this to prevent additional advertising during the tournament. The result of this rule means that 14 out of the 16 venues will need to undergo a temporary name change when the tournament begins. These include NRG Stadium  in Houston and AT&T Stadium  in Arlington. Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Much to the chagrin of Cowboys fans in the Metroplex , AT&T Stadium will temporarily be rechristened “Dallas Stadium,” while NRG Stadium will be known as “Houston Stadium.” With a capacity of around 95,000, AT&T Stadium is the largest venue to be used in the 2026 World Cup, followed by Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which will keep its name for the duration of the tourney. Other venues that will see the name change include Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (“Atlanta Stadium”), GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium  in Kansas City (“Kansas City Stadium”), and Lumen Field  in Seattle (“Seattle Stadium”). The 2026 FIFA World Cup is slated to kick off with the opening matchup between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. ------ Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website SRO Indy 8 Hours Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 Indy’s Endurance Showcase While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, the SRO America Indianapolis 8 Hours stands alone as the only sportscar endurance race on the annual schedule. While IMSA maintains a visit on their schedule, future events will return to standard sprint weekends in 2026, leaving the SRO weekend the only place you can watch sportscar endurance racing at Indy. While generally more low key than other events at the storied facility, this event maintains its place as one of the most fan-friendly and wallet-friendly events on the calendar. Food & Beverage 3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield; the basics like burgers ($9.50-$10.25), chicken fingers ($12), and pork tenderloin baskets ($12.50) are all available, as are soda ($5-$7), bottled water ($5), and beer ($8.25-$9.25). Unfortunately, the only real food options at the track are the main concessions stand near the pagoda plaza – the grandstand food stands are closed, and food trucks are non-existent during this event. Atmosphere 4 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offer fans a chance to see the action from anywhere, and renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines. Neighborhood 3 Speedway, Indiana, is a unique setting, as you can see both the past and the future of the area in a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here, various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indianapolis just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track. Fans 3 The fans at Indy are among the most sports-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top it. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. As with other SRO America events, while the track may not sell out every seat, attendance has increased each year with impressive consistency, thanks no doubt to the organization’s hard efforts in the marketing department. 2025 saw a busy fan walk before the 8-hour event, as well as long lines at the various autograph sessions during the event. Access 4 To get to the track, you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the track. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the venue’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the facility, though many of these lots require pre-purchased parking passes. That said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to SRO weekend are relatively well priced – general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Thursday, $30 for Friday, and $20 for Saturday. Weekend passes are just $85 for all three days. Kids 15 and under are free with a paid adult, and parking starts at just $10 and goes up to only $25. Best of all, admission to Sunday’s remaining sprint races is free, with free parking then as well. Compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500, this is an absolute steal. Every ticket also includes infield access, as well as access to the paddock and pre-race fan walk. Extras 4 Several autograph sessions are held throughout the weekend, including all the SRO America Series teams. The series also has several event stores set up throughout the facility’s fan zone, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as from the drivers. The IMS stores also open under the pagoda plaza. On Saturday before the 8 Hour event, a fan walk is held on the track for you to see all the competitors up close on pit lane. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield and is open during race days. Fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and seeing the history of the sport of racing. Final Thoughts Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and the SRO weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it’s hard to skip this now annual stop on the SRO calendar. Sportscar fans will also have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than five racing series taking to the speedway during this event.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 TIAA Bank Field 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202 Jacksonville Jaguars website EverBank Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 67,814 A New Dawn in Duuuval! In many ways, the Jacksonville Jaguars are a story of ups and downs. At one time, just a pop-culture reference on the NBC show “The Good Place” for their history of being bad at football, the team from North Florida now finds itself as a potential contender. Playing in front of packed crowds is once again the norm, and fan fever is at an all-time high. However, their results in the field are often mixed. What sets the Jaguars apart, however, is their continued commitment to their fans. Known for being fan-friendly and fan-focused for many years, including during the down years, the team has continued its commitment to enhancing the fan experience in Jacksonville, even with its recent run of success. What was once considered an average stadium now features a broad range of unique aspects that make EverBank Stadium one of the more unique and enjoyable NFL stadiums to visit in America. In addition, a massive stadium renovation project is about to kick off, including the team playing their 2027 home games at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium , while the Jags home stadium is updated. Indeed, one may also scoff at Jacksonville’s place as an NFL hotbed for fans, but the Jaguars faithful are starting to slowly turn that opinion around. And while success leads to more butts in seats, a consistently impressive game day experience has helped keep those butts in seats for more and more games as time has gone by. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at EverBank Stadium are pretty standard for a professional sports stadium when it comes to prices. What may set the food and beverage experience apart here, however, is the sheer variety of options; some of the most popular are Mrs. Field’s, Auntie Anne’s, and Carvel Ice Cream. For burgers, the 904 Prime Burger location and the new Red Zone Burger are your go-to spots. Tailgate Grill’s three locations feature corn dog baskets and loaded tater tots, while taco fans can get their Mexican food fill at Tostitos Taqueria and Walking Tacos locations. Other options include pizza, BBQ, and even quesadillas at the Yucatan Guacamole Cantina. Atmosphere 4 EverBank Stadium debuted in 1995 and features a popular late-90s unfinished industrial vibe with lots of concrete. While stadiums and arenas like Miami’s Kaseya Center feature similar aesthetics that have remained relatively untouched, Jacksonville’s stadium has seen several upgrades throughout the years, with a whole slew of updates and renovations set to kick off for a 2028 debut. Most notable of the current updates are the fan zones in the end zone areas of the stadium – the north end zone features a VIP suite deck area that includes two pools with clear sides that look out onto the playing field. The seating also feels more intimate with just two bowl levels, instead of the multiple levels like at more modern stadiums. Thanks to recent winning streaks, the packed crowds of loyal fans have helped as well, as EverBank Stadium rocks whenever the Jaguars score. On top of that, the team’s rallying cry of “DUUUVAL!!!” (a reference to the city’s location in Duval County, Florida) hypes the crowd before key plays. Finally, the massively expanded HD video screens behind both end zones feature game stats, replays, and information for fans that the old scoreboards couldn’t offer. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood immediately around EverBank Stadium is one of sports facilities and parking options; the home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp is located quite literally in the parking lot of the Jaguars home stadium. Across the street, you will find Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, home to both Jacksonville University athletics and the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL, as well as Jacksonville Sharks arena football in the spring and summer. Also nearby is downtown Jacksonville, which offers a bounty of food and shopping options. Not too far is the Jacksonville Beach area, where visitors can dip their toes in the hot sand and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. That said, all those options are a short drive away, which means it may be a bit of a walk to get to them if you forgo driving. Fans 4 The fans here are loud. Also, EverBank Stadium sees some of the NFL’s key demographics swell in attendance as well, with young fans and women making up a large contingent of the fans in attendance. In addition, families are also taking advantage of the Jags being the 5th lowest average ticket cost in the NFL, with many younger fans coming with their parents for some Sunday football. You can rest assured the NFL experience is alive and well in Jacksonville’s fan base. Access 3 EverBank Stadium is inherently very easy to find and get to. Located just across the St. John’s River from I-95 and just off US-1 alternate 228 and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, the stadium rises from the river’s shores. However, navigating the area is tricky, as the closest bridges are all a few lanes too small for game day crowds – traffic backs up easily and heavily in the area before and after games when fans pack the small streets in and around the Jags’ home. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to NFL games already carry a larger price than most sporting events, but Jaguars games are relatively affordable compared to other teams. Tickets in the upper deck corners start at $65, with upper-level sidelines going for $77. Corner seats in the middle level start at $104 and go up from there, with sidelines at $350. End zone seating ranges from $103 to $179. Lower-level seats start at $150 and can go upwards of $450 depending on where you want to sit and how low you want to go. Parking may cost you as well, as all Jaguars parking passes are sold out ahead of the season kicking off. Secondary market passes are your best bet, as are the numerous cash lots around EverBank Stadium. Extras 5 During the game, the stadium honors local first responders and military members. Jacksonville is a big military city, especially with a large US Navy and US Coast Guard presence. The Jaguars also frequently have military flyovers before kickoff. During the break between the third and fourth quarters, the team also honors an active-duty serviceman/servicewoman who has been recognized for an act of valor, or who recently returned from a deployment, by having them ring the Navy Mutual Bell. Located on the end zone mezzanine overlooking the field, the bell tolls and signals fans to rally behind the Jaguars heading into the final quarter. In addition, there are cooling stations throughout EverBank Stadium for fans that offer somewhere to sit and cool off on hot Florida game days; some of these include large bendy-buses with air conditioning on full blast. Furthermore, outside the main entrance on the west side of the stadium sits a massive Jaguar statue that fans can take photos of. On the same side of EverBank Stadium as the statue sits the Veterans Memorial Wall. Dedicated in 1995, this memorial honors more than 1,500 Jacksonville area veterans and war heroes from all six service branches (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, and Merchant Marines). Finally, during the pre-game ceremonies, Jaxson de Ville (the team’s mascot) performs stunts like zip-lining into EverBank Stadium from the top of the lighting towers, thrilling fans and getting everyone into the mood for exciting football. Final Thoughts With continued local investment from the team’s ownership and the potential continued success of the team in Jacksonville, the future looks bright for the Jaguars and their loyal fans. This is a game day experience that many visiting fans find impressive upon their arrival, and for good reason. The Jaguars consistently produce a solid fan experience all around and have given fans good reason to be excited about the future. And with new renovations on the horizon, the game day experience is sure to be a memorable one for fans for years to come.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hornet Pavilion 6000 J St Sacramento, CA 95819 Map It Sacramento State Hornets website Hornet Pavilion website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 3,000 From Minuscule to Makeshift When is a new arena only sort of a new arena? That’s not a riddle, it’s the reality for Sacramento State University men’s and women’s basketball. At the end of the 2024-25 season, Sac State bid farewell to The Nest – at 1,012 seats, among the smallest venues in Division I – and christened the 3,000-seat Hornet Pavilion in November 2025. The Pavilion was carved from a section of The WELL, the university’s recreation center, with bells and whistles added to what were previously just intramural courts at a cost of $5.2M. That inherently brings many quirks, which are detailed below. As my proud Sacramento native friend said, “Typical Sac; always doing things halfway.” (He may have ended the sentence a different way, unfit for print.) Food & Beverage 3 The makeshiftiness (new word?) of Hornet Pavilion reveals itself immediately when presented with concession options. With a limited indoor footprint, nearly all food and beverage stations are outside, in an asphalt space between The WELL and the north end zone of adjacent Hornet Stadium; the home of Sac State football looms large over Hornet Pavilion. First up after entering the premises is a beer, wine, and seltzer tent. Cans of local beer Urban Roots are $13, premium options, including NorCal favorite Sierra Nevada, carry an $11 price tag, while domestics or a Bud Light Seltzer will set you back $7. Hornet Pavilion Beer Tent, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Further along the entryway, you hit traditional concession fare, which is smartly priced. A hot dog, chips, and drink combo is $9, while the same sides accompanied by a cheese or veggie burger is $13. These items can also be had a la carte, along with nachos and candy. For something more substantive, the Street Philly Truck was dishing up hot hoagies. Upon looking at my menu photos, the pricing was blacked out, suggesting inflated charges for Hornet sports fans. Also unclear if Street Philly will be present at all Sac State games, or if different food trucks rotate in. For those not interested in braving the elements, just inside the arena doors is a drink and snack stand, while tucked inconspicuously next to the southeast bleachers is a popcorn, churro, and lemonade cart. All university-run concessions are debit or credit card only. Atmosphere 3 I attended just the third men’s basketball game in Hornet Pavilion history and the first against a fellow D1 opponent. That novelty – coupled with former Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby hired as the new coach and Shaquille O’Neal serving as his general manager (but not in attendance) – led to a palpable buzz in the building. Nearly all of the 3,000 seats were filled, and there was exponentially more Sac State gear being worn than this Southern Californian had ever seen in his life. Both endlines feature a ~30-foot-long video board above the basket. Music alternates between a DJ and the Hornet band sitting in the upper reaches of the northwest sideline. Despite the significant upgrade from the old Nest across campus, there were still reminders that this is both a not-quite-permanent venue and a resource-strapped athletics department. The Hornets’ pregame intros were accompanied by swirling spotlights, not from a high-tech lighting rig but from humans holding them on the running track perched above the court. Halftime entertainment consisted of a quick performance by the Sac State dance team, followed by pee-wee hoopers playing chaotic basketball on a lowered rim. Neighborhood 4 Sacramento residents fondly refer to it as “The City of Trees,” and that is plainly evident on the sprawling, redwood-strewn campus on the east side of town. Sac State’s athletics venues are clustered along the southern edge of campus, flanked by an access road and railroad track. That creates a formidable barrier to accessing pre-and postgame pursuits, but a nearby train underpass leads you to Elvas Ave., where a combo beer garden and ghost kitchen complex called Garden at the Line recently opened. A short drive away lies one of the best burritos I’ve ever devoured at Tacos 65. Get the al pastor with grilled cheese and thank me later. When you’re in town for a hoops game, see if the baseball team is in action later in the season or the football team earlier in the year. Or catch the big stage with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings . Old Town Sacramento, located in the city’s former train depot, makes for a fun and touristy couple of hours. Dress up for an Old West-themed portrait session or choose from an incredible variety of saltwater taffy flavors. The California State Capitol is located on 40 landscaped acres downtown, flanked by many other government buildings providing necessary infrastructure to Golden State residents. The best photo ops are along 10th St. Fans 3 Nearly all of the 3,000 seats were filled at the game of this review, and there was exponentially more Sac State gear being worn than this Southern Californian had ever seen in his life; you can tell that the new venue is bringing alums back to campus. In a corner of the northwest sidelines is the designated student section, called Swarm. These co-eds have a ways to go before being considered the Cameron Crazies of California’s Capitol, as no standing and little heckling emanated from their direction. Access 2 I recall The Nest being a decent hike from the closest parking lot, so Sac State has definitely upgraded in this regard by moving to Hornet Pavilion. CSUS Parking Structure III, along Stadium Dr., and funnels visitors to the Hornet Pavilion entrance, which is technically inside Hornet Stadium. Gameday parking rates are $10, providing some nice ancillary revenue from this predominantly commuter school. My group parked off-campus for free off the aforementioned Elvas Ave., enjoying the brisk 10-minute walk each way. Those relying on public transit will find Sacramento Regional Transit ( SacRT ) line 30, or the Gold light rail line serving the Sac State campus area; single-ride fares are $2.50. Both options will require a walk of up to a mile to reach the arena. A green ticket trailer greets those who haven’t purchased advanced seating, while those with tickets in hand (or phone) can proceed directly through the green tent, where metal detectors and yellow-clad security guards await. Hornet Pavilion Ticket Booth, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Those looking to relieve themselves are in for a real treat … or perhaps a trick. Due to the limited indoor space, restrooms are also relegated to the outdoor shadows of Hornet Stadium, in the form of porta-potty trailers each accommodating roughly 4-6 “guests” at a time. Thankfully, one is equipped with a handicapped access ramp, as all trailers require a small set of four stairs to climb. The entirely-outdoor entryway, concession, and restroom setup worked on the mild night I visited Hornet Pavilion, but will make for a suboptimal fan experience in rainy or frigid weather … and Sacramento regularly dips into the 30s on winter nights. Return on Investment 2 When I went to purchase tickets for this early-November non-conference game between two teams that fall well short of being marquee names, I had a bit of sticker shock. Adult general admission in the corner sections starts at $33, rising to $37 for assigned seats closer to center court. The only baseline seating is in courtside padded chairs, I assume, reserved for premium season ticket holders. These prices reflect both our inflationary reality and Sac State’s desire to quickly recoup its investment in Hornet Pavilion. Extras 2 The "Oakland" A’s are playing at West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park during the 2026 and 2027 seasons, as they await their new permanent home in Las Vegas. While the April-October Major League Baseball season does not align with college hoops’ November-March schedule, you can pop by to scope out by far the smallest MLB park at 14,014 seats. If you see a purple beacon of light emanating from downtown, that means the Sacramento Kings posted a rare victory that night! “Light the Beam!” is the rallying cry for fans of Sactown’s NBA franchise. Final Thoughts Hornet Pavilion is certainly not the lone Division I arena embedded within a university recreation center, but it may be the only one repurposed from general student use. A Sac State hooper could conceivably score a layup, keep running through a pair of double-doors mere feet away, and immediately join a game of pickup basketball or volleyball in The WELL. Sometimes, though, you must play the cards you’re dealt, and I give Sacramento State for its inventiveness in upgrading from one of the smallest venues in all of DI. The university has ambitions to elevate its national profile, and a shiny, new- ish  basketball arena fits into that strategic plan … for now.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Army/Navy Game website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 71,008 Army and Navy In Charm City The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although it has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the overall series. There have been seven ties. Philadelphia is usually thought of as the main home to the game, although starting in 2008, a bidding process has made the game more likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, with 85. Counting 2025, Baltimore has hosted the game seven times. The 1924 game was held at the old Municipal Stadium. That stadium was located on land that eventually held Memorial Stadium. Baltimore’s home of the Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium, has now been home to the 2000, 2007, 2014, 2016, and 2025 games. Cities that join the bidding process for the game will have to figure out how to pay for the transportation of the cadets and midshipmen to the game. Chicago used to be the westernmost place where a game was held (1926), but the 1983 game in Pasadena, CA’s Rose Bowl changed that fact. Food & Beverage 5 The stadium has added a Shake Shack to the stadium, which has created much excitement. Expect long lines, but the prices are reasonable, and the food is pretty great at this new food option. The stadium has good-quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offer options such as beer, chili bowls, pizza, and hot dogs. Stands have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites, as well as Shake Shack. There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed Atlanta's  lead and begun offering many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. The game benefits from being held at such a fine facility. The Ravens have nice facilities and offerings for the team and fans. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones are amazing visual spectacles. There are plenty of 22-foot - long LED screens that are located on the upper-level concourses. These screens are big enough to be a normal video screen at many stadiums, and here, they are just for patrons on the concourse to enjoy. These go along with large LED screens at the entrance gates. The signage around the stadium is consistent, modern, and appropriate. The stadium is in the middle of some large renovations, so you may see some construction going on. The Ravens souvenir stands will be closed, but many smaller stands will be available for Army-Navy game merchandise. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” remind visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but does suffer a slight bit, as it is further away from downtown Baltimore. The Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium more and more important to the Ravens’ social scene. The casino offers game day events, as well as parking. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Mother’s (1113 S Charles Street) and Magerks (1061 S Charles Street) are also good places for a pre- or post-game meal. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-the-art living and working area. Currently, the existing pavilions are underused. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. If looking for a bit of Baltimore sports history, the Sports Legends Museum is located adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages are located in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the game's website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. There is some construction going on between the stadium and the casino so the police route traffic one direction only depending on needs. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand. The crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is a desired ticket for many fans. So expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations form on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pre-game, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town and at the Inner Harbor displaying their awesome firepower. Don’t forget that you are at the epicenter of Baltimore football, so stop and take a look at the Johnny Unitas statue located at the end of Ravenswalk and in front of the stadium. That and the brand new Ray Lewis statue are honors to iconic men of Baltimore lore, not to mention a great pre-game meeting spot. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest make it a must-see for any real sports fan.

Editor B.J. Schecter spent two glorious decades at Sports Illustrated . Now, at Seton Hall, as the Executive Director of the Center for Sports Media, he's grooming the next generation of sports media professionals. B.J. took a few minutes to discuss The Hall, SI and lots of other fun stuff. STADIUM JOURNEY: Straight to the point: What do you love about Seton Hall? How's it unique? B.J. SCHECTER:  Seton Hall is a special place. There’s a tremendous sense of community and pride in every corner of the campus. Everyone looks out for one another and lifts each other up. There’s this gritty mentality at The Hall that I absolutely love and embrace every day.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How does the Center for Sports Media come to be? What can students expect? B.J. SCHECTER:  I came to Seton Hall in 2017 after leaving Sports Illustrated to build the Center for Sports Media. We want to train and develop the next generation of sports media professionals by creating experiential learning opportunities that are second to none. We’re built around the teaching hospital model. Develop the skills in the classroom and then go out into the field and apply them.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Let's backtrack. As an undergrad at Northeastern, you were the manager for the men's basketball team for three years, which is a huge commitment. Describe the experience. What was the best part of the job? The worst? Were you ever called in to suit up and scrimmage with the team? Fondest memory? B.J. SCHECTER:  Being a manager was an awesome experience. I got to see college sports and a Division 1 basketball program from the inside out. It was a big-time commitment and involved a lot of grunt work and getting yelled at, but I loved every minute of it. The best experience is when we went into Cameron in 1994 and nearly beat Duke. I did suit up from time to time and learned very quickly that I couldn’t put the ball on the floor or it would be taken from me.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Matthews Arena will soon be no more. When you think of Matthews, what comes to mind? B.J. SCHECTER:  Matthews was run down and dated when I went to school at Northeastern decades ago. We never drew well for basketball and was much more of a hockey arena during my time on Huntington Avenue.   STADIUM JOURNEY: When do you cross over into journalism? How does that come about? Where do you begin? Are you thinking "career" right out of the gate? B.J. SCHECTER:  I first got interested in journalism when I was in high school. I got the opportunity to be a stringer for my local newspaper, the Middlesex News , and I loved it. I knew I wanted to study journalism in college and chose Northeastern largely because of the co-op program. I got into The Boston Globe at the end of my freshman year and there was no looking back.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Who were your mentors? What lessons do you keep close to you? B.J. SCHECTER:  My first and biggest mentor was Larry Ames, who was the high school sports editor at The Boston Globe . He drove me hard and taught me how to grind and find a way to get the job or task down no matter the circumstances.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So you're working in  The Boston Globe 's sports section, one of the best in the country, in the '90s when print is thriving. What's that like? B.J. SCHECTER:  The Globe was the place to be when I was there. My mentors were the late Will McDonough, Dan Shaugnessy, Bob Ryan and Jackie MacMullin. It was a dream. So much talent.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How difficult was it to make the leap to  Sports Illustrated ? How many hoops do you have to jump through? What do you think put you over the top as far as getting the job? B.J. SCHECTER:  SI recruited me out of the Globe and I started on the lowest rung – reporter/fact checker. When I was hired it was largely Ivy League and I got the job because of my work ethic, ambition and willingness to do anything.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe working at  SI.  What was it like to work at one of the greatest magazines ever? Is it so intense and competitive that you can't enjoy it? B.J. SCHECTER:  It’s hard to describe what SI once was. You want to talk about a murder’s row of writers. To work alongside some of the smartest, most talented people in the business is still a pinch-me experience. I’ve always been a really competitive person, so I relished the environment. It was a dog-eat-dog world, but we had a lot of fun along the way. I spent two decades at SI and loved every minute of it.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Sports Illustrated featured some of the best writing. What  SI  pieces blew your mind? B.J. SCHECTER:  The bonus pieces in the back of the magazine were inspiring and out of this world. Anything that Gary Smith wrote would blow your mind. The two pieces that come to mind were  Crime and Punishment  about former New York City high school basketball star Richie Parker is my all-time favorite SI piece. Smith’s profile on the late Pat Summitt is one of the best stories I’ve ever read. But there were so many others: Bill Nack, Scott Price, Steve Rushin, Tom Verducci, Jack McCallum, Tim Layden .  And, of course, Rick Reilly. His Life of Reilly back-page column was brilliant.     STADIUM JOURNEY: Someone's visiting South Orange. What spots should be on the itinerary? B.J. SCHECTER: Definitely Bunny’s, which has a terrific bar pie. After that—this may seem cliché—hang out on campus. Our campus is beautiful. Jon Hart is  @manversusball .

Photos by Paul Baker., Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 William H. Pitt Center 5151 Park Ave Fairfield, CT 06825 Sacred Heart Pioneers website William Pitt Center website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 2,000 Turning the Tables (and the Court) at the Pitt Center   The William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center is named for the local real estate executive and philanthropist who donated three million dollars to Sacred Heart University in 1996, a portion of which was used to finance the building of the facility.   The Pitt Center opened in 1997 and is the home to Sacred Heart’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling and fencing teams. Although it’s been the hub of Pioneer athletics for close to three decades, it no longer resembles the facility it was when it opened. In the summer of 2024, the basketball arena underwent a significant renovation. The basketball court was rotated 90 degrees, three video boards and a state-of-the-art broadcast control center were installed, as was a mezzanine for VIP seating and events, a new sound system and lighting.   Basketball has been played at Sacred Heart University since 1965. The Pioneers originally competed in Division Two, where they qualified for 13 NCAA tournaments and won a national title, in 1986. In 1999 Sacred Heart moved up to Division One. They have yet to qualify for a D-1 tournament. The women’s team began competing in 1981. They have played in five D-1 tournaments, most recently in 2024. An empty Pitt Center at court level pregame. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a snack cart in the lobby that serves up a basic menu for visitors to Pioneers basketball games. The cart offers hot dogs, pretzels, and a variety of chips and candy. It will get you through the game if you need a bite to eat during the game. Cans of Pepsi products are sold here, too. Be warned – the line for this cart gets long at halftime. The two kids working the cart move the line as fast as they can, but they can only do so much. There are some vending machines in the room just off the lobby. Bottles of Pepsi products, chips and candy bars can be purchased here if you want to skip the lines at the snack cart.   In addition, the Park Ave. Club is located in the old study hall on the second floor of the Pitt Center. The Park Ave. Club offers a private buffet, adult beverages and access to club seating overlooking the court. Tickets can be purchased for $25 per game.   Atmosphere 3   The gameday atmosphere is where fans who have not visited Sacred Heart in a while will see the biggest changes. Part of the renovations to the arena were three new video boards, two of which are set up on the near side corners, and the other which stretches the length of the far side of the gym. These are put to great use throughout the game with videos, stats, crowd shots and graphics. The Pioneers staff do a nice job integrating these boards into their game day presentation.   The cheerleaders and dance team are on hand performing throughout the game. The Pioneers’ mascot, Big Red, is on hand as well, but does not add much to the atmosphere. There was no pep band in attendance on the day Stadium Journey visited, nor was there much of a turnout from the student body. One can imagine what kind of home court environment the Pitt Center would create if the stands were packed with rowdy Sacred Heart fans.   The sound system is excellent and not overbearing. It’s possible to talk to the people around you without shouting. The PA announcer does his job in a workmanlike fashion. In fact, at times he almost seemed disinterested in the action happening on the court. There are games for fans during play stoppages where fans can shoot for various prizes.   Sacred Heart Dance Team performs at the Pitt Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3   While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, towns in Fairfield County are regulars on any “Best Places to Live in the United States” list), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination location. The Sacred Heart campus is located in a residential area, with few lodging or dining options in the immediate vicinity. The Trumbull Mall is located a mile from campus, complete with the usual chain offerings, such as the Cheesecake Factory.   Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. Across the street from the Pitt Center is JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant which is open on game days.   The Sitting Duck Tavern is a popular local watering hole, and there are numerous options in downtown Bridgeport, located just a few miles away. Visiting fans will find no shortage of lodging or dining options along Route One, the main business thoroughfare in the area, and Interstate 95.   Fans looking for sporting options in the area will find plenty of options nearby. Sacred Heart teams play next door at Campus Field , baseball at Veterans’ Memorial Park  and hockey at the beautiful Martire Family Arena . In addition, Fairfield University is just five miles away, with the Leo Mahoney Arena  hosting the Stags basketball team. The Bridgeport Islanders, the top farm team of the New York Islanders, play downtown at Total Mortgage Arena .   Fans 3   Sacred Heart averaged 1,200 fans per game in the 2024-2025 season. While this figure is a bit below the MAAC average, it represents a marked improvement over their attendance from just a few seasons ago. It would appear at first glance that the renovations to the Pitt Center and the move to the MAAC have had a positive effect on attendance. For comparison, Stadium Journey visited Sacred Heart on a December Sunday during Finals week, which kept students away, but attendance was a solid 822.   You’ll find a mix of local basketball fans and families here at the Pitt Center. The gameday presentation is geared towards families and younger fans in attendance, so this is a place you can feel comfortable bringing the entire family. Even when the students fill the bleachers on the near end of the Pitt Center, it’s a lively, but not an uncomfortable, environment. Sacred Heart trophy display in the Pitt Center lobby. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Sacred Heart University is located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, a town of 61,500 residents in the southwest corner of the Nutmeg State. The campus is situated in the northeast corner of the city, directly across the street from neighboring Bridgeport. Sacred Heart is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is usually quite heavy, so you may have to allot extra time to arrive at the Pitt Center. Fans using public transportation will be glad to know that the Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT)  number 4 bus routes from Bridgeport’s busy Amtrak station to a stop right at Sacred Heart’s front entrance on Park Avenue.   The Pitt Center is located on the southwest corner of campus, adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities, including Campus Field . There has been a lot of construction on campus, and parking is at a premium near the athletic facilities. The lots closest to the Pitt Center are reserved, so most fans will park in the South Garage, about a quarter of a mile from the center, and the North Lot, about a half mile from the center. At least the scenery on this attractive suburban campus is worth the walk.   Fans will enter the Pitt Center into a small lobby, where the ticket and merchandise tables are located. Fans will also find the snack cart here, as well as a collection of hardware won by Pioneer teams over the years. Large restrooms, built to handle football-sized crowds, are located off the lobby to the right. The gym will be located straight ahead.   Seating is located along all four sides of the court. Seats on the sidelines consist of individual stadium seats, while baseline sections consist of molded plastic bleachers. In this bandbox of a gym, all seats have excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Pioneer basketball games are reasonably priced, costing $25 for center sections and $15 for baseline sections. Parking is free in the garages and lots around campus, and no item at the snack cart will cost you more than five dollars. If you wish to access the Park Ave. Club, a ticket to this premium space will cost you $25. For a Division One basketball experience, this is a most affordable option for local fans. Big Red sits outside the Pitt Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 2                                                                                                 Banners honoring the success of the school’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams hang on the walls of the Pitt Center gymnasium, and there is a nice trophy case packed with mementos won by all the Pioneer teams located in the lobby.   On your way into the Pitt Center, don’t forget to grab a quick photo with the statue of Big Red, who is sitting permanently on a bench just outside the entrance to the facility.   Final Thoughts   The renovations to the basketball arena at the Pitt Center took what was formerly a sleepy, plain gym and turned it into a sleek, modern bandbox of an arena, one that should provide the Pioneers with a significant home court advantage for years to come.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram   @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 IMSA Petit Le Mans website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 10 Hours in Georgia Petit Le Mans has become a cult classic event in the sportscar world. For 10 hours, the best in sportscar racing battle it out in a thrilling multi-class endurance race through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. And, being the season finale for multiple IMSA series, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. Packed with fans, this track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping Petit Le Mans rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans. Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track; one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower. Here you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere 5 The event is like many in IMSA’s endurance schedule – three days of support races, as well as practice sessions for the main event, fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta from sunrise to well past sunset. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday the cars roll out to the front stretch and grid up to their starting positions. Driver intros take place, and fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. When the race starts, fireworks explode as the roar of engines fills the air. What follows is 10 hours of non-stop race action into the night. When it is all said and done, the season finale podium takes place in the lower paddock. As the cool fall air takes over, the glow of rotors becomes the dominant light source, the smell of campfires wafts through the trees, and the roar of fans heightens the excitement. Taking all the best things that make Sebring 12 Hours a great event and removing the chaos and craziness that dilute its family friendliness, Petit Le Mans easily supplants Sebring as the best party on the IMSA schedule. Just beware of the numerous spiders around the property, in practically every tree and bush. Neighborhood 3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast food locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier. Fans 5 The fans at Petit Le Mans are some of the most diehard in all of sportscar racing. A much more family-friendly atmosphere than Sebring , many here know how to party, but do so in a respectful way that doesn’t cross over into outrageous. The viewing areas and grandstands are always packed in every corner on race day, and many have been camping here at the track for decades during various race weekends. Without a doubt, some of IMSA’s best fans show up to Road Atlanta year after year, and the crowd only grows with each passing season. As with most events, 2024’s race saw a record crowd at Road Atlanta. Access 5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 off I-85 or Exit 17 off I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstates means getting in and out of the venue is easy. Once at the track parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to various viewing areas. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Petit Le Mans are solidly priced for an IMSA endurance round. Kids 12 and under are free, and two-day tickets start at $95. A single day ticket is $85, while a 4-day pass costs $105 in advance. Parking in the infield in various locations comes at an additional price of $75, while parking in the Corvette corral is available for $85 for the weekend. Considering you get paddock access to all events and free range to all trackside grandstands and viewing areas with your ticket, the value offered at this event is right up there with the best on-track action in IMSA. Camping is also available, starting at $90 for tent camping; motorcycle parking is available for $10. Extras 3 The event includes autograph sessions throughout, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. Being an endurance race also means you get to see night racing, which is somewhat of a novelty. The victory lane podium celebrations for Saturday’s main race have been moved across the track to the support paddock pit lane. Set up in front of the main grandstand for all fans to see, this new locations gives those in attendance a chance to watch the victory ceremonies up close for the first time. Finally, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts If you want to experience endurance racing at its best, don’t want to stay up for 24 hours, and prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere compared to Sebring , Petit Le Mans is without a doubt the best event for you. Located at an exciting track with great weather in the fall, Road Atlanta always is a must-visit on every race fan’s list.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 ESPN Events Invitational website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Basketball at Disney World College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, yet one Central Florida invitational has remained for many years. The ESPN Events Invitational Tournament, hosted yearly at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, has become a staple of the NCAA slate. Featuring teams from around the country, this event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams. Food & Beverage 4 There are usually a lot of concession options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself choices include chicken carnitas salads ($12.99), hot dogs ($6.99), uncrustables ($3.99), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.49). Drinks include bottled water ($4.99), lemonade cups ($5.99), and soda ($5.99). Additional food items this year include Impossible Bulgogi Quesadillas ($12.99), popcorn chicken ($10.99), nachos ($7.49), candy ($5.99), chips ($4.99), and brownies ($5.49). In addition, popular theme park snacks like pickles in a pouch ($4.49) and Mickey Ice Cream ($5.49) round out the menu. The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as sodas. Atmosphere 3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily thanks to the main walking path from the parking lot taking you up to the main concourse level. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. Neighborhood 5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts; guests of the resorts get free bus transportation to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney’s Property is a go-to – Kona Cafe at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans 4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have. Access 4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. In addition, now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property – there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are very affordable, with baseline tickets ranging from $31.55 to $41.80, lower corner seats from $36.70 to $44.35, and sideline lower level tickets from $53 to $57.35. The tournament also offers a 4-pack that provides a 25% discount when you buy four tickets together. Additional hospitality can be purchased; tickets for all-you-can-eat food with two non-alcoholic drinks costs $86, or $123.63 with two alcoholic drinks, including your choice of high-top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline at court level gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that not only show the game you are watching on the court, but also other games on TV as well. Parking is free for everyone, but fans can purchase premium parking for $50. Extras 4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy. Additionally, during several games in the tournament, Mickey Mouse makes a surprise appearance for autographs and photos with fans who want to participate during halftime. Final Thoughts The ESPN Events Invitational is certainly one of the longer running in-season college basketball tournaments, and it’s easy to see why. Since 2006, teams like Notre Dame , FSU , Gonzaga , Memphis , Villanova , FAU , and others have hoisted the Tournament's trophy. Being located in such a family-friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website IMSA Weekend website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 IMSA’s Visit to The Brickyard While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, North America’s premier sportscar series hadn’t run there since the early 2010s. While events like the SRO Indy 8 Hours and the SCCA Runoffs have been held here in recent years, IMSA’s return in 2023 was heralded as a return to the promised land. With new infield camping being offered for the first time in the track’s history, options for fans were plentiful for this new race weekend. While the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series increased the length of its race to 6 hours, 2026 will see the standard two-and-a-half-hour race return to the weekend schedule.   Food & Beverage   3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers ($9.50-$10.25), chicken fingers ($12), and pork tenderloin baskets ($12.50) are all available, as are soda ($5-$7), bottled water ($5), and beer ($8.25-$9.25). Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda Plaza.   Atmosphere   4 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offer fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are, and renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines, and with the addition of the endurance race to the weekend, the feeling in the air is also more electric. IMSA fans love the endurance aspect of sportscar racing, and bringing one to Indy adds to the history of this racetrack.   Neighborhood   3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you’ll see both the past and future of the area all within a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. Also, on Thursday night before race weekend begins, a fan festival is held here with various race cars on display, driver autographs and Q&A sessions, and live music taking place. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indianapolis just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track.   Fans   4 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. The pre-race fan walk during this year’s IMSA weekend was packed full of attendees, and infield camping was more prevalent than it was the year before. No doubt, fans showed up in large numbers this year, adding to the promise of future years here.   Access   4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the facility. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the property’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the venue, though many of the lots require pre-purchased parking passes. That said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to IMSA weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are relatively well priced; general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Friday, $50 for Saturday, and $60 for Sunday, with a 3-day general admission ticket costing $120. Reserved seating tickets range from $100 for Friday only in the Hullman Terrace Club to $515 for the full weekend – compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500, this is an absolute steal. Every ticket also includes infield access, as well as access to the paddock and the pre-race fan walk. Parking starts at $10-$25 for Friday and goes up to $25-$75 on weekend days. Camping at the track ranges from $70-$145 outside the track in Lot 2, to $600-$1,500 for various infield Oval Turn 4 spaces.   Extras   4 Several autograph sessions are held throughout the weekend, including all the IMSA WeatherTech Series teams. The track also has several event stores set up throughout the facility, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as from the drivers. Before the main races on Saturday and Sunday, fans can come walk on pit road during the grid walk, as well as watch pit stop demos and meet the drivers and teams before the green flag falls. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield and is open during race days – fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and enjoying the history of the sport of racing.   Final Thoughts Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and IMSA weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this now annual stop on the IMSA calendar. Sportscar fans will have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than four racing series taking to the speedway during the event.

With the FIFA World Cup around the corner, the 2025 Major League Soccer season has been one of great importance and great change.  Huge news arrived in November, with the announcement that the MLS season schedule would be changing to align itself with other international soccer leagues beginning with the 2027-28 season.  Also, the highly controversial MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+ will see the extra subscription fee waived and not require extra payment from those who already subscribe to AppleTV+.   Atlanta United FC once again lead MLS in attendance, averaging over 41,400 fans per game and even welcomed an astounding 65,520 fans for their home opener against CF Montréal.  Philadelphia Union claimed their second Supporters’ Shield with the best record during the regular season.  The MLS playoffs culminated in the MLS Cup Final, played on December 6th, where Inter Miami CF defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 3-1.  The ageless Lionel Messi of Inter Miami had 29 goals on the season, to lead the league, while Yohei Takaoka of Vancouver had 13 clean sheets on the year. The annual MLS rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the soccer experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced.  The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.88 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all.  Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets.  How is your list different from ours?  What do we have right?  What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025 Rankings of the Major League Soccer Experiences. 1. Inter&Co Stadium - Orlando City SC - 4.71 Chris Green - Orlando City SC is everything the MLS wants its teams to be: a team with a beautiful stadium in the middle of a downtown district with nearby restaurants, shopping, and public transportation; an incredibly passionate fan base that shows up and sells out games regardless of the team’s record; and a vibrant city that has embraced its growing sports culture – this is the blueprint the league has asked teams to follow from here on out.  Orlando has produced one of the most impressive game day experiences anywhere and continues to do so every game. From the never-ending songs at the wall to the march into the stadium, Inter&Co Stadium has everything you could imagine wanting in a soccer stadium. 2. Providence Park - Portland Timbers - 4.57 Chris Green - “It’s a fantastic place to play. These environments didn’t exist when I played…Portland is among the top of the list of great environments…this is what soccer should be like.” – Robin Fraser  The Portland Timbers game experience is unparalleled in MLS. Without a doubt, this is one of the best experiences any sports fan will have in America, let alone MLS. After recent stadium expansions and enhancements, the transformation of Providence Park from a former baseball field into a top-tier soccer establishment is complete, and the results are breathtaking. A vaulting sideline seating expansion that added multiple levels of seats and concessions for fans provides some of the best views in the stadium, and a new fan store near the main entrance provides fans a perfect place to gear up before matches. Add to that the biggest crowds and the loudest environment in the league, making this a perfect place to watch MLS at its best. 3. Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta United FC - 4.43 Dave Cottenie - When entering the gates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for an Atlanta United FC soccer match, one of the items that will catch a fan’s attention is the large banner above the gates that confidently states “Unite & Conquer” in gold lettering on a black background.  This slogan aptly describes the life of the Atlanta United Football Club.  Taking to the pitch for their first season in 2017, Atlanta United has been a runaway success.  They have led Major League Soccer in attendance every season they have played, with the exception of the 2020 Covid 19 season.  They have been dubbed the “Loudest Pitch in MLS” according to Newsweek magazine.  They even won the MLS Cup in just their second season, 2018.  4. BC Place - Vancouver Whitecaps FC - 4.43 Dennis Morrell - The Vancouver Whitecaps needed a plan for an acceptable venue to host MLS matches before a franchise would be awarded. Vancouver fans were satisfied upon learning BC Place, home of the Canadian Football League’s Lions, would be further renovated after the Olympics with completion set for September 2011.  Until it was complete, though, the Whitecaps played most of their inaugural campaign in a makeshift venue on the site of the former Empire Stadium, the longtime home of the NASL Whitecaps from 1974-1983. They closed out play at this site on September 21st with a 3-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC. On October 2nd of their first season, they opened their new, renovated home with a 1-0 defeat to the hands of their Cascadia rivals, the Portland Timbers.  In terms of history, BC Place served as the Olympic Stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It has hosted eight CFL Grey Cup Championship games. 5. TQL Stadium - FC Cincinnati - 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Football Club Cincinnati (FC Cincinnati) has been in existence since 2015. At that time, they played at the USL’s Champions level of competition. They played their home matches at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati. The team was an immediate success, as the population of Queen City has a large ethnically diverse population, and soccer was their game of choice. By 2019, they had applied for membership at the MLS level. This application was approved, with the requirement that a soccer-specific stadium be built for the team in the first few years of membership in the MLS. The team immediately went to work on getting a venue built. After much discussion of several sites and some trading of property with the local school system work got underway on building a new stadium in the neighborhoods just northwest of downtown Cincinnati. There were still some delays, as the team changed architects, choosing Populous as their new designer.  Finally, the $250 million stadium opened in 2021 as West End Stadium. It offers a soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of 25,513. A majority of those seats are chairback seats with cupholders. The stadium includes 59 suites, a 3,100-person standing area for the supporter groups, and 4,500 premium or club seats. The stadium seats feature the team’s kit colors of blue with the accent color of orange. 6. Lower.com Field - Columbus Crew - 4.29 Marc Viquez - There was a time when the thought of the Columbus Crew relocating elsewhere was a reality, but after a campaign to keep the club in town and a new ownership group, the result would be the $314 million Lower.com Field for the club to call home. The 20,371-seat venue is located in the Arena District next to Huntington Park and a few blocks west of Nationwide Arena.  The stadium offers a field with a hydroponic heater that can raise the field temperature by 20 degrees if needed and water can drain in less than 3 minutes. The Nordecke supporters' section is the steepest and second largest of its kind in the MLS while offering a beer garden on the concourse. 7. Toyota Stadium - FC Dallas - 4.29 Andrew Kulyk - The FC Dallas franchise was already a trendsetter back in the early 2000s, when they designed and built one of the first soccer-specific stadiums in Major League Soccer. The size, configuration, and intimate game day experience became an instant hit. The template has since been emulated across the entire swath of the league, with a building boom continuing in existing and expansion cities.  FC Dallas took it one step further, adding the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which opened in 2018. This is a resplendent museum and interactive series of exhibits, adding a unique dimension to this complex and making it a true destination even on non-game days. Come 2025, and it will be an entire remake and reimagination of Toyota Stadium. Just about the entire stadium is being demolished and remodeled, side by side, and come 2028, a completely new venue will entertain fans and athletes alike, offering new comforts, amenities, and a canopied roof to shelter patrons from the summer sun and much, much more. 8. BMO Field - Toronto FC - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - The landscape of Toronto FC is changing.  The glory days that culminated in Toronto Football Club being the first Major League Soccer team to secure the trifecta in 2017 of the Voyageurs Cup (Canadian Championship), Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, are gone.  TFC legends Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley have all departed as well as coach Greg Vanney.  The rebuild is now on.  After a few stutter steps, Toronto FC hopes to bring the squad back into playoff contention for the 2024 season.  Playing their first match in 2007, Toronto FC has been crucial for the development of Major League Soccer, paving the way for other Canadian squads CF Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps FC to take to the pitch.  The strong ownership of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, also owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Marlies, has been critical in the continued success of the franchise.  Since its inception, the home of Toronto FC has been BMO Field.  Located at Exhibition Place, on the site of the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays, Exhibition Stadium, the city owned stadium is preparing to be the smallest host of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.  BMO Field was originally built as, and currently retains the moniker of, Canada’s National Soccer Stadium, and has been renovated and expanded numerous times.  It has seen the Grey Cup, MLS Cup and the NHL Centennial Classic and will be expanded temporarily to host its biggest event yet in the World Cup. 9. Sports Illustrated Stadium - New York Red Bulls - 4.14 Richard Smith - Major League Soccer (MLS) started in 1995, and one of the founding teams was the New York/New Jersey MetroStars which played in Giants Stadium. The New York Bulls are the successor to that franchise having been purchased directly by Austrian company Red Bull GmbH, producers of the Red Bull Energy Drink. After briefly being Red Bull New York they changed to the more American style New York Red Bulls name.  The soccer venue opened in 2010 after a lot of political activity and is now the home to the Red Bulls. Located in Harrison, New Jersey, just on the other side of the Passaic River from Newark, Sports Illustrated Stadium seats 25,000 seats and is also owned by Red Bull GmbH.  The stadium has also been home to other events such as the Premier Lacrosse League, local commencements, and many concerts.  In December of 2024, New York Red Bulls and Sports Illustrated Tickets, a fan-first, live event ticketing marketplace, proudly announced a landmark, 13-year partnership. 10. Lumen Field - Seattle Sounders FC - 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Seattle Sounders FC has been one of the premier clubs in the MLS over the last two decades. They have won two MLS Cups (2016 and 2019), and the Supporters Shield for the best regular season record in 2014. Seattle has two major rivalries with their Pacific Northwest neighbors in the form of the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.  The Sounders have played at their current home since 2009. CenturyLink Field changed its name to Lumen Field in November 2020. This was not the result of a new stadium sponsorship agreement. CenturyLink has rebranded itself as Lumen Technologies. Most stadium signage has been changed to reflect this, but due to the immense cost of changing the name on the roof of the stadium, the CenturyLink name remains in place.  Lumen Field has a capacity of 67,000, but for Sounders matches the capacity typically is limited to the lower bowl and can hold 37,722. Capacity is typically expanded for the rivalry games against the Timbers or Whitecaps or playoff games. 11. Energizer Park - St. Louis City SC - 4.14 Andrew Kulyk - The city of St. Louis has a rich and storied soccer tradition spanning over a century, both at the amateur and professional levels. So it was a no-brainer that as the MLS was rapidly expanding and in search of new markets, it would be St. Louis that would be high on the priority list.  In the early 2010s, plans were put in place for a stadium featuring a hybrid NFL field and soccer pitch, with the primary goal of keeping the NFL St. Louis Rams from relocating. That effort fizzled, and the Rams did indeed move back to their original home in Los Angeles. The focus then became a soccer-specific venue, and a long sought-after site on the western fringes of downtown, adjacent to historic Union Station, was presented to the MLS expansion committee. When the league expanded to 30 teams in 2019, St. Louis was awarded one of the new franchises, aided by a strong presentation with renderings of a gleaming new stadium, and a solid ownership group led by Carolyn Kindle Betz, making this team the first major franchise with a female controlling owner. Energizer Park opened its doors in the spring of 2023, ushering in a new and exciting era in St. Louis sports history. 12. Allianz Field - Minnesota United FC - 4.00 James Hilchen - Opened in 2019 at a cost of $200 million, Allianz Field is a soccer-specific stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. Home to Minnesota United FC and Minnesota Untied FC 2, the stadium holds a capacity of 19,400.  Though relatively new, Allianz Field has become known as one of the premier soccer stadiums in the country. The stadium has hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup games, a World Cup qualifier, and most recently hosted the 2022 MLS All-Star game. Among the features at Allianz Field are an 88,000 square foot translucent stadium skin, a 360-degree canopy, and a heated playing surface. For cycling purists, there are accommodations for 400 bikes to be parked should you choose to ride to the game. There are also 280 seats for ADA guests and their companions.  13. Children’s Mercy Park - Sporting Kansas City - 4.00 James Hilchen - Children’s Mercy Park is home to both Sporting KC of Major League Soccer and the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League. The stadium opened in 2011 on day that saw Sporting KC and the Chicago Fire play to a 0-0 draw. Over the years, Children’s Mercy Park has won numerous awards. It is also the only venue to host the MLS All-Star Game, the United States Men’s National Team, and the MLS Cup all in the same year. The stadium has also held numerous World Cup qualifiers, Olympic qualifiers, CONCACAF Gold Cups, and international friendlies. 14. Dignity Health Sports Park - Los Angeles Galaxy - 4.00 Andrei Ojeda - The L.A. Galaxy, one of the original 10 teams who began play in 1996, played initially in the storied Rose Bowl and would remain there until 2003. At the site of the 1994 World Cup, crowds at Galaxy games were often sparse. Only the Columbus Crew played in a soccer-specific stadium as other teams often found themselves using NFL stadiums, where oftentimes the venues were practically empty. Upon moving to the StubHub Center in 2003, then known as the Home Depot Center, the Galaxy would move into a much more intimate 27,000-seat stadium. Aside from soccer, the facility also houses a velodrome, a track, and field, and a tennis stadium, located right next to the soccer facility. In Jan 2019, the venue name changed from the StubHub Center to Dignity Health Sports Park. 15. Geodis Park - Nashville SC - 4.00 David Welch - Nashville is quickly becoming one of the up-and-coming sports cities in the country, with the high level of support the Nashville Predators receive, the past successes the Tennessee Titans have experienced, and the Triple-A Nashville Sounds routinely in the top 5 of minor league baseball in attendance annually. The city has also received a lot of support to attract a Major League Baseball expansion franchise, and is beginning to establish itself as a soccer town, with the addition of Nashville SC as part of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. Nashville SC is not the city’s first run at professional soccer – dating back to the early 1980s the Nashville Diamonds played in the American Soccer League. Later, the Nashville Metros and Nashville FC competed in various professional soccer leagues from the late 80s throughout the mid-2010s. Nashville SC first came to fruition as a member of the USL Championship level for three seasons, leading to the establishment of an MLS franchise in Nashville for the 2020 season under new ownership.  Initially playing at Nissan Stadium for their first two seasons, the Boys in Gold would move into the soccer specific Geodis Park in time for the 2022 season. As of 2024 the 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States or Canada. 16. Q2 Stadium - Austin FC - 3.86 Eric Moreno - In 2018, after the relocation of Columbus Crew SC to Austin proved unsuccessful, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced they would award an expansion franchise to the state capitol of Texas in time for the 2021 season. Construction began on the stadium, located in the North Burnet area of the city, and was completed in time to host Austin FC’s inaugural season.  The home opener took place in June of 2021, and both the team and their home have proven to be an immediate hit with the fans in Austin, routinely reaching capacity for their home games. Q2 Stadium was designed to be sleek, modern, and inclusive, as well as to embody the spirit of Austin and its inhabitants – that mission was accomplished. 17. BMO Stadium - Los Angeles FC - 3.86 Andrei Ojeda - From L.A. to The O.C., southland sports fans will never suffer from a shortage of teams to cheer for. With fans having a choice of two teams to cheer for in each major sport, as of this season, Major League Soccer fans throughout the southland will also have their choice of two teams to cheer for with the addition of the Los Angeles Football Club.  The first MLS game to take place in Southern California would take place at storied Rose Bowl in 1996. The L.A. Galaxy would call The Rose Bowl home until 2003 when they would move to more intimate settings at the Stubhub Center in the city of Carson. Throughout the early stages of the MLS, most teams often found themselves playing home games in front of sparse crowds at NFL venues. BMO Stadium, located on the spot formerly occupied by the Los Angeles Sports Arena, kicks off its inaugural season with a seating capacity of 22,000, all but securing a packed house for every contest. Banc of California Stadium is the first open-air professional sports venue to open in Los Angeles since Dodger Stadium in 1962. 18. Soldier Field - Chicago Fire FC - 3.86 Marc Viquez - Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer has called Soldier Field home since 2020. The team had previously played here from 1998-2005 before relocating to the soccer-specific stadium in the suburb of Bridgeview, 12 miles southwest of Chicago. The move back to Chicago was a surprise at first, but being 1.5 miles from downtown, accessible to superior mass transit, and close to a fan base that has embraced the game has made it a logical choice for the Fire.  Soldier Field is the long-time home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League and opened on October 9, 1924, as Grant Park Stadium. It was renamed the following year to honor the US soldiers who died in combat during World War I. The stadium features a Neoclassical style with Doric columns rising above the east and west entrances. The stadium went through $632 million renovations between 2002 and 2003 that reduced capacity and modernized the stadium. The exterior would be retained, but the interior would be significantly altered, providing a venue with a unique design. The move would be fruitful as average attendance has risen from 15,848 in 2022 to 24,474 in four seasons. 19. PayPal Park - San Jose Earthquakes - 3.86 Meg Minard - PayPal Park is the home ground of the MLS San Jose Earthquakes.  The soccer-specific venue was known as Avaya Stadium when it opened in 2015. It has gone by its current name (PayPal Park) since the start of the 2021 season.  The city has hosted soccer since 1974 with teams in various leagues.  The Earthquakes started in 1996 as one of the original members of Major League Soccer.  The team has won two MLS Cup titles (2001, 2003) and two Supporters’ Shields (2005, 2012).  The staff and fans make witnessing a match incredibly worthwhile as they are all friendly and helpful and seem pleased you have visited their team and stadium.  One of the better matches to attend is when Los Angeles FC comes to town as there is usually a good contingency of away team visitors which makes the stadium rumble. 20. America First Field - Real Salt Lake - 3.71 Connor Comeau - Opened in 2008, America First Field currently serves as the home of Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. With a capacity of over 20,000, the stadium has seen many incredible moments and is home to one of the longest sellout streaks in Major League Soccer. And with one of the most loyal and loud fan bases in MLS, it’s no wonder why this stadium is one of the toughest to play in. From the very passionate Supporters Section to the casual fan, this is one of the best stadiums to catch a soccer match. 21. Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte FC - 3.71 David Welch - Charlotte FC has created a match-day atmosphere that is festive, energetic, and reminiscent of traditional European soccer experiences. The passion of the supporters brings it to life, creating an environment any fanbase would be proud of.  The one major drawback is the venue itself. Even with crowds topping 30,000, the sheer scale of Bank of America Stadium can dilute the energy and leave the experience feeling less intimate. The supporters and their traditions do plenty to bridge that gap, but the stadium still feels like a borrowed stage rather than a true home. Still, the ingredients are there: a devoted fan base, the vibrant Uptown setting, and traditions that connect fans to the club’s identity. With those elements in place, Charlotte FC has the right foundation to be one of MLS’s most exciting match-day experiences. 22. Subaru Park - Philadelphia Union - 3.71 Richard Smith - The Philadelphia Union competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference of the league. They began in 2010 as an expansion team. Earlier attempts to bring the MLS to the area failed at Trenton, New Jersey, and at Rowan University (also in New Jersey). The MLS is soccer’s highest level in both the United States and Canada.  Subaru Park opened in 2010 in Chester, PA, and has also been called PPL Park and Talen Energy Stadium. Besides soccer, there have been “Battle of the Blue” football games played here between the University of Delaware and Villanova. The stadium has also hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship, the Major League Lacrosse’s Championship known as the Steinfeld Cup, the ACC Lacrosse Championship, and the NCAA Division I and Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship, as well as numerous rugby matches and concerts. 23. Stade Saputo - CF Montréal - 3.71 Greg Johnston - Montreal, Quebec was well prepared for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise when the Impact joined in 2012. Owners Saputo, Inc. completed phase one of Stade Saputo in 2008 in anticipation of an expansion MLS team. In the meantime, the Montreal Impact of the North American Soccer League (NASL) called the then 13,000 seat stadium home. The stadium is located in Parc Olympique, seven miles northeast of downtown. Capacity expanded to 20,801 once the announcement of an MLS club became official in 2010.  The organization has celebrated momentary successes in their brief history. Though they haven’t won an MLS championship, the Impact did win back-to-back Canadian championships in 2013 & 2014, reaching the CONCACAF Finals in the latter year. 24. Gillette Stadium - New England Revolution - 3.43 Paul Baker - The New England Revolution are one of the ten charter members of Major League Soccer. Owned by Robert Kraft and family, who also own the New England Patriots of the National Football League, the team shares their home, Gillette Stadium, with the Patriots. The Revolution actually predate their home venue, having played in Foxboro Stadium for their first six seasons before Gillette Stadium opened in 2002. Throughout the team’s history calls for a soccer-specific stadium have been made, but despite an abundance of rumors popping up over the team’s quarter-century history, no plans have come to fruition. Team owner Robert Kraft has repeatedly stated that he would like to build a soccer-specific stadium in or around Boston.  The Revolution have won the 2007 U.S. Open Cup, the 2008 North American SuperLiga and the 2021 Supporters Shield. The Revs have participated in five MLS Cup finals, most recently in 2014, losing each time. They have the most MLS Cup appearances without winning a title. 25. Shell Energy Stadium - Houston Dynamo FC - 3.43 Eric Moreno - In 2006, the owners of the original Major League Soccer (MLS) San Jose Earthquakes were granted the right to relocate, and they chose the fourth-largest city in the country as their new home. The cosmopolitan Houston, Texas proved to be a perfect fit for the rechristened Houston Dynamo FC. The team experienced immediate success upon their arrival in Space City, winning the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007.  Situated at the heart of Houston’s vibrant downtown, Shell Energy Stadium was designed by the same firm that was responsible for the famed Emirates Stadium in London, home of Arsenal FC. The facility was recently renovated in 2023 to replace most of the seats and upgrade the LED boards and has proven to be a hit with fans. 26. Audi Field - DC United - 3.43 Gregory Koch - D.C. United is a charter member of Major League Soccer, joining the league for its inaugural 1996 season. For the first two-plus decades of their existence, the Black & Red played in cavernous, run-down RFK Stadium, which also served as a baseball and football stadium at various points in its existence. After many discussions of a new stadium, D.C. United finally got one in 2018, moving into Audi Field, a soccer-specific stadium located on Buzzard Point. This long-awaited home was intended to revitalize the atmosphere at D.C. United games, and for the most part, it has done so. 27. Chase Stadium - Inter Miami CF - 3.43 Lloyd Brown - The 18,000-seat Chase Stadium is designed to serve as an interim home for the team while their permanent home is under design in the Freedom Park development located near Miami International Airport. Soccer icon David Beckham is part of the ownership group and serves as the team’s President of Soccer Operations. He is also the driving force behind the Freedom Park development.  The team reflects Miami’s unique cultural makeup. The official name of the team is Club Internacional de Futbol Miami, as the vast majority of the team’s supporters come from the many Latin communities found in the Miami area. First time attendees to a Miami game could easily feel they are in a stadium in South America. 28. Yankee Stadium - New York City FC - 2.71 Sean MacDonald - New York City Football Club got their start in 2015 as the 20th expansion franchise in MLS. Owned by Premier League club Manchester City and the New York Yankees, the team began to play at Yankee Stadium with the expectation that a soccer-only venue would be constructed somewhere in the five boroughs in the next few years. As the club begins their fourth season, however, there is no sign of that new stadium on the horizon. One proposed location for a new facility, which is actually outside the city proper, will instead be used for the Islanders new arena and no other options are currently being explored. This is bad for both NYCFC and the Yankees. Last season, changes to the baseball schedule forced City to play two home matches elsewhere, Rentschler Field and Citi Field. The constant changes to the turf as the soccer field is laid down and then removed is not good for the long-term health of the infield, although no problems have arisen so far.  So what is it like attending a game at the only baseball stadium in the MLS? As you might expect, it leaves most fans singing the blues. 29. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park - Colorado Rapids - 2.14 Matt Finnigan - When Dick’s Sporting Goods Park opened in 2007, it provided a new, cozy home for the MLS’s Colorado Rapids after having played the first decade of their existence in cavernous NFL Stadiums (Mile High Stadium from 1996-2000 and Empower Field at Mile High from 2001-2006).  DSG Park, as it’s come to be known, promised to be a long-term home for the Rapids, with empty acreage surrounding the facility to be developed into just about anything in the suburb of Commerce City, north of downtown Denver.  The ensuing 16 years have seen that acreage sit mostly empty while the MLS’s expansion boom has brought with it a proliferation of new soccer facilities aimed at providing great fan experiences.  DSG Park now sits at a crossroads.  The City of Commerce City owns DSG Park, leasing it to the Rapids’ ownership group, Kroenke Sports Enterprises (“KSE”), for $1 per year over 25 years.  The City has accused KSE of failing to keep promises to develop the 917 acres appurtenant to the stadium. Help Stadium Journey Out! Missing from our rankings, we haven't visited yet. Snapdragon Stadium - San Diego FC

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Daytona International Speedway 1801 West International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 HSR Classic 24 Hour Daytona website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167,785 Daytona’s Vintage Showcase The HSR Classic 24 Hour at Daytona International Speedway is one of the more unique races in America. It showcases racing history from the past, giving fans a window into the races that have come and gone from the track’s lore. The Classic 24 Hour indeed concludes with 24 hours of racing through the night that is broken up into different hour-long segments, showcasing various time periods and car classes. If you’re a racing history buff, this is no doubt a fantastic race to come to that offers stellar access to the cars and drivers, while providing that throwback feel true sportscar fans yearn for. Food & Beverage   2 There isn’t much to eat at Daytona in the paddock fan zone. Only the Bud Patio is open, offering a limited menu and often running out of even the most basic items like bottled water. Additional food trucks may be present on any given day, but they are not guaranteed. Instead, most fans venture away from the track to the numerous restaurants that populate the main road outside the track. Atmosphere   3 There’s nothing quite like being at a 24-hour endurance race. The feeling is electric as the race begins in the afternoon; as the sun sets, the lights come on, and the look and feel of the race takes on another face – the smell of race fuel, the glow of the brakes in the cold night, the sound of engines roaring lap after lap. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens. What makes this race so unique, however, is the relaxed feeling. Unlike the Rolex 24  where everyone is on edge pushing hard for a full day of racing, the HSR Classic 24 Hour is more a celebration of racing history. While podium finishers are awarded trophies and medals, the enjoyment and appreciation of the historic cars that participate is most important. Unfortunately, car counts now are down from years past, in part due to the numerous other events throughout the year that are on offer. Thankfully, this is made up for on Saturday with the various car corrals offered from marquees like Porsche and Mazda. Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants. From Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat at during your stay. Fans   3 The fans at the Classic 24 Hour rival the numbers seen at IMSA’s Roar i n January. While not as numerous as the Rolex 24 or Daytona 500, a no-less impressive crowd turns up to watch racing history take to the track. The fans here range in age from the youngest and newest race fans, to old-timers who were around to see some of the historic cars on track in their heyday.   Access   4 Parking at the Classic 24 Hour is plentiful in the various lots around the infield of the track. For those who would rather take a ride, however, trams are available to shuttle you around the property. You can also wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting you access to the various infield viewing areas and paddocks. The big downside here is that the main grandstands are closed off to fans, meaning you are stuck watching from only the infield viewing areas. Return on Investment   5 The HSR Classic 24 Hour is a race to be added to any sportscar fan’s list of must-see events, but tickets for this race weekend can get up there in price. One-day Thursday or Friday only tickets are $50.63, while Saturday-Sunday two-day tickets are $61.88. There is no Saturday or Sunday only ticket option. A Friday-Sunday three-day ticket runs $73.13, while a full weekend four-day pass is $84.38. Camping ranges from $33.75 for tent camping to $281.25 to $365.63 for RV spots. Extras   2 The Classic 24 Hour is home to multiple days of racing action. In addition, all tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona International Speedway, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look at team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. Fans in attendance can look forward to the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday, where you are able to get up close to the cars on pit road, as well as meet some of the drivers on hand. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona International Speedway for the HSR Classic 24 Hour is a visit worth taking – anyone who is a sportscar race fan should attend. This is a top-level historic event that features great Florida weather, a top-level venue, and incredible machines racing around one of the most historic facilities in all the racing world.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Austin SpeedTour website Circuit of the Americas website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 SpeedTour’s Austin Finale As if to cement the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas, Circuit of the Americas (often called COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to myriad other races throughout the year, including the Vintage Racing World Finals during the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour race weekend. Food & Beverage   3 In the infield fans can expect a great little hole-in-the-wall (only in size) cafe in the paddock, featuring a beautiful patio outside surrounded by trees and bushes, giving a great view of the garages and pre-staging area for most of the cars. Here you can find (when it is open) food and beverages to suit your fancy. Chicken tenders and fries are $11.79, as are hamburger baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wrap baskets. On certain days there is also a chef’s featured item, such as homemade meatloaf, beef and broccoli, or chicken primavera for $12. That said, if you are exploring the far reaches of the facility, you may not have as many options available as you have in the main spectator areas, meaning you will have to walk a while or wait patiently for later, should the hunger bug strike. Thankfully this year, however, the track added food trucks in the fan area in the paddock to add some variety. Atmosphere   3 Everything is bigger in Texas. Unfortunately, that does not translate to car counts for SpeedTour weekend as of late. Where more than 50 cars used to take to the track for Trans Am’s TA2 race, no more than 50 cars were present between both Trans Am classes in 2025. The SVRA and IGT car counts were also down in numbers from years past as well. Nonetheless, the track itself is a beautiful facility that lends itself to the fan experience – the main grandstand is even shaded from the harsh Texas sun, thanks to a perfectly-placed roof over part of the seating. SVRA also has SpeedTour Town Center, a large area in the fan zone that includes food trucks, sponsor activations, and even racing simulators, all situated right next to victory lane. Being that the event takes place just a few weeks after the annual F1 United States Grand Prix, there are numerous signs up over the garages for the F1 teams and drivers. However, the big downside is that some of the track feels like a construction zone thanks to the endless disassembly of grandstands and suites from the previous event. By far, the coolest thing here at Circuit of the Americas is the giant tower in the middle of the track. The observation platform in the tower is open to all fans for $20 a person, including an elevator you can ride to view the race from over 200 feet above the action. In addition, the floors in the tower are see-through, giving you the feeling of floating on air – no other track has anything as cool as this. Neighborhood   3 This is a hard topic, as the city of Austin itself (a good 15 to 20-minute drive from Circuit of the Americas itself), is a bustling city of music, incredible food, and youthful energy. It is no secret why F1 picked this city, and why the annual SXSW festival is held here every year. However, as the track is on the extreme outskirts of town, the racing can easily feel a bit detached from the city’s feel. There isn’t much right next to the track, despite the slowly creeping suburban sprawl – hotels are all about 10 minutes away at least, as are any shopping and dining options fans would flock to. Thankfully, the airport is right near the track, providing easy access to your flight in and out of Austin. For great food, one can’t skip Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas and Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake, and of course, a stop in Austin isn’t complete without visiting the bats under the Congress Bridge. Finally, for hotels look to Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport, which are two of the better hotels that are close to Circuit of the Americas. Fans   3 That good ol’ Texas comfort can be felt through the fans at the track. Sports fans can be hard to figure out, but Austin’s motorsports enthusiasts are all about the racing on the track. They know the drivers, they know the cars, and they know exactly what is happening, and are eager to cheer on their favorite drivers all weekend long. In addition, they’re generally a kind and considerate bunch, which makes a day at the races at Circuit of the Americas a family-friendly experience. The Trans Am and SVRA race weekend features a crowd of both racing and general automotive enthusiasts, descending upon the track in a celebration of motorsports history. Access   3 Getting to Circuit of the Americas isn’t hard, in that it isn’t hidden away. In actuality you can see it from pretty much everywhere, thanks to its giant light-up tower at night. However, the roads in and out of the track are only one or two lanes, making a big event hard to reach, thanks to the traffic. Thankfully, however, parking is plentiful on-site and in various nearby lots, and there are also numerous fan shuttles to take you from the parking lots to the paddock, as well as to various viewing areas around the circuit. Once at the track getting around is easy, thanks to the various tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and signage pointing you on your way around the venue. Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Austin SpeedTour Weekend are very affordable – Friday only tickets are just $20, while Saturday or Sunday only passes run $30. A full weekend pass is just $50, while a family two-pack ($70) and four-pack ($120) are also available. Whether you’re a race fan or not will dictate whether you feel the need to visit this new crown jewel of the race circuit. However, you can definitely see why average fans would want to come – the views are spectacular all around the track, the cost of tickets and flights into Austin are generally low, and the city is a great attraction unto itself. Downtown is full of reasons to visit on its own, so adding a world-class racetrack to the mix makes it even better! In addition, Circuit of the Americas features great fan access, with the paddock easy to find and navigate during race weekends. Extras   5 Circuit of the America’s big tower is a modern marvel to behold, but did you know there is also a world-class concert amphitheater at its base? Each year dozens of concerts are held at the track as well.Another unique feature is the bold American color scheme – all around the track’s run-off areas you can see red, white, and blue, plus stars-and-stripes painted designs, making not only for a photogenic track, but one that makes you feel very patriotic as well. Outside the track, a large theme park is being built complete with roller coasters that will thrill fans once it is finished. And finally, Circuit of the Americas also features a go-kart facility behind the main grandstand, meaning fans can now satisfy their own need for speed. Final Thoughts Circuit of the Americas is certainly a gorgeous facility that lends itself to comfortable viewing of some great racing action. Furthermore, placing it next to one of the best up-and-coming cities in America was a genius move. That said, if you want somewhere young and hip to visit that is also home to a quality sports facility, definitely put Circuit of the Americas on your list.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 W Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee, FL 34746 NXL World Cup of Paintball website Gaylord Palms Resort website Year Opened: 2015 Paintball’s Florida Finale Thinking of professional sports in Central Florida, paintball may not come to mind first. However, the NXL World Cup features some of the best paintball athletes in the country every year just outside Disney World. Located adjacent to the Gaylord Palms Resort, the NXL World Cup is unique in that parking and access for all five days is free to all fans. Special tickets can be purchased for access to different viewing areas, but free access still gets you up close and personal to the action. Food & Beverage   3 The food and beverage options here are limited, but what is available is solid and won’t break the bank. Food trucks are brought in with various options for guests; from local BBQ and Uno Pizzaria to frozen smoothies and healthy options, you have a variety to pick from. Drinks are also available at several bars around the property, with options that include soda or bottled water ($3), seltzer and beer ($7), and energy drinks ($5). The lines are usually not too long, but unless you have a VIP viewing ticket, you’ll find a lack of places to sit and enjoy your food. Atmosphere   4 For an event that is assembled in what is usually a cow pasture the rest of the year, it really is transformed into an incredible facility. Vendors line the entrance on both sides, selling the latest and greatest paintball gear and merchandise. Special lounges are also there for players and family, as well as vendor VIPs. On the back side of the property, numerous paintball fields are set up in quads that allow fans to get in between them and right up close to the action. Be sure you’re doing your laundry as soon as you go home, however, as there is sure to be some paintball splatter when you’re this close to the matches (don’t worry, it all comes out in the wash). Neighborhood   4 The fact you’re literally across the highway from Walt Disney World and just minutes from all the area hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shopping makes this a solid area to hold this event. Across the street is Gaylord Palms Resort, while down the street is Walt Disney World and all its hotels. Food options are plentiful as one mile away is US-192, which is full of restaurants and shopping. In the opposite direction is International Drive, another place where you can find your choice of restaurants and hotels. Fans   4 The sheer number of fans who show up to this event is staggering. 2025 showcased the largest World Cup turnout yet, with teams and their families from all over arriving to watch the best of the best in paintball take on the competition. Something unique about it all is the sense of camaraderie and family. This is a fierce competition after all, but everyone cheers for each other and respects the healthy competition taking place in front of them. The fans are also very knowledgeable about the sport, and are more than happy to help newcomers understand what is going on. Access   5 Parking is free on site, with $30+ VIP parking available to get you a closer spot to the main entrance. The field is massive and offers plenty of space to park, and signage is easy to see, to direct you where to go next. Once inside a QR code can be scanned by fans to access an event guide, and a facility map is posted to help you get the lay of the land. Return on Investment   5 Access to general admission areas is free to all fans on all five days of the event. Tickets to the grandstand for the pro field start at $15 per day for Thursday and Friday, $20 for Saturday, $25 for Sunday, $55 for three days, and $65 for four days. Standard VIP access starts at $50 and goes up from there to $200 for a four-day pass. Club access ranges from $65 to $260. When factoring in the cost for a family of four to enjoy a day in the Florida sun watching paintball, you’re likely to get away with just paying the bare minimum for food and drinks, as well as for merchandise. Extras   3 The facility features several vendors for kids to keep them entertained during the event, as well as a kids zone. Fans also can get up close to the fields in the back, which is equivalent to courtside seating, for free. Finally, the tournament podium celebration is open to all fans on Sunday to watch the celebrations with all the winning teams. Final Thoughts This may not be on everyone’s radar when looking at Florida sports, but NXL World Cup paintball is definitely a unique event in Orlando. Providing free parking and free general admission access is unique in sports and, given that this event is a yearly occurrence, showcases the fanbase that exists and helps propel the sport forward. No doubt this is a unique competition that the whole family can enjoy, whether you’re a diehard paintball participant or someone who has never watched a single competition.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Copeland Park 1130 Copeland Park Dr La Crosse, WI 54603 Map It La Crosse Loggers website Copeland Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 3,550 The Lumber Yard The Lacrosse Loggers celebrated their 20th season in 2022. They play in the prominent summer collegiate baseball league, the Northwoods League. The team plays its home games at Copeland Park, a city-owned park on the Black River, which runs into the Mississippi River, just north of downtown on the Minnesota border. The team won the Northwoods League Championship in 2012. Notable Loggers alumni include Mike Trout, Jordan Pacheco, Eric Thames, Chris Sale, and Matt Scherzer. The Loggers offer a fun, affordable evening out with the focus still mainly baseball, with enough other entertainment for non-baseball fans to enjoy themselves. The UW-La Crosse Eagles (NCAA D3) also play their games at Copeland Park in the spring. Food & Beverage 4 Most concessions are behind the first base seating area in a covered courtyard called the Festival Food Court. Food is on one side; adult beverages are on the other. Tables and chairs are between the two. The food is tasty and priced affordably. Copeland Park Festival Food Court, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Snacks include chips, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and candy ($2 – $2.75). Fried offerings include cheese curds, tater tots, onion rings, and corn dogs, and range in price from $3 to $6.50. Sandwiches consist of Klement’s hot dogs, burgers, bratwurst, and crispy and grilled chicken, and cost $4.25 – $6. Tuesdays are $2 hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, soda, water, and popcorn. Across from the courtyard is a Grab and Go shop selling bottled soda, other soft drinks, packaged snacks, and ice cream (prices range from $2.50 to $4). A Snack Shack is to the left of that, selling Dippin Dots, pretzels, nachos, cotton candy, and other treats. Domestic beers on tap are Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Coors; draft craft beers are Leinenkugel, New Glarus, Hillsboro, and Golden Road. A plethora of canned beers and hard seltzers are for sale. Domestic beers are $4 while craft beers cost $4.50. All the food looks scrumptious. The ice cream cones are very popular on summer evenings. Note: The concession lines can get long. Atmosphere 4 The Loggers provide an excellent game-day experience for fans visiting the stadium. The music is not played between every pitch and is at a pleasant volume. You can talk with those sitting next to you without yelling to be heard. And the music is not played over the announcer speaking, as is done in most Northwoods League stadiums. Harmless fan participative games and contests include a ketchup and mustard race, a beer batter, name the player positions, and name as many MLB teams as you can. For seating, the grandstand consists of sections A – E with four rows of stadium fold-down seats closest to the field, then a walkway. The next four rows are stadium fold-down seats, and the remaining five or six rows are bleachers with backs. The ten ‘upper’ rows in section C, behind home plate in front of the press box, are stadium seats. The seats are of average width, and there is average legroom. A net extends in front of the grandstand and covers the top of it. There’s no fear of getting struck by a foul ball there. Some sections behind the dugouts are net-free for your viewing pleasure. Party decks are down both the first and third baselines. Some seats are in the right field above the outfield wall. The field is artificial turf and dirt. A video scoreboard in left field shows the player at bat’s stats. A line score is provided beneath the video board. The sun sets behind the press box, so the grandstand seats get the shade. It does get dark in the grandstand seats when the sun sets. As the evening progresses, you may want to sit somewhere else or move to see your scorecard if you keep score. Be aware of bugs that sting right through your clothes. Spray yourself with insect repellent before attending a game to help prevent that. You’ll get the bug heebie-jeebies most of the night if you don’t. Neighborhood 3 Copeland Park is just north of the city of La Crosse on the Black River (which flows into the Mississippi River). It is a city park that hosts the Loggers, an Oktoberfest, and has a playground, fishing, basketball courts, a wading pool, and other park amenities. The ballpark is a little less than two miles from the active downtown neighborhood of La Crosse. Plenty of restaurants are within a mile or two of the ballpark. We recommend Bodega Brew Pub downtown, Crooked Pint Ale House, Rosie’s Café (breakfast and lunch), or Fayze’s. For craft brews check out the 608 Brewery, Pearl Street Brewery, or Turtle Stack Brewery. Lodging choices are within one to two miles of Copeland Park; none are within walking distance. The ones south are closer to downtown and are about two miles. Several Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn brands line Copeland Ave and the river. For other things to do while in town, visit the World’s Largest 6-Pack or stroll through Riverside Friendship Gardens. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mississippi River via La Crosse Queen Cruises . Or drive up the Grandad Bluff for scenic views of the town. World’s Largest Six-Pack, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The two closest Northwoods League teams are the Eau Claire Express and the Rochester Honkers (87 and 72 miles, respectively). Fans 3 Loggers’ fans enjoy singing “Roll out the Barrell” in the 7th inning, which fans sing in baseball stadiums throughout Wisconsin. Many fans seem to know one another. Families and kids make up most of the clientele, but you’ll see retirees, grandparents, young adults, and couples in the stands, as well. The 2022 average attendance was 2,180 fans per game, placing the Loggers in the top five attendance-wise in the Northwoods League. Access 3 Copeland Park is just a mile off Interstate 90. The town has a small regional airport with flights to and from Minneapolis/St Paul or Chicago. Bus service to a Loggers game is available from downtown and other parts; Route 6 looks like the best one. However, service after a Saturday or Sunday evening game will be an issue, as service ends around 6 pm. Parking is the biggest concern, with only street parking and just a few noticeable spots for handicapped parking. Plan on hunting for a spot and hoofing it if you don’t get there early. The team thankfully does not have bag and bag size rules. The stadium has a ramp on the first base side to get to the seating area. Clean and decent-sized restrooms are next to the merchandise shop before the food court. Return on Investment 4 Although ticket prices are a buck or two higher than other Northwoods League stadiums, attending a game here is still a worthwhile sports entertainment investment. Single-game tickets cost $8 – $15. All-You-Can–Eat-Seats (plus three alcoholic drinks) run $25 – $28. Military men and women with ID get in free. Food and beer prices are below other Northwoods League venues, especially if you go on a Tuesday. Extras 3 The merchandise shop sells an informative program (including a score sheet) for $1. It has a recap of the previous game, league standings, fun facts, the Loggers schedule, team rosters, and player stats. Showing appreciation to military members by letting them in for free is of special note. Having the music volume at a level where fans can hear their conversations and the music stops when the announcer is talking is something that should be common at ballgames, but it’s not anymore. It’s a bonus at a Loggers game. Final Thoughts The Loggers organization delivers a remarkable evening of baseball. Copeland Park is on the Black River, which flows into the Mississippi River just north of vibrant downtown La Crosse, WI. It’s worth checking out if in town or traveling across the Midwest.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Foley Event Center at Foley Sports Tourism Complex 1001 E Pride Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Sun Belt Volleyball website Foley Events Center at Foley Sports Tourism Complex website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Sun Belt Conference at Home in South Alabama Over the last several years, the Alabama Gulf Coast has quietly evolved into the postseason headquarters of the Sun Belt Conference. Just a few miles inland from the sparkling Gulf waters, this area has quickly become the conference’s tournament destination; Foley and the surrounding region now host postseason championships in cross country, basketball, soccer, women’s golf, and volleyball. Since 2020, the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament has been held at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex Event Center. With Gulf Coast beaches nearby, an amusement park with upscale shopping across the street, outlet shopping nearby, and mild November weather, this tournament offers something unique: a championship setting that doubles as a vacation. Volleyball has been sponsored by the Sun Belt since 1983, and over that time the tourney has been held at sites ranging from Jonesboro, Arkansas (6 times) to Bowling Green, Kentucky (5 times), as well as Little Rock, Arkansas (1 time) and Miami, Florida (3 times). Arkansas State currently leads with the most Sun Belt Conference volleyball titles, with seven. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Food and Beverage   3 Concessions at the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament are simple. A single stand located in the main lobby handles all food and drink sales, offering the basics you’d expect at a mid-sized indoor facility, such as hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, and bottled sodas and sports drinks. There’s nothing particularly unique or memorable on the menu, and no alcohol is sold on site. Because of the limited selection, most visitors will find better value and variety by eating before or after the matches. Fortunately, the surrounding beach area has no shortage of options for places to grab a meal.   Atmosphere   4 The tournament is held inside the Foley Event Center, located on the grounds of the Foley Sports Tourism Complex, a state-of-the-art, 520-acre complex that opened in 2016. Set against a distinctive backdrop with the OWA Resort and its rollercoasters and water park just next door, the facility has quickly become one of the Gulf Coast’s premier sports complexes. The venue features 16 soccer fields, a 3,000-seat multi-purpose stadium, and the 90,000-square-foot Event Center, which serves as the home of the Volleyball Tournament. Inside, you’ll find space for 12 interchangeable volleyball and basketball courts, making it a perfect setup for hosting multi-day tournaments and championship events. For the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament, Foley Event Center goes above and beyond with SBC signage displayed throughout the facility, while outside at the main entrance, you’re greeted by a full lineup of banners representing all 14 conference teams. Upon entering the facility, you walk into a small, carpeted lobby complete with a small concessions table, a brochure stand, and a Sun Belt Conference merch stand. Inside, a single court is used for the tournament, creating an intimate championship environment. Temporary bleachers that seat around 1,500 fans line one side of the court, while the benches occupy the opposite side – there’s no seating behind the teams, which keeps all eyes on the action. To heighten the atmosphere, the remaining space inside Foley Event Center is draped in Sun Belt blue and gold, blocking off the extra courts and directing all attention toward the main floor. The court is also surrounded by Sun Belt team logos, as well as a decent-sized videoboard behind the benches, displaying replays, score updates, and tourism commercials during breaks, including plenty of beach scenes to remind you that you’re in one of the Gulf Coast’s premier destinations. Once play begins, the building comes alive. The low tin ceilings create excellent acoustics, music pumps between sets, and the fans – many of whom travel in from out of state – bring a lively, postseason energy that makes the venue feel bigger than it really is.   Neighborhood   5 You cannot pick a better location to hold a tournament than the Alabama Gulf Coast; this is a true postseason destination. Foley Sports Tourism Complex sits literally in the backyard of OWA Parks & Resorts, one of Alabama’s fastest-growing entertainment districts. Owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Owa means “Big Water” in their language. From the doors of the Event Center, you’re just steps away from roller coasters, arcade games, family rides, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. Also by late November, downtown Owa transforms into a walkable Christmas village complete with light displays, shopfront decorations, fake snow in the streets, and holiday events. It’s not uncommon to finish a match and spend the evening under holiday lights and fake snow while shopping. In addition, glow-in-the-dark kayak and boat rentals allow visitors to float the lake that surrounds the park, giving families a scenic outdoor option right next to the venue. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey For more shopping, Tanger Outlets is only a mile away, filled with more than 100 stores, including Rawling’s Superstore, one of only six in the country. But the most unique Foley experience is just down the road at Lambert’s Café, famously known as “Home of the Throwed Rolls”, where servers literally toss fresh, steaming, hot rolls across the room to diners. It’s become a must-stop for people visiting South Alabama. The town of Foley itself adds charm during the holidays; downtown Foley hangs Christmas lights along its streets, adding to the festive tournament atmosphere. And then there’s the biggest draw of all, namely, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, less than 10 miles away. In just 15 minutes, you could be standing on the beach. For additional shopping and nightlife, The Wharf in Orange Beach is about 20 minutes away – a large entertainment district with restaurants, boutiques, outdoor concerts, marina views, and one of the Gulf Coast’s most impressive Christmas light displays. The Wharf also features a Ferris wheel, specialty shops, and seasonal festivals, making it worth the trip, especially at night to see the Christmas lights. Hotels are abundant and vary from budget to upscale, and because this is the offseason for beach tourism, prices are noticeably lower than summer rates. Families can stay close to the venue in Foley or choose from upscale condos and beachfront hotels lining Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Or, for those who prefer the outdoors, Gulf State Park, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, and nearby fishing piers provide plenty of opportunities to explore nature, all within a short drive of the tournament. There is so much to do in the area that you could spend weeks here, and between the beach, shopping, the outdoors, and restaurants, you would never run out of things to do or places to eat.   Fans   4 With Foley now firmly established as the annual postseason home of the Sun Belt Conference, fans from the participating teams routinely make the late November trip (only 10 teams qualify for the volleyball tournament. You’ll find families, friends, and alumni from all the participating schools at the tournament, so expect a rotating host of school colors. Obviously, nearby South Alabama, Southern Miss, and Troy will have the most visiting fans on hand. The crowd at Foley Event Center isn’t usually massive, but it’s engaged, and what it lacks in pure size it makes up for in loyalty and character. You’ll hear organized chants from student sections, see homemade signs from parents, and find pockets of fans cheering. By the time the semifinals and finals roll around, this neutral-site facility sounds like it belongs to whichever fan base has traveled the best. There’s also a good-natured vibe across the stands. Rival fanbases tend to mingle rather than argue, and conversations often revolve around travel stories – where they ate, where they stayed, and who made the longest drive, etc. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Access   3 Reaching Foley and the beaches of Baldwin County often means leaving I-10. This area sits just beyond the main travel corridors, so getting there can feel a little out of the way, especially for first-time visitors. The good news is that November avoids the lengthy summer beach traffic, although drivers should still expect a steady stream of stop-and-go traffic, as well as plenty of red lights along the way, especially with this being the weekend before Thanksgiving. Once you arrive at Foley Sports Tourism Complex, everything runs smoothly. Parking is free and plentiful, signage is clear, and the Event Center is easy to navigate. Entry is efficient, hallways are wide, and restrooms and concessions are well marked. The only real congestion occurs inside the gym during high-stakes matches; shoulder-to-shoulder seating can happen in the bleachers, particularly during the semifinals and on championship day. Arriving early is recommended if you want a prime viewing spot.   Return on Investment   4 General Admission tickets are $10 per day. Parking is free, and concessions are inexpensive. But what separates this tourney from most other neutral-site tournaments is the beach location. With the warm weather during late November, it’s possible to take a dip in the ocean while you are here. In addition, November is officially the offseason for beach tourism, which means hotel and condo prices drop significantly compared to summer rates. Between the cheap entry, holiday atmosphere, walkable entertainment, and nearby beaches, the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament is a destination tournament – one that feels more like an early Christmas vacation on the beach.   Extras   3 Foley Sports Tourism Complex also hosts the Sun Belt Conference Soccer Tournament every year, hosted at the main stadium outside the Event Center, while the Sun Belt Cross Country Championship is held up the road at Graham Creek Nature Preserve. In fact, this area has embraced the role of destination tournament host, not just for the Sun Belt, but for National Championships as well. For example, just down the road, the Gulf Shores beaches host the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament  every year, and roughly 50 minutes away, Pensacola hosts the Sun Belt Basketball Tournament  and the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament. One extra that truly separates this tournament from most college postseason events is the fact that it takes place right next door to one of the most elaborate Christmas displays on the Gulf Coast, in downtown Owa. Fans can walk from the gym to a winter-themed entertainment district in minutes, and Owa also makes for an excellent stop during the day for families who want to ride roller coasters or other amusement park rides before the matches. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Another extra is how you can experience two seasons in the same afternoon; with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach less than 20 minutes away, it’s entirely possible to spend a late November morning swimming in clear coastal waters, then spend the evening walking through Christmas lights at Owa or The Wharf – few places in the country allow fans to go from sand to seasonal decorations in a single day.

Baseball at the big house, that will be the case when the Joliet Slammers play a game at the Old Joliet Prison . The Joliet Area Historical Museum and the City of Joliet announced today that the Slammers will play an exhibition game behind the walls of the old prison in collaboration with the Route 66 Kickoff celebration. The game will be called “The Big House Ballgame.” “‘The Big House Ballgame’ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate Joliet’s unique history while connecting it to the broader story of Route 66,”  said Greg Peerbolte, CEO of the Joliet Area Historical Museum.  “We’re eager to welcome Slammers fans and history buffs alike to the prison yard’s diamond, offering visitors a chance to experience both America’s pastime and our city’s remarkable heritage in a single, unforgettable event.” Baseball had been played inside the walls of the old prison, which dates back to 1914. Organized games were first introduced at the prison by Warden Edmun Allen to boost morale among inmates and encourage good behavior. Prisoners would form teams and play against outside teams and other prison ball clubs. The games continued on the grounds until the prison’s closure in 2002. Tickets have not gone on sale, nor has information on the field's seating capacity been provided. Fans interested can visit the  Joliet Slammers website  and sign up for the waitlist. Joliet will be among a select group of cities celebrating centennial festivals for the famed highway, along with Santa Monica, CA, Albuquerque, NM, Amarillo, Texas, Springfield, and St. Louis, MO.  ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) playoffs are now underway, with the National Championship game taking place in January 2026 in Nashville, TN. While the champion will be determined on the field, Stadium Journey focuses on the activity in the stands and around the stadium. To do this, we use our FANFARE scoring system, which evaluates all the factors that encompass the gameday experience: food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment, and extras (anything that is unique to that stadium). We proudly present our list of the top 25 stadiums in the FCS. Several stadiums had identical scores, and we broke any ties by a vote of our reviewers. We don’t expect you to agree with some of these rankings. In fact, we encourage you to have lively discussions with your fellow football fans. Feel free to share your thoughts on our Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and Bluesky pages. 1. Washington-Grizzly Stadium - Montana Grizzlies (4.43) Jason Karp - Our top-rated stadium features spectacular natural surroundings, a lively fanbase, close up views of the action and an always competitive team year after year. 2. William B Greene Stadium - East Tennessee State Buccaneers (4.43)  (Lloyd Brown) The natural setting at the base of a mountain forms a stunning backdrop for Buccaneer games, especially when the fall foliage color is at its height. The Buccaneer Band kicks off the gameday activity with a parade and the team walk to the stadium.               3. Bobcat Stadium - Montana State Bobcats (4.29) Aaron S. Terry - The Bobcat Nation has impressed us with their enthusiasm throughout the season. They are on their feet early, as the Stampede is one of the best team entry celebrations we’ve ever witnessed.  4. Harlen Hunter Stadium - Lindenwood Lions (4.29) Lloyd Brown - The on-campus Harlan Hunter Stadium is truly the pride of the Lions nation. It features a sleek modern design and one of the largest videoboards in the FCS. The pregame tailgate draws alumni from all over Missouri to the campus hours prior to the kickoff. 5. Johnson Hagood Stadium - The Citadel Bulldogs (4.29) Aaron S. Terry - The pageantry of a football game at a service academy is something truly special. This is very true at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. The entire cadet corps marches from the campus to the off-campus Johnson Hagood Stadium prior to each contest. Recent renovations to the stadium have increased seating capacity, and the fieldhouse at one end of the stadium features a façade that mimics the architecture found throughout the Citadel campus. 6. Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium - Abilene Christian Wildcats (4.29) Terry McCutchen - Abilene Christian has averaged well above 9000 fans per game since Anthony Field opened in 2017. This has created a home field advantage for the Wildcats, which has led to some exciting games and big upsets in the past few years. 7. Shell Energy Stadium - Texas Southern Tigers (4.14) Aaron S. Terry - The Tiger’s lair includes a feature that is a necessity in the hot weather the Houston area experiences in the early fall. A canopy extends out over most of the seating areas in the stadium, providing shade for the Texas Southern and visiting fans alike. The stadium is also located near most of Houston’s top tourist sights. 8. Memorial Stadium – Tarleton State Texans (4.14) Terry McCutcheon - Tarleton State football, though a new participant at the NCAA Division 1 FCS level, provides a quality game day atmosphere. Replete with energetic students, supportive alumni, and high quality in-game presentation, Texans games are top notch events. 9. Rhodes Stadium - Elon Phoenix (4.14) Will Halpern - The home of the Phoenix is rising in our ratings based on the great sight lines, tasty North Carolina BBQ being served at its concession stands and the sounds coming from the Fire of the Carolinas Band. The Phoenix faithful arrive early and stay late for an all-day party. 10. Franklin Field - Penn Quakers (4.14) Gregory Koch - Like many other structures in Philadelphia, Penn Stadium is steeped in history, as it is one of the oldest college football venues in the country. It is the home field for the Penn Quakers football games, has hosted numerous Army-Navy games and has hosted several Philadelphia Eagles games when there has been a scheduling conflict. 11. Truist Stadium - North Carolina A&T Aggies (4.14) Will Halpern - North Carolina A&T State University has been one of the football powerhouses in the MEAC and throughout HBCU Football, and have a passionate fan base to match. The campus is decked in Blue and Gold with chants of Aggie Pride coming from the more than twelve thousand students, and thousands more alumni throughout the season. 12. Finley Stadium - Chattanooga Mocs (4.14) Lloyd Brown - All aboard for a fun gameday experience at the home of the Mocs. The party gets underway at the Pavilion across the street from Finley Stadium, with the Marching Mocs, the cheer squads performing at the tailgating event and the Mocs football team doing their pregame walk through the crowd on their way to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, there are food trucks serving a wide variety of foods. After the games end, Finley Stadium is just a short distance from the Chattanooga Choo-Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium, two of the city’s top tourist attractions. 13. E. Claiborne Robins Stadium - Richmond Spiders (4.00) Joseph Oakes - Oh, what a wonderful web they weave! A lovely, wooded setting, great concession items, a fun zone for the kids and capacity crowds add up to  a great football experience in the capital city of Virginia. Historic Williamsburg is nearby, making it a great option for a long family weekend in the fall.   14. Fargodome - North Dakota State Bison (4.00) Lloyd Brown - As our top-rated indoor facility, the Fargodome also has the best tailgating scene outside of any FCS venue. Once inside, the noise created by the Bison faithful can be deafening, making it difficult for the visiting team to communicate. Most important, the Fargodome provides refuge from the harsh winter weather that typically moves into the area by the end of the season. 15. Dana J Dykhouse Stadium - South Dakota State Jackrabbits (4.00) Lloyd Brown - The Jackrabbits have Dykhouse Stadium hopping well before the opening kickoff. SDSU fans have a great reputation for their tailgating acumen, which always includes a stop at the campus dairy store for its famous ice cream. Low ticket prices, one of the largest videoboards in an FCS venue, wonderful sightlines and frequent national championship seasons all add up to some great Saturdays in Brookings. 16. Harvard Stadium - Harvard Crimson (3.86) Paul Baker - One of the most historic sports venues in the country, Harvard Stadium was the nation’s first stadium built specifically for football. It is especially known for the Harvard-Yale rivalry game. It was also the scene of the first forward pass in college football history. 17. Robert and Janet Vacker Stadium - UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (3.86) Eric Moreno - The Vaqueros are one of more recent additions to the FCS level of football. Rather than taking on the immense expense of building a brand-new stadium from the ground up, the school chose to use an existing minor league soccer stadium and convert it for the American version of football. The accountants and the local fanbase are very happy about that decision, as it saved millions of dollars and provided a ready-to-use stadium that has sold out every game since the Vaqueros moved there.  18. Davidson College Stadium - Davidson Wildcats (3.86) Lloyd Brown - Davidson College’s new stadium replaces the 100-year-old Richardson Stadium, which will now be used for track and field events. The new venue offers a wide variety of concession items, close-to-the-field seating experience and an extensive electronics package that were not possible in its former home.  19. First Security Field at Estes Stadium - Central Arkansas Bears (3.86) Lloyd Brown - What’s purple and silver all over?  The playing surface at First Security Field at the University of Central Arkansas. This creates an immediate strong impression for fans watching a Bears’ home game. A high scoring offense, low-ticket prices and an on-campus location add to the gameday experience. Fans can follow every play on the expansive videoboard rising above the south end zone. 20. Stewart Stadium - Weber State Wildcats (3.86) Connor Commeau - Stewart Stadium is located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden Utah. The Wildcats typically schedule late afternoon games, which allow fans to experience a spectacular view of the sunsets the area enjoys. The stadium features an affordable family experience for both locals and visiting fans. 21. Powers Field - Princeton Tigers (3.86) Matthew Collins - Powers Field is a modern facility at a school known for its old, historic buildings. Tiger fans enjoy the many amenities made possible by the recent rebuilding of the stadium. It is very close to the central campus, which makes it very easy for the campus community to get to the games without needing a car. The Tiger statues just outside of the stadium make a great backdrop for selfies. 22. Dakota Dome - South Dakota Coyotes (3.86) Aaron S. Terry - A visit to the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, South Dakota is an excellent way to see college football. You can take in some great scenery, while also enjoying a game in comfort and style without having to brave the elements – that alone makes this a stadium worth journeying. You also get to experience one of the toughest intrastate rivalry games in the country when the Coyotes welcome the SDSU Jackrabbits at the Dakota Dome every two years. 23. Cowboy Stadium - McNeese State Cowboys (3.86) Paul Donaldson - “The Hole” is the second HBCU stadium on our list. It offers low ticket prices, some uniquely Cajun concessions offerings and a great P.A. announcer. The Cowboys are known for their up-tempo offense, which tends to wear out the opposition late in the games.  24. Cooper Field - Georgetown Hoyas (3.86) Gregory Koch - Though Georgetown University is best known for basketball, it also fields a football team. Cooper Field, seating just 3,750, is among the smallest venues in Division I. Its location on campus makes attending games easy for students, and it stands as the only D1 college football program in Washington, D.C. 25. O’Shaughnessy Stadium - St. Thomas Tommies (3.86) Lloyd Brown - The Tommies are relative newcomers to the FCS, jumping from Division III to Division I in 2021. However, their home field, O’Shaughnessy Stadium, has been around since 1948. It features the purple school colors prominently throughout the seating area, the press box and the end zones. The stadium features the same stone exterior material used in all the campus buildings. One of the nice period touches on the stadium exterior are the carved bas relief football figures from a bygone era.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Wintrust Arena FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd. Chicago, IL 60616 DePaul Blue Demons website Wintrust Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,387 DePaul Blue Demon Basketball Review Wintrust Arena is the home of the DePaul University Blue Demons and is situated near McCormick Place in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood. Opened in 2017, the arena has a distinctive design with a sweeping curved roof above four transparent sides. It has a capacity of 10,387. ​DePaul played basketball sporadically since 1908, but it was not until 1923-24 that a full season record was kept. It coincided with the Blue Demons opening of University Auditorium, a former barracks for the Student Army Training Corp. during World War I. ​In 1942, George Mikan and head coach Ray Meyer arrived on campus, leading the Demons to the 1943 Final Four and an NIT championship in 1945. Mikan would graduate in 1945, leading the Minneapolis Lakers to five BAA/NBA championships, and be considered one of the greatest big men of his time. Meyer would coach for 42 years and finish with a 724-354 record. He would lead them to the 1979 Final Four that featured rookie standout Mark Aguirre. ​Before playing at the Wintrust Arena, the Blue Demons called the   Allstate Arena in Rosemont , Illinois, home for 37 years. The switch to the South Loop moves the team much closer to campus, a little less than 7 miles. The arena is also home to the  Chicago Sky of the WNBA during the summer months. ​ Food & Beverage 4 Although there are not many options at the arena, there are plenty that will satisfy the cravings of anyone in attendance. A few higher-level concession options add excitement, along with 25 percent discounts on beer before tip-off. ​Windy City Burger Company and Big Chicken  are located behind the student section on the main concourse. Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken serves deep-fried chicken strips and fries combo. They are all served with Shaq Sauce, a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and spices, with a tang from a touch of pickle juice. Windy City offers brisket burgers in two wide varieties. The Jump Shot is the most popular and is topped with cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce. The Inferno Burger is a one-pound patty of beef, with pickled red onions, bacon, spicy pepper relish, and special sauce on a brioche bun. There is also a plant-based burger. All items are served with fries. Fans can choose from the Demon Dog Combo Meal. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. ​ Other concession options include the hot dog combos and nachos. The Demon Dog Combo is a footlong with mustard, cheese, pico de gallo, and jalapenos. The shareable nachos come in a souvenir bowl with jalapenos, ground beef, pico, and sour cream. There are small options for these items as well. Popcorn is available by the bucket along with Garrett Popcorn Chicago mix, consisting of cheddar and caramel popcorn. Another Chicago favorite, Connie's Pizza, is available in personal pies. ​Pepsi products are the drink of choice, and the alcoholic beverages include Coors Light and Banquet, Modelo, Topo Chico Seltzer, and Revolution Anti Hero IPA and Cold Time Premium Lager. Wine and cocktails are also available in the building. ​ Atmosphere 3 The arena is a basketball-first venue with ideal seating on all four sides, a wraparound concourse, and open areas to enjoy the game while away from your seats. The 10,000-plus venue features chairback seats with cup-holders and easy access to and from the seating bowl. The arena is split into two levels and offers great sightlines with a majority of the seats in the lower bowl close to the action on the court. A giant videoboard hovers over center court that provides stats, replays, information, and promotions during the game. There are also ribbon scoreboards on each end of the court.  DIBS gets the crowd started before tip-off at center court, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The videoboard comes in handy during pre-game introductions, including DIBS (Demon in a Blue Suit) waving the team flag, and flanked by cheerleaders and fire. He revs the crowd up and can be found on the sidelines and in the stands throughout the game. Cheerleaders entertain fans during breaks in the action on the court, and the band adds the soundtrack to the game. The Blue Demon Club Lounge is located between sections 106 and 112 on the main concourse. It offers ticket holders access to all-you-can-eat food, soft drinks, and a full-service bar. Non-ticket holders can also walk through the area. Most arenas restrict access to visitors, requiring them to walk around the lounge area. Neighborhood 4 The Wintrust Arena is located in the South Loop at the McCormick Place Convention Center. The arena benefits from multiple dining options, tourist attractions, and convenient transit connections. The neighborhood doesn’t suffer from pregame or postgame dining options. Fans can head a mile west into Chinatown for standout spots such as MingHin , Triple Crown , and Joy Yee —ideal destinations for anyone looking to explore one of the city’s most flavorful neighborhoods. Closer to the arena, Chef Luciano Kitchen and Chicken serves up some of the city’s best fried chicken and seafood, while Windy City Ribs & Whiskey offers rib tips and links, and Pizano’s  for deep dish and thin-crust pizza. A mile away from the arenas is the Pleasant House Pub , specializing in British-inspired fare such as meat pies, bangers and mash, and happy hour specials. Additionally, Fatpour Tapworks  has a full menu and a tasty array of cocktails, spirits, and beer. A few miles south of the Arena is Rate Field, the home of the White Sox, and just a Metra stop north is Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears  and Chicago Fire . The stop also provides access to the Shedd Aquarium  and the Field Museum along the banks of Lake Michigan.   Fans 3 The fan base for Blue Demons games is a collection of students, family members, alumni, and casual fans converging for college basketball in Chicago. The arena is around 7 miles south of the DePaul campus, perhaps making it a little inconvenient for the student base to attend regularly. The game we attended was less than usual, due to final exam schedules and the holiday season. However, the crowd reaction was lively and made the half-empty building come alive during certain moments of the game. Access 5 Regardless of your mode of transportation, accessing the Wintrust Arena is rather simple. Public transportation options include the CTA bus, CTA elevated train (The “L”), and the METRA commuter train. ​ The METRA Commuter Train has a stop a couple of blocks north of the building at the 18th Street exit. Commuters can purchase a one-way or an all-day pass. The CYA Green Line has a McCormick Place stop two blocks west. The Red Line (Cermak/ Chinatown) stop is four blocks west of the arena. No. 3 King Drive is the most convenient CTA bus route, running north and south along Michigan Avenue. It has a stop at the corner of Michigan and Cermak. ​ The arena has two main entrances, one from the Skybridge that leads fans directly to the main concourse and the main exterior entrance at the corner of Indiana Avenue and Cermak Road. This entrance provides access to the venue’s ground level and offers escalators to the main concourse. ​ Return on Investment 4 ​ Ticket prices on   the website TickPick  this season are as low as $2 and as high as $19 against some of the best from the Big East. That is an incredible value for any Division I basketball program, let alone one that is located in the city of Chicago. ​The best places to park for games would be in the McCormick Place parking lot. The closest lot is A, and that will cost anywhere from $27-$40 for the night. Check prices on the website SpotHero  for the best prices for Blue Demon games. The concession prices tend to be on the higher side, but also along the lines of other arenas and stadiums in the heart of Chicago. With that being said, beer prices are slashed 25 percent before tip-off and  ​ Extras 4 ​ The Wintrust Arena earns a point for offering 25 percent off beer before tip-off. The arena earns a second point for the skybridge that takes fans from the parking lot across the street and into the arena.  The third point is allowing access to fans to walk through the Blue Demon Club Lounge without having to walk around the entire section. The final point is for the Windy City Burger Company and Big Chicken concession stands that offer premium food options at the game. The Skybridge from the McCormick Parking Garage leads directly into the arena, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. Taking a Bag? The bag policy is similar to that of other venues. Bags that are allowed at the Wintrust Arena include plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. They include fanny packs, backpacks, or sling bags. Non-clear purses or bags of 10” x 6” x 2” and one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags are also allowed. Final Thoughts The Wintrust Arena is a comfortable, modern arena that is ideal for college hoops. The price of tickets, easy access, and the neighborhood make it a nice option for sports fans visiting Chicago. There are many other sporting options, but many can't compete with the pricing at Blue Demons men's basketball games. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Ron Calcagno Stadium 1885 Miramonte Ave Mountain View, CA 94040 Map It St. Francis High School Lancers website Ron Calcagno Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 5,000 Welcome to Ron Calcagno Stadium Located just off of Mountain View, California’s Permanente Creek, stands one of the Bay Area’s best high school football stadiums. Ron Calcagno was a longtime coach for the St. Francis Lancers back in the day, winning 12 West Catholic League titles and 11 Central Coast Section championships in 24 years at the helm. In total, the Lancers have won 17 CCS titles and have taken the WCAL crown 27 times, establishing themselves as one of the most storied high school football programs in the Bay Area. Food & Beverage 4 While it may not look like it at first, the Lancers have quite a spread at both of their concession stands. There are no grills, ovens or stoves behind the cashiers, but if you order a hot dog ($6), pizza ($6), hamburger ($8), cheeseburger ($9) or tri-tip sandwich ($10), then they will give you a card stating what you ordered and have you walk over to the nearby barbeque pit where you can get your grub. The condiments are plentiful, too, as giant tubes filled with barbeque sauce and mayonnaise are stacked at the far end of the table. Once you get your dinner, you can turn around and eat on one of the large stone picnic tables that sit under a cabana lit with Christmas lights. The only downside is that if you do choose to eat in comfort, you won’t be able to watch any of the game as it is too far from the action. All you can do is listen to the roar of the crowd as you stuff your face with the finest food high school football has to offer. Ron Calcagno Stadium Concession Area, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Although the stadium itself doesn’t pay much tribute to the school’s esteemed athletic heritage, as you walk down the hall towards the field, you are overwhelmed by the pictures and trophies that fill the cabinets that line up elegantly along the walls. Halt at the entryway of several athletic courts that pay homage to many of the school's more than 200 CCS titles. It is the ultimate fusion of past and present. Once you enter the stadium, you are met with a massive bay laurel tree that is the remainder of a long-ago orchard that was planted before the high school was founded, and has become one of the primary distinctions of Ron Calcagno Stadium. It looms over one of the two end zones as a crowd of supporters always gathers underneath it to cheer on their team. During the biggest games, this little section is packed with fans. But not on this night, as St Francis is fighting to end the regular season at 5-5, and their opponents have only won three games all year, going into the last regular season game of the year. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding neighborhood is safe and filled with activity. If you’d like something to eat before the game, Sourdough & Co ., House of Bagels , and Sizzling Lunch  are all right down Miramonte Avenue. There’s also an In-N-Out Burger  on the corner of Grant and El Camino Real, but it gets jam-packed with people after the game, so if you’d like to visit, then I’d recommend going before the game. Other sports to visit when in town include the NFL's San Francisco 49ers , the Santa Clara Broncos basketball , or the NHL's San Jose Sharks . Or for something cultural, visit the Computer History Museum in the heart of Silicon Valley. If you’d like to stay the night, there are several hotels not too far from the stadium. These include the Hotel Strata ,  Hotel Zico , and TownePlace Suites by Marriott . Fans 3 Saint Francis’s fans are a lively bunch who expect to win yet remain respectful enough to ensure that everyone in the crowd has a good time. This level of respect truly gives Ron Calcagno Stadium a familial feel. Access 3 There is parking on campus, and although it stretches all over the place, it can feel a bit crowded. Get there early if you want to get a good parking spot. Speaking of cramped conditions, it’s still possible to get an Uber there.  The stands stand tall enough to get a great angle of plays as they develop, no matter where you sit. When arriving, walk down the Athletic Hall of Fame towards the field. You'll be overwhelmed by pictures and trophies adorning the cabinets. It is clear that the school reveres its past athletic achievements and strives to win even more.  Return on Investment 3 The $11 spent on GoFans is well invested, as is the $10 spent on the tri-tip sandwich (it’s worth the heartburn, too). But it’s so much more than just the money spent. This is one of the premier athletic programs in California, with 13 state titles under its belt in multiple sports. Football has only won one of those, back in 2017, but they are still considered to be the face of the school’s esteemed athletic legacy. It’s worth your $21 to experience the aura of Lancer football. Extras 2 Like any great book, Ron Calcagno Stadium has a great cover in a massive bay laurel tree that looms over one end zone and has become a symbol of the stadium’s unique identity. Lancer fans often gather underneath it to have a unique perspective of the game, and during the biggest games, that area swells with activity. Ron Calcagno Stadium Bay Laurel Tree, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey St Francis’s student section, dubbed "the Rage Cage," is easily the most lively part of the whole atmosphere. During the biggest games, smoke fills the section as the intimate crowd rocks the stands.  Final Thoughts Ron Calcagno Stadium is one of the more unique stadiums in the Bay Area. While the scoreboard is well behind the times, both stands are tall enough to give every fan a perfect bird’s eye view of the action below. But the true landscape of the venue is located just behind the massive tree that looms over one of the end zones. There, crowds mingle as food is ordered at a large concessions stand and cooked all the way over in a barbecue pit that overlooks one of the best eating spots in all of high school football. Of course, the product on the field is often excellent as the Lancers pride themselves on tradition and legacy, always striving to add another WCAL and CCS title to their swelling trophy case.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 United Center 1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Bulls website United Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 20,917 Chicago Bulls United Center Review The Chicago Bulls moved into the United Center for the beginning of the 1994/1995 NBA season. At the time, Michael Jordan was still retired and playing baseball, but he would rejoin the team later on that year and help usher in a string of three more NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Twenty years after his retirement, it is hard not to notice MJ’s accomplishments throughout the building and how magnetic that era was to the fans in Chicago. The United Center replaced the iconic Chicago Stadium, which debuted in 1929 and had been the home to the Bulls since its inaugural year in 1966. The plan to build the multipurpose arena was created by Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. The cost of construction was $175 million and would have a capacity of 23,129 for basketball. The arena was also designed with an Art Deco style much like its predecessor, providing a nod to the past and progress toward the future. The United Center introduced an 8,600-square-foot screen display, giving it the most high-definition space of any NBA arena. It is four times larger than the previous one, which was installed in 2005. Fans on the 100-section level will be able to see videos and stats on a continuous LED inner ring underneath the main screens. Food & Beverage 4 The United Center has  27 concession areas along with several upscale dining areas  to enhance the game-day experience for fans during the game. The arena has a massive selection of food and beverage options featured on the main concourse. They range from regular stands to the fancier sections with additional seating, while many others have their own social area. Chicago staples and favorites from around the country are available at the United Center. The main concession stands are labeled Madison Street Eats, Chicago Sausage Shop, Chicago Dish, and Vienna Beef. Customers can order Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polishes, chicken tenders and fries, and crinkle-cut fries. A few specialty areas include the Honey Butter Chicken stand, which sells chicken sandwiches, biscuits, and fries with pimento cheese. Lillie’s Q is home to pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches. This Little Goat Went to the Market fuses Mexican and Korean flavors. Short rib and Korean-style tacos are recommended. Legacy Burgers offers steak and plant-based burgers. A few more Chicago specialties include Giordano’s open space that sells thin and deep-crust pizzas, and the Goose Island Pub is a stand-alone bar that offers turkey, corned beef, and roast beef sandwiches. Many stands also feature Garrett’s Chicago Mix (cheddar and caramel popcorn) to conclude the city’s culinary tour. The FanDuel Lounge allows fans to enjoy the Bulls game and other sporting events in comfort A few upscale areas on the main concourse include three interesting places to enjoy a drink and socialize with friends. Queenie’s Supperclub draws inspiration from nearby Wisconsin's popular eateries and features a modern interpretation of a classic Midwestern eatery. Rocky’s Club is named after former Hawks owner and offers a throwback aesthetic for a timeless cocktail with friends. The FanDuel Lounge is a two-story space that offers state-of-the-art viewing to ensure no fan misses out on the action. Atmosphere 4 The Bulls are still a popular draw at the United Center, and many games are filled at or near capacity. The main concourse aisles are usually buzzing with commerce, folks grabbing something to eat or checking out many of the interactive video screens that highlight the history of the team, including those six NBA titles between 1991 and 1998. There are also various areas, such as the Goose Island Bar and Giordano’s, where patrons can relax and enjoy a few drinks and Chicago-style eats while being away from their seats in the main bowl. The upper concourse also offers four social area bars at each corner that open up to the seating area for views of the game. The attention grabber at the United Center is the championship banners that hang from the rafters of both the Bulls and the Blackhawks. One only has to gaze at the six championship banners by the Bulls and the retired jersey numbers of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to breathe in the rich history of the team from two decades ago. The massive seating bowl is large and never feels too steep or cramped. The main aisles open up in the middle, resulting in a very easily accessible way to your seat. You never feel as if you’re hiking up a mountain to get to your seat. The same goes for the lower concourse, where you feel almost on top of the action taking place on the hardwood. The Madhouse Team Store, located in the east addition to the arena, is a 10,000-square-foot retail store offering official team merchandise and exclusive Madhouse apparel. Fans have the opportunity to make play-by-play calls via interactive touchscreens located inside repurposed CTA train cars. They can also insert themselves into iconic team photos to share on social media. There are also special sale prices on certain gear and giant-size replicas of both the Stanley Cup and the Larry O’Brien Trophy for more photo ops. However, the main spot for photo opportunities is just outside the store at the Michael Jordan statue. The 12-foot-high bronze and black granite is now located indoors in the atrium and is a work of art. Neighborhood 3 When there is an event at the United Center, the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Bulls game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side, where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games. Hawkeye’s is known for its homemade chili and hamburger specials. There is also an array of wines, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game. Park Tavern serves $3 drafts before every Bulls game, a savings of 70 percent off the price of beer at the arena, and The Ogden and WestEnd offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat-screen TVs. If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular from Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. The neighborhood is in the early stages of a transformation called Project 1901 that will transform the surrounding parking lots into a new mixed-use neighborhood that will connect it to the rest of the city and its people. The $7 billion private investment will include a 6,000-seat music hall, a hotel, retail space, housing, an elevated community park, and green space around the United Center. Fans 4 The Bulls are still one of the top-drawing clubs in the league, averaging well over 20,000 as of last season, with the NBA lead in overall attendance. You would have to go back to 2009 to the last time Chicago did not finish at the top of average attendance figures. Access 4 CTA buses are the best option for public transportation – either the #20 Madison or the #19 United Center Express. After the game, a fleet of #20 buses will be lined up on Madison heading back to the Loop. Buses run past CTA elevated and subway lines, as well as Ogilvie Station, for connections via Metra rail to the Chicago suburbs. The #9 Ashland and #50 Damen buses are options for travelers heading north/south instead. CTA elevated trains are within walking distance via the Ashland/Lake station ( Green /Pink Lines). Once inside, the seating areas are divided evenly to make for easy access to all sections of the seating area. The upper and lower concourses are somewhat narrow in certain parts but large enough to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Return on Investment 4 There is a demand for Bulls tickets, and the team still attracts 20,000 plus for most games during the regular season, regardless of record. The prices differ depending on which night and who is in town to take on the Bulls. The secondary market is the cheapest option for tickets. A weekday game will cost around $40 for the least expensive ticket, but weekend games can rise to $75. There is also the factor of a popular team visiting the United Center that will drive up the price. Games against the Bucks and Nets can be pricey, but not so much against the Thunder or Kings on a weekday evening. The website TickPick offers popular prices with no extra fees. It is also best to use a website such as HeroSpot to prepay for a parking ticket before the game. The website offers a map of spots that range in price from $10 to $40, depending on the distance from the arena. Concession prices are somewhat high but not different from other NBA arenas. Fans should expect to pay around $10 for sandwiches, $15-18 for beers, and up to $18 for premium food items. Extras 4 The United Center gets an extra point for its design, which pays homage to the old Chicago Stadium that existed from 1929 to 1994. The signage inside the concourse aisles all have Art Deco fonts, and there are plenty of other nods to this design in the interior and exterior of the building. The second point goes to all those championship banners that hang from the rafters and provide a defiant exclamation point and wow factor to any first-time visitor walking to their seats. The third point goes to the atrium that houses the Michael Jordan statue, Queenie’s Supper Club, and the Madhouse Team Store. There will be further additions to the atrium, perhaps creating a festive vibe just outside the building and underneath the roof. The final point goes to the extensive video screens on the lower concourse, showcasing team history, player profiles, and photo opportunities for fans. There is also a trophy case that displays all six NBA championship trophies. Final Thoughts The United Center has enough of what you need for an enjoyable evening of professional basketball. The history of the Bulls is on display throughout the building, the social areas are great for spending time away from the game, and there is always an energetic crowd to liven up the mood of the building. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Manuel Rivero Gymnasium 1675 Baltimore Pike Lincoln University, PA 19352 Lincoln Lions website Manuel Rivero Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,500 Lions of PA Lincoln University is a public state-related HBCU near Oxford, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, Temple, Pitt, Penn State, and Lincoln have this state-related designation. Legally, the universities remain separate and private entities, operating under their charters, governed by independent boards of trustees, and with assets under their ownership and control, thereby retaining much of the freedom and individuality of private institutions. The nearby University of Delaware also has a similar structure. Lincoln was founded as the private Ashmun Institute in 1854, it has been a public institution since 1972. It is the United States' first degree-granting HBCU. Lincoln has an impressive list of famous alumni including US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, poet Langston Hughes, and jazz artist Gil Scott-Heron. Manuel Rivero Gymnasium is part of the bigger Manuel Rivero Hall which also includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, classrooms, a wrestling room, a dance studio, and an eight-lane bowling alley. The facility was originally called Alumni Memorial Gymnasium and was renamed Manuel Rivero Hall in 1986. Manuel Rivero played football at Columbia University and played professional baseball in the Negro leagues for the Cuban Stars (East) and Pollock's Cuban Stars. Rivero went on to coach various teams at Lincoln between 1933 and 1977. He passed away in 2001. The Lincoln Lions play in NCAA Division II as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The Track and Field program has been the university's most successful program. The basketball team set many records in 2006 by winning 201-78 over Ohio State Marion. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food stands at the game. There was a simple drink vending machine in the lobby. We are assuming that on certain games there would be some foods sold in the lobby of the facility. Atmosphere 5 Manuel Rivero Gymnasium is a simple facility with 3 seating sections. You will be close to the action, no matter where you choose to sit. There is a great cheer squad that dances and cheers loudly and effectively throughout the game. There is also likely to be a pep band, or at least a drumline to add to the atmosphere. Lincoln Lions Intros, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey We attended a doubleheader men's/women's event, which is a great value if you choose to do so. Both games are lively and fun to see. Neighborhood 3 Lincoln university is located outside of the town of Oxford, which is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania The Oxford Historic District and Oxford Hotel are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are a few interesting restaurants in the small town and we can recommend Hollow Earth Brewing, Margherita's Italian Restaurant, and Bellybusters Sub Shoppe. You can also stock up on food at the Landhope Farms convenience store or the Wawa in nearby Nottingham. Nottingham is also home to Herr Foods, which offers tours on weekdays. Check on the hours of their gift and outlet shop if in the area. Herrs also has a very good, and free, Christmas light display from December to January. Fans 5 The fans are very engaged in the game and create a great atmosphere inside Manuel Rivero Gymnasium. They are knowledgeable and loud. Access 3 Lincoln is located off a section of US Route 1 which is a divided highway so access is fairly decent. The only issue is that even though it is in the Mid-Atlantic region, this area of Chester County is much more isolated than you would expect. If you are traveling through this area you may know it as between Herr's Factory and Longwood Gardens. The university has guards at the entrance to their lots but if you let them know you are attending a sports event they will wave you through. There is plenty of parking near the gym. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the game cost $10 for general admission. With it being Division II and the cheap cost of attending a game, the return on investment is quite good. Extras 3 There is a great display case in the entrance lobby showing off all of the athletic accomplishments of Lincoln's teams. The cheer squad is pretty amazing and is a great enhancer of the atmosphere. The color choices and phrases on the seating sections are a nice touch. Final Thoughts Lincoln University is a great sports stop if you are looking for an event between Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a rich football tradition that has produced hundreds of players who have gone on to stardom in the NFL. In addition to the action on the field, HBCU games offer a terrific gameday experience, complete with top-notch band performances, excellent food, and a rich tradition. The Celebration Bowl in Atlanta decides the on-field champion for HBCU football. Here at Stadium Journey, we’re just as interested in selecting an off-field champion, based on what’s going on in the stands, at the tailgate, during the halftime show, and getting into and out of the stadium. We’re proud to release our 2025 ratings for the 10 best stadium experiences for HBCU teams that play FCS-level football. To do this, we are using our FANFARE (food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, return on investment, and extras) Rating System. NOTE: We have retired North Carolina A&T from this list, as they no longer play in an HBCU conference. They technically would be at least tied with our number one. Below is their blurb as it would have been on our list. Truist Stadium - North Carolina AT&T Aggies 4.14   Will Halpern - This stadium experience has great fans, a terrific band, and several championship seasons under its belt. Attending a game at Truist Stadium should be on your bucket list. We know that wherever you go on your HBCU football travels, you will come away with a very enjoyable experience! 1. Shell Energy Stadium - Texas Southern Tigers 4.14   Aaron S. Terry - The home of the Tigers has shaded seats, great concessions, and top-notch halftime performances by the school band. Afterward, you can visit the many tourist sites around Houston. 2. O’Kelly – Riddick Stadium - North Carolina Central Eagles 3.86   Will Halpern - The Eagle’s Nest offers a great pregame tailgating experience, inexpensive tickets, and a great deejay who keeps the crowd enthused! 3. New ASU Stadium - Alabama State Hornets 3.71   Aaron S. Terry - One of the newest HBCU stadiums, the Hornet’s Nest, offers easy on/off access from I-85, performances by the Honey-Bee’s and great food. It is also located in the state’s capital city, which offers lots of options for pre- or post-game tourist visits. 4. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium - Jackson State Tigers 3.57   Matt Colville - You will feel the history as you enter “the Vet.” It is one of the largest stadiums in the HBCU system, and it has hosted countless games featuring future NFL Hall of Fame members. Deon may have left the building, but you are sure to spot numerous NFL alumni at the pre- and post-game functions! 5. Bragg Memorial Stadium - Florida A&M Rattlers 3.43   Lloyd Brown - The snake pit has hosted numerous HBCU championship teams over the years. Check out the food trucks and stands both inside and outside of the stadium. Once inside, be prepared for some great music performed by the Marching Rattlers. 6. Louis Crews Stadium - Alabama A&M Bulldogs 3.43   Lance Sutehall - Gamedays get an early start on the George Jones Tailgate Plaza. The Maroon and White Band and the Dancin’ Divas keep the energy level high throughout the Bulldogs' games. 7. Panther Stadium - Prairie View Panthers 3.29   Eric Moreno - The stadium offers great views of the action; the Marching Storm will blow you away with some terrific music, and the tickets are cheap. What a great way to enjoy a gorgeous fall afternoon! 8. A. W. Mumford Stadium - Southern Jaguars 3.29   Lloyd Brown - The home of the Jaguars offers a great tailgating experience along the banks of the Mississippi River, the sounds of the Human Jukebox throughout the game, and some unique field-level suites to get a closer look at the action on the field. 9. William "Dick" Price Stadium - Norfolk State Spartans 3.29   Aaron S. Terry - New Spartans coach Michael Vick has really created a buzz amongst the Norfolk State fanbase. The PA announcer and the Marching Spartans keep the energy up throughout the game. 10. Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium - Grambling State Tigers 3.14   Lloyd Brown - Making a pilgrimage to the ‘House that Eddie Built” is a trip that any HBCU football fan should make at some point in their lives. Be sure to check out the on-campus museum that honors the winningest HBCU coach ever. If you are there on a gameday, you’ll be serenaded throughout the game by the “Best Band on the Land.”

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey and Shippensburg Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Heiges Field House 333 Lancaster Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Shippensburg Raiders website Heiges Field House website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,768 Ship Shape Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship or SU) is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 master’s degree programs. Many of the original historic buildings of the campus, including Old Main, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous alumni of the school include Brent Grimes, former National Football League cornerback; Rob Davis, the Director of Player Development of the Green Bay Packers; and best-selling author Dean Koontz. The Raiders are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and have been members of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951. The Dixon trophy is awarded to the top athletic program in the 18 universities Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Shippensburg has won the trophy seven times, the most by any PSAC member. The field hockey team at Ship has been the most successful team on campus winning the national championship in Division II twice in the last six years. Football has been a strong team as well. The mascot is “Big Red,” a red-tail hawk wearing a pirate hat. Heiges Field House was the second-largest wooden-domed structure in the world when it opened. The arena is the home to the school’s volleyball, wrestling, and basketball programs, as well as housing swimming in the attached pool. From 2004 to 2007, the Red Raiders posted a 37-3 record in home basketball games, which led the students of Shippensburg at the time to nickname Heiges Field House, “The Dungeon.” The arena has a wooden playing surface designed by the same floor designer as the University of North Carolina and the University of Kansas. Food & Beverage 2 There are small food stands open for basketball games. The offerings are basic, so eat before the game. Atmosphere 3 The arena feels very open and has a typical atmosphere for a Division II level school. The field house roof is on perfect display at all times with its cool style and large fans coming from it. Neighborhood 3 Shippensburg is a nice little town located just to the north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the Maryland border. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. You can’t go wrong with CJ’s American Pub & Grill for dinner and then stopping by Goose Bros. Ice Cream for dessert. There are other options as it is a small college town with quite a few varieties of places to go. Nearby Chambersburg has many more local and chain options. Fans 3 The crowds are pretty good as Division II schools in Pennsylvania tend to have a good following. Access 4 Shippensburg is located right off Interstate 81, a major route from the south through to the northeast. Accessing the campus is easy as you get off that main road as it is marked well. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the field. Parking is usually free but if it is a weeknight when classes are in session, please make sure to check parking regulations. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are around $10 and parking is free. This is a fairly good value for a decent quality game. Extras 2 There are many trophy cases in the small lobby that offer a glimpse of the successes of the various Raider teams. The unique architecture of the roof is a great extra all on its own. Final Thoughts Shippensburg plays at a good level of basketball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lundholm Gymnasium 145 Main St Durham, NH 03824 New Hampshire Wildcats website Lundholm Gymnasium Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 2,500 Granite State Hoops   The University of New Hampshire is the flagship of the university system of New Hampshire. UNH is comprised of 11 colleges and graduate schools offering 2,000 courses in 100 majors. Founded in 1866 as an agricultural school in conjunction with Dartmouth College, the university moved to its current site in Durham in 1893. Today, the school boasts an enrollment of almost 15,000 students.   Lundholm Gymnasium is named for Carl Lundholm, a University of New Hampshire graduate and athletic director at the school from 1939 to 1963. The gym is located inside the Field House, adjacent to Wildcat Stadium  , and serves as home to both the men's and women's basketball teams, the volleyball team, and the gymnastics team.   The court at Lundholm Gymnasium is dedicated to Gerry Friel, who served as head coach for the men’s basketball team from 1969-1989. The New England Basketball Hall of Famer was the school’s all-time leader in victories with 188 until Bill Herrion passed Friel’s mark during the 2019-20 season.   Basketball has been played at the University of New Hampshire since 1903. The school began sponsoring a women’s basketball team in 1981. Members of the America East conference, neither the men’s nor women’s team has ever qualified for the NCAA tournament.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a small concession stand in the Field House lobby that serves a limited menu for Wildcat fans needing a snack during the game. Hot dogs, nachos, and assorted snacks make up the entire menu. The positive to this small snack bar is its value, as no item costs more than five dollars.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Lundholm Gymnasium. A new addition to the game day atmosphere here is the Lundholm Loft, a private area available to all fans at a cost of $20 per game. This area, which overlooks the north end of the court, features a buffet, lounge areas, and a private bar. Several outstanding local craft beers are available for purchase here, including brews from Stone Face, Decidious, and Tuckerman breweries. UNH Basketball Game Action. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 2   Lundholm Gymnasium definitely gives off old-school vibes from the moment you enter the lobby. Those vibes continue throughout the game, but the UNH staff put on a good show with the limited resources they have. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit occurred during finals week, so there was not much of a turnout from the student body, but based on our past visits, this is not really much of a departure from the norm.   The cheerleading and dance teams were here, performing from their respective baselines throughout the games, but they do not take the floor during play stoppages. The pep band was not present on the night of Stadium Journey's visit. There are games for younger fans during breaks, such as a dizzy bat shooting contest. The sound system is good, and the staff tries to make player introductions exciting by dimming the lights and using strobe lights, but there’s only so much you can do in an old gym like Lundholm. The PA announcer does his best to add some energy to the proceedings without being too over the top.   Banners honoring Wildcat tournament and championship teams in basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics hang on the Lundholm Gymnasium walls. There are scoreboards on either end of the gym that display basic game statistics.   Neighborhood 3   The University of New Hampshire dominates the small town of Durham. The university is located just west of downtown on Main Street, less than a mile from the gym. Durham has a nice, small-town college feel to it, and there are a few places worth checking out for a bite to eat if you are visiting here from out of town. Students regularly pack Libby’s Bar and Grill or Durham House of Pizza for a pre- or post-game meal. Fans looking to stay in town will not find many options, with a Holiday Inn Express and Three Chimneys Inn being the extent of the choices.   Fans visiting UNH from out of town will often head east to Portsmouth, located just 11 miles from Lundholm Gymnasium. Portsmouth features a picturesque, walkable downtown with numerous quaint shops and excellent restaurants. Since there are not many lodging options in Durham, head to Portsmouth for more choices.   Boston is about an hour’s drive south on I-95. The White Mountains are located just a ninety-minute drive north of Durham and feature spectacular foliage in the fall and many outstanding ski resorts in the winter.   Fans 2   The Wildcats typically do not draw big crowds to basketball games at Lundhold Gymnasium. For the 2024-2025 season, their announced attendance was 448 fans per game. Although there is some variability from year to year, this is pretty consistent with previous seasons. Stadium Journey visited Durham on a chilly December night during finals week with a crowd of 469 in attendance.   A typical crowd at a UNH basketball game is made up mostly of locals, with a good amount of families here taking advantage of the affordability of a Wildcat hoops game. This is definitely a family-friendly place to be. You’ll find a few students here taking in the action, but there is no organized student section to speak of. UNH Basketball Action from the Lundholm Loft. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Durham is a small town with a population of almost 15,500, located fifteen minutes west of Portsmouth and an hour north of Boston. The town is easy to reach via car, as it is located just off of Interstate 95 and Route 4. The University of New Hampshire dominates the town of Durham, with the campus straddling Main Street. Lundholm Gymnasium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to Wildcat Stadium and across the street from Whittemore Center . Most fans will park across the street from the Field House in Lot A and arrive at the facility via a tunnel that passes underneath Main Street.   For fans relying on public transportation, UNH provides several shuttles and buses that serve various campus points and travel to Dover and Portsmouth. A complete schedule of routes can be found here . The local Amtrak station is located across the street from the Field House, with trains that serve Boston, New York, and beyond.   The Field House is the hub of New Hampshire athletics, as it contains the department’s administrative offices, Swazey Pool, gymnastics training room, the Paul Sweet Oval, and Reggie Atkins Track. Fans coming here for basketball games will enter a small lobby that contains the ticket booths, concession stand, restrooms, and UNH photo gallery. Lundholm Gymnasium will be directly in front of you as you enter.   Seating inside Lundholm Gymnasium consists of molded bleachers without backs on either side of the court. There are no seats at the ends of the court. With the small size of the gym, all seats feature excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 4   Going to a Wildcat basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for New Hampshire sports fans. Tickets are sold as general admission for $23. Seniors and youth are admitted for $17. Courtside tickets can be purchased for $35. Parking in Lot A across the street from the Field House is free, and all the items on the concessions menu are priced under five dollars.   Extras 2                                                                                                 When visiting Lundholm Gymnasium, be sure to take a walk around the Field House and check out the photos of every single varsity program to ever represent the university. Not just championship teams, but every single squad. Every sport, every year. It’s an impressive gallery. Hidden amongst these pictures of thousands of young men and women are a hockey Hall of Famer (Rod Langway, class of ’79), a baseball Hall of Famer who went to UNH on a basketball scholarship (Carlton Fisk, class of ’63) and a hockey player who is best known as an actor who played a hockey player (Michael Ontkean, class of ’70, a.k.a. Ned Braden from the cult classic Slap Shot). Also, check out the women’s hockey teams from 1977-92, where coach Russ McCurdy would pose for the annual team photo holding his cat.   Final Thoughts   New Hampshire is one of those northeast schools where hockey is king and hoops are an afterthought. The quaint, old-timey nature of Lundholm Gymnasium reflects the university’s attitude towards basketball. Stepping into Lundholm is almost like stepping back in time. If you like your hoops presented simply, you’ll love visiting UNH.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos courtesy of Amy Lane Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 The Nest at Colbert Court 6000 J St Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website The Nest at Colbert Court website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 1,012 The Hornets Nest The Sacramento State Hornets play in one of the smallest gyms in NCAA's Division I. This creates an intimate environment for the Hornets men's basketball team that routinely fills up The Nest to its 1,012 spectator capacity. The Hornets Nest at Colberg Court has been the home to Sacramento State basketball and volleyball since it opened in 1955. Sacramento State plays in California's capital city and competes in the Big Sky Conference. The conference is the home to many state universities with smaller athletic programs in the Western United States. Next year, Sac State's neighbor, UC-Davis , will join the conference as an affiliate member, participating only in football. During this time of complete conference overhauls, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) has shown interest in recruiting the Hornets into the FBS realm of college football. Some of the holdup has been the state of Colberg Court and the perception that it is unfit and too small in relation to other schools in the conference and in the division. After all the courting of universities and conferences it seems Sacramento State is staying put in the Big Sky for the foreseeable future. Food & Beverage 2 There is nothing too exciting about the food and beverage options at The Nest. However, I did appreciate the straight forward nature of the menu and the reasonable prices. Hot dogs ($4), polish dogs ($5), nachos ($3), popcorn ($1), chips ($1) and candy ($1) are the extent of the food options. Bottled water ($1.50) and soda ($1.50), coffee ($1), Gatorade ($3) and Rockstar Energy Drink ($2.50) were the only beverage options, but again, at very reasonable prices. My recommendation is to eat at a nearby restaurant prior and grabbing a cup of coffee at the game. Atmosphere 4 I didn't know what to expect when I traveled to Sacramento to see the Hornets play. I'd been to many basketball venues in the state's lesser conferences with decidedly mixed atmospheres. To top it off, it was a rainy Thursday and 8:00 pm tip. Sacramento State had the best basketball atmosphere of the "smaller" venues I've been to, surpassing UC-Davis, Pacific and San Jose State, and rivaling the likes of USF and Saint Mary's . To begin, the place was packed. Granted, the maximum capacity is only 1,200 persons but I was still pleasantly surprised. I often think that schools with passionate, yet small fan bases would be better suited for even smaller, intimate venues. Many members of the other athletic programs were in attendance creating quite a buzz around the gym. It was also the night which the senior members of the Hornet cheer leading squad and dance team were recognized for their time at Sac State. One could easily confuse Colberg Court for a high school gym as it is particularly small for a college venue and the atmosphere is definitely a social event. Granted, there are plenty of fans paying attention to the game but the social aspect is certainly strong. There were two sections of seating, mirroring one another on either side of the court. Each section was only about a dozen rows high for the duration of its length, allowing great views no matter your seat. One thing of note that I certainly took issue with. On one end line, against the wall, are what look to be at first glance, banners immortalizing great moments in Hornets history. Upon further review, they are nothing but sponsorship adds masquerading as relevant banners. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of spots near the school to grab a bite nearby. Cafe 601 is on University Avenue and a popular destination for college students serving sandwiches and other to-go items. Hoppy Brewing Company is the most popular brewery in Sacramento and serves regular pub food. Their beer can be found at retailers all around Northern California. Though you can imbibe nearby the venue, if you have time, a trip downtown might be in order. You can visit the California State Capital, just five miles from the university as well as enjoy the rest of the downtown Sacramento area. The Pilothouse and Moxie are good downtown restaurants if you're looking for sit-down restaurant while the Firehouse and Biba are upscale restaurants in Old Sacramento near the waterfront. As the sixth-largest city in California, Sacramento has nearly half a million residents so it follows that there will be historical and social value in your surroundings. Fans 4 As previously mentioned, the fans filled up The Nest for this weeknight game, and I was pleasantly surprised. Many of the fans in attendance were families, no doubt because of the affordable nature of a Sac State basketball game. At one baseline there was a small group of students on sofas and a riser that were particularly rowdy. Some of the students were shirtless and waving flags. I did think that the socialization during the game was a tad inappropriate due to the close score of the game, but many, many other fans were engaged with the Hornets. The fans seemed to really respond to the emotion of the players playing the game and that was due in part to the proximity of any seat to the action. When their star player was pumped up, so were they. Access 2 The university is easily accessible from highway 50 and just a few miles from the I-5 and 99 junctions. Unfortunately, the easy access ends there. You almost need to have pre-existing knowledge of The Nest to know where it is. It is just a part of the bigger building complex and may take some investigating to find its actual location. Though there are four doors leading to the court, only one of them is accessible for patrons. This one entrance can get rather crowded as it also is the main entrance to the building, has access to other parts of the building, houses the snack bar and restrooms, as well as displays the championship trophies of Hornets athletics. Once you make your way through the threshold and into the gym you must walk in front of all of the spectators to get wherever you are going. This in particular made the gym feel particularly small as the bigger venues have fans enter from above and behind the seats. Return on Investment 4 This is by no means a top-flight college basketball team or conference but that doesn't mean it's not a great experience, and for a great price. General admission tickets are $10 with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Parking is free on campus during the evenings and food, while not extensive, is certainly affordable. Extras 2 The Nest at Colberg Court does not have any great awe aspects or intangibles that separate it from any other venue. I did enjoy perusing the trophy case but that was nullified by the silly banners displaying local and national sponsors. What is nice is that it is an experience unlike any other I've experienced in Division I college basketball. The size of the gym certainly plays a roll in that, along with loyal fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 STMHA Rink @ Joe Thornton Community Centre 75 Caso Xing St Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 St. Thomas Stars website STMHA Rink website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,200 Jumbo’s House St. Thomas, Ontario, is essentially known for two things. First, it was the town that saw the tragic death of Jumbo The Elephant.  A member of Barnum and Bailey’s Travelling Circus, Jumbo, an African elephant, was struck by a train and died in September 1885. The town has commemorated this event with a large statue of Jumbo in town. St. Thomas is also known for being the hometown of NHL Hall of Famer Joe Thornton.  St. Thomas is also the home of the Junior B St. Thomas Stars of the GOHL. A city of 42,000, St. Thomas is located south of London.  The Stars were established in 1961 as the Barons and have enjoyed a long history on the Junior B circuit, which included a year of hometown hero Thornton suiting up for the Stars. The team had a few years in the Junior A and Junior C circuits, but spent the majority of their life at the Junior B level. The team adopted the Stars moniker in 1984 and is currently owned by Joe Daniels.  Other distinguished Stars alumni include Gregory Campbell, Dan Cloutier, John Cullen, Logan Couture, Brian Willsie, and Bo Horvat. Home for the Stars is the Joe Thornton Community Centre. Built in 2005 and originally named Timken Community Centre, it acts as a community hub with a pair of NHL-sized rinks, a walking track, and community rooms. The Stars play in the STMHA Rink, named for the St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association. In 2018, after Timken Canada had closed their St. Thomas manufacturing plant four years earlier, the city renamed the community centre after Joe Thornton. Food & Beverage 3 The upper lobby is where the main concession is found.  Fries, chicken fingers, poutine, onion rings, hot dogs, and burgers are on the menu.  Beverages include soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.  Inside the STMHA Rink, in the northwest corner, is where the Ice Box is found.  Alcoholic beverages, featuring a small beer selection, along with some snacks, are available here. Atmosphere 3 The Joe Thornton Community Centre has a fairly attractive exterior featuring brown brick with lighter brick for highlights.  The main entry is under a peaked canopy with large windows for natural light in the lobby.  After entering the building, fans are met by a permanent ticket window before the stairs that lead to the upper lobby.  In the upper lobby, there is no question who this facility is named after, as there is Joe Thornton everywhere.  A full set of framed jerseys hangs above the staircase.  The St. Thomas Wall of Fame is found in the upper lobby and includes Toronto Maple Leafs legend “Hap” Day and actress Rachel McAdams with Thornton.  There are a number of trophy cases on this level, and one of them is dedicated to the Stars.  Entry to the STMHA Rink is met with NHL action shots of Thornton, Cory Emmerton, Greg McKegg, and Rumun Ndur, St. Thomas locals, over the windows. Inside the STMHA Rink, the ice is west to east oriented with seating and netting all around the ice surface.  The walking track is found behind the seating.  The best spot for a view of the centre ice logo is from the south.  There are nine rows of plastic arena seats with standing room behind the seating with drink rails.  In the northwest corner, the Stars accolades are found, including a banner for the 1987 Sutherland Cup as Junior B Champions in Ontario.  Banners highlighting the careers of Dan Clouitier, Logan Couture, Brian Wilsie and Joe Thornton hang on the wall, as well as a new banner commemorating the 2025 induction of Thornton into the Hockey Hall of Fame.  There are lots of Stars, markings, and colours around the rink. The gameday production at a Stars game is not dissimilar to other teams in this league.  Promotions include program raffles and a 50/50 draw.  The speakers in the rink are good, the PA announcer does a good job, and the announcements are easy to understand. Neighbourhood 3 Joe Thornton Community Centre is located east of Downtown St. Thomas.  There are a number of bar and restaurant options, mostly of the chain variety.  Along with Boston Pizza and Chuck’s Roadhouse, some original options include Legends Tavern and Harry’s Charcoal Broiled.  The Stars are the only game in town.  For fans looking for other sporting options, making the short drive to London, where the London Knights  can be found during the hockey season, is the best idea.  Other tourist options in the area include the Elgin County Railway Museum, CASO Railway Station, St. Thomas Elevated Park, Elgin Military Museum, and, of course, the Jumbo the Elephant memorial.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn are not too far. Fans 4 The St. Thomas Stars enjoy strong fan support.  For the 2024-25 season, the Stars averaged 640 fans per game, which ranked them 5th in the GOHL.  At the time of writing, the Stars ranked 6th in the league and saw 537 fans at the game that was reviewed.  Fans in attendance are not unlike most other Ontario fans, as they are fairly quiet and reserved.   Access 4 Joe Thornton Community Centre is located east of Downtown St. Thomas.  It is about 1 ¼ km south of Highway 3 and 12 km southeast of Highway 401.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans wanting to take public transit, there are stops on Caso Crossing and Talbot.  Fans should consult the St. Thomas Local Motion  website for fares, schedules, and maps.  Getting around the arena is not too difficult, and the washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. Return on Investment 5 The St. Thomas Stars and GOHL provide tremendous value for the sporting dollar.  Tickets for the Stars are $12 with discounts for seniors and youth.  Cash or card are methods of payment available.  Concession prices are reasonable, and parking at the facility is free.  The product on the ice is very good, and the arena is comfortable.  Put that all together, and it equals a solid night’s sports entertainment for a low financial outlay. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Joe Thornton Community Centre as a community hub. A pair of extra marks for the Jumbo the Elephant memorial and local celebrity, Joe Thornton.  Thornton’s NHL nickname of ‘Jumbo’ comes from his hometown and the sad story of the circus elephant. Final Thoughts The St. Thomas Stars are a solid franchise in the Junior B level GOHL.  St. Thomas has shown its love for their hometown hero, Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Thornton.  The Joe Thornton Community Centre is a solid Junior B facility that offers good sightlines and comfort, and taking in a Stars game has tremendous value for the sporting dollar. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Kirkwood Sports 1220 River Rd New Castle, DE 19720 Delaware City FC website Kirkwood Sports website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 200 City's Home Delaware City FC is a semi-professional soccer team based in New Castle, Delaware. The team is a Major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL 3) member. MASL3 is a North American indoor soccer league that serves as the developmental league of the Major Arena Soccer League and MASL2. The league started in 2020. The Major Arena Soccer League started in 2008, and Major Arena Soccer League 2 started in 2017. Delaware City FC operates out of the Kirkwood Sports Complex in New Castle, Delaware, for its Major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL3) indoor soccer schedule. The complex, situated directly off of Route 9, is a multi-purpose recreational facility that primarily serves as a hub for local and regional sports, featuring numerous outdoor fields and a full indoor turf arena. T The indoor turf arena features limited fixed seating, which ensures a distinct, close-quarters viewing experience focused purely on the immediate action of the indoor game. The complex’s mission is centered on community and athletic development, giving the venue a practical, utilitarian character for competitive soccer matches. Food & Beverage 1 There are simple and basic concession offerings located in the venue. One should plan on eating or drinking before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 This is a normal indoor recreation field that we see all over the country. It is a simple setup with very little seating. There are a couple of rows of stands near the arena glass. There will be many fans standing around as well. Neighborhood 3 The Kirkwood Sports Complex is located in New Castle, Delaware, an area with convenient access to commercial zones that provide dining and retail options. The immediate surroundings of the complex are primarily commercial and industrial, but a short drive opens up established dining spots in New Castle and the neighboring town of Bear. For classic American fare, nearby options in Bear, Delaware, include places like Border Cafe, which offers a full-service experience. New Castle itself, a historic Delaware city, features independent dining. One such option is Zingo’s, a local favorite offering hot and cold Italian sandwiches and pizza. This variety allows traveling fans to combine the MASL3 match with a regional meal either before or after attending the game. Fans 3 Many of the fans are friends or family members of the players. The intimacy of the indoor arena means that the support is visible and audible to everyone on the field. Due to the limited capacity, the impact of each cheer and reaction is magnified within the small space, creating a direct connection between the spectators and the action. Access 4 The Kirkwood Sports Complex is easily accessible, located directly off Route 9 in New Castle, Delaware, which provides clear connections to major interstate highways such as I-95 and Route 1. This central location in Northern Delaware makes the venue a convenient travel point for both regional fans and visiting teams. The complex provides multiple outdoor parking areas designed to accommodate the facility’s many indoor and outdoor events. Return on Investment 3 The general admission ticket price is $20.00. It is a bit much, but a new, growing organization needs all they can get. The limited seating and layout of the indoor turf arena ensure that every ticket is effectively a prime seat, placing the spectator extremely close to the field without obstructions. Extras 2 A unique fact about the venue is its primary function as a community resource, serving as a regional hub for youth and adult recreational leagues year-round. A second unique fact is the specific architecture of the indoor facility: a massive 20,000 square foot indoor turf surface designed for year-round training and competition, a purely functional design that is distinct from a dedicated spectator arena Final Thoughts Delaware City FC is a simple sporting event to watch, but it gives the Delaware area a nice minor league type of affair to enjoy.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Mary Brown’s Centre 50 New Gower Street St. John’s, Newfoundland/Labrador, A1C 1J3 Newfoundland Regiment website Mary Brown's Centre website Year Opened : 2001 Capacity : 6,287 Regiment on the Rock The Canadian Hockey League returned to Newfoundland to start the 2025 season.  The franchise that would become the modern-day Newfoundland Regiment was established in 1968 as the Rosemont National.  In 1971, the team moved to the Montréal suburb of Laval, where they remained until 1998.  As the Laval National, they were the host to a young Mike Bossy, and as the Laval Voisins they saw a young Mario Lemieux tear up the Q.  The franchise moved east to Bathurst, New Brunswick, in 1998 and became the Acadie-Bathurst Titan .  The Titan took home the ultimate prize, earning the 2018 Memorial Cup. Due to a tiny market and insufficient attendance, the Titan continued east until they could go east no more, settling in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.  The Regiment is not the first attempt at QMJHL hockey in St. John’s.  The expansion St. John’s Fog Devils played on the East Coast from 2005 to 2008 before moving to Montréal and eventually becoming the current Blainville-Boisbriand Armada .  The Regiment took its name from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, an infantry division of the Canadian Army.  Their logo, featuring a caribou, is similar to the military unit’s badge. Home for the Regiment is Mary Brown’s Centre.  Built in 2001 and originally known as Mile One Stadium, Mary Brown’s Centre is the largest sporting venue in Newfoundland and Labrador.  It is owned by the City of St. John’s and has been home to AHL hockey, primarily the St. John’s Maple Leafs and St. John’s IceCaps. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at Mary Brown’s Centre are strong for a junior hockey venue.  There are a few different concession outlets.  The most prevalent, of course, is the Mary Brown’s Stand that offers the signature fried chicken and taters options that have been famous through the franchise that originated in St. John’s.  There are a couple of other concession stands that offer concession items.  Options include Ziggy Fries, pizza from Boston Pizza, onion rings, poutine, and nachos.  Local favourites like fries, dressing, and gravy are also available.  For those with a sweet tooth, Nanaimo bars and local favourites, oat cake and apple flips, are available.  There are a variety of beer options found at Mary Brown’s Centre, many from the unique beer vending machines found in the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Built in 2001, Mary Brown’s Centre has successfully withstood the test of time and remains a viable junior hockey venue.  The exterior is attractive with brown brick and red accent siding with a silver sign backing above the main entry.  Entering from the outside brings fans right into the concourse.  Mary Brown’s Centre is not dissimilar to many other junior hockey venues with its single concourse.  In the concourse, which is on the dark side, is a series of memorial plaques in a military display, keeping a military motif going.  Inside the arena, the ice surface is north-south oriented, and the best spot to see the centre ice logo is from the west.  Above the seating bowl on the west side is the press box, which is named after Newfoundland and Hockey Night in Canada legend Bob Cole.  To the north of the centre scoreboard are banners honouring the Newfoundland Growlers 2019 Kelly Cup Championship and Brad Gushue and his team winning the 2017 Canadian Curling Brier.  Unfortunately, no markings or anything memorialize the St. John’s Fog Devils.  The seating bowl consists of 18 rows of plastic, arena seats with cupholders in the armrests. The Newfoundland Regiment gameday production is on a bit of a higher level than most junior hockey experiences.  The Regiment does an excellent job of honouring the Regiment name, military heritage, and adding just the right amount of Newfoundland culture.  The team enters the ice through a pair of doors painted to look like a trench with sandbags, and the ice level cannon welcomes the team.  The song that is played before the Regiment’s opening faceoff is The Excursion Around the Bay, by the Derina Harvey Band, a local favourite with a definitive local flavour.  Before the Canadian National Anthem, the performer sings “Ode To Newfoundland,” the provincial anthem.  The puffin mascot, Buddy Jr., takes part in promotions and interacts with fans in the crowd.  The 50/50 raffle is of note in Newfoundland as it is notorious for large sums given the relative crowd size. Neighbourhood 5 Mary Brown’s Centre is located in Downtown St. John’s.  It is heaven for foodies as there are a ton of original local bars and restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the arena.  Some of them include O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub, St. John’s Fish Exchange, Trinity Pub, the Celtic Hearth, Adelaide Oyster House, Birdie Green Sleeves, Newfoundland Embassy, and YellowBelly Brewery.  St. John’s is a wonderful tourist destination with the harbour just steps from the arena and the Terry Fox Mile One Memorial just minutes from downtown.  Other tourist options include Signal Hill, Cape Spear, and The Rooms museum.  It is definitely best to visit St. John’s early in the hockey season, as the weather can be a bit precarious in the winter.  The Newfoundland Rogues of The Basketball League also play at Mary Brown’s Centre.  Senior hockey and Junior A hockey are also popular in St. John’s.  Memorial Sea-Hawks  basketball can be found north of downtown on the campus of Memorial University.  The Delta and Hilton are just steps from the arena and good choices for a spot to stay downtown. Fans 5 Admittedly, this review is early on in the life of the Regiment, but thus far, the support in St. John’s has been terrific.  At the time of writing, the Regiment was averaging almost 5,000 fans per game, which ranks them third in the QMJHL behind much larger arenas and cities in Quebec and Halifax.  At the game that was reviewed, there were more than 5,100 fans in attendance.  St. John’s fans are not very loud and pretty reserved, but engrossed in the game.    Access 4 Mary Brown’s Centre is located in Downtown St. John’s, north of Highway 2.  It is nearly 4 km south of the Trans Canada Highway.  Due to the relatively small size of St. John’s, with only 110,000 people, getting to the arena is not that difficult.  It is between New Gower Street and Livingstone Street.  St. John’s has some significant hills, which should be kept in mind, specifically if travelling north of downtown.  There is no parking on site; however, there are a few parking garages in the area.  For those interested in public transit, there are buses east of New Growers on Water Street.  Fans should consult the Metrobus website for fares, schedules, and maps.  Getting around Mary Brown’s Centre is not too difficult; however, the concourses are not huge and do fill up during intermissions.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 4 There is pretty good value in taking in a Newfoundland Regiment game.  Tickets begin at $25 for the upper corners and go up to $33.  This is a bit on the high side for the QMJHL.  Discounts are available for youth, seniors, and military.  Parking will cost in the area, but should not be too much, and concession prices are about what one would expect.  The product on the ice is high quality and comes with a good balance of modern sports event and Newfoundland flair. Extras 3 Two extra marks for the crazy support that Newfoundlanders have for the 50/50 draw.  At the game that was reviewed, the 50/50 draw, which is new for each game, hit over $30,000.  There is even a portrait of Murray Chaplin in the concourse.  Murray was an institution at Mary Brown’s Centre, selling 50/50 tickets, before his passing. An extra mark for the Mile One Marker, where Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in 1980.  The original name of Mary Brown’s Centre was Mile One Stadium, which is a nod to that as well as an acknowledgement of St. John’s as the easternmost point in Canada. Final Thoughts The newest member of the QMJHL has hockey fans talking.  There are high hopes for the return of hockey to Newfoundland, and the results are being seen at the turnstile.  Hopefully, the Newfoundland Regiment will have a long and successful reign at Mary Brown’s Centre despite the travel challenges it brings to the league.  Hockey on the Rock is a necessity, and Junior Hockey is the perfect fit. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.