Photos by Vinny Martin, Richard Smith, and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 loanDepot park 501 Marlins Way Miami, FL 33125 Miami Marlins website loanDepot park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 36,742 Baseball in the 305 loanDepot Park, originally known as Marlins Park, opened in 2012 as the exclusive home of the newly rebranded Miami Marlins. The Marlins called SunLife Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) home from 1993 to 2011, and shared the facility with the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. loanDepot Park is located in the Little Havana neighborhood, about 2 miles west of Downtown Miami. It is one of MLB's smallest ballparks by capacity and features a retractable roof, an essential amenity during Miami's hot and humid summers. loanDepot Park is notably the first and only ballpark to be built under a contemporary architectural design, making it one of a kind among Major League Baseball stadiums. Food & Beverage 4 There are very impressive options for food and drinks at loanDepot Park, with a good variety of cultural options to represent the city. Sergio’s and Los Verdes offer a variety of Latin and Cuban options, such as empanadas, rice bowls, and Cuban sandwiches. Aside from the conventional ballgame options, hungry Marlins fans can find gourmet sliders, tacos, and barbecue, to name a few options. Miami’s party atmosphere is well represented with multiple bars scattered throughout the concourse, including the Blue Moon Brew Hall, the Budweiser Bar, and the Bacardi Bar. A rare experience at professional sporting events is being able to have a sit-down meal while watching the game. You can do that at loanDepot, with the Bullpen Bar and Grill offering great views of the game from left field, as well as a view right into the home bullpen. Atmosphere 4 The best way to describe loanDepot Park is unique. While many ballparks built during this era take inspiration from retro classic parks like Camden Yards, loanDepot is truly one of a kind. The venue's design is contemporary and modern, giving loanDepot Park a feel unlike virtually any other stadium in Major League Baseball. Stadium Journey recommends taking a walk around the entire exterior of the stadium to be able to appreciate its quirky design. Recent renovations replaced much of the stadium's original neon green and orange color scheme with the light blue featured in the Marlins' current branding. A fixture of the pre-renovation interior was a very colorful (and slightly odd-looking) home run sculpture. Fortunately, the Marlins moved this sculpture to the exterior of the stadium so fans can still take a look. The gameday atmosphere is very distinctly Miami. The Marlins do a great job of making the energy vibrant and fun despite a lack of fans on most nights. There are fun light and sound effects for home runs, as well as Marlins wins. Concession works also double as drummers, attempting to fire up the crowd with “Let’s Go Marlins” chants. The star of loanDepot Park is the left field walkway, with the aforementioned Budweiser balcony and the Norwegian Cruise Line deck being great general admission areas to watch the game, and the gigantic glass window offering stunning views of the Miami skyline. Neighborhood 3 loanDepot Park is located in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, about 10-15 minutes away from downtown. Little Havana is a vibrant part of the city, with Cuban-influenced architecture and parks. While Little Havana is filled with Cuban restaurants, bars, parks, and cultural attractions, much of the neighborhood's activity is centered around Calle Ocho rather than the immediate blocks surrounding the ballpark. Downtown Miami and Brickell, along with their hundreds of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options, are a short drive away. Fans 2 Excitement for baseball in South Florida has often been lacking, and with the Marlins struggling to compete for a majority of their existence, that remains as true as ever. Visiting team fans often swarm loanDepot park, often creating a fairly neutral atmosphere. The Marlins fans who show up are passionate about their team and make noise, but just don’t do so in large enough numbers to make an impact. loanDepot Park has yet to host a playoff game in its existence. It would be interesting to see how Marlins fans would show up for October baseball. Access 3 loanDepot Park is serviced by I-95 and I-395. Traffic getting into the stadium is usually manageable due to the lower crowds, but prepare for some delays on weeknights. If traveling from downtown Miami, the main access to Little Havana is by drawbridge, which can considerably delay you if the bridge is up. There are parking lots, as well as four parking garages surrounding the stadium. There are also Miami-Dade Metrorail stations within a mile of the gate. The stadium's main concourse is located on its second level, with multiple escalators and ramps bringing fans up from the street level. The concourses of loanDepot Park are very wide and easy to get around. Return on Investment 4 A Marlins game can be a very affordable experience. Depending on the time of year, day of the week, and opponent, tickets can be found fairly consistently for under $30. There are also some great deals on the secondary market, and parking is no more than $20 depending on the lot. The real investment is in the concessions, which are surprisingly priced very high. Food and drink prices are more representative of what you will find at Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park. The 305 menu is available for more affordability, but at very small portions. Extras 5 The bobblehead museum is located in center field. It is a huge display of hundreds of bobbleheads of Marlins players and other notable baseball stars. It is a very unique feature of this ballpark. Another point is the left-field glass offering a view of the Miami skyline. Seriously, it is one of the best skyline views you will ever find at a stadium. The view becomes even more impressive once the sun goes down. Despite hosting no playoff games, loanDepot Park has been home to multiple World Baseball Classic tournament games, as well as the WBC championship in 2023 and 2026. Miami also hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2017. loanDepot Park was named the “Greenest MLB Ballpark” after its opening in 2012, becoming the first MLB venue to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The site used to be home to the Miami Orange Bowl, before it was demolished in 2008. There is a very cool nod to the former stadium, as fans can see letters of the old Orange Bowl sign poking up from the pavement near the third base gate. Final Thoughts loanDepot Park is truly one of a kind. The Marlins and Jeffry Loria deserve credit for taking a risk pioneering the contemporary style of baseball stadiums. Despite a lackluster atmosphere and a location somewhat disconnected from Miami's major tourist areas, a gameday experience here is one of high quality. The World Baseball Classic showed us what this ballpark and this city's fans are capable of. If the Marlins franchise ever finds more success and fan interest grows, the potential of loanDepot is through the (retractable) roof. Follow Vinny’s stadium journeys on TikTok @vinnymartin_

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Little League Central Region Complex 7185 South Indianapolis Road Whitestown, IN 46075 Little League Central Region website Little League Central Region Complex website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 500 Little League Baseball in Whitestown, Indiana The Little League Central Region Complex is a 15-acre complex that serves as the headquarters and regional tournament home for Little League baseball and softball in the Midwest and Great Lakes region. It opened in June 2021 in Whitestown, Indiana, for close to $15 million. The complex is home to a stadium, concession stand, batting cages, a gift shop, a picnic area, lights, an electronic scoreboard, and league offices. The grandstand has seating for 500 people and includes an additional five rows of bleacher seats behind the right field wall. The complex was designed for major regional tournaments and hosts 50 to 60 games a year. It is used and maintained by Little League Baseball and Softball. The former stadium and headquarters were located on the east side of Indianapolis in Lawrence Township. The Little League Midwest Tournament relocated temporarily to Grand Park in Westfield for several years before moving to Whitestown. The former Lawrence ballpark is now home to Cathedral High School. Food & Beverage 3 There is a large concession stand that has a window for ordering and pickup. The stand's main items are all-beef hot dogs and nachos. You can top them off with chili and cheese, or pick up a nacho supreme with lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. Other items include popcorn, pretzels, big pickles, chips, candy, and soft cookies. You can wash it all down with Pepsi products. A nice treat is Glover’s Ice Cream from nearby Frankfort, Indiana. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is packed with fans from both teams, which included, during our visit, teams from Hamilton, Ohio, and La Grange, Kentucky. The simple grandstand is made up of chair-back and bleacher seating that sits underneath a roof and protective netting. The views are best from the upper portion of the grandstand, free from obstructed views of the visitors' dugout. You will also find kids of all ages tossing a baseball or football outside the stadium in the grassy area, along with fans waiting in line for their concession items in between games or innings. A few more fans will stand against the fencing down the right field line to catch a glimpse of the action in between the camera cranes and ESPN crew. The most relaxed area is the bleacher seats in right field that are less crowded and perfect once the sun goes down. There is a lot of cheering, music, and fan interaction during the game. The PA announcer has each team member dance to the “Cha Cha Slide Dance” before the game, a tradition that has taken place at the Whitestown location for several years. There are also moments in the game where sing-a-longs take place to involve the audience. Neighborhood 4 The complex is adjacent to I-65 in a residential neighborhood. Across the interstate is a large shopping complex that is home to retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and fast food options. However, a few local restaurants and breweries are nearby. Moontown Brewery is three miles north of the stadium and inside a former high school and gymnasium. The brewery offers a full-service restaurant and multiple taps from lagers to stouts. Aspen Creek Grill is a casual restaurant with hand-cut steaks, baby back ribs, and seafood. Texas Margaritas specializes in Mexican cuisine and beverages. Paws on Tap is a dog-friendly location with 39 self-service pours of beer, hard seltzers, wine, and ciders, along with food options. Wally’s is a mega-travel center business model focused on clean restrooms, massive gas pump arrays, proprietary snacks, and road-trip merchandise. The Little League tournament takes place in early August, the same time when the Indianapolis Indians play at Victory Field, and the Indiana Fever take to the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Fans 4 The fanbases were equally divided and provided plenty of cheering, roaring, and hollering before and during the game. There was no shortage of team colors, banners, signs, and other devices to show support for their young heroes on the diamond. There is never a dull moment or even an ounce of silence throughout the night. Most importantly, both sides are respectful to one another. Access 3 The stadium offers a large grass parking area, along with two entry points into the grandstand. The concourse is narrow, but it's rather easy to get around; the seating does fill up well before the first pitch. The concession stands, team store, and restrooms are easily accessible behind the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 Little League Baseball does not charge admission to the game or to park for any of the tournament games. Concession prices range from $1 to $4 for items and merchandise in the gift offer items that are on par with minor league stadiums. Free is always good for visiting a ballpark, and that is the case with the ballpark in Whitestown. Extras 3 The stadium earns a point for free admission and parking. It earns a second point for additional bleacher seats in right field, and a final point for the covered grandstand. Final Thoughts The Little League Central Region Complex is a worthwhile addition to any ballpark road trip. Conveniently located just off I-65 in Whitestown, Indiana, and close to numerous restaurants, retail shops, and other attractions, it makes for an enjoyable stop during a summer baseball journey. Best of all, admission is free, concessions are reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a fun destination for baseball fans of all ages. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Jennifer Smith, and Emmy Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tiger Field Auburn Dr Towson, MD 21204 Towson Tigers website Tiger Field website Year Opened: 2007 (Renovated 2020) Capacity: 600 Soccer With Tigers Tiger Field opened as the Tiger Soccer Complex opened in 2007 and is the home to the Towson Tigers women’s soccer team as well as the women’s lacrosse team. This location, adjacent to Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, was home to earlier versions of soccer fields for the school. In 2011 a more permanent set of bleachers was added, but it was in 2018 when a more substantial renovation started. Finally, in 2020 a new grandstand was added as well as permanent concessions, restrooms, and a press box. The Tigers have had moderate success as a women’s soccer program. Towson has not had a men’s program since the end of the 2012 season, when the program was controversially discontinued, in part due to Title IX regulations. Food & Beverage 2 The new permanent concession stand is an improvement over the temporary one located here previously. The options are still quite simple and like many Towson athletic facilities do not offer a great variety. The prices are decent. Atmosphere 4 The hill between the pitch and the SECU Arena is a nice place to watch the matches and also provides a nice atmosphere. The “new” facility creates such a warm and comfortable environment to watch soccer matches. The permanent grandstand is not large but is much nicer than the older stands. Doc the Tiger, Towson’s mascot, is often in attendance at matches. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, nothing is right by the field. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Fans 4 For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But in the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in residence students. Students are starting to come to games in more significant numbers. There are also many other fans who appear to be either locals or family of the players. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, but be careful to check regulations for weekday matches. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission charge and the food is reasonably priced so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 3 Free programs are available for the matches. Doc is a great mascot who makes the atmosphere better. The hill overlooking the pitch is a great extra. Final Thoughts The changes to Tiger Field have taken a good location for soccer and made it into a very special soccer experience.

Minor league baseball names have had a long history of unusual nicknames that are have been connected to the city, geographic location, or the parent club. Many names have been lost in time, a blip on the radar, and one of them comes from Terre Haute, Indiana. From 1955-1956, the Terre Haute Huts were members of the. Three-Eye League, but how did they get their name? The city had quite the history of baseball dating back to amateur teams in 1870. By 1883, one of those clubs went by “Awkwards,” which meant at the time “someone difficult or dangerous to deal with.” Due to financial concerns, they merged that year with a ball club named the Blues and remained the “Terre Hautes”. Professional baseball would return1884 when Terre Haute joined the Western League. This team did not have a nickname, but by 1891, the name Hottentots, began being used for baseball teams in the city. The name would later be shorten to Tots in the following decade. It was a corruption from the term Terre Hautentots, a name historically used and found in countless articles around the state and the country to describe someone from Terre Haute. By the 1880s, the name was used in baseball articles describing teams from the city; then in 1891 referred to the professional club in town. However, the name would be replaced throughout the following years with new names either through fan voting or team management. Terre Haute ball clubs would be called the Stags, Browns, Highlanders, Terre-iers (yes, spelled that way), and Miners. Several times, newspapers used a combination of these names in one season. A headline in the Marion (IN) Leader-Tribune, July 24, 1913 Fortunately, the Tots name never disappeared, and the local media often refer to it in bylines. It became the official name in 1921 and would remain that way until the team disbanded in mid-1937. When baseball returned in 1946, it took the name of its parent club, the Philadelphia Phillies. The Three-Eye League club would leave town after the 1954 season, and it was time for a new name for its ball club, one that would have its own identity outside of its new parent club in Detroit. The Terre Haute Baseball Club held a name-the-team contest in the Terre Haute Tribune, soliciting hundreds of responses from fans of all ages. The winner received a $100 watch from Hillman’s Jewelers. The paper suggested names that are alive and in motion, along with ones that aren’t too long that would fit much better in newspaper headlines. “A lot of fans like the name of the Tigers, but others oppose this on the sole ground that they believe the city should have a permitted name for a team that would be suitable under all conditions, meaning it would fill the bill regardless of the big league affiliation that the city might have.” On April 13, the name picked for the team was the Huts. The newspaper did not provide a reason for the decision, and there does not seem to be a connection to the area, nor was it “alive and in motion”. The other top entries were the Tots, Browns, and Brownies. The winner of the contest was Ralph Nichols, a local barber, and awarded a $100 watch. The article added that another citizen, James "Hairpin" Walker, suggested Huts as well. Walker campaigned to have it adopted, and he rounded up as many votes as possible from city residents. He was an employee at Stran Steel and suggested the name due to the Stran Steel plant is noted for making Quonset Huts for the armed forces. A modern photo of a Quonset hut that were constructed in Terre Haute A Bob Nesbit column from the Terre Haute Tribune on April 19 shed some light on the Huts moniker. He penned the following blurb: “Those fans down at Stran Steel, who make Quonset huts, did a good job of putting up a campaign to name the new team in honor of their product. Since the name also fits well with the name of our city, everything worked out fine.” Did the Terre Haute Huts get their name from a local steel company and had its employees send ballots to the local newspaper? Has the mystery been solved after almost 70 years? A Quonset hut is a prefabricated structure in the shape of a semicircle that was mass-produced after World War II. There were 150,000 to 170,000 produced during the war and sold to the public after the fighting ended. They are still visible in many parts of the country as homes, businesses, and even military bases. Nesbit added that the name fit the city well and probably liked that it was short for print purposes. Terre Haute is French for "high ground" and the word "Haute" would be mispronounced by locals as "hut". The name was short and similar in sound to the former team name Tots, and it did make for great print in newspaper bylines. Surprisingly, more than 121 names were proposed and listed regularly in the newspaper. Many of these names were fascinating and hinged on modern branding in today’s game. They included the following: Wabash Valley Catapults, Vigo Gems, Candlelighters, Hoosier Pacemakers, Gold Cox, Hustlers, Bowcats, Bingos, Meows, Tiger-Cats, Cavaliers, Valley Cubs, Speeders, White Hats, and Atoms. There were many entries for the new baseball team in 1955, Terre Haute Tribune The Huts name would last a little over a year; the club folded after the first half of the 1956 season with a 40-26 record due to lack of attendance. It marked the end of minor league baseball in Terre Haute. A little over a decade later, the ballpark would be converted solely into a football stadium with artificial turf. In 2011, the summer collegiate Prospect League added a team in town. The name selected was Rex, and there was a good reason behind that decision. Besides being the Latin word for king, the name comes from Rex Coffee, produced, roasted, and packed downtown by Clabber Girl. The club also mentioned its unique name ties in with others from the past: Tots, Huts, Stags, and Terre-iers. The Huts name briefly shone in Terre Haute between 1955 and 1956, and before anyone began to pay attention to the ball club, it was gone. However, a look back at old newspaper articles of the era produces a possible reason behind its name. If Rex can pull out a retro jersey night, this reporter will be there. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

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 Hannibal 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 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. Florian 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 farther from home plate than in right field. “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 game in Kokomo and the nightcap in Michigan City. However, Mother Nature washed out both games, leading to only 1,000 customers for the game the next night. A birds-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

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Progressive Field 2401 Ontario St Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Guardians website Progressive Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 34,820 Watching a Game at "The Jake" Progressive Field has been the home of baseball in Cleveland since 1994. It was the second stadium, after Camden Yards in Baltimore, to usher in a standard for ballpark design in Major League Baseball. After more than 30 years, the Cleveland Guardians continue to upkeep the venue and reinvent themselves for today’s baseball enthusiasts. ​ The building opened as Jacobs Field on April 2, 1994, for $175 million. The stadium replaced the massive Cleveland Stadium that had been regarded as one of the worst baseball stadiums in the league. Cleveland’s new home now had an intimate capacity of 42,865, but improved amenities. ​ Over the years, the ball club saw record attendance, three World Series pennants, and a slew of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers at “The Jake.” In recent years, renovations totaling $200 million helped modernize the stadium and reduce capacity to 34,820. They include new social areas, food options, lounges, new seating, and decorative art murals. These changes are hoped to provide a whole new game-day atmosphere for its fans. ​ Food & Beverage 4 Progressive Field is a cashless venue; all purchases for food, drinks, and merchandise must be made using digital payment methods. The stadium offers quite a few items from local favorites to ballpark classics at multiple stand-alone areas and kiosks. ​ Rally Burger offers double and triple burgers, Throwing Smoke is known for its barbacoa and chicken bowls, Batt’er Box is where you will find pastrami dogs, knishes, and po’ boys, and Happy Dog offers an array of brats, Italian sausages, and all-beef hot dogs. ​ Several new designated self-checkout areas are expected to reduce wait times. The Arcade Marketplace, located in Section 138, has been revamped into a grab-and-go market featuring items from Perry’s Ice Cream, Miller Bar, Market Garden, and La Cave Du Vin. The Landing, between sections 162 and 164, is also a self-checkout area featuring a wide selection of beverages and hot foods. Guardian’s Classic is on the upper deck and serves typical ballpark fare in self-checkout areas. ​ The team rolled out new items this season, including the Jackhammer sausage, Good Company Spicy Thai Fries, Sausage City Spicy Chicken, and Aladiib’s Med Dog. There are still old favorites: Kool Ranch chicken sandwich, fried bologna, Dante's Inferno pizza, and Barrio’s Mexican cuisine. Atmosphere 4 Progressive Field offers a lively, energetic atmosphere on most days during the season. The team puts out a winning product, and the numerous social areas, seating options, and family-friendly spots provide an epicenter for fans of all ages to enjoy a day at the ballpark. The Guardians replaced seating in several areas to create social spaces for fans. These areas are now known as the Paul Davis Pennant District, the Corner Bar in the Right Field District, the Terrace Garden area in the Left Field District, and the Home Plate Club in the Infield District. The Terrace Garden might have the best aerial views of the stadium and the surrounding neighborhood. It is an open-air rooftop social space and beer garden on Level 4 and open to all ticketed fans. The Corner Bar is another social spot in the Right Field District that offers around 40 craft and local beers and a rooftop deck. The Kid’s Clubhouse in Level 3 of the Right Field Concourse is a two-level activity for children that includes toys, games, interactive activities, and a two-story slide that wraps around a giant baseball bat. On Sundays, live music by Slider and the Hot Dogs is on the deck. Heritage Park in centerfield is home to the Guardians Hall of Fame plaques, in-game bricks that honor the club’s most memorable moments, and statues of Jim Thome and Frank Robinson. The park is also home to the bronze Ray Chapman plaque, who was killed by a pitch in 1920. Neighborhood 4 ​Progressive Field is located in Cleveland’s Gateway District, putting fans in the middle of a lively and walkable downtown entertainment area. The streets around the ballpark are packed with fans at numerous bars and restaurants. East 4th Street is a popular destination for accessibility to and from the stadium. ​ East 4th Street is a walkable, pedestrian-friendly block that includes favorites: Mabel's BBQ, Butcher and the Brewer, Barrio, Whistle Taproom & Pizza, and Flannery’s Pub. The Thirsty Parrot is the closest bar to the stadium. The Clevelander is a two-story bar with an outdoor seating area and plenty of games inside to keep the party going. ​ The Rocket Arena is right behind the left-field wall of Progressive Field, and fans can enjoy either a Cleveland Cavaliers or Cleveland Monsters game if the schedule permits it. About 2 miles west is the West Side Market, an impressive area for food of all sorts and sampling. They have some of the best beef jerky in the country. ​ If you are in town for the long weekend, check out more baseball action at ForeFront Field (Lake Erie Crushers), Classic Park (Lake County Captains), and the Baseball Heritage Museum and the Guardians former home, League Park. Adjacent to Progressive Field is Rocket Arena, home to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters. ​ Fans 4 ​Guardians fans are loyal and dedicated but have been tested without their club winning a World Series since 1948. The ball club has made the playoffs 10 times this century, including an AL pennant in 2016. Due to the social areas, fans can be seen wearing jerseys and T-shirts, enjoying a day at the ballpark. ​ Access 4 Progressive Field is accessible by car, transit, and bike. There are multiple parking garages and lots within a 15- to 20-minute walk, along with on-street parking on certain days. Tower City Stadium is next to the stadium and is served by the Blue, Green, and Red Lines of the city's rapid transit system. There are three entry gates into the stadium, and they open an hour before the first pitch. The concourses are wide and wrap around the stadium. Escalators and elevators are clearly marked, and there are 41 restrooms, plus a sensory and breastfeeding room (located in the Kids’ Zone). Bags and soft-sided coolers are allowed as long as they don’t exceed 16”x16”x8”. They can include outside snacks; a single 20-ounce bottle of water and a juice box are allowed, but both must be factory sealed. Fans should be on the lookout for Slider, the club’s official mascot. ​ Return on Investment 4 Depending on the day or opponent, a ticket to a game can cost as low as $19 and as high as $37, according to secondary websites like TickPick. For fans 12 and under, tickets start at $10. Tickets cannot be purchased at Progressive Field; the ballpark uses a fully digital ticketing system. Since the ballpark is downtown, there are many parking options for the game. The parking garages around the stadium cost $20 to $30 per car, but much less if you park farther away and walk. The price for a 15-minute walk at a garage is $10-$15 on the SpotHero website. ​ There are two all-inclusive options. The Bottomless Bites package is available in the upper deck near Section 525 and costs $30 in addition to a single-game ticket. It includes unlimited hot dogs, chips, popcorn, peanuts, and fountain drinks. The Champions Club costs $45 when added to select tickets and provides a buffet that offers ballpark favorites and chef stations, along with unlimited soft drinks. ​ Extras 4 ​​Progressive Field earns extra points for its various social areas, along with its Kids’ Zone, which makes attending a game somewhat more festive for all types of fans. The stadium earns a second point for its Heritage Park, honoring the history of the ball club, and a third point for its decorative murals in and around the stadium. ​ The ballpark offers concession areas that feature local favorites and signature items. Barrio is a local taco spot, Sauce in the City serves its take on a hot chicken sandwich, Good Company introduced spicy Thai fries, and Aladdin’s Eatery sells the Med Dog, featuring beef kafta, hummus, and hot sauce. The Guardians earn a final point for the multiple revamped areas that have condensed concession areas into grab-and-go spots for shorter wait times and easier access. Final Thoughts Progressive Field offers everything you need at a major league ballpark, including a food selection, affordable tickets, social areas, and a nearby neighborhood worth staying in after the game. The Guardians fanbase is also fun to spend 9 innings with during the hot summer months. ​

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre 875 Morningside Avenue Toronto, Ontario M1C 0C7 Scarborough Shooting Stars website Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2000 One Time for the Endsss “The Ends” is a slang term used to refer to one’s home. In Southern Ontario, it is often used to refer to Scarborough, the easternmost borough of Toronto. Scarborough has produced a number of famous people, including The Weeknd, Mike Myers and the Barenaked Ladies. When it comes to sports, Scarborough is usually forgotten as just being east of everything that is interesting. In 2021, Niko Carino and Sam Ibrahim set out to change that with an expansion team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Drake’s partner in founding OVO and a Scarborough businessman, respectively, brought the Shooting Stars to the east end with a specifically Scarborough identity rather than the typical Toronto identity. There was now a basketball team for the Endsss, the triple-s referring to the Scarborough Shooting Stars. The home for the Scarborough Shooting Stars is the fieldhouse in the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. The TPASC opened in 2014 and hosted fencing, diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, and modern pentathlon for the 2015 Pan American Games. The facility is a partnership between the City of Toronto and the University of Toronto Scarborough, whose campus is adjacent to the facility. The fieldhouse has a seated capacity of 2,000 for basketball. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre are fairly simple. There are two main concession stands; one on the upper level and one on the court level. Hot dogs, pizza, and Jamaican beef patties are the main items available, with smaller snack items also available. Coca-Cola products are available in bottles along with water and juice. Beer, wine, and seltzers are there for those wishing for an alcoholic beverage, with a very limited selection. There is a Tim Hortons and Pizza Pizza in the lobby with some crossover operating hours. However, the lobby is outside the ticketing area and “outside food” is not permitted. Vending machines are also in the lobby and hall. Atmosphere 3 The Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre has an attractive exterior with grey panelling and yellow highlights. The main entrance for basketball is on the east side of the building across from Pan Am Drive. The other entrances will actually be unavailable during Stars games. Above the canopy of the main entrance is a model of Pachi the Porcupine, the mascot from the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games. Upon entry, fans are brought into a huge atrium. There are a variety of facilities at the TPASC, including multiple swimming and diving facilities. Above the information desk, the mantra of the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is spelled out, and in the hallway, a display of Olympians and Paralymians from the TPASC can be found. There is also a display for the University of Toronto Scarborough’s athletic teams as well as the school also uses this facility. A line will form at the point of entry for the fieldhouse, where the Shooting Stars play. Inside the fieldhouse, the court is south-north oriented with the best view of the centre court logo from the east. Fans enter from the upper level, which is also the running track. There are plenty of partitions around, which shrink the size of the facility and create private boxes. Seating is on the east and west side of the court and consists of retractable bleachers with plastic benches with backs. A pair of courtside rows are placed around the court as well and are far more comfortable seats. The facility is more akin to a USports basketball venue rather than an OHL venue like the other Ontario teams play in. On the north side, the 2023 CEBL Championship banner hangs as well as a huge banner with the slogan “One Time For The Endsss.” Above the boxes on the south side is a small video board, which pairs with traditional score clocks on the east and west side. Translucent windows at the top of the west side allow in some natural light. The gameday production at a Stars game is decent, however, there are restrictions compared to the other Ontario CEBL teams. There are no fireworks or pyro. It is assumed that it is not appropriate due to the facility. The in-game host keeps the production moving and facilitates on court promotions. The Shooting Stars’ mascot, Endssso, interacts with fans and participates in the promotions. Music is a big part of the production, but it is overwhelming. All seats have a close proximity to the court and the sounds of the game are inaudible due to the constant stream of music played throughout the game. More balance is needed as, at times, it seems that the product on the court is secondary to everything else. Neighbourhood 4 Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is located in the Highland Creek neighbourhood of Scarborough on the east side of Toronto. Scarborough is east of Downtown Toronto, and there are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink. Some options include Zak’s Bar and Grill, Local Grill House, 1265 Bistro, as well as a number of fast food options and large chains. Toronto has a huge number of sporting options. In Scarborough, the Toronto Beaches of the OJLL are also found. Heading west to Downtown will bring fans to all of the traditional teams including the Blue Jays, Raptors, Maple Leafs , Argonauts, Toronto FC, Tempo, Sceptres, and Marlies. The CBL Maple Leafs have a similar seasonal schedule to the Stars. The main University of Toronto campus is where football, basketball, and hockey is played and is not far from Toronto Metropolitan University basketball and hockey. There are plenty of other tourist options. The Toronto Zoo is in Scarborough. Other spots close by include the Scarborough Museum, Scarborough Bluffs and Rosetta McClain Gardens. A wider net cast brings tourists to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Casa Loma, Ripley’s Aquarium and the iconic CN Tower. For fans who wish to stay near TPASC, the Super 8 Toronto is available as well as several BnBs and independent motels. A wider selection of international chain motels will require fans to journey closer to downtown Toronto. Fans 4 The Scarborough Shooting Stars have enjoyed a decent following relative to the size of their venue. With the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre as the smallest venue in the CEBL, the Shooting Stars have averaged a near capacity crowd for the season, at the time of writing. The Shooting Stars averaged 1,886 fans per game in the 2026 season, an increase of 28% from the 2025 average of 1,474. In the 2026 season, the Shooting Stars ranked 7th in the ten team CEBL in attendance, up from 9th the previous season. The game that was reviewed had over 2,300 fans in attendance. The fans in attendance are supportive and knowledgeable and make a sufficient amount of noise at the appropriate times. Access 3 Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is located in the Highland Creek neighbourhood of Scarborough on the east side of Toronto. It is on the southeast corner of Morningside Ave and Pan Am Dr. It is just ½ km from Highway 401, so driving through Scarborough will not be too arduous. However, Highway 401 is one of the most travelled highways in the world, and the Toronto corridor can get extremely congested. Fans driving to the game should ensure they have plenty of time to get to the facility. There are a number of parking facilities surrounding the TPASC. They are marked as pay facilities, however, on the day of this review, paying for parking was not necessary. The TPASC is also a very busy facility with plenty of other activities, so parking can fill up. For fans wishing to take public transit there are buses that run along Morningside Ave and Military Trail Fans should consult the TTC website for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around TPASC is not too difficult, however, there are a couple of issues. There is a single entrance to the ticketing area. With over 2,000 fans in attendance, the line to get in before the game is quite significant. Once the gates open, it does move fairly quickly. The fieldhouse is also not the most comfortable, with the retractable bleachers, not on par with the other Ontario CEBL teams. More expensive seating offers more comfort. Washroom facilities are good for the venue. Security protocols are not an issue for Scarborough Shooting Stars games. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is generally a cash-free venue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Scarborough Shooting Stars are very reasonable. Regular tickets are $25. Standing room can be had for less and courtside for more. Concessions, although limited, are decently priced, and parking will be free or have a nominal cost. The product on the court is strong, and the “Elam Ending” featured by the CEBL makes the end of the game more exciting than a traditional basketball game. The music is a little over the top and does take away a bit from the full experience. Extras 2 An extra mark for the use of a legacy venue from the 2015 Pan Am games. An extra mark for the CEBL “Elam Ending,” which produces a target score with 4 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Final Thoughts The Scarborough Shooting Stars have brought basketball to The Ends and have enjoyed success on the court and at the turnstile. It is good to see a continued, competitive use for a legacy venue from the 2015 Pan Am Games and a team the east end of Toronto can call their own. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey & Nicholas Carey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Elmer Kelly Stadium Cs-1220 Madisonville, KY 42431 Madisonville Miners website Elmer Kelley Stadium website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 700 Baseball at Historic Elmer Kelley Stadium Elmer Kelley Stadium is home to the Madisonville Miners of the Ohio Valley League, a six-team summer collegiate loop. The stadium and park were constructed by the WPA and the city, with the city serving as sponsor for $200,000. It was dedicated on Memorial Day 1941, featuring a semi-pro baseball game. The Miners began operations as the Tidewater Pirates in 1999 in nearby Dawson Springs, Kentucky, and relocated to Madisonville in 2012. They changed their name to the Miners in 2014 to honor the region’s mining industry, which is still active. The name Miners has been used for many baseball teams since 1916, the last being a team in the Kentucky-Illinois-Tennessee League from 1946-1955. That rendition of the ball club played at Elmer Kelley Stadium before the loop folded. Semi-pro and high school teams would utilize the stadium after its demise. The baseball plant was known as Municipal Park Stadium until it was renamed in 1976 to honor Elmer Kelley, who had passed away in 1973. Kelley was the former sports editor and advertising manager of the Madisonville Messenger and was instrumental in reforming the Kitty League after the war. The stadium has seen improvements since its first game that have included new aluminum bleachers and a roof in 1986, installation of new dugouts in 1995, new lighting and a scoreboard in 2002, and a new backstop that was built and painted by the Booster Club. The concrete outfield walls have remained untouched since their opening day. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers standard ballpark options, including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soda. A small concession stand provides customers with quick and easy service during the game. There are enough items to snack on during the game. The prices are reasonably priced. Atmosphere 3 A Miners game encompasses a small-town feel that includes a laid-back night of baseball. Fans enjoy close-up views of top collegiate players with a relaxed social environment where locals, board members, and host families mingle. The stadium features a covered grandstand with eight rows of bleacher-style seating, a press box situated next to it on the third base side, and fencing to protect patrons from foul balls and splintered bats. There are a few fans who set up lawn chairs on the third base side of the stadium for a closer view of the field, which is slightly above concourse level. An electric scoreboard in center field lights up in red. Throughout the game, promotions such as 50/50, guess the song, and free giveaways take place. One of them is for the player on the Miners who can swat a home run over the Big Mac Land sign in left field; everyone in attendance gets a coupon for a free Big Mac. The team also hosts other promotional nights that give back to the community. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is inside Madisonville City Park, a 200-acre city park that features amenities like mini-golf, lakes, and walking paths. It is less than 2 miles from downtown, which offers an array of shops, eateries, and other attractions. However, check out the many murals from local artists and the famous Big Blue Chair. Ferrell's Snappy Service is a small diner that sells burgers, breakfast, and chili fries and has been a staple since 1929. The Crowded House offers American pub fare, while The Oasis Southwest Grill puts a spin on their menu for a local palate. Country Cupboard is known for its fried chicken, and Hobo Mickey's Pizza House is a place to go for pizza and good times. There are outdoor activities, including Mahr Park Arboretum, a 265-acre nature area with walking trails, gardens, kayaking, and Kentucky’s largest official winged elm tree; then head to Grapevine Lake & Bike Trails for a quieter getaway with non-motorized access via a boat ramp and about 8 miles of mountain bike paths. Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art regional theater and art gallery, offers concerts, theatrical performances, and visual art exhibitions. Fans 4 The crowds at Miners games draw well on weekend games, but many attend games throughout the week year after year. They enjoy the new crop of players coming up each summer and support them any way they can. Access 3 Elmer Kelley Stadium is inside Madisonville City Park. It can be reached by accessing McCoy Avenue and Park Avenue. There is ample parking outside of the stadium, and once inside, the small size of the venue makes it easy to access seating, restrooms, and concessions. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games are $7, and children under the age of 9 are admitted free of charge. Concession prices are fairly low, with hot dogs at $3 and popcorn at $2. The club sells a line of high-quality merchandise at a table during the game. Extras 2 The stadium earns an extra point for its history pictures on the outside walls of the ballpark. It is called the Hopkins County Timeline, and it highlights former players, past citizens, and events that made the era famous. The second point is for a WPA building that still looks good all these years later. Final Thoughts Elmer Kelley Stadium is a nice way to spend an evening in Madisonville, Kentucky. The WPA ballpark is designed to enjoy the game the way it was meant to be, without overproduction of promotions and loud PA system sounds. Downtown is worth visiting and spending time in as well. It is a step back in time for some, but to many, it's business as usual. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey & the Paducah Chiefs Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Brooks Stadium 2400 Brooks Stadium Drive Paducah, KY 42003 Paducah Chiefs website Brooks Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 3,000 Brooks Stadium: Where Paducah Baseball History Lives The Paducah Chiefs of the summer collegiate Ohio Valley League club have called the historic Brooks Stadium home since re-forming in 2016. The team borrows the name from the previous minor league club that once called the ballpark home seven seasons after World War II. The stadium opened on May 8, 1949, to a record crowd of 3,500 patrons. Constructed for $75,000 and named for J. Polk Brooks, who worked relentlessly to bring baseball to Paducah. When funds were low to complete the project, Brooks did everything from moving dirt, laying concrete, acting as a welder, and handling the share of supervising business operations. The field is named after Dr. Frank “Doc” Hideg, whose key role was in the stadium’s revitalization and tending to the field for decades. His uniform number from his American Legion days was retired by the Chiefs. Doc was instrumental in saving the stadium when the city was contemplating razing it. He was officially named a Kentucky Colonel in 2026. The original Chiefs were members of the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League before switching to the Kitty League in 1951 due to proximity to other clubs. The team captured the 1955 championship but ceased operations along with the league a few months later, ending minor league baseball in Paducah. Besides summer ball, the ballpark is home to Tilghman High School and American Legion Post 31 baseball teams. The city still owns, and the stadium commission maintains, the 1,200-seat ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 Brooks Stadium has a nice selection of items for a stadium of its size. They include burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken sandwiches, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and the fan favorite BBQ nachos. You can wash it all down with Pepsi products, and for the sweet tooth, cotton candy and Dippin' Dots, headquartered in Paducah. The alcoholic options include Coors Light, Bush Light, Miller Lite, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Lexington-based Country Boy. The stadium also sells Truly Hard Seltzers and Cayman Jack can margaritas. Atmosphere 3 A game at Brooks Stadium is relaxing, inviting, and simple. It feels like baseball from decades ago, when the focus was primarily on the action on the field, while still offering enough on-field promotions and gimmicks to keep things entertaining. The ballpark’s layout features an uncovered grandstand with three separate press boxes. The seating section is separated with bleacher seating on top and box seating towards the field. Concessions, bathrooms, merchandise tables, and stadium entrances are located behind the seating bowl. The game day atmosphere includes on-field promotions in between innings, such as kid sack and dizzy bat races, community-sponsored events, and post-game fireworks. Players sign, mingle, and sign autographs after the game. Neighborhood 4 Brooks Stadium is in a residential neighborhood, a little over 2 miles from downtown and the waterfront. The historic area is highly walkable, blending Southern hospitality with Midwest ingenuity and offering a charming collection of shops, restaurants, and points of interest. There are many fine dining options: Grill 211, Stella’s, Tuscan Ristorante, and Cynthia’s California. A few casual places to eat include Kirchhoff’s Bakery & Deli, Branch Out Foods, and Gold Rush Cafe. A few places for a drink include Barrel and Bond and The FoxBriar Cocktail Bar. Downtown features plenty of murals and an expansive waterfront, a free trolley, and several craft breweries outside of downtown: Dry Ground Brewing Company, Paducah Beer Werks, and The National Quilt Museum. It is easy to make a weekend in town. Fans 3 The Chiefs rank near the top of attendance in the OVL. The fanbase is welcoming and inviting to anyone at the stadium. Weekend games and special events draw large crowds. However, fans at the stadium support the team by wearing official gear, cheering for their favorites on the field, and paying attention to the game. You will find a collection of die-hard fans, host family members, and the casual onlooker during a game at Brooks Stadium. Access 4 Brooks Stadium’s small size makes it easy to get around. The concessions and washrooms are underneath the grandstand, and there is plenty of seating at most games. A parking lot is available, and the location is 2.2 miles from downtown, best accessed by car. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a general admission ticket is $6 for bleachers and berm. The reserved chairback seats are $10. Parking is free for games, and concession prices are reasonably priced. The small and historic ballpark is worth checking out a game with family and friends. Extras 3 The Chiefs offer a few promotion nights that include select Monday games, during which General Admission, hot dogs, soft drinks, and beer are $2. The stadium is well maintained, painted in red and blue, and features a few new touches to keep it very modern for today’s audience. Some old ballparks never die. The Brooks Diamond Deck earns a final point. The private area is in the left-field corner and offers a VIP experience for fans during the game, with their own wait service, lawn chairs, and balcony views. Final Thoughts Brooks Stadium is a charming ballpark that is perfect for the Ohio Valley League. The size, staff, atmosphere, and small-time vibe are inviting for the first-time visitor. Its location in the historic riverfront area makes a trip worth making during the summer. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

If there was a case study in league failure, the Mountain States League might be the perfect example. What started as an 8-team league in April of 1954 dwindled to three clubs less than three months later. Teams disappeared without much notice, and clubs threw in the towel one after the other. ​The league was organized in 1948, during the post-war boom in minor league baseball, with six teams. Virgil Q. Wacks, an energetic and successful promoter, served as the loop’s president. It operated with minimal change for most of its first seven seasons, with only four teams folding. However, when the 1954 season began, three new clubs were added to challenge its stability. ​Wacks sought to expand to 10 teams in 1953 and aimed to compel Major League Baseball to pay for TV broadcasts in the league's territory. Attendance that year, however, fell to 764 fans per game, the lowest among 8-team circuits. However, there were cracks this year that should have been a harbinger of things to come for the league. To spark renewed interest, the league considered splitting the season into two halves, and clubs organized special promotional nights for teachers, farmers, and lawyers. “Cash and Carry Nights,” where one lucky fan could haul away as many nickels, quarters, and dimes as they could carry, became a hit, while “Jackpot Night” handed out a $1,000 bill to a fortunate attendee. Then there was the Knoxville Smokies, where owner Byron Kitchen hoped to have enough money to make it to opening day. The club was forced to play outside of town while a new municipal stadium was being constructed, saw low attendance figures, forfeited a game due to a lack of balls, and almost transferred operations to Hazard in May. However, Wacks was confident as the league prepared for its seventh season. “The fans will see the best baseball this season that has ever been produced in the Mountain States League.” ​The league announced 8 teams would start the season on March 24: the Morristown Red Sox, Newport Canners, Hazard Bombers, Maryville-Alcoa Twins, Middlesboro A’s, Harlan Smokies, Kingsport Cherokees, and the Oak Ridge Pioneers. Newport and Hazard had both rejoined the league together on March 15, 1954. ​Sports columnist Tom Anderson of the Knoxville Journal wrote that “it would be a tribute to Wacks if he makes it through the season.” However, not even Wacks could foresee what would happen; in an era where there were many examples of league instability, the Mountain States League set the standard. The Morristown Gazette Mail promoted Newport Canners as the visiting team for the home opener. ​The first red flag was the Bombers dropping out of the league around April 1, leading Wacks to scramble to find a new team in Lexington, which was well over 100 miles from the nearest club. There was no official wording on why Hazard dropped out so suddenly, but the team had left the league after its 1952 pennant due to being in considerable debt. Newport was set to play at the new Nease Stadium for free. Local businesses collected around $10,000 to ensure operations for the season. The Canners had played in the league from 1948 to 1950 before relocating to Norton, Virginia. ​The closest Newport came to playing was an ad in the Morristown Gazette Mail for the home opener at Sherwood Park on April 24. Around this time, reports emerged of shaky financial ground. If Newport couldn't play, Wacks said Hazard would be reinstated as the 8th club. It was later reported that Newport couldn’t raise enough money to fix up its ballpark or pay its players. ​The Mountain States League became the only 7-team league in the country, with one team having to sit idle for the first two weeks of the season. It would affect the Morristown Red Sox, who lost $5,800 in 1953 and $25,000 during the first month of the current season. The Sox played only 7 home dates during their first three weeks, taking in $500, while paying out $3,000.​ With another year of running in the red, team president Fred Hartman withdrew his franchise on May 17. Morristown would eventually get another franchise the following month when our next team ran into financial troubles in their original market. Kingsport owner Sam Bray made national headlines on June 6 when he announced that he would give away his club, lock, stock, and barrel, plus $3,000 in cash, to anyone willing to operate the club for the rest of the year in town. The deal included team uniforms, equipment, team bus, players' contracts, concession stand stock, and being debt-free. ​The Maryville-Alcoa Twins entered the league in 1953 and played out of Hunt Field, 9 miles away from the Knoxville Smokies (Class B) brand-new $600,000 Municipal Stadium in 1954. The proximity to the Smokies hindered attendance; a May 12 game drew only 68 people to the stands. ​The Twins ceased operations on June 14 due to an $8,000 tax bill from the previous season, which required a $2,000 upfront payment to the federal government. The club then announced it would relocate to Morristown, but as quickly as the story made print, it was announced that the team was saved by its parent club, Cincinnati, and would temporarily remain at Hunt Field. After failing to secure additional funding, the Twins relocated to Morristown and renamed the Reds on June 20. Their stay was brief, lasting only 10 days. Cincinnati liked Morristown as a minor league city, but felt team quality and financial losses were prohibitive for continuing the season. ​The next team on the chopping block was the Lexington Colts, who had just joined 17 days before the season opener to replace the Hazard franchise that never got off the ground. Although the Colts had financial trouble of their own, they were committed to completing the season; their official demise was due to an odd league rule. When the Morristown Reds franchise folded, other clubs forced Lexington to fold to balance the schedule and reduce travel expenses. On July 6, Lexington was notified that it was no longer in the league, based on a rule that states if there is an odd number of teams, the newest member will cease operations. With four teams left in the league, Wacks was determined to finish the season with a new schedule, and the remaining clubs would start from scratch with a new set of standings. The last day of the season would be set for August 15, when a pennant winner would be announced. ​That would not take place when the Harlan Smokies, who exhausted their operating funds for the season, gave up the ghost on July 19. Smokies president Dr. Willard Buttermore said at the time of withdrawal that the club was “unable to make it financially.” The club had played to 10,000 people, with about 250-300 in attendance per game. ​A last-ditch effort was made to replace the Smokies with a semi-pro team from Pennington Gap from the Lonesome Pine League to complete the season. Wacks hoped to send the team to Kingsport, but that never materialized. Without any other options, the Mountain States League ceased operations on July 20.​ Kingsport, Middlesboro, and Oak Ridge were the last three teams remaining, each facing financial challenges. Of these, Middlesboro may have been the only franchise in stable financial condition. To cover the $13,000 renovation costs of Ridgewood Park, Oak Ridge had earlier offered $10 shares to the public. After league play ended, the Pioneers transitioned to a semi-pro club and continued to compete against teams within a 50-mile radius until August. Meanwhile, Kingsport's owner, Sam Bray, had turned fortunes around on the season, having his family operate the team for free and having players wash and mend their own uniforms. He sold off many of his players to other clubs, and the ones that were released were paid before they left to go home for the season. ​“Maybe I’ll go with them, because most of them are from Cuba and I could stand a vacation.”​ ​Wacks once said that the MSL was “steady as a rock,” and vowed to return with an 8-team league for the 1955 season. The three remaining clubs would return, along with commitments from five other cities and towns on the league map. He was optimistic and ready to do the groundwork but was sensibly advised to reconsider in March. ​“I had eight towns tentatively lined up for the league this season. I feel certain we could have operated, but after discussing it with an associate, we decided it would be better to take a break for a season or two. After going without professional baseball for a season or so, the fans will be hungry for the sport.” Wacks did try a few more times, even as late as 1969, to reform the league as a Class A loop. He said that he had several contacts in former towns and even looked into new markets for his proposed league. It never happened, but he was busy hosting The Virgil Q. Wacks Varieties Show, which ran on local television from 1957 to 1983. He also served as a sportscaster and radio announcer for many years before he died in 1994. Perhaps Marsh Town said it best in his daily column in The Morristown Sun on July 17, 1953, when he wrote "Virgil Q. Wacks must spend some sleepless nights trying to figure out how to hold the league together." The Mountain States League left an interesting footnote in the annals of minor league baseball after the war. Just because you can place teams anywhere doesn’t mean you have a league. This lesson has been repeated many times since the league’s closure over 70 years ago and will likely be repeated. Name Date Results Newport Canners April 25, 1954 Not enough money to operate for the season; never played a game. Morristown Red Sox May 15, 1954 Folded due to uneven teams and low gate receipts Maryville-Alcoa Twins June 19, 1954 Relocated to Middletown and renamed Reds. Morristown Reds July 1, 1954 Cincinnati pulled the club out due to differences with the league. Lexington Colts July 7, 1954 Expelled from the league due to the number of teams and the date joined. Harlan Smokes July 19, 1954 Ran out of money for the season Mountain States League July 20, 1954 League ceased operations; only Kingsport, Middletown, and Oak Ridge remained. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TD Coliseum 101 York Boulevard Hamilton, ON L8R 3L4 Toronto Rock website TD Coliseum website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 17,383 Rock City Renovation The expansion Ontario Raiders joined the National Lacrosse League in 1998. They played one season in Hamilton before being sold to an ownership group consisting of Toronto Maple Leafs Assistant GM, Bill Watters, Blue Jays President, Paul Beeston, Tie Domi and Bobby Orr, and immediately moved to Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto and rebranded the Toronto Rock. After being the final event in the venerable arena, the Rock moved south to join the Leafs and Raptors at what was then known as the Air Canada Centre. The Rock enjoyed great success in Downtown Toronto, but decided to make the move west, back to Hamilton in 2021. While maintaining the Toronto Rock brand, the team, under the ownership of Jamie Dawick, helped push the FirstOntario Centre to a much-needed renovation. After a year in Mississauga during construction, the Rock have returned to the newly christened TD Coliseum and are optimistic about the future in the Hammer. TD Coliseum opened in 1985 as Copps Coliseum, to attract an NHL expansion franchise in the forefront. The shock of Ottawa gaining the Senators at the detriment of Hamilton still has not fully healed. The Coliseum has been home to a host of AHL franchises and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. In 2024, the City of Hamilton began a $300 million renovation on what would become TD Coliseum. The Toronto Rock is the only sports tenant at the time of writing, but they will soon have company, as the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League will be moving to Hamilton for the 2026-2027 season. Food & Beverage 4 One of the main areas of focus for the recent renovation of the arena was concessions. The concession. Food options now feature higher quality and significant variety. Sugar & Salt, Matty’s Patty’s, Fizzy Feathers, Dip City, Mr. Softee, Casa Escobar, Rizzo’s House of Parm, and Shaq’s Big Chicken are all available stands. A further focus of the renovation was the creation of new premium dining areas, including the Vinyl Room, Rogers Club, and TD Lounge. A full accounting of the concession landscape can be found on the TD Coliseum website. It should not be surprising that with the improvement in quality of the concessions has come an increase in the cost. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of TD Coliseum now punctuates the theme throughout the arena. TD Coliseum’s exterior, which once featured white or off-white siding, now features a black colour scheme with green highlights; the same green of the TD logo. A new exterior sign at the northwest corner of the footprint is the other main highlight of the renovations on the outside. The footprint of the arena remains the same, and there is not much of a gathering area outside the arena. The largest would be the northwest corner. A new focus at TD Coliseum is ensuring that fans enter their assigned gate, which uses the arena’s resources a little bit better. Inside TD Coliseum, the dark theme with a charcoal grey colour scheme throughout the concourses. At first glance, it seems that TD Coliseum is envisioned more as a concert venue than a sports arena. There are no markings for the Toronto Rock or any of the FirstOntario Centre, formerly had a single concourse which serviced both the upper and lower bowl, similar to the Palace of Auburn Hills. With all of the new premium dining areas, this has changed a bit, and the lower concourse, which was once used just for arena personnel, is now used in some areas. Entering the seating bowl shows more renovations. The floor runs from east to west, with the best view of the centre logo from the north side. The suites, which were once behind the lower seating bowl, have been reoriented and are mainly on the south side. Floor-level suites are now on the north side, and where the suites were previously, there are now high-top rail seats. The four-sided videoboard is state-of-the-art and modest in size, a refreshing change from the newer ones in major arenas that are nearly the length of the floor. A full 360-degree LED ribbon is found on the fascia of the upper level. All of the seats have been replaced and are dark charcoal and no longer the assorted bubble gum colours. Many sections of the upper deck were curtained off, and the lower bowl definitely has a more intimate feel than it did previously. No Toronto Rock banners were hanging in TD Coliseum; however, it is assumed that this will change for subsequent games. The Toronto Rock pulls out all of the stops when it comes to the gameday production. The PA announcer is strong and leads cheers and chants throughout the game, not as over the top as found in Buffalo, but more than a typical hockey announcer. In place of a “First Pitch” is a first shot. The game ball is delivered to the referee via a remote control car in a unique promotion. The Rock entered to some pyro and flanked by the community Fan Tunnel and Rock City Dancers. The Rock mascot, Iggy, takes part in promotions, and the Rock City Dancers perform during media breaks as well as in the corners at floor level. The Rock features individual goal songs, which is debatable whether it is a positive or negative feature. Neighbourhood 2 TD Coliseum is located in Central Hamilton. It is generally a depressed area with plenty of signs of homelessness. There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink in the area. These include Cowabunga, Undefined, Tobey’s Good Eats, The Mule and Merit Brewing. Hamilton does have some other sporting options including the Hamilton Kilty B’s, Dundas Blues, Forge FC, McMaster Marauders football and basketball and the Hamilton Cardinals. It appears that TD Coliseum will once again be home to an American Hockey League franchise in the future. However, if there is one thing that Hamilton is known for, it is the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. There are other tourist options in Hamilton worth checking out. These include the Canadian Football Hall of Fame at Hamilton Stadium, FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton Farmers Market, Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Sheraton Hamilton and Homewood Suites are very close to the arena. Fans 3 It will be interesting to see where the fan support for the Toronto Rock settles. The game that was reviewed was the first game at the refurbished TD Coliseum and the first home game of the 2025-26 season. The previous season, the Rock attracted an average of just over 5,100 fans per game at the much smaller Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga. The average was just under capacity for the building and ranked them 11th in the 14 team NLL. The previous season, the Rock averaged more than 8,600 fans per game, ranking them 6th in the league. For the first game of the season, the Rock welcomed 5,700 fans. This is below their previous average in Hamilton, however, the NLL typically sees attendance rise after Christmas. The fans that are in attendance are a little louder and more vocal than typical Ontario fans. Access 3 TD Coliseum is located in Central Hamilton, on the southeast corner of York Blvd and Bay Street. It is 1 ¾ km east of Highway 403, and much closer to major highways than some of the other sports venues in Hamilton. Getting to TD Coliseum is not too difficult when coming from the west, but the traffic definitely picks up when getting closer to Central Hamilton. There are some parking garages and surface lots in the immediate area. It is recommended that fans use a pre-purchased parking option and plan ahead. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the West Harbour GO station is a 15 minute walk from TD Coliseum and HSR buses travel York and King Streets. Fans should consult the GO Transit and HSR websites for fares, schedules and maps. With the renovation, getting around the concourses is more of a challenge. Use of both the upper and lower concourses will require fans to use staircases, where they previously did not need to, when walking a full 360 revolution around the arena. The new seats are definitely not larger than the previous ones and a case could be made that they are actually smaller. TD Coliseum is also a cashless venue. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols at major sporting events are consistently changing. TD Coliseum does feature modern scanning equipment which keeps the entry flow moving. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Toronto Rock and TD Coliseum websites for the most up to date security information including prohibited items and bag policies. Return on Investment 3 Toronto Rock tickets begin at $56 and increase to over $120. The Rock have the most expensive ticket prices compared to the other Canadian NLL teams. Concession prices are also on the expensive side. Parking will go for at least $20. Overall, the Rock provide a more expensive experience than probably anticipated. That being said, the Rock provide a fantastic product. NLL lacrosse is fast paced, hard hitting and exciting. Music plays throughout the game and the promotions and gameday atmosphere are engaging and exciting. Extras 4 An extra mark for the success the Rock have enjoyed including 6 Champions Cups and 5 in their first 7 years in Toronto. An extra mark for the Toronto Rock closing Maple Leaf Gardens. The final event at the venerable arena before renovation and rebranding by Toronto Metropolitan University was the Rock’s NLL Championship in 2000. An extra mark for the NLL everyman image. The majority of the players in the league have other full time jobs and are lacrosse “weekend warriors.” An extra mark for the impact of the Toronto Rock on the lacrosse community in Southern Ontario. With the building of the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Jamie Dawick and the Rock have done a great job promoting lacrosse at a wide variety of levels, including the OJLL Oakville Buzz. Final Thoughts In a return to Hamilton, the Toronto Rock are enjoying a renovated new home in TD Coliseum. There is a different vibe surrounding the upgraded facility and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Rock in their return to the Hammer. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Xfinity Mobile Arena 3601 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Wings website Xfinity Mobile Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,306 Wings Lax Still Flying Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. A massive renovation in 2020 has brought the arena up to modern standards and is favorably comparable to any venue in the National Lacrosse League. The Wings are still attempting to capture the imagination of Philadelphia sports fans and the magic of previous Wings iterations. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major differences found at Wells Fargo Center as a result of the 2020 renovation is a commitment to improving the concession experience. Philly sports fans are now able to experience a premium concession experience. The regular arena favorites are all present, of course, however, they are now joined by many Philly favorites and higher quality items than were found previous to the renovation. Some unique items that can now be found at Wells Fargo Center include Federal Donuts, huge, thin-crust pizza slices at Cuz’s Pizza, Vodka Parm Sandwiches and Italian Pork Sandwiches at 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese Balls at Line Change, various Philly Cheesesteaks at First Line Steaks, burgers and milkshakes from Shake Shack and Crab Fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Wells Fargo. Beer selections include Blue Moon, Yuengling, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Athletic Brewing Co. products. The concession scene deserves to be planned out a bit and a concessions map are available on the Wells Fargo Center website, or here. Atmosphere 4 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Complex and is surrounded by parking. Although there is nothing overly exceptional about the exterior of the building, it is far from unattractive. There is not an overabundance of glass on the exterior of the building, but light-colored siding and brick are the main materials. A couple of photo ops that fans may want to check out on the exterior, aside from the view of downtown Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field, or Citizens Bank Park, would include the statue of Wilt Chamberlain at the southeast corner of the building, or the statue of Ed Snider at the northwest corner. Fans entering the Wells Fargo Center will be welcomed by newly designed concourses. Concession stands are grouped in various areas that include some seating areas to visit with other fans and enjoy a drink or eat some food before heading into the bowl. The top sides of the concourse walls feature small murals and headings of numerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas which keep the local flavor of the building strong. Several Flyers and Sixers displays may interest fans as well. For Wings games, the smaller merchandise counters are where fans will find a variety of swag items. When fans enter the seating bowl, their attention will immediately be drawn to the massive, concave, four-sided videoboard. Crystal clear and state of the art, the videoboard features long, concave screens to match the long sides of the floor with smaller, more square boards on the ends. The ribbon board that goes with the screen uniquely can be raised or lowered and has flames that shoot out for pregame festivities. The floor runs from south to north with the perfect spot for the center logo picture to be taken, on the east side. A typical, two-level seating bowl separated by luxury boxes is found at the Wells Fargo Center. The seats in the Wells Fargo Center are new and spacious and much better than what was previously in the arena. In the southwest corner rafters hang banners for the Wings. Retired number banners for Dallas Eliuk, Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Kevin Finneran are joined by a banner noting 1989, 1990, 1994, and 1995 North American Cup Championships and 1998 and 2001 Champions Cup Championships. All honors are for previous iterations of the Wings, but it is good that the current Wings have continued to memorialize them. The gameday atmosphere at a Wings game is not dissimilar to that of other NLL teams. The entrance for the players during pregame is highly produced with a hype video, followed by player entrances through a physical, illuminated version of the current Wings logo with plenty of loud music and flames. Music plays throughout the action on the floor and there are plenty of promotions. The Philadelphia Wings Dancers take part in the pregame and perform at points during the game. The Wings mascot, Wingston, can be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 3 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood, just across the Delaware River on the other side of New Jersey. There is not much in the way of a neighborhood that would be within walking distance of the arena. Xfinity Live is part of the complex as is the Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. There are a couple of spots fans may want to check out for food or drink just south of the complex, including DiNic’s Pork and Beef and The Gatehouse. What the area lacks in pre and post-game food venues it more than makes up for access to other sports. The Wells Fargo Center is shared with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers and periodically the Villanova Wildcats. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls. The Army-Navy Game often resides at Lincoln Financial Field also. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Philadelphia Union plays in nearby Chester. There are also several college basketball sports fans who could check out including the Temple Owls, Drexel Dragons, Villanova Wildcats, LaSalle Explorers, and St. Joseph’s Hawks. Checking out the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers, is a must for college basketball and Philadelphia basketball fans. Fans wishing to stay close to the complex can either stay at the casino or the Courtyard Philadelphia South. Heading into downtown Philadelphia also offers a host of other tourist and food options fans should consider. Fans 3 Assessing the fan situation in the National Lacrosse League is becoming increasingly difficult as attendance figures are often not published. It is safe to say that the current Wings have not enjoyed the same following that earlier versions of the team did. That being said, it seems that attendance at Wings games is on the rise. The game that was attended for review had an odd, 11 am start time and still attracted over 7,000 fans. It is also safe to say that the Wings are not consistently breaking the 10,000 fan mark. Fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate. Hopefully, the word will spread and the average attendance for Wings games will continue to increase. Access 4 Getting to the Wells Fargo Center is not that difficult. The complex is located on Broad Street, immediately north of I-95 and south of I-76. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not terrible. If multiple teams are playing in the complex at the same time, it could be more of a problem. There is plenty of parking in the area. Fans wishing to take public transit can catch the subway to the NRG Station on the west side of the complex. Fans should see the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Wells Fargo Center is not an issue. With the renovations, all of the seats in the arena were replaced and the replacements are bigger and more comfortable than before. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance for Wings games. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for major sports are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Philadelphia Wings and/or Wells Fargo Center websites for the most up-to-date security protocols including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 The Philadelphia Wings put on a good show, with plenty of excitement, in a facility that is as good as any in the National Lacrosse League. The “fastest game on two feet” will engage fans and keep them on the edge of their seats and the Wings do a solid job of putting together a strong gameday package. Wings tickets are not expensive and good seats can be found for $25 with both more and less expensive options available. Concession prices are what one would expect, but the concession experience is excellent. Parking is a bit on the expensive side, but average for other Philadelphia sports experiences. More fans in the stands would provide an even better lacrosse experience and bump the ROI even higher. Extras 3 An extra mark for the recognition and embracing of the Philadelphia Wings past.An extra mark for the return of the NLL to a traditional lacrosse market. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Wells Fargo Center Final Thoughts With the return of the Philadelphia Wings to the Philadelphia sports scene, thoughts back to the glory days of Philadelphia lacrosse are fresh in the minds of Philly fans. It seems rekindling those days is still a few years away, but with a renovation to Wells Fargo Center, the time is right to head to South Philly and take in some box lax. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Penrith Stadium Mulgoa Rd Penrith, NSW 2750 Australia Penrith Panthers website Penrith Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 22,500 Penrith Panthers at BlueBet The Penrith Panthers were admitted to what is now known as the National Rugby League in 1967 however didn’t experience real success until the late 1980s and early 1990s. The club won its maiden premiership in 1991. Penrith won their second title in 2003. After experiencing some lean years more recently, the club is once again challenging for premiership success in the early 2020s. The Panthers represent a working-class area located on the western edge of the Sydney metropolitan area at the foot of the Blue Mountains. BlueBet Stadium opened the same year Penrith entered the competition and currently has a capacity of 22,500. The stadium is owned by Penrith City Council, with the Panthers being the sole major tenant. A smattering of high-level soccer and international rugby league matches have also been held here. Food & Beverage 3 Most visitors will enter the stadium via the western entrances. The forecourt immediately beyond the turnstiles is the best place to purchase your refreshments. There’s a reasonable selection of food items which cater to most tastes. The West Bar is also close by, however, expect to spend some time in the queue to purchase your drinks. Food outlets around the stadium offer the standard fare: burgers, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hot chips, and soft drinks. Expect to pay between $10-$15 for a decent feed and a further $5 for a drink. Other vendors within the forecourt offer wares such as pizza and “toasties.” The bar offers several types of beer: Iron Jack, Toohey’s New, Hahn Super Dry, and Hahn Premium Light. Prices are around $8, with a $1 discount for members. Premixed spirits and wine are also available. Atmosphere 4 The grandstands are reserved seating, but much of the ground-level seating is designated as general admission. Be aware that the northern hill is largely a family area, which means no alcohol. This is enforced by security. Ushers guard the reserved seating areas. The southern hill has minimal elevation so large numbers of fans stand in this area. Plenty of families bring chairs and blankets which is a good idea. The eastern stand receives the afternoon sun. The branding and signage around the ground leave you in doubt that this is Penrith territory. The façade of the western stand features banners of the current team. The top of the eastern stand is adorned with the names of club legends such as Craig Gower and Greg Alexander. Neighborhood 3 Penrith is a major centre of Western Sydney, with the local area being one of the most populous in the state. The Penrith Panthers Leagues Club is one of the largest registered clubs in NSW. It is the closest and most attractive option for entertainment close to the stadium. There are numerous food options including burgers, pizza, seafood, steak, noodles, and more. Other activities that might be of interest are a driving range where you hit a lake and a cable wakeboarding water park. In the same area across the road are an indoor skydiving centre and several chain restaurants including McDonald’s and Outback Steakhouse. Pubs close by including the Australian Arms, one of the oldest pubs in the district. There’s also plenty of pubs closer to the CBD and a Westfield Shopping Centre. Some sporting and recreation facilities are nearby. The Nepean River is one of the major geographical features of the area, along with Penrith Lake which includes both the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium, both venues built for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. The Penrith Emus Shute Shield rugby club plays at Nepean Rugby Park and the Penrith Paceway next door has harness racing on Thursday nights. The world heritage-listed Blue Mountains are also easily accessible from Penrith, by either rail or road. The Mountains effectively mark the western edge of the Sydney metropolitan area and form part of the Great Dividing Range, which extends almost the length of the continent from north to south. Many of the historic towns are worth visiting including Leura, Wentworth Falls, and the major towns of Katoomba and Lithgow. The natural beauty of the area is well worth a visit, including “The Three Sisters” rock formation and Jenolan Caves. There’s plenty of opportunities for bushwalking and outdoor adventuring but be sure to prepare properly and take appropriate precautions. In summary, there’s plenty to do in the local area but in Western Sydney cars are king – so be prepared to drive anywhere outside of the precinct across Mulgoa Rd. Forming part of the Panthers precinct just across the road, the Mercure Penrith is the obvious choice for accommodation and a short walk from the stadium. Fans 4 Penrith is a working-class area. The locals are proud of their town and their football team. Crowds have once again increased as the Panthers have begun to experience more success on the field. The COVID impacted the 2020 season aside, average attendance in recent years is around 14,000 which is certainly enough to create an exciting and dynamic atmosphere. The Panthers have healthy rivalries with other western Sydney teams, with the biggest arguably being the Parramatta Eels. Access 3 While the stadium is accessible by public transport, the majority of fans drive. Expect some congestion around local roads as game time nears. Visitors traveling from other areas of Sydney will arrive via the Mulgoa Rd exit from the M4 Western Motorway. There is limited free parking within the Panthers complex, but this can fill quite quickly. There are also relatively cheap paid parking options at the Paceway on the northern side of the stadium (Ransley St) and the cricket club on the southern side (Station St) which will run you about $5. The nearest railway station is 10 mins walk from the stadium. There is a box office just outside the entry but it’s just as easy to buy online and either print them at home or have the link sent to your phone. Fans tend to mill about outside the entrance waiting for friends or family. There’s a bag check at the entrance, but overall, there are no difficulties or hassles when entering. The concourse is quite easy to navigate, although it’s a little congested at the southern end. Generally, there are no issues with moving around the various areas should you like to move around during the game. The bathrooms are a bit old but serviceable. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets range from $35 general admission through to $60 for the most expensive “Diamond” reserved seats. Children from the age of 2 require a ticket regardless of where they sit. Family passes that admit 4 people are a reasonable value when compared to single tickets. Food and beverage prices are reasonable compared to other NRL venues and cheap parking is welcomed. Extras 2 Penrith has capitalised on their name with a “Pink Panther” theme and wears pink jerseys for the annual Women in League round. Final Thoughts The Panthers are once again one of the hottest tickets in town with a team to rival any other club in the NRL. Penrith is also a gateway to exploring the beautiful Blue Mountains and beyond, and thus should be a destination for all visitors to this part of the world.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Ocean Protect Stadium 2 Captain Cook Drive Woolooware, NSW 2230 Australia Cronulla Sharks website Ocean Protect Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 22,000 Shark Park Editors Note: The stadium officially changed its name to Ocean Protect Stadium on November 25, 2025, following a multimillion-dollar naming rights deal with the national stormwater treatment company. Southern Cross Group Stadium (formerly known as Remondis Stadium) is located in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney, serving as home to the Cronulla Sharks of the National Rugby League (NRL). The stadium was built in 1960 and, in somewhat of an anomaly in Australian sport, is actually owned by the Sharks. Several renovations have lifted the capacity to the current mark of 22,000. The original name of the venue is Endeavour Field, but it is commonly called “Shark Park” by the Cronulla faithful. The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks joined the then NSW Rugby League in 1967, having previously played in the Sydney inter-district competition. The Sharks are based in the Sutherland Shire, representing the coastal areas south of Botany Bay and the Georges River. While enjoying several periods of success throughout their history, the Sharks have yet to win a first grade premiership, losing two grand finals in the 1970s to Manly (plus a GF replay in 1978 after the original match was drawn 11-11), and the 1997 Super League grand final to Brisbane. Financial instability has dogged the club over the years, although it’s hoped a large development project on land owned by the Sharks will secure their long term financial future. Food & Beverage 3 Southern Cross Group Stadium embodies exactly what you expect from a trip to a suburban footy stadium; long lines, average mass produced food, and prices that make you wonder why you didn’t get an extra $50 out at the ATM. Your food offerings can broadly be separated into all the basic stadium food groups; meat pies, hot chips, hot dogs, burgers, fish and chips, and chicken. Add to that nachos and some basic wraps, and that’s pretty much it. A decent feed is likely to set you back a minimum of around $12 per person. Limit your expectations at the bar to another long wait in line, despite the “VB Only” lines. Soft drinks are Pepsi-Schweppes and beer is CUB. Probably best not to be too adventurous in the food department while at Southern Cross Group and stick with the tried and true pie, chips and a beer. Atmosphere 3 The Sharkies offer a traditional game day experience with the focus on the footy. Games against local rivals St George Illawarra draw good crowds, while most Sydney opponents will also attract reasonable numbers. There are two entrances to Shark Park; both on the southern side of the stadium. You enter through a large inflatable shark’s head, with the southwestern entrance also featuring the Sharks honour walk. The stadium has grandstands on three sides, with the northern end dominated by a hill area. The main stand is on the western side and is named after arguably the Sharks greatest ever player, Andrew Ettingshausen (ET Stand). The Peter Burns Stand is on the eastern side and is built onto the adjoining Sharkies Leagues Club. During an afternoon game this stand looks directly into the setting sun. The southern stand is the most recent addition to Southern Cross Group Stadium and was named after the first captain of the club, Monty Porter. There are video screens at either end. The ground announcer is passionately one-sided towards the home team, and adds to the atmosphere, despite his painfully constant referrals to the Sharks captain, Paul Gallen as, “G-Train.” The public address system is too loud, particularly the music leading up to the start of the game. Expect the standard cheerleaders, known as the Mermaids, and junior footy played at halftime. The ET Stand is the premiere place to sit and as a result tickets for this area tend to sell faster than any other area (and are priced accordingly). The hill is designated as family friendly and alcohol free, but if it’s a solid crowd it can be quite uncomfortable. There’s concourse seating around the ground which is a better priced option if you don’t mind sitting closer to ground level. Be aware that only a small amount of seats have good coverage from rain. Neighborhood 2 The immediate neighbourhood is largely playing fields and residences, save for the leagues club next door. If you’re after anything more than that then you’ll have to head down the road to Cronulla itself. The Leagues Club has a bistro, cafe, and Chinese restaurant as well as bars and entertainment. If you’re down in Cronulla, then the Nuns Pool Cafe (103 Ewos Pde) has a well-deserved good reputation. Northies Cronulla is also a well-known local watering hole (Cnr Kingsway & Elouera). The Cronulla area is dominated by its waterways. Local surf beaches are Cronulla, North Cronulla, Elouera, and Wanda. The nearest major shopping centre is Westfield Miranda, just to the west of Woolooware. The metropolitan area of Sydney and CBD are within a 30 minute drive, while Sydney’s Kingsford-Smith airport is 18km to the north. There’re several hotels in Cronulla including a Rydges and a Quest. Fans 3 The Sharks are well supported by their local community. However, the area the team represents is relatively small, and borders too closely with St George Illawarra. Sadly, Cronulla is often mentioned as a candidate for relocation, should it ever occur. Average attendance is around 12,000 which is at the lower end of NRL teams. Choose the game you attend carefully to make the most of your experience at Remondis. Look for matches against other Sydney teams to boost crowds and the resulting atmosphere. If a decent crowd does turn up, the atmosphere compares well with other venues. Sharks fans enjoy their footy and strongly cheer for their team. Access 2 Southern Cross Group Stadium is not well located in terms of transportation, with no close parking or public transport. The nearest train station at Woolooware is around a 15 minute walk from the stadium. Buses may be an option depending where you are travelling from. There are no parking lots available. While not having to pay for parking is always a pleasure, the resulting traffic and battle to find a parking spot on packed suburban streets is not. A walk of a kilometre or more is easily possible if you choose to drive. Interestingly, there are numerous security guards and police in the surrounding streets to help manage pedestrian safety and congestion. Entry is relatively smooth with electronic ticket scanners and a minimal security check for the standard bag check. Best to buy your ticket online before you turn up. A half decent crowd and the concourses will be quite busy as fans spill into walkways. Crowds for bathrooms are reasonable, even at half time. Ushers are minimal, overworked, and not particularly effective. Return on Investment 3 Not having to pay for parking is a huge bonus when comparing cost to other major venues, but let’s face it, the long walk and stress in finding a parking spot all but cancels that positive out. Cost of entry and food is about average. Cheapest Adult Ticket: $25.49 Parking: $0 Pie: $6 Drink: $3.50 TOTAL: $34.99 There are discounts for juniors and families. Extras 2 There are two inflatable attractions for older children on the hill, and it’s also worth mentioning the honour walk at the south western entrance. Final Thoughts The best thing about Southern Cross Group Stadium is that it completely represents the football team that plays there. It’s an older stadium with minimal amenities, but is worth a trip to the Shire all the same.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 American Family Field One Brewers Way Milwaukee, WI 53214 Milwaukee Brewers website American Family Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 41,900 Baseball, Beer, & Brats at the Brewers Game American Family Field is the home field of the Milwaukee Brewers. Originally known as Miller Park when it opened in 2001, the ballpark is known for its tailgating before the game, its ballpark food of Wisconsin treats, and strong fan support. It houses a fan-shaped retractable roof that opens or closes in 10 minutes. The ballpark received $500,000 worth of public funds to renovate the stadium. It resulted in a 12,077 square feet video board in center field, a 2,840 square foot board in right field, LED displays, and the creation of the 3rd Street Market Hall with 4 new restaurants in the right field loge level. Before moving into American Family Field, the Brew Crew called County Stadium home from 1970-2000. The ballpark is gone, but the field is now the site of a Little League baseball park, Helfaer Field. It is located near the AAF and it provides the opportunity for kids to run on the field before a Brewers game. The renovations will guarantee the Brewers will stay in town until 2050 (the club’s 80th anniversary since moving from Seattle) and enhance what many considered a ballpark to visit during the season. Food & Beverage 5 American Family Field was named the second-best MLB stadium for food by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This year includes the addition of four new eateries that are located in the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex in the right field loge level and include the following establishments: Kompali Tacos: Steak tacos, Chicken tacos, Vegetarian Tacos, and Chips and Guacamole. Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ: Texan Sandwich, Pork Shoulder Sandwich, The Smokey Bird Sandwich, and Smoked Meat Nachos. KAWA (Asian fusion): Crab Rangoon (3 pieces), Spring Roll (4 pieces), Godzilla Roll, and Chicken Fried Rice. Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan): Brisket and Cheddar Arepa, Chicken and Cheddar Arepa, Black Bean and Cheddar Arepa, Mini Empanadas (3-piece basket – Chicken, Ground Beef, and Cheese) and Tostones and Mild Salsa. The J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard (Loge area in right field) is a restaurant and experience overlooking the field. It features a three-barrel brewing system and brewmaster. The restaurant is opened all-year-round and offers a full menu of steak dishes, chicken wings, Wisconsin cheese boards, cheese soup, and a Wurst platter. Fans enjoy a patio view of the game on the concourse with a wait staff. However, more options specialize in Wisconsin favorites of sausages, burgers, brats, hot dogs, and sausages. A few highlights include the peppered brandy burger with melted Swiss cheese, bacon, and caramelized brandy onions; the Tipsy Polish with caramelized brandy onions, fries, pickled peppers, and Bavarian sprinkles; and the Top of the North hot dog with kraut, jalapeno mayonnaise, bacon, brown mustard, and Super Secret Stadium sauce. The options do not end here; the concession stands serve pizza slices, chicken parmesan sandwiches, giant helmet nachos, Vienna beef hot dogs, chicken tender baskets with fries, and fried cheese curds. The highlight of the beer selection includes the Local Brews bar, located on the lower level near section 207. It serves 24 beers from numerous Wisconsin breweries, including Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewery, Ninja Dust from One Barrel Brewing Company, and GumbSkull Sea Salt & Lime Lager from PetSkull Brewing Company. Atmosphere 5 Everything begins about 3 hours before the game in the ballpark parking lots. The birth of tailgating was born here when the Braves came to town from Boston, and the tradition continues today with multiple tables, tents, and grills serving up some of the best foods in the major leagues. The stadium is separated into four different levels. Fans enter through the field level (100), and the wrap-around concourse houses an abundance of food and merchandise options. There are also island bars allowing fans to enjoy the game from all four sides of the structure. There are also open views from many parts of the concourse, allowing fans not to miss the action on the diamond. The Loge level (200) is where you will find a few interesting sections that enhance the game day experience. As mentioned earlier, the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex was recently added. The Miller Lite Landing offers sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. The area also has a wait staff, drink rails, charging stations, and TV sets. When the roof is open, the view is ideal for pictures from this vantage point. The 300 level is where you will find club-level suites with a wait staff. A few more suite and all-inclusive areas include the Vizzy Loft, Johnsonville Party Deck, and the Association Bank Power Alley. X-Golf is located on the Loge level and features seven state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator bays over two floors – with three bays that offer expansive views of the playing field. Reservations are required. The Terrace level (400) offers some of the better views of the entire stadium. The ballpark is known for several unique features: Famous Racing Sausages, Bernie’s Chalet, and the Bob Uecker seats in the last row of the stadium in the 400 level. The sausages race between the 6 inning, and featured five different sausage and mini sausage mascots racing from the left field corner to the first baseline. The team’s mascot, Bernie Brewer, will slide down from his chalet after every Brewer home run. The Aurora Health Care® Kids Zone is a special kids' interactive playground located on the Terrace Level behind home plate. The area offers slides, areas to test kid’s speed, pitching, and face painting. Fans can also look around the walls of the ballpark to see team logos, sayings, and murals honoring the Brewers history in the town. Neighborhood 3 American Family Field is 4.3 miles from downtown Milwaukee. It should not be surprising since it was built next to the team’s former home County Stadium. When County Stadium opened in 1953, it was designed with the motorist in mind and was the first major league ballpark constructed outside the city limits. It is best to drive to the game and visit downtown Milwaukee afterward. The Milwaukee Riverwalk is worth a visit on a warm summer day and is accessible to the Milwaukee Public Market which is located in the Historic Third Ward where cobblestone streets line up next to restaurants, shops, and bars. The city is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum and a few brewery tours that include Miller, Lakefront, and Specher. If craving more baseball, the Milwaukee Milkmen and Lake Country Dockhounds of the American Association play 15 and 30 minutes respectively from the stadium. Still, the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League play less than 20 minutes north along the shoreline at Kapco Park. Fans 5 The Brewers are known for having some of the best fans in the major leagues. The club averages well above 15 other major league teams, and fans are decked in team gear from the powder blue shirts of the 1980s to the current navy blue jerseys. They support their ball club regardless of record on the field. Access 4 Being set outside of downtown, the ballpark is easy to access with multiple lots to choose from before the game. There are 8 preferred parking lots and 3 larger general parking lots that are a little further walk. Once inside, the main concourse is the hub of activities with escalators and elevators available to take you to your proper section. The Molitor Lot is the furthest parking lot but provides the quickest access to I-94. Several restaurants offer shuttle service from downtown Milwaukee, including Brewski's Sports Club, Paulie's Pup & Eatery, Jack's American Pub, and Who's on Third. Return on Investment 4 Brewers tickets are among the cheapest tickets in the major leagues. Based on the website TickPick, tickets are as low as $5 during the week and as high as $20 during the weekend or giveaway nights. If the Chicago Cubs are in town, the price will be higher, and it's advised to purchase parking passes in advance for a steep discount. General parking Monday through Friday is $13, compared to $15. A preferred parking ticket for a weekend game will cost $20, compared to $40. The Brewers concession prices are in line with many major league ballparks. They are a tad on the high side; however, “The 414 Menu” offers four items a la carte for just $4 each – a junior hot dog, junior nachos, Cracker Jack, and 16 oz. soda is ideal for folks with little kids or on a budget. Extras 4 First, tailgating is among the best in baseball and is a tradition. Take time to arrive early to check out the scene or bring something to eat or drink. The Famous Sausage Race is a must-see at the game and among the team’s favorite traditions, along with Bernie Brewer sliding down his chalet after every Brewers home run. Another extra is when the roof is open, the best part of the ballpark might be the Miller Lite Landing, offering sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. Final Thoughts American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. Also, ticket prices are among the least expensive in the league, making it affordable for anyone looking to enjoy a game at a major league ballpark during the season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Colonial Downs 10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy New Kent, VA 23124 Colonial Downs website Year Opened: 1997 Colonial Ponies Colonial Downs is located in New Kent, VA not far from Colonial Williamsburg, and re-opened for Thoroughbred racing in 2019 after a 5-year hiatus from the sport. The facility is part of the same complex as Rosie’s Gaming Emporium casino, and offers both a dirt track as well as two turf courses. Horse racing is only available here in the summer months (late June through early September). Food & Beverage 5 The food options at Colonial Downs vary based on where you choose to sit, and whether it is a major race day or not. Concession stands trackside (on the “apron”) include items such as burgers, hot dogs, soft serve ice cream, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, accompanied by a rotating selection of food trucks. You can also purchase beer and cocktails, or boozy ice cream drinks. Inside the grandstand facility, the Jockey Club on the 3rd level features a premium buffet included in the price of your ticket during major race days, while on regular race days there is a fixed menu with in-seat table service. The 4th level features the 1609 club where you can sit at a restaurant table while you watch the races; seats are sold in sets of 2 if you want to share a table, or you can buy 4 or 6 seats to get the whole table. You can also buy individual seats at the bar. Tickets on the 4th level give you access to dedicated machines/cashiers for wagering, as well as a balcony overlooking the track. There is also a full-size restaurant inside the casino itself called Rosie’s Kitchen, as well as a full bar. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at Colonial Downs is amazing even on regular race days; the property is in a secluded, upscale area that feels very much like you are going out to a country club. The racing is run over three different courses, two turf and one dirt, and almost every seat outside is under cover, so you can be protected from the elements. There are also plenty of places to watch the races from, such as standing right next to the rail to watch up close, or sitting at one of the many picnic tables to watch the horses while you eat. Or if you are willing to spend a little money on admission, you can sit in air-conditioned comfort on the third or fourth level of the clubhouse (there is no cost for admission trackside). Neighborhood 3 There is not much within close distance of Colonial Downs – there is a gas station with a Dairy Queen on the periphery of the property, but not much else. There is a golf course to the south of the track with lots of nice houses abutting it; in fact the main entrance to the track is shared by those residents. There are some restaurants and hotels a few miles away, if you want to stay near the track, but the big attraction of course is Colonial Williamsburg, about half an hour away. However, there are so many dining options at Colonial Downs itself that you likely won’t need anything else during your visit. Fans 3 Colonial Downs has pretty good attendance during most race days, and you will see plenty of people there with children. As with most horse racing courses there is not much crowd noise except at the end of each race, when you will hear a few folks enthusiastically cheering on the horse of their choice. I will say this venue is much nicer and more family-friendly than a lot of horse racing tracks you may have seen; if there is more than one within easy driving distance, Colonial Downs is the one I would choose. Access 4 Getting to Colonial Downs is pretty easy, as it is not far from I-64 and I-95, the two main arteries taking people to the bigger cities north, south, and west. Once you get on the property there is free parking right next to the facility, but you may want to arrive early, as the closest spaces tend to fill up fast. Note that the property is secluded, however, so it will take 20-30 minutes to get there once you get off the freeway. There may be a slight delay getting inside the clubhouse, as they do check IDs for those entering the casino; kids are allowed trackside and in the clubhouse (3rd and 4th levels only). Pro tip – veer right when you enter the building; the left-side escalator to the 3rd and 4th floors only comes down, and the entrance to the race track itself is also on the right side, if you are not going upstairs. Once at the track itself there is plenty of room to move around, and more than enough seating to accommodate the crowd size. The 3rd and 4th floors also have plenty of room on regular race days, but may get a bit crowded during major events. Return on Investment 5 Trackside admission is free at Colonial Downs, or you can pay a little for seats in the clubhouse. If it is not a major event, you can find tickets to the Jockey Club for less than $10, or seats in the 1609 club for less than $20. During major events, tickets may rise to $75 each, and you likely will have to buy them in sets of 4. While attending the races at Colonial Downs is definitely worthwhile, personally I would opt for a non-major event so you can save lots of money, not deal with crowds, and still enjoy the thunder of hooves. Extras 4 The horse statue in the main parking lot is of Secretariat, and there are other horse statues on the property as well. The facility also offers some great views, such as the ponds in the infield, and is well kept up both inside and out. There is no gift shop on the property, however, so there isn’t really a way to grab any souvenirs of your visit. Final Thoughts I would absolutely recommend a visit to Colonial Downs – this is a very upscale track without the upscale prices you may see at other tracks. In addition, the facility is very easy to get to for many people on the eastern seaboard, so it should be easy to plan a visit.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Nick Denes Field Avenue of Champions Bowling Green, KY 42101 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers website Nick Denes Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1,500 Western Kentucky is the "Tops" in Baseball Nick Denes Field is the home of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers baseball team. The ballpark sits 1,500 people and is tucked into a corner next to the Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium and the Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse. The stadium has undergone many changes over the past few years to not only improve the atmosphere for fans, but also for its athletes. The ballpark features a grandstand with all chair-back seating and a three-level press box. There is additional seating down each foul line, offering additional points of sale for drinks, food, and merchandise. A video scoreboard is situated in right field, concession stands are underneath the grandstand, and a peanut-free zone is down the left field line. The stadium opened in 1969 and is named after former Hilltoppers football and baseball head coach Nicholas Denes. He coached the baseball team from 1958 to 1962 and the football team from 1957 to 1967. The stadium features synthetic turf with deep red baselines. There is also a 25-foot wall in centerfield. WKU began playing baseball in 1910 and has made five NCAA tournament appearances, most recently in 2025. There have also been 59 players selected in the MLB Draft since its inception in 1965. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is at the main entrance of the ballpark and features the usual ballpark items. They include cheeseburgers, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts. There is also beer, seltzers, and Coca-Cola products. There is a grill and a tent on the right foul line area that cooks up burgers and hot dogs, while a small kiosk on the opposite side offers beer specials and chips. Atmosphere 4 A Hilltoppers game may seem ordinary at first, but it’s actually lively and engaging. The crowd is energetic, not just family and friends, and there are plenty of between-inning promotions for younger fans. Attendees can choose from various food and drink options, enjoy music between innings, and follow player stats and updates on the videoboard. The left field concourse features an area along the left field line with synthetic turf. The area is peanut and seed-free, and fans can bring in lawn chairs to watch the game. Fans are provided with a protective netting on this side, along with the opposite side. The grandstand is easily accessible and features comfortable chair-back seats. There are also great views from the picnic table area down the right field line. The quirky little ballpark also offers nice backdrops of campus buildings and a water tower. What is not seen by fans is the inside of the Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse. It offers indoor batter cages and a gym, saunas, ice baths, and mud rooms. There are also coaches' and trainers' rooms and an area of seating for season-ticket holders. The main focal point is the indoor football field that can be used by the baseball team for indoor practice and a baseball locker room that is modern, comfortable, and state-of-the-art. Neighborhood 4 Western Kentucky is a small college town, but it’s much more than that. Fountain Square Park is in the heart of downtown and offers various places to eat and drink after the game. The downtown area is less than a mile from campus and is a nice spot to visit on the weekends. 440 Main offers Southern cuisine, including crab cakes, jambalaya, and bourbon pork chops. The Cliffs of Moher Irish Pub is a casual spot for pints and grub, and The 30 Bird on the Square serves paleo, vegan, and vegetarian options. The Copper Bar and The Dusty Boot are options for drinks, while Meltdown Ice Cream & Soda Shop will satisfy your sweet tooth. About 30 minutes north of Bowling Green, I-65 passes Mammoth Cave National Park, featuring numerous underground tours that will fascinate and keep you cool during the hot summer months. There is an adventure to be had when you take a two-hour cave tour and squeeze through narrow passages and tunnels. It is one of the great national parks of the United States. Fans 4 A vast array of fans supports the Toppers baseball program. The grandstand was filled, along with the additional seating down each foul line. The crowd erupted for runs, scores, strikeouts, and putouts on the bases. For a 4 PM start on a Friday afternoon on a holiday weekend, the turnout was impressive. Access 4 The stadium has two entrances and a large concourse down the left field line that allows for easy access for fans. The concourse on the right field side is much narrower and borders the busy main street-don’t try to chase foul balls in this area. The stadium is on campus and offers a parking lot across the street. There are two levels of options for fans, along with additional street parking outside of the football stadium and left field fence; however, availability might differ depending on days of the week and other events taking place on campus. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children, an incredible value for Division-I baseball. The beer and food prices are not as low, but reasonable, and online with other venues of its kind around the conference. An all-beef hot dog is very reasonable for $4, while nachos are $6, and beer and seltzers are $7. Fans can enjoy two cans of Bush Light for $10 during the game. A merchandise table offers caps, t-shirts, and sweaters with the school’s logos in various colors. Caps sell for $40. Except for the caps, the prices are lower than those at the Bowling Green Ballpark, home of the Bowling Green Hot Rods, a few miles down the road. Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for the new fieldhouse that offers season ticket holders seats on the balcony overlooking the left side of the ballpark. A second point is awarded to the peanut and seed-free zone on the same side of the venue. The final point is for the $5 adult ticket prices. Final Thoughts Nick Denes Field is a comfortable and relaxing spot for a college baseball game. The prices are low, the fans are enthusiastic, and the vibe is right for a nice day to spend an afternoon in the springtime. ——— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 David E. Hastings Stadium at Exhibition Park 70 Division St Guelph, ON N1H 2B7 Guelph Royals website David E. Hastings Stadium at Exhibition Park website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 2,500 Royal City Baseball The team that would become the Guelph Royals first took the field in 1861 as the Guelph Maple Leafs and trace their ownership back to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame member George Sleeman. Sleeman also founded Silver Creek Brewery, which was reincorporated by his grandson to become Sleeman Brewery, an iconic cornerstone in Guelph. In 1919 the team joined the Intercounty Baseball League, which became fully professional in 2026 as the Canadian Baseball League. The Maple Leafs won the first three Intercounty Championships in 1919, 1920 and 1921. The team would become the Guelph Royals in 1965, a moniker that is found throughout Guelph Minor Baseball. Guelph is known locally as the Royal City as when it was founded by John Galt, it was named after the House of Guelph, the family name of the British Royal Family and King George IV. With the move to the Canadian Baseball League and professional baseball in 2026, majority owner Shawn Fuller sold 80% of the team and is now a member of the Guelph Professional Baseball Inc. ownership group. In 1925, Guelph moved to their current home, David E. Hastings Stadium. Located in Exhibition Park, Hastings Stadium has been renovated a number of times and is named after local baseball legend, David Hastings who played a number of years in the IBL and was the Mayor of Guelph from 1958 to 1960. Food & Beverage 3 The Guelph Royals offer a limited selection of concession items. Hot dogs, sausage, and burgers are available with popcorn, nachos, chips, beer nuts and chocolate available as snacks. A few combo options are offered. Water, Gatorade, juice and Iced tea with bottled Coca-Cola products are the beverage options. Atmosphere 3 Hastings Stadium is located in Exhibition Park. It is fairly typical of Canadian Baseball League facilities that at no point hosted affiliated Minor League Baseball. The baseball grounds are very wide open and spacious, enclosed by a fence on the other side of the nearby hockey arena on the park grounds. The centerpiece of the stadium is the main grandstand which houses the pressbox and maintenance sheds as well as the seating area. The exterior of the grandstand is covered by corrugated aluminum siding pretty much everywhere similar to that which one might put on their home shed. Team logos and recognition of the championship teams in Guelph (1919, 1920, 1921, 1932, 1970, 1993, 1997, 2003 and 2004) are displayed prominently on the backside of the grandstand exterior. Bleachers and chairbacks are both available in the grandstand, which has a capacity of 1,400. The surrounding area of the ballpark features some massive mature trees and there are plenty of opportunities to watch the game from various perspectives. Picnic tables are available and there is plenty of space for fans who wish to bring their own chairs. A classic baseball scoreboard can be found beyond the right centerfield fence. The outfield does have a couple of unique features. The dimensions are symmetrical with 325’ down each of the lines and 369’ to straight away centrefield. However, rather than a curved outfield fence, the centrefield fence is a straight line that meets the right and left field walls at 393’. The outfield fence is also an attractive, yet very unique wooden style. A ball hit off the wall gives an audible, unique thud that will make fans smile. The gameday production in Guelph is very simple. The focus is on the game itself and there are not a ton of bells and whistles and promos to distract the patrons. Basically the only promo is the 50/50 sale. The sightlines in the park are excellent and the atmosphere is simple and family and community focused. Neighbourhood 3 David Hastings Stadium is part of Exhibition Park, which is located in the Exhibition Park neighbourhood of Guelph. The park also has other ballparks, walking/running trails, tennis courts and soccer and football fields. The rest of the neighbourhood is fairly residential, but a short drive will bring fans to some spots for pre and postgame libations. Polestar Hearth, Fixed Gear Brewery, Baker Street Station and Park Eatery are good choices. Guelph does offer a number of different sporting options. The Guelph Storm of the OHL plays downtown in the Sleeman Centre. The University of Guelph also fields a whole host of athletic teams. The football Gryphons play at Alumni Field, the hockey Gryphons play at the Gryphon Centre Arena and the basketball Gryphons play at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre. If possible, fans should consider trying to catch the annual Frosty Mug game at the Sleeman Centre. Heading east to Downtown Guelph will offer some other tourist things to do including Guelph Civic Museum, McCrae House and whatever is playing at the River Run Centre. Heading out about 5 km to Woodlawn Road will offer fans the best opportunity to find a place to stay in Guelph. The Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn can be found there. Fans 3 Fans are difficult to assess in the Canadian Baseball League as attendance figures are not published. The eye test shows that the Guelph Royals have a decent following of a couple hundred fans per game. Not terribly loud, Royals fans are supportive and are not afraid to get after the umpire. Access 4 David Hastings Stadium is located in Exhibition Park, which is located in the Exhibition Park neighbourhood of Guelph. Exhibition Park is west of Downtown Guelph and not terribly difficult to get to. The stadium is found at the southern corner of Division and Exhibition Streets. The park is west of Highway 6 by a couple of blocks, so a little driving through the city will be necessary. The stadium is at the north end of the park and there is plenty of free parking nearby. Patrons should be conscious of not parking too close to the stadium for fear of their car getting plunked by a foul ball. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are buses available on London, Westmount and Woolwich Roads which will require a small walk to the stadium. Fans interested in public transit should check out the Guelph Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. The accessibility of the stadium is pretty good. Although there are stairs to get into the grandstand, there are plenty of areas where fans with mobility issues can watch from. There are washrooms accessible from the outside in the nearby hockey arena which provide enough service for the crowd at hand. Fans are able to use washroom facilities in the adjacent hockey arena or portable toilets on site. Return on Investment 4 Guelph Royals tickets are available online for $17. Tickets at the door will actually cost less at $15 and cash or card are accepted. Concession prices are decent and parking in Exhibition Park is free. The product on the field is decent and fans will have a good time in a pretty laid back environment. Extras 2 An extra mark for the longevity of the Guelph Royals having been around for over 100 years and being a founding member of the Canadian Baseball League. An extra mark for the Royals winning the very first CBL championship in 1919 (as well as the next two). Final Thoughts With the transition to the fully professional Canadian Baseball League, time will tell how this affects the league members. It seems as though the Guelph Royals are continuing as a strong member of the league that offers a good environment for baseball at Hastings Stadium and a good experience for fans. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last ten years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. Since 2023, it has been the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s own concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level soccer match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 3 The match we attended was $5 for the general public and free for students and staff. While parking is free, it seems that even the small amount of $5 is more than it needs to be. There is little reason to charge other than get some work experience for the students working the gate. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa does help in making it more reasonable. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields, a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Estadio BBVA Av. Pablo Livas 2011 Colonia La Pastora 67140 Guadalupe Nuevo León, Mexico Map It! Club de Fútbol Monterrey website Estadio BBVA website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 53,529 Estadio BBVA – Monterrey, México “She’s a beaut, Clark!” That classic line from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation echoed through my head as I made my way towards Estadio BBVA under a hot Mexican sun for a 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Match between the Netherlands and Morocco. Generically rebranded as “Monterrey Stadium/Estadio Monterrey” for the world’s biggest sporting event, this modern stunner set in the shadow of Cerro de la Silla frequently appears on lists of “World’s Best Stadiums” … and for good reason. Food & Beverage 3 Having attended for a World Cup match - instead of seeing Estadio BBVA’s usual tenants, Club de Fútbol Monterrey (nicknamed Los Rayados) - this is the first of several sections that will have an asterisk. FIFA orchestrated a full stadium takeover for its showpiece event (as evident by the name change), and that included concession options. The concourse offerings were adapted for an international palate, generally not straying too far from the hot dog, popcorn, and basic pizza options now found the world over. However, there were a few nods to the local, meat-centric food culture, as my buddy found a bag of chicharrones (deep-fried pork belly). Let’s just say he wishes he hadn’t finished the entire serving. Beverage prices appeared to be inflated by FIFA, matching the high ticket costs. A bottle of still water ran 80 MXN (around $4) but doubled in price if you wanted the luxury of carbonation (sodas included). Beers were in the 300 MXN/$15 range, which would be unheard of for matches in the local league. One thing that remained uniquely Mexican was the constant stream of concessionaires waltzing their way through the stands. Most anything available on the concourse could be had at your seat. And unlike a typical U.S. stadium, where alcohol sales are cut off at a certain point, a beer could still be purchased at the start of penalty kicks, after 120 minutes of fútbol. Atmosphere 4 The design of Estadio BBVA is intentional, with a dramatic dip in the roof and several rows in the south end zone. The reason is to afford visitors a perfect view of the emerald green Cerro de la Silla (“Saddle Hill”), which reaches a dramatic peak of 5,970 feet about a mile and a half beyond the stadium. The fútbol gods shone upon me as I entered from the north, randomly chose a tunnel towards the stands, and was bestowed with the perfectly-framed, jaw-dropping vantage point you see in the top photo. Beyond this signature landmark, Estadio BBVA impresses in other areas. It’s much more polished and well-maintained than your typical Latin American stadium, owing to Monterrey’s status as Mexico’s most prosperous city. It’s also one of the country’s hottest, making the expansive roof canopy especially welcome. Rows are steep, and prepare to be out of breath if hiking to your seats near the top of the venue. The stadium feels bigger than its 53,000+ seats, but sightlines are great throughout, with no obstructed views or quirky angles. That's the beauty of a modern oval. Neighborhood 3 Estadio BBVA is not technically in Monterrey, but rather about six miles slightly southeast of the city center in the suburb of Guadalupe. Most fans will approach from the north, where the local neighborhood is separated from the stadium by Río La Silla. Parallel to the riverbed is Avenida Las Torres, with restaurants, bars, stores, and street vendors increasing in number as you walk east. Another pre- and postgame gathering spot lies just south of the Exposición metro stop, in an expansive fairgrounds complex. Expect the smells of livestock stalls to hit you in the face, but further south towards the stadium are taco and souvenir vendors, as well as several open-air music venues where Norteño bands were keeping the party going well into the evening. Back in Monterrey proper, tourists tend to congregate in the Barrio Antiguo, its compact historic quarter with colorful colonial architecture and greatest concentration of nightlife. Fans 4 You would never know this was a neutral-site match, judging by the fervor of the primarily Mexican crowd. They mainly sided with Morocco, on account of the Netherlands’ controversial win over Mexico in the 2014 World Cup, coincidentally played 12 years ago to the day. The traveling Moroccan contingent was mostly clustered behind one goal, with Dutch supporters scattered throughout. Estadio BBVA Match Action, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Mexican fútbol fans are simultaneously passionate and fickle. When the action slowed in the first half, with numerous back-passes, the crowd hissed and whistled their displeasure. On the flipside, when the action reached a fever pitch in the second half and extra time, with numerous scoring chances, they were on the edge of their seats, with “ooooh”s and “aaaah”s aplenty. Access 3 This is another area where the World Cup does not represent the typical experience at a Rayados league match. Several access points were closed, including along the aforementioned Avenida Las Torres. That said, regardless of competition, most fans will enter from the north, with many taking the metro line to Estación Exposición and walking 15 minutes due south. At approximately 35 cents per ride, the price can’t be beat, but on busy matchdays you may need to wait for a train back to the center, and it will be packed. Uber is prevalent in Monterrey, as is the local equivalent, DiDi. In numerous trips to Mexico, I’ve found DiDi cheaper but Uber more reliable, as DiDi drivers are more likely to cancel the ride after accepting it. For those bold enough to drive in urban Mexican traffic, there are lots to the east and south of Estadio BBVA, with Estacionamiento 4 the largest. Once inside the premises, wayfinding is rather straightforward; just note the entrance gate and access corridor on your ticket. The concourse circles the top of the 100 level, and for those in the 200s, there are escalators. The team shop is along the south side of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Rayados home matches will vary quite a bit depending on the opponent, seat location, and whether it's a regular-season, cup competition, or playoff match. Expect to pay as little as 300 MXN pesos (approx. $15) for an upper-level seat, to 700-1,200 MXN for something in the corner of the lower levels, all the way up to 2,500 MXN for primo seats to an in-demand match, like the heated local rivalry vs. Tigres UANL. You may also find VIP packages that include a premium seat location with included food and drinks. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, and unlike the U.S., where you can buy tickets as soon as a team’s schedule is announced, they are generally available about 3-4 weeks in advance. Extras 4 Northern Mexico is cowboy country, and meat is consumed in mass quantities. Try carne seca, which is a dry, thin beef jerky, and do not miss a visit to El Rey de Cabrito on the edge of Barrio Antiguo. Here, baby goat is the specialty, meant to be eaten communally in the restaurant’s ostentatious, chandelier- and mirror-clad dining rooms. El Rey de Cabrito, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Owing to its location in a deep valley surrounded by mountains, Monterrey is a hiker’s paradise. You can climb (or drive to) Cerro de Silla, which is part of Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. Other scenic destinations within easy reach of the city are Chipinque Ecological Park and La Huasteca Ecological Park. The Salón de la Fama del Beisbol Mexicano (Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame) is on the western edge of Parque Fundidora, while the local team Sultanes de Monterrey – whose logo is very Yankees-esque – play in Walmart Park. Completed in 2020, Torres Obispado is the tallest skyscraper in Latin America at 1,002 ft. Final Thoughts Estadio BBVA is one of those bucket-list venues you'll be proud to check off, and Monterrey is an incredible city with attractions well beyond fútbol. Ignore the negative headlines and spend a few days exploring northern Mexico - you'll find top tier soccer, unforgettable food, and genuine hospitality. I can all but guarantee your trip will be less calamitous than any of Clark Griswold's vacations.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 AdventHealth Stadium 755 Braves Blvd Rome, GA 30161 Rome Emperors website AdventHealth Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 5,105 Hail To The Emperors! Rome, Georgia, has been home to Minor League Baseball since 2003, when the Macon Braves relocated to the city to become the Rome Braves. The team moved into AdventHealth Stadium, where they continued competing in the South Atlantic League. Following the 2023 season, the Braves rebranded as the Rome Emperors, with the logo being an emperor penguin in the outfit of a Roman emperor. Notable Braves to have come through Rome include Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuña Junior, and Brian McCann. Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, and John Smoltz all made rehab appearances here as well at various points in their careers. Food & Beverage 4 The Rome Emperors offer a good variety of food for sale at AventHealth Stadium. In addition to all the classics like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, fans can get tacos or nachos with a wide variety of toppings. Boiled peanuts, a southern specialty, are available in both traditional and Cajun varieties. There are some specialty items as well, like the Brutus Burger, topped with bacon and special sauce. Atmosphere 3 AdventHealth Stadium is over 20 years old, and while it still feels like a modern ballpark, it lacks many of the aspects that feel standard in newer stadiums. Most notably, the concourse offers no view of the field, meaning fans can't watch the game while waiting on line at the concession stand or take shelter from the heat on a hot Georgia afternoon. All seats are blue chairbacks and offer a good view of the action as well as the large scoreboard in the outfield. The Emperors have a mascot named Julius, who is an emperor penguin and roams the stands throughout the game interacting with fans. There is also Rome the Gnome, who seems to only exist so fans can boo him, and he is supposed to be a fan of the other team. If a mascot needs to lose to a kid in a race, Rome the Gnome will be the one to do that. There are occasional contests between innings, although they do not take place at every break like at many minor league stadiums. Neighborhood 3 AdventHealth Stadium is located near Veterans Memorial Highway, a major road running around the perimeter of the City of Rome. There are only a few businesses in the immediate vicinity - a pizzeria, a coffee shop, and a deli. Downtown Rome is only about three miles away and offers a few more options, including numerous barbecue joints. You will find restaurants ranging from Mexican to Japanese to traditional Southern cuisine. Although Rome is one of the smaller cities in the South Atlantic League, this is still a decent enough city. Fans 2 Attendance at Rome Emperors games has declined significantly in recent years. The team ranks dead last in the South Atlantic League by a significant margin, being lucky to draw a thousand fans a game. Even those fans in attendance are unfortunately not particularly involved. The end result is a game in a near-empty stadium in near silence. This is not a good look for the club. Access 2 Even getting to Rome is difficult as it is about 30 miles from the nearest interstate highway, I-75. Depending on where you are coming from, it may be quicker to drive on rural back roads, where you can usually make good time if you don't mind a bunch of hills and curves and the occasional traffic light when you come to a town. Once you get to the ballpark, you can park for $7, payable by credit card only. Given the small crowds, you should not have to walk very far from your car. Once you get in the stadium, the concourse is narrow and can be cramped despite the small crowds. Additionally, there is no signage on the concourse for individual sections, so you have to go through one of the portals to the seating area and try to find your way from there. Not all sections are accessible from all portals, so you may have to leave and come back once or twice to find your way. Thankfully the ushers will direct you if you get lost. Return on Investment 4 Any seat in AdventHealth Stadium will cost $18.55 including Ticketmaster fees. For $2 less, you can get general admission seating on the hill in right field and bring your own blanket or sit on the grass. Concession prices are reasonable, and the parking cost is typical for this area. Overall, a Rome Emperors game is an above average value, which makes the small crowds even more disappointing. Extras 3 Make sure to look for the staff and ushers handing out free programs - they may even come to you while you are sitting in the stands. The kids' play area in right field keeps children entertained during the game. The fan plaza behind home plate as you come in features pregame music and games as well as statues and sculptures that serve as unique photo ops. Final Thoughts Sadly, the Rome Emperors are not drawing anywhere near the crowds they used to, and the experience is suffering for it. There are rumors the team may soon be on its way out of town, and that certainly has not helped matters. With the parent club in Atlanta barely an hour away, one would expect better than this. Overall, while there is so much potential for the Rome Emperors experience, the team has not been drawing the support it needs to live up to it.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Ruoff Mortgage Stadium 6411 Bass Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Fort Wayne FC website Ruoff Mortgage Stadium website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 9,200 Fort Wayne's Epic Soccer Stadium Ruoff Mortgage Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium in Indiana and the home of Fort Wayne FC. The 9,200-capacity stadium is part of a planned mixed-use development that was privately funded and hosted its first game on May 2, 2026. The stadium includes 14 pitch-level suites, multiple group areas, a VIP Club Room, premium loge seats, tabletop seating, a beer garden, and a Fan Zone park area. The venue also houses a 120 x 35 LED video board, the second-largest in the state, and an outdoor bar underneath it. Fort Wayne FC was founded as members of the National Professional Soccer League in 2020. However, due to COVID-19, it would not debut until the following season, as a USL League Two team with 2,700 fans at Shields Field. The club played at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium from 2023 to 2025 and would continue in League Two until joining USL League One for the 2025 season, with plans for a soccer-specific venue. Plans for the stadium were announced on November 4, 2024, by owner Mark Music, and ground was broken on April 16, 2025. Fort Wayne Design Collaborative provided the architectural services, in collaboration with developer BND Commercial. Ruoff Mortgage Stadium is the largest soccer stadium in Indiana and shares a similar design to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. The stadium will be able to host concerts, festivals, weddings, graduation commencements, and other sporting events. Food & Beverage 3 Numerous options at the stadium feature concession stands on the east, west, and north sides of the concourse. Be aware that this is a cashless venue, and all items must be purchased by credit or debit card, and tap to pay. The concession items include burgers, hot dogs, pizza slices, nachos, fries, and chicken tenders. Fans can combine burgers, dogs, and tenders with a side of fries, and wash it down with a variety of Coca-Cola products. A few kiosks on the north side and east side offer churro bites and Dip ‘n Dots. The stadium offers a solid selection of canned beers, including Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Corona, and Modelo. Alcoholic beverages are available at several standalone bars strategically positioned to provide unobstructed views of the pitch. Once construction is complete, an additional outdoor bar beneath the south-end scoreboard will further expand the stadium's beverage options. Atmosphere 3 There is a lot to take into consideration at a Fort Wayne FC match. Fans trek through the parking lot with team gear to the main entry of the stadium. The festive mood begins at the southwest corner where the official team store, Fan Plaza, and open bar are located. The stadium has three covered seating sides, separated into upper and lower bowls. The main concourse wraps around the structure, offering open views of the pitch and access to concession stands. The south end of the stadium has a double-sided LED video board and an outdoor bar. The pitch is set seven feet below grade to create an amphitheater-style atmosphere, and the covered canopy roof is designed to amplify noise during games. Add drink rails, vantage points to watch the match, and table-top seating to enhance the matchday vibe. Just behind the video board is the Fan Zone, which features a bouncy house area and a low-pile turf space home to a mini soccer field and outdoor lawn seating. It is an area that keeps the younger fans busy before the game, or for some, the entire match. The double-sided screen will provide opportunities to broadcast movies or live events on non-match days. The Three Rivers Regiment take residence on the north end in an area designed for standing-room-only. They are decked out in team colors, wave flags, feature drummers, and plenty of chanting. After each goal, they release black and orange smoke into the air. Neighborhood 3 Ruoff Mortgage Stadium is adjacent to I-69 and less than 6 miles from downtown Fort Wayne. The area around the stadium is in an industrial park neighborhood, but the plan is to develop into a general commercial zone. Electric Works is a vibrant collection of offices, restaurants, markets, and business innovation centers, just a few blocks from downtown. The Farmers Market is open on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. The Union Street Market houses a collection of eateries featuring Johnny Ox Pizzeria, ACO Sushi, Crane Bar, and Savor Burgers. The Broadway Arts District is nearby and is known for its historic buildings, cozy cafes, artistic spaces, and colorful murals. ​ The city is known for a few historic spots that are recommended. Powers Hamburgers shares a parking lot with Parkview Field and has been serving sliders since 1940. The small shop once sold over 5,000 sliders in one day and is known as “The Slider Capital of the World”. They also have a very good coney. ​ The second restaurant is Fort Wayne Coney Island, the oldest of its kind in the country, in operation since 1914. Customers can enter through the kitchen, grab a couple coney dogs, and wash it down with a small bottle of Coca-Cola. The countertops, stools, and decor have not changed much in the past century in business. ​ Fort Wayne is home to one of the better minor league hockey and baseball experiences in the country. Parkview Field is about 6 miles from the soccer stadium and is home to the Fort Wayne TinCaps. About 7 miles northeast is the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, which has been home to the Fort Wayne Komets hockey club since 1952. Fans 4 The fanbase arrives early to the match; a few tailgate in the parking lot, while many others partake in the FanZone behind the south end of the stadium. The match was not sold out, but there were enough chants and cheers from the fans inside the venue. The gift shop was packed with fans picking up team merchandise, and The Three Rivers Regiment provided enough sound effects from their feet stomping. Access 5 The stadium is on Bass Road, west of I-69. Vehicles enter the parking lot and move efficiently through the prepaid parking pass scanning stations, creating a smooth arrival experience. ​There are two main gate entry areas: Gate 1 on the northwest side and Gate 2 on the southwest side. Inside the stadium, the wraparound concourse provides access to both sections of the seating bowl, restrooms, concession stands, the gift shop, and other areas. Return on Investment 4 There is a large parking lot next to the stadium that costs $9 per car, prepaid only. Single-game tickets begin at $15, with $18 for standing-room only and in the supporters' section. Seat prices start at $25 and climb to $150 for VIP club seats. Merchandise prices are reasonable and align with those of other league members; however, Ruoff Mortgage Stadium is quite the venue for soccer at this level. Extras 4 Ruoff Mortgage Stadium earns additional recognition for its joyful pre-match atmosphere in the Fan Zone, a unique field set seven feet below ground level to create an intimate amphitheater effect, and covered grandstand seating along three sides of the venue. The stadium also stands out as a fully privately funded project that was completed in just over a year from the start of construction. Final Thoughts Ruoff Mortgage Stadium is not only a great addition to the soccer world in the United States, but to the state of Indiana. This is what a soccer stadium should look like, and it should bring a lot of joy to fans in the Fort Wayne area for the foreseeable future. Visitors should expect a state-of-the-art venue for all of their soccer needs. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gary Foxall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 MKM Stadium Walton St. Hull, England HU3 6HU United Kingdom Hull City AFC website MKM Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 25,404 Hear the Tigers Roar MKM Stadium The MKM, formerly KCOM, Stadium was opened in 2002 (also known as the Hull City Stadium due to UEFA sponsorship regulations) and is home to both Hull City Football Club and Hull Rugby League Club. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 25,404 and stands out from other new builds in Britain with its sloping and curving roof. The stadium was known as KC Stadium from its opening until 2016 and was built at a cost of approximately £44 million. The stadium stands in a parkland setting and can be seen from a distance as you approach the area. All stands are single-tiered except the West Stand which is two-tiered. This is the main stand housing the executive boxes, changing rooms, and offices. The stadium is complete with undersoil heating and is also a venue to pop concerts. The complex is a good example of where football and rugby can live together and the venue has become an excellent addition to the city. Food & Beverage 2 Hot dogs and burgers are priced at £3.20, pies at £3, and hot and cold drinks at £2 are a selection of items available within the stadium. Meal deals are available for £6. The stadium concourse is well-populated with food outlets. Atmosphere 3 The design of the stadium ensures that it retains its atmosphere and this remains the case when the stadium is not full which tends to be the case now that the club is back in the Championship League. Neighborhood 3 Some years back a visit to Hull was not one to be looked forward to, however, over the last decade the city has undergone regeneration and a trip to the KCOM Stadium can easily be turned into a day out. The city center offers a wide range of shops with plenty of restaurants and bars in the vicinity. Hull’s most famous landmark is the Humber suspension Bridge opened in 1981 and is a tourist attraction in its own right. The city also offers a range of maritime museums that are also worth visiting when in the area. Some of North Yorkshire's adjoining seaside towns such as Bridlington are also worth visiting when the English weather allows. The Brickmakers Public House opposite the stadium is a regular haunt for both home and away supporters. The Weatherspoons in the city center offers both affordable meals and real ale. Fans 3 Hull City regularly attracts crowds in the region of 15,000 and for the short time the club was in the Premiership most games were sold out. The club has hardcore support and even when languishing in the lower divisions of English league football for many years, Hull was well supported. The club has decent away support and the team’s gold and black jerseys are prominent within the city and surrounding areas. Local rivals are Leeds United, Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United, and Doncaster Rovers. Access 3 The stadium is reached by car by taking the M62 and then the A63 to Hull City Centre. The stadium is less than a mile from the city and plenty of car parking is available for a reasonable price. Jubilee House opposite the large car park is good value for £5 and is a two-minute walk through the park to the stadium. There is also a park-and-ride scheme in operation on a match day. Traffic leaving the ground after a game can sometimes be slow, but should not take any longer than half an hour. The nearest railway station is Hull Paragon in the center and this is about a twenty-minute OAP walk. Return on Investment 3 On average, normal match day prices are £24 and £26 with reductions for children and OAP and are the norm for this level of the English game. The facilities available make this a good value compared to some other clubs in the league. Extras 3 Stadium tours are available on Mondays and Wednesdays priced at £5 and these last about one hour. The club has a souvenir shop at the stadium and also one in the City Centre selling the normal range of merchandise. Betting shops are also available inside the stadium and a match day program costing £3 is available for each home game.

Photos by Anluan Hennigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park 78 St. Andrews Road Birmingham, England B9 4RL Birmingham City website St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park website Year Opened: 1906 Capacity: 30,079 I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues St Andrews, home of Championship League club Birmingham City, has had a tumultuous existence. It first became the residence of ” The Blue” in the early 20th century when the club, formed by a group of cricketers, outgrew its previous home. At one time holding up to 75,000 spectators (in the era of terraced seating); it is now one of the more modest top-level grounds. During World War Two, St Andrews suffered horrific bombardment from German forces, eventually hit on 20 occasions. In many ways, it feels like the place is still recovering. Prominence and success gave way to malaise and dilapidation. However, the arrival of owners David Gold and David Sullivan coincided with a long-overdue redevelopment of the ground in the nineties. In 1994, €10m was invested in the development of the Kop and Tilton stands, with fans taking home debris as souvenirs. The new Railway Stand followed five years later. Despite this work, a clamor still exists for further improvement. A brand-new, 55,000-capacity stadium has long been mooted. As of yet, it is far from coming to fruition. Food & Beverage 3 There are various kiosks located throughout the grounds. An indistinguishable pie and drink can be purchased for a fair price which is in line with most Championship League grounds. Fans can also enjoy a selection of burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian dishes, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The black pudding and pork sausage with grilled onions and mushrooms on a brioche bun are not your normal football grounds food items. Also bear in mind that alcohol can’t be taken into the arena. Even roaming the concourse is forbidden, with strict white lines illustrating where you can and can’t go. Atmosphere 2 In many cases, the game drives the atmosphere. In this case, the game was arthritic with, unfortunately for the home fans, the away side in the ascendancy. The main source of virility was frustration at the lack of potency from Birmingham and some entertaining, if unimaginative, bating of the opposition. If you want to experience St Andrews at full pelt, then a trip to see the blood and thunder spectacle of the Second City derby between Birmingham and Aston Villa is recommended. The stadium features four stands: Spion Kop Stand, The Main Stand, Gil Merrick Stand, and the Tilton Road Stand. Away supporters enter through the Gil Merrick Stand and The Main Stand offers both the Cookhouse and Family section. The best spot for the atmosphere is in the Tilton Road Stand but some seats feature an obstructed view. Neighborhood 3 Only a goal kick from the city centre, St Andrews is right in the heart of the action. This is ostensibly a blessing and a curse. Situated in the Small Heath area, the ground is right next to Digbeth, a place that is not worth lingering in for extended periods. Birmingham is a city of tremendous light and shade however and the marvelous Bull Ring shopping area is only a mile or so away. It dominates the city and is one of the most architecturally shocking things you will see anywhere. There you will also find all manner of culinary options to fill the void that the ground creates. It may not always be pretty, but Birmingham is second only to London in size so there will always be things to do. Fans 3 An undoubtedly hearty lot was eventually worn down amid an insipid match and a most unsatisfying conclusion. The poor play was met with redoubtable chants of “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we’re going to Wembley” an allusion to Birmingham’s upcoming involvement in the League Cup final. It has given Blues fans good cheer in an otherwise perilous season, with relegation a prevalent prospect. That sense of uneasiness is pervasive on the ground and amongst the fans. Access 3 Once in such a large city, the options available to you are myriad. Train travelers will need to find their way to Birmingham Moor Street station and mount services going to Bordesley. There are numerous buses which stop near the ground also. All in all, however, there is no simpler method than walking. Simply follow the hoards of blue-shirted fans walking up Digbeth and you can’t fail to arrive at the ground. From the Bull Ring, the walk is no more than a mile/20 minutes. If you want to risk getting there in your car, do bear in mind that the queues will be horrendous, so give yourself as much time as possible. Several auxiliary car parks are usually available next to the ground for between €5 and €10. Plenty of time should be allowed for entering the ground also, as I found to my cost on this night. The turnstiles can be particularly cramped and slow-moving, and by the time I had got into the ground, I had missed the first goal. The most pleasing aspect was the lack of queuing in the concourses. It was remarkably easy to get food and drink instead of the usual survival of the fittest experiment. Return on Investment 4 Birmingham must be commended for its ticket structure which offers almost unparalleled concessions. While adult tickets are around the average for Championship League grounds (€30-€40 for a game against one of the top clubs), student tickets are half-price, while children can get in for even less. Subsequently, St Andrews is a particularly attractive option for families. Couple this with the fact you are visiting one of the largest and most eventful cities in England, and a trip to St Andrew's is more than worth your while. Extras 3 One corner of the ground is dominated by a big screen which is a valuable and informative resource, offering replays of near misses, major incidents, and goals. It is something other Premier League grounds greatly lack. Little else is offered to further the match-day experience. Stadium tours are available throughout the year if you wish to delve deeper into the eventful history of the club.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Diaz Arena Leopold Van Tyghemlaan 62 8400 Oostende, Belgium KV Oostende website Diaz Arena website Year Opened: 1934 (renovated 2017) Capacity: 8,432 Diaz Arena of KV Oostende – Let’s Get It On Editor's Note: Founded in 1904, the club was declared bankrupt in June 2024 and ceased operations. With their previous home Albertparkstadion said to be holding the club back, comprehensive renovations gave KV Oostende a brand-new facility for the start of the 16/17 season. The costs of developing on the same site were said to be in the region of 18M Euros and brought the capacity up to 8,432. New bars, hospitality suites and conference rooms at the new stadium brought an increased stature for this welcoming club that paid immediate dividends. A first ever (unsuccessful) Croky Cup final appearance in March 2017 was followed by Europa league participation in the 17/18 season, thus fulfilling the dream of the then owner Marc Coucke. The coastal city of Oostene (Ostende) in West Flanders has gone from fishing village through strategic war time location to its current form, a city skyline dominated by cranes and developments, a city moving with the times. It’s got that contented vibe often associated with a holiday destination. The promenade is huge, the sandy beach vast and the street art and lively bars attract plenty of summertime visitors. KV Oostende, nicknamed the Kustboys, were founded back in 1904. Since then their trophy count has been modest but in early 2020 they find themselves in the Belgium top flight, albeit in a relegation dogfight. Food & Beverage 3 The new ‘main stand’ contains the VIP sections together with sections A and B. The vociferous home fans are based behind the goal in section C. Opposite the main stand is D stand, with the North Sea end (also containing away fans) known as E stand. In the corner of the main stand and the C stand there is an excellent KVO-themed supporters bar, Club 31, selling local dikke mathile, Filou and Maes beers. The main stand concourse has soft drinks at 2.40 Euros, Maes at 2.80 Euros and the stronger Filou at 3.60 Euros. For food, head to either corner of the C stand where burger vans and kiosks provide chips & mayonnaise, burgers, etc. There is an outdoor ‘fan zone’ and another supporters bar behind the D stand with a lively atmosphere and the usual fayre on sale. The longest queue is in the main stand and it is for the chocolate waffles! Don’t forget as ever in Europe, to make any purchases you’ll first need to buy a 1 Euro ‘Consumptie Kaart’, load it with cash and use it for all refreshment purchases. In the immediate vicinity of the ground, if it’s not the middle of winter, walking just a few steps over to the beach / promenade will yield some upmarket restaurants / bars with great sea views. Atmosphere 3 Despite the renovation, the Versluys Arena still has a nice eclectic mix of stands. The main stand with its curved roof is the largest with approx. 3800 seats, all with excellent views of the action. If you are fortunate enough to buy a seat in the VIP section, the seats are padded, perfect for a cold January night match with a biting North Sea breeze. The two stands behind the goals bring the noise and colour to matches. Home fans in the C stand with their banners and chants and away fans in the corner of both the D and E stands are almost always vociferous too. The D stand has three separate structures including the centerpiece, a small but smart stand and two smaller, older stands on either side. Fans of symmetrical stadia will be disappointed that the side stands are slightly different in size! The scoreboard in the corner of the C and D stands can be seen from most areas of the ground, the pitch itself was enlarged during the renovation to meet UEFA standards. Neighbourhood 4 The Versluys stadium is located 2 miles south of the city centre. Whilst the area around the stadium has some accommodation and refreshments options, we’d recommend staying in the centre where there is much to see and do. The Hotel Royal Astrid is recommended, with a tram stop (Koninginnelaan) right outside you can get to the stadium and the town centre in about 7 minutes either way. Opposite the hotel, you can also see the Leopold statue and be on the beach and promenade in 2 minutes. The hotel does not have parking but there’s a car park adjacent with a cost of 24 Euros for 24 hours. Options for bars and restaurants are numerous. All along the promenade you can grab a drink and some food and watch the world walk, pedal and scoot past. The Langestraat area has the busiest bars at night and the main shopping area has some good eating options too. The Manuscript and the Green Man Whiskey bars are recommended. Visit the Oostende Beer Tourism website for some excellent further suggestions. Seafood is obviously a good option here when hunger hits, so head to Bistrot de la Mer if that’s your thing. Our recommendation is a homely bar/restaurant in the main shopping area called the Tudor Rose. It is quirky to realise our journey from Southampton to Oostende was following in the footsteps of a certain Mr Marvin Gaye. The US soul singer took the ferry on the very same route for a period of reflection and reinvigoration after his heavy lifestyle had took its toll. There are no passenger ferries any more, but it’s said he enjoyed his time here and there’s not many better name-dropping recommendation than that! Attraction wise the Atlantic Wall WW2 bunkers and armory installations are recommended and the street art is to die for! After a recent festival there are some fantastic pieces to see. For a map and more info visit Street art in Ostend. Fans 3 There will be some fans around from the time when two Oostende clubs, VG and AS, merged in 1981, the current stadium was then the home of AS Oostende. Now in their 7th consecutive top-flight season, average attendances reached as high as 7,344 in the 16/17 season when they recorded their highest ever league position of 4th. Attendances have fallen recently with 5077 the average so far in 19/20 season, the 12th highest out of 16 pro league clubs. Despite losing on the night, the home fans in the C stand kept the noise going throughout the game. In the posh seats of the main stand the support was a little less raucous but that’s to be expected. Access 4 If you are flying in, Oostende-Brugge Airport is the closest, although international coverage isn’t anything like comprehensive. Lille and Antwerp airports, also not huge, are around 100K away and so the two Brussels international airports will be your likely entrance points. From Brussels you can get a train to Oostende in less than 2 hours via Brugge. The Oostende train station has a classic and grand entrance, an attraction in itself, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. To get to the ground from the train station the best option is a tram which takes less than 20 minutes. Get off at Oostende Northlaan (which is located opposite the stadium). The tram number is zero and it’s heading towards De Panne. Take the tram back into town after the game, all trams heading north will arrive back at the train station. To take a bus from the station, number 6 is suggested although the bus driver on our visit refused to accept that. Take the tram, it’s quicker anyway! If you are driving, you’ll arrive in the area on the E40 / A16. If you head to Middelkerke, south of Oostende, you can then drive along the N34 coastal road which includes views of Hitler’s WW2 defence bunkers and anti-aircraft armoury. From here the stadium will visible be on your right-hand side. Car parking suggestion from the club is Sea’rena MediaMarkt, Nothlaan 13. Once inside the stadium all except the main stand is on the same level with no stairs. Accessing the larger main stand requires climbing stairs although lifts are available if you require special assistance. To gain access to the various bars inside the ground avoid buying in the E stand which restricts your movement to the rest of the stadium. Tickets can be purchased from the fan shop/ticket office behind the C stand or online. Return on Investment 5 Our 24-hour visit was easily achieved on a shoe-string budget. £50 return tickets for the car on the Eurotunnel from the UK. Only half a tank of diesel. Match tickets from 15 Euros each and a variety of good value accommodation options ensures this is a value-for money option! Extras 2 Free gloves given out at all the stadium bars from the Belgium beer company ‘Maes’ were appreciated on a cold January evening! No programme is issued which is always a disappointment (even though they are less and less available in mainland Europe these days). A team sheet given out in Club 31 is therefore appreciated. Final Thoughts Antwerp, Brussels and Brugge are top of most people’s lists when visiting Belgium, all have their merits. Go off the beaten track however and in the case of Oostende you will find a gem. Whether it’s the street art, the history, the beach or the seafood, 24 hours in this coastal city is time well spent. The stadium, with its elements of old and new, together with tall inward leaning floodlights to die for and decent prices is highly recommended. If you’re asked to visit, there should be only one reply, the words of Marvin Gaye – Let’s get it on!

Portland Hearts of Pine recently unveiled plans for a permanent home at Cassidy Point in Portland’s West End along the Fore River. The site sits at the western end of Commercial Street, opposite the city’s Old Port district, Portland’s tourism hub. The club has entered into an agreement to acquire the property, where it hopes to construct a privately funded, $50 million, 9,000 to 11,000-seat soccer-specific stadium that would become the home of both its USL League One men’s team and future women’s side. The proposed development at Cassidy Point extends beyond soccer. For decades, the property has served as an industrial coal storage site, but the club’s vision would transform this area into a community gathering space, while preserving the site's 600-foot working waterfront pier for marine use. The project would also expand public waterfront access and recreational space, aligning with the City of Portland’s long-term waterfront redevelopment goals. The project has created excitement among city officials, who have praised Hearts of Pine for the way the club has connected with the community. "So far, the team's success has shown the power of sports to bring our community together, and I think that's something worth recognizing," City Councilor Pious Ali said. City Councilor Anna Bullett acknowledges that Hearts of Pine’s current home at Fitzpatrick Stadium has not been large enough to meet the overwhelming demand for tickets. "I applaud Hearts' leaders for staying in Portland, and I look forward to partnering with the team to ensure our multifaceted waterfront continues to meet community needs, from fishing to tourism and everything in between," Bullett said. Sites in surrounding communities, including South Portland, Westbrook, and Scarborough, were considered before the club identified Cassidy Point as its preferred location. "Cassidy Point presents us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something lasting for the City of Portland and for the future of the sport here in Maine," founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson said. In just two seasons on the pitch, Portland Hearts of Pine has established itself as one of the best-supported clubs in American soccer, outside of MLS. The club has sold out every home match at Fitzpatrick Stadium, built a season-ticket waiting list more than 8,000 fans deep, and ranks seventh in attendance among all 42 clubs across USL Championship and USL League One. The club’s upcoming women’s team also comes with much anticipation, selling 5,000 season-ticket deposits in less than an hour. The need for a new stadium extends beyond creating additional capacity for supporters. It would also provide Hearts of Pine with a regulation soccer-specific venue; Portland currently plays at Fitzpatrick Stadium under a USL waiver because the field does not meet the league's minimum width requirements. While the city-owned stadium has created a cozy atmosphere and helped establish the club's identity, its shared use and physical limitations have also raised questions about the long-term viability of Hearts at "Fort Fitzy." The project will now enter a lengthy approval process. The property is not currently zoned for a stadium, requiring amendments to the city's zoning ordinance before construction can begin. Hearts of Pine officials estimate the permitting process will take approximately nine months. "We will approach the process with humility and an understanding that the bar is high, as it should be for new development projects in Portland," founding partner Jonathan Culley said. "The onus will be on us to demonstrate that the project is good for Portland." As has been the case throughout the club's history, Hearts of Pine is seeking community input as they begin the stadium design process. The club plans to hold several public forums as the project develops and is encouraging supporters to submit suggestions to CassidyPoint@heartsofpine.com. If approved, construction could begin in 2027, with an anticipated opening in early 2029.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Veteran's Field 702 Main St Chatham, MA 02633 Chatham Anglers website Veterans Field website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 8,500 The Right Angle Chatham, Massachusetts is a town located at the “elbow” of Cape Cod. A resort town with a population of about 6,600 residents, the population swells to over 25,000 during the summer. Teams representing the town of Chatham have played in the Cape League since its inception in 1923. The site of Veteran’s Field was the location of Chatham’s first high school, which was built in 1858. When a new consolidated school was built in 1924, it paved the way for the construction of the ball field. Chatham’s squad was known as the A’s from 1960s to 2009, when several teams decided to stop sharing names with Major League squads. The team was rebranded as the Anglers. This allows for the team to continue to be informally called “The A’s,” while invoking a most appropriate nautical theme. The A’s/Anglers have won five titles in the Cape League’s “Modern Era”, most recently in 1998. Over 100 A’s/Anglers alumni have gone on to play in the Major Leagues. Food and Beverage 3 The Snack Shack serves as Veteran’s Field’s snack bar. Located directly behind the first base dugout, standard ballpark fare, including hot dogs, burgers and pizza slices are featured here. Fans wanting their hot dog with a little more oomph can upgrade to Coach Schiffner’s famous Chili Dog. There’s a decent variety of snacks available here, including popcorn served in a souvenir Anglers cup, Cracker Jacks, assorted candy, Cape Cod Chips (of course) and Angler’s cookies decorated with a baseball theme. A selection of ice cream novelties are available. Cans of Coca-Cola products are featured at Veteran’s Field. Since it can get very chilly here in Chatham at night, fans can also purchase coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Chatham doesn’t feature the most extensive menu around, and their prices are a bit on the high side when compared to other Cape League ballparks. On the plus side, they grill their dogs and burgers to order. Fans looking for a bargain can wait until near the end of the game, when “dollar dogs” are announced. But be warned, quantities are limited, so be ready! Atmosphere 3 As is the case at all the Cape Cod League venues, teams in this league present their games in an “old-school” manner. Absent are silly between inning promotions and ear-shattering music played between innings. Fans looking for elaborate game-day productions will undoubtedly be disappointed with this simple approach, but baseball purists will enjoy every last second of it. PA announcements are limited to lineup changes and sponsor shout outs, and a simple scoreboard in left field displays basic game information. There is a lot of room to roam at Veteran’s Field, both in the large berm that stretches from the right field foul pole to deep centerfield as well as the open grassy area on the first base side of the facility. There is a large playground located in this area, where kids can release some pent-up energy while their parents can still watch the ballgame. Press Box Building at Veteran's Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 5 Veteran’s Field is located just west of Chatham Center, a quaint neighborhood full of shops, cafés, and antique stores. Main Street is located a short walk from the ball field, and is a great spot to spend an afternoon before an Anglers game. Remember, a town this small and this popular is bound to get crowded, so if you are wishing to avoid the largest crowds and resulting traffic, visit the area in June, before schools let out for the summer and the tourists arrive en masse. If you’re visiting Chatham and looking for a place to eat, you’ll have no problem finding a place. Among the choices here are Chatham Squire, Wild Goose Tavern, and Captain’s Table. Of course, seafood rules in a coastal town like Chatham, but there is something for everyone along Main Street. Likewise, there are plenty of lodging options here in town, but be prepared to pay premium prices during the baseball season. Chatham Tides, Chatham Wayside Inn and Greyfinch Chatham Inn are just some of the choices right in town. During the summer, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, the Chatham Lighthouse, the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and The Chatham Railroad Museum (located just beyond the right field berm) are all popular destinations located within town limits. Other Cape Cod attractions are just a short drive away. Fans 5 Chatham annually ranks at or near the top of the Cape League attendance rolls. Recent years have seen average crowds numbering over 2,000 per game. Tales are still told of the day the 1984 USA Olympic baseball team visited Chatham for a game against the A’s, with an estimated crowd of 10,000 in attendance. Crowds at Veteran’s Field are similar to those elsewhere on the Cape, meaning that there is a strong presence from the locals, who often have a connection with the team as a booster, house parent, or volunteer. If not connected with the team officially, many of the fans present have been coming to see the Anglers play for years. Mixed in with the locals are tourists visiting the area and spending a relaxing night out at the ballpark. As one of the most complete “ballparks” in the Cape League, it’s a popular destination for ballpark travelers. Standing Room Only at the Veteran's Field Grandstand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 The town of Chatham is located at the elbow of Cape Cod, making it the furthest team to visit for any fans visiting from off-Cape (that’s anyone not living on Cape Cod, for those of us who don’t speak Cape-ese). Despite this, it’s relatively easy to find Veteran’s Field. It is located right on Route 28, which follows the southern coastline of the Cape. Fans utilizing public transportation can take Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority’s H20 bus route to a stop right at the Chatham Rotary. Veteran’s Field itself is located in a natural bowl, with hills surrounding the playing surface. A grandstand behind home plate contains bleacher seating, along with plenty of room for standing room at the top and bottom of these stands. Additional bleachers are located down both foul lines. Netting obstructs views from all seating areas. For many fans, the large outfield berm is the place to be. There is enough room out here for hundreds of fans on a busy night, or for kids to run around when it is less crowded. You will find many fans sitting on top of the berm along the Depot Road sidewalk or even in their vehicles, listening to the game on their radios. Parking is available in a pair of small public lots adjacent to the ballpark or on the surrounding streets. This is most convenient for fans looking to spend their entire day in Chatham, as Main Street is a short walk from the ball field. Restrooms are located in a small building on the first base side of the facility. Be warned that not all areas surrounding Veterans Field are well lit or paved. Return on Investment 5 As is the case at all Cape Cod League ballparks, there is no charge to attend a Chatham Anglers game. The team will accept your donation, which they use to fund their operating costs. In return for your donation, the team will return the favor by giving you a program. Parking is free in either of the two lots next to the field, or on any of the neighborhood streets. Just pay attention to the signs to make sure you are not in a restricted zone. Many fans bring their own coolers stocked with items to enjoy during the game, making a night out at the Anglers potentially free. Extras 3 Displayed on the façade of the old-timey press box are four retired numbers for persons who were instrumental in the long history of Chatham baseball (John Schiffner, Ed Haird, Matt Fincher and Eddie Lyons). Also be sure to check out the display of every Chatham A/Angler to play in the big leagues. It’s an enormous list with plenty of familiar names. A small plaque dedicated to former Chatham player Thurman Munson can also be found on the press box. In 2025 over 400 Cape Cod alumni played in the Major Leagues. This factors out to one out of every six players to suit up in the majors last year. The Cape Cod League is without a doubt the premier summer collegiate league in the country. All ten teams in the circuit are located within an hour of each other, meaning you can spend a week seeing future Major Leaguers compete up close for free in one of the top tourist destinations in the nation. It’s an epic Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts A day in Chatham combines all the elements of a classic Cape Cod experience – nearby beaches, a quaint downtown with shops and excellent restaurants, and a nighttime ball game with virtually the entire town on hand. In a league full of unique parks and postcard-perfect towns, Chatham offers an experience that may top them all. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pioneer Park 135 Shiloh Rd Greeneville, TN 37745 Greeneville FlyBoys website Pioneer Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 5,000+ We Stay Fly The Appalachian League is one of the nation’s top summer collegiate wooden bat leagues. The league was rebranded in 2021 after serving for decades as a rookie-level minor league baseball circuit; the Appalachian League now features clubs across Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. The Greeneville Flyboys call Eastman Credit Union Field at Pioneer Park home, on the campus of Tusculum University in Tusculum, Tennessee. The franchise carries on the city’s long tradition of summer baseball following the transition from affiliated minor league baseball to the Appalachian League’s collegiate format. After initially hosting Appalachian League baseball in the 1920s and again from 1938 to 1942, Greeneville became a permanent part of the league in 2004 with the arrival of the Greeneville Astros, followed by the Greeneville Reds. The Flyboys’ identity was established in 2021, paying tribute to the former airfield located on the site of the ballpark, which was used during World War II. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Pioneer Park offer a selection that aligns with what fans would typically expect at a lower-level baseball experience, providing familiar ballpark favorites without trying to overcomplicate the menu. Options include hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, barbecue nachos, pizza, and barbecue sandwiches, along with traditional snacks such as Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, M&M's, Reese's Pieces, pretzels, and popcorn. For the tiny helmet collectors, Dippin’ Dots are served in a Greeneville Flyboys mini helmet, adding a fun souvenir element for younger fans and collectors alike. The beverage selection features bottled Coca-Cola products, including Diet Coke, Sprite, and Coke Zero, along with Dasani bottled water and Powerade sports drinks. The beer and alcohol options lean heavily toward familiar domestic brands and widely distributed imports, with selections including Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, White Claw, Hazy Little Thing IPA, and Angry Orchard. Fans looking for a local option can also enjoy craft beers from Tennessee-based Yee Haw Brewing Company. Atmosphere 3 While built in 2004, the stadium carries a touch of throwback charm. Exposed steel beams support a canopy that covers roughly half the seating area, while the entire field wall is constructed of brick, adding a classic ballpark feel to the venue. A video board sits beyond the left-center-field wall. While functional, it provides limited information beyond the batter, score, and ball-strike-out count. The outfield dimensions are fairly standard, measuring 331 feet down each line, 375 feet to the power alleys, and 400 feet to straightaway center field. There is little noticeable advantage for either right- or left-handed hitters. Protective netting extends only to the ends of the dugouts, meaning fans seated beyond those areas must remain alert throughout the game for foul balls and errant throws. Mid-inning breaks feature the typical contests and promotions found at summer collegiate baseball games, but they do little to significantly capture the attention or energy of the crowd. Neighborhood 3 Pioneer Park is located on the campus of Tusculum University in Tusculum, just outside Greeneville in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Within a mile of the ballpark, The Creamy Cup is a popular stop for iced coffee, frappes, and sweet treats, while Whistle Stop Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and Southern comfort food. Just a few minutes away, Old Oak Taproom offers craft beer and casual pub fare, making it a great option before or after a Flyboys game. Just over four miles from the stadium, downtown Greeneville provides a glimpse into one of Tennessee's most historic communities. The city was home to the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, and visitors can tour the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, which preserves his home, tailor shop, and final resting place. Downtown also features locally owned shops, restaurants, and the historic General Morgan Inn. For those looking to spend more time outdoors, Margarette Falls, the Nolichucky River, and Cherokee National Forest are all within a short drive, making Pioneer Park a convenient starting point for exploring the natural beauty of East Tennessee. The Appalachian League has a unique concentration of teams located relatively close together, making it possible to catch multiple games during a weekend trip. The Elizabethton River Riders, Johnson City Doughboys, and Kingsport Axmen are all within an hour's drive of Greeneville. Fans 4 Greeneville enjoys strong fan support, typically ranking near the top of the Appalachian League in average attendance, trailing only perennial attendance leader Johnson City. Fans are engaged and supportive of the Flyboys, creating an atmosphere that feels connected to the community. Attendance numbers in the Appalachian League are relative to other summer collegiate baseball experiences, but Greeneville consistently shows that a small-town market can embrace baseball when it provides an affordable, entertaining, and family-friendly experience. The crowd may not fill every seat in Pioneer Park, but the enthusiasm of those in attendance helps create an enjoyable summer baseball atmosphere. Access 4 Although Greeneville is still about a 20-minute drive from Interstate 81, the route is straightforward to navigate. Parking is located just steps from the front gate, and with entrances and exits on both ends of the parking area, traffic flow after the game is quick with minimal congestion. The concourse here is wider than what is typically found at stadiums, providing fans with plenty of room to move around during the game. However, it extends only a short distance down each foul line. Two sets of suites and the press box are located directly behind home plate, blocking the concourse view of the field from that area and limiting opportunities to watch the game when away from the seating bowl. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be purchased for under $15, and when combined with free parking, the Flyboys provide an affordable evening of baseball for families and casual fans. Concession prices also remain in line with the expectations of a budget-friendly stadium experience, with the team offering various concession specials throughout the week to make food and beverage options even more accessible. Extras 3 Despite the stadium being located on Tusculum University’s campus, there are clear signs that Pioneer Park is also home to the Flyboys and an Appalachian League franchise, including league standings and lineup boards near the entrance. Though on the smaller side, a kids’ play area sits atop the third-base concourse with pitching and bounce-house inflatables, providing an additional entertainment option for younger fans. In addition, just off the souvenir shop to the left of the main gates is a small rotunda featuring an extensive look at the baseball history of Greeneville. It provides a unique connection to the city's long baseball tradition, although the space feels somewhat overlooked and could benefit from additional emphasis as part of the overall ballpark experience. Final Thoughts Eastman Credit Union Field at Pioneer Park is a ballpark that reflects the character of the Appalachian League – simple, affordable, and built around community baseball. While the facility doesn’t offer many of the modern amenities or extensive entertainment elements found at larger stadiums, it succeeds in providing an enjoyable environment where fans can relax and watch quality collegiate baseball at an affordable price. The stadium's brick accents, connection to Tusculum University, and ties to Greeneville's long baseball history give it a unique sense of place. The Flyboys experience is elevated by strong community support, convenient access, affordable pricing, and a fan base that embraces summer baseball. The surrounding area provides enough local attractions, dining options, and outdoor activities to make a trip to Pioneer Park more than just a game-day visit. For those looking to experience the charm of Appalachian League baseball, Greeneville delivers a traditional small-town baseball experience where the focus remains on the game, the players, and the community that supports them.

Photos by Gregory Koch,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Grainger Stadium 400 E Grainger Ave Kinston, NC 28501 Down East Bird Dawgs website Grainger Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,100 Baseball Returns to Kinston (Again) Baseball has been played at Historic Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina since 1949. Initially used by Grainger High School, the stadium became home to Minor League baseball in 1978 when the Kinston Eagles of the Carolina League came to town. The club would play under several different names over the next few decades, most notably the Kinston Indians from 1987 to 2011, before relocating to Zebulon, North Carolina in 2012 to become the Carolina Mudcats. (This was part of a series of relocations where the original Mudcats of the Southern League moved to Pensacola, Florida, and the new Mudcats joined the Carolina League.) Affiliated ball would return to Kinston in 2017, as the Carolina League expanded by two teams and the California League contracted accordingly. The Down East Wood Ducks would call Grainger Stadium home through 2024, but in 2025, they relocated to Spartanburg, South Carolina to become the Hub City Spartanburgers. However, baseball was not gone at Grainger Stadium. A new team, the Down East Bird Dawgs, joined the independent Frontier League. Grainger Stadium continues to be one of the most historic baseball stadiums in North Carolina, still in use more than 75 years after it was built. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands at Grainger Stadium, but only one was open when we visited on a Sunday afternoon, located all the way down the right field line. In addition to the standard options, such as hot dogs, chicken tenders, and burgers, more unique options include pulled pork sandwiches and mac and cheese. Snacks include fried cheese curds, fries, soft pretzels, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, chips, Cracker Jacky, and candy. Soda and bottled water are available, as is beer for those of age. Prices are reasonable - a hot dog is just over $4, a cheeseburger $8, and chicken tenders $10, although they do come with fries, which adds to the value. There are also some picnic tables outside the concession area where fans can sit and eat while they watch the game. Atmosphere 3 Grainger Stadium is, at its core, an old ballpark that lacks many of the bells and whistles that you would see in newer stadiums. The seats behind home plate are the classic covered grandstand that used to be quite common. The good news is the roof will keep you shaded from the hot Carolina sun. The bad news is that the poles which prop the roof up may obstruct your view. These beams will partially block the view in Row E and above, with seats close to the aisle being particularly affected due to the placement of the poles. The Bird Dawgs keep fans entertained with many between-inning contests, including a race on inflatable ponies and other creative competitions. The team mascot is Rowdy the Dawg, and he is a fan favorite who roams the stands entertaining the crowd. There are two scoreboards at Grainger Stadium, a basic one in right field that just shows the line score and a more elaborate one in left field showing graphics and player stats. Neighborhood 3 Grainger Stadium is located in a residential neighborhood of Kinston, so there isn't much to do in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head west along Vernon Avenue or south along Queen Street, you will find many places to eat, drink, and hang out within a mile or so of the ballpark. King's Restaurant is a popular barbecue joint, while Plaza de Mariachi is known for its Mexican food. You will also find other options ranging from fried chicken to burgers to pizza to Japanese. Kinston is not the largest town, but it is still a nice enough place to visit. Fans 2 Attendance has gone down significantly in Down East, particularly since they lost their affiliated ball. The Bird Dawgs are averaging barely over 1,000 fans per game this season as of the time of writing, which puts them near the bottom of the Frontier League. The fans who do show up are pretty knowledgeable about the team and the ballpark, but are dead silent most of the time other than just talking to each other about the game. The crowd here is neither involved nor large, and that's not a good combo. Access 4 Grainger Stadium is located off State Route 70, about 20 minutes from I-795. On most days, you should be able to make good time getting to the ballpark, even if you have to deal with a few traffic lights. Parking is available in a large lot that is way too big for the crowds the team draws, so you should be able to park very close. The concourse is more than wide enough to accommodate the small crowds, as are the restrooms. Getting out could be a problem if there were large crowds, due to exiting onto a side street before turning onto the main road, but this will rarely, if ever, happen. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to most Bird Dawgs games are $10, or $5 for kids' tickets. On Tuesdays, all tickets are just $2. Concessions are affordable, and parking is free. Overall, a Bird Dawgs game is an excellent value and one of the most affordable professional baseball experiences you will find. Extras 3 Look for the signs on the concourse featuring fun facts about the Frontier League. There is a water tower in left field with the Bird Dawgs logo. A third and final star for the team store on the concourse near the entrance. Final Thoughts Grainger Stadium is a historic ballpark in a small town. While it isn't the fanciest stadium by any means, it has the charm and history that many of the newer venues lack. Unfortunately, the crowds have not shown up in recent years, particularly with the move to Indy Ball, and a Bird Dawgs game can feel like a ghost town at times.

Photos by Dave Cottenie , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 First Horizon Park 19 Junior Gilliam Way Nashville, TN 37219 Nashville Sounds website First Horizon Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 8,500 Music in Hit City Nashville, Tennessee has a long history with baseball. The Music City has been home to several minor league and Negro League teams. The current Nashville Sounds were founded in 1978 as an expansion team in the Double-A Southern League. The popularity of baseball in Nashville was obvious from the start, as the expansion team led the entire Minor Leagues in attendance in its first year. By 1985, they advanced to the Triple-A American Association. The dissolution of this league in 1998 had the Sounds bump over to the Pacific Coast League and eventually the International League in 2021. The Sounds have won league titles in 1979, 1982, and 2005 and have been the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers since 2021. First Horizon Park is the home of the Sounds and is one of the newest ballparks at the Triple-A level, opening in 2015. It replaced Herschel Greer Stadium, which was home to the Sounds for 36 years. First Horizon Park is built on the location of historic Sulphur Dell, a minor league park that was used from 1885 to 1963. First Horizon Park is one of the premier Triple-A ballparks and definitely adds to the argument that Nashville should be considered for an expansion Major League Baseball team. Food & Beverage 4 First Horizon Park has a strong concession experience with a variety of locations and menu items. A number of the concession stands make use of giant iPads for ordering, similar to what is found in many McDonald’s locations. On the date of this review, the system seemed to work well, and concession lines moved quickly. Some of the concession highlights included Sulpher Dell Slices, Music City Grill. Smokehouse BBQ and Hot or Not Chicken. Along with all of the expected ballpark food items, local items fans may want to consider include the Nashville Hot Chicken and Pork Chop Sandwiches. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at the park. First Horizon Park also has a terrific selection of local craft beer as well as domestics and other alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 5 First Horizon Park is one of the best ballparks in all of Minor League Baseball. Not only does it offer an easy 360-degree path around the park on the inside, but there is also an easy path on the outside. The centerfield gate, right by the parking garage, offers a bronze statue of Track and Field Coach Ed Temple, who coached 23 Olympic medalists and 40 Olympians. Placards outlining the history of baseball in Nashville can be found along the path as well as the archeological history of the site of the former Sulphur Dell. The home plate gate is the main entry and is found at Junior Gilliam Way. The exterior is smart-looking with silver paneling surrounding a black and white sign. The entry is surrounded by light colored brick. Upon entry into the concourse, fans will find some different Nashville Sounds or Hit City markings. Immediately beside the main entry are profiles for the players of the four retired numbers, Jackie Robinson, Skeeter Barnes, Tim Dillard and Don Mattingly. Signage for other significant Nashville players like Junior Gilliam and Dusty Rhodes is found hanging throughout the concourse. The concourse is open concept, and it is possible to walk just about the entire 360 degrees of the park and not miss any of the action. A variety of seating options are available. The main seating area is two-tiered with plenty of 100 level seats under the overhang of the 200 level, providing lots of shade. There are patio tables beyond right field, berm seating perfect for catching home runs, and Adirondack chairs around the edge of the berms. The Band Box is beyond centerfield and is good for events. First Horizon Park also has plenty of spots to see the game from outside of the stadium, including the Third and Home terrace and the neighboring apartments. Of course, the most iconic item in the ballpark is the massive, guitar-shaped videoboard. First Horizon Park has its own cistern system, wiffleball park, and even a mini-golf course. The gameday production at a Sounds game is solid. The mascot, Booster the Rooster, a Nashville Hot Chicken, takes part in promotions on the field along with the in-game host. Also, the mascot race is uniquely Nashville with The Man in Black, Dolly, and Reba rushing to the finish line. Neighborhood 5 First Horizon Park is located in the North Capitol neighborhood of Nashville, part of downtown. There are several spots within walking distance for fans to go to get pre- or post-game food or drink. Some options include Geist Bar & Restaurant, TailGate, Von Elrod’s Beer Hall, Jonathan’s Grille, and numerous options in the Nashville Farmers Market. Germantown is just to the north and also has several options. Heading to Broadway will provide a whole host of other options. There are a few other sporting options in Nashville. These include Nashville SC, Nashville Predators, and Tennessee Titans. Nashville also has many college options. These include Belmont Bruins, Lipscomb Bisons, and Tennessee State Golden Tigers, and Vanderbilt Commodores football, basketball, and baseball. Nashville is one of the best tourist destinations in the country. Known as Music City, Nashville has a ton of country music-centric tourist options. These include the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and The Grand Ole Opry, to name a few. There is always live music in one of the establishments on Broadway. The Gaylord Opryland is also something that should be seen. There are also many tourist options within walking distance of the park, including the Tennessee State Capitol, Tennessee State Museum, Nashville Farmers Market and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. There are a ton of hotels within walking distance of the park also. TownPlace, The Capitol Hotel, and DoubleTree are a few options. Fans 5 The Nashville Sounds have a solid fan base. For the 2026 season, at the time of writing, the Sounds averaged over 6,500 fans per game. They ranked 3rd in the International League in attendance. In the previous season, the Sounds averaged over 6,700 fans per game and ranked 4th. The fans in the stands are knowledgeable and loud at all the right times. Access 4 First Horizon Park is located in the North Capitol neighborhood of Nashville. It is on the south side of Junior Gilliam Way between John Lewis and 3rd Ave. It is just over 1 km east of I-65/I-40 and 2 blocks west of the Cumberland River. Getting to the park is not too difficult, being so close to the interstate. There are a few local parking garages and lots. Preplanning parking is a great plan. For those wishing to take public transit to the ballpark, there are bus stops along 2nd Ave, east of First Horizon Park. Fans should consult the WeGo Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the ballpark is very easy as the concourses are wide and there is a full, 360-degree path. The washroom facilities in the ballpark are good. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols for major sporting events are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Nashville Sounds and First Horizon Park websites for the latest security procedures, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 Nashville Sounds tickets start at $11.75 for General Admission, berm seating. Seats start at $17.65 and go up to $41 for club seats. Day-of-game purchases will cost an extra couple of bucks. Concession prices are not too bad at First Horizon Park, and parking will cost a few dollars. The product on the field in Nashville is solid, and the overall experience is great. Fans will leave the park having been fully entertained and not out a mortgage payment or more! Extras 3 An extra mark for Junior Gilliam Way, the street behind home plate. Junior Gilliam was a local product who had a 27-year major league career that started in the Negro Leagues. He was the 1953 Rookie of the Year for the Brooklyn Dodgers. An extra mark for the Sounds embracing the full history of Nashville baseball and putting it on display. An extra mark for a very well-stocked team store. Final Thoughts Time will tell if Major League Baseball decides to descend on Nashville as an expansion destination. Until that time, the Nashville Sounds are more than filling the baseball void in Music City, in one of the best parks in Minor League Baseball. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.