Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Prudential Center 165 Mulberry St Newark, NJ 07102 New Jersey Devils website Prudential Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 17,625 The Devils are Rock Solid in New Jersey The New Jersey Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007. It was a $375 million move from the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford and would give the three-time Stanley Cup champions a first-class building to call home. The Devils played at the Meadowlands for nearly 30 years. This move was to help revitalize the City of Newark. The Prudential Center was to be the cornerstone of this revitalization, which included the Newark Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium (since demolished) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The arena has become a more viable and proven candidate to be the city’s symbol for that sign of revitalization. The arena is a sight to see and deliberately meant to draw your eyes’ focus to it with its red & black exterior and cylindrical glass corners three-story corners. Outside are statues that pay homage to hockey, and the GRAMMY Museum Experience is attached to the Prudential Center with a separate exterior entrance. Food & Beverage 5 The concessions at The Rock are top-notch and offer quite a bit of variety, along with local staples that set it apart from other buildings in the league. There is a little bit of everything to sample and taste. There are a few new stands: Street Taco Cantina (Sect 2, 12, 107, and 133), Piez Italian Eatery (Sect. 4, 16, and 130), Black Board Burgers (Sect 130), Sumo Dogs (Sect. 4), and Mighty Quinns barbecue (Sec. 4). The more adventurous eater may try the sumo dog, a foot-long dog topped with wasabi relish, togarashi cheese sauce, teriyaki sauce, jalapenos, and nori. NJ Steakhouse (Sect. 101), Bayonne Diner (Sect. 1), The Chicken Coop (Sect. 6, 101, and 111), Jersey Grind (Sect. 12 and 111), and Glatt’s Kosher (Sec. 4, 19, and 123) will offer more traditional arena food from steak sandwiches, burgers, chicken tender baskets, hot dogs, french fries, and pulled beef sandwiches. The local variety is also present and includes the Goya Ironbound (Sect. 4 and 118). The stand is influenced by the nearby Ironbound section of town and offers Portuguese cuisine. The Mojo Rotisserie Chicken Plate includes a mojito-marinated half-roasted chicken served with a side of white rice and black beans. You will also find a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich, cheesesteaks, and zeppoles at The Taste of the Boardwalk. There are 100 varieties of beers, wines, and ciders at the arena, including local favorites such as Kane, Carton, Forgotten Boardwalk, 902, and Jersey Girl. The national favorites from Bud and Coors are also here, along with cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 The Prudential Center has created a fan-first culture that begins with greeters welcoming folks to the game as they exit the escalators. Outside the arena is Championship Plaza, a huge gathering space before the game that is home to a 22-foot, 6,000-pound stainless steel hockey player statue. On the other side of the building is the Martin Brodeur statue, which was dedicated in 2016. The future Hall of Famer and NHL leader in career wins, shutouts, and a host of other records weighs in at 1,000 pounds. It is a nice tribute to one of the game's best netminders. The Devils incorporate 3D graphics projected on the ice that move back and forth from the fire, ice, and other vivid images. It is home to the largest center-hung video digital scoreboard providing fans with information, replays, and highlights. The 89,000-pound scoreboard is almost four stories tall and was created to provide the ultimate live experience at the arena. The team’s official mascot N.J. Devil skates onto the ice waving a glowing pitchfork before the game. Later, he can be found throughout the building in the stands banging a drum, posing for photos with fans, and cheering on the Devils after every score. The team also employs a live organist Pete Cannarozzi who has his area for fans to pose for pictures on the lower mezzanine section. The team’s official goal song is “Howl” by Gaslight Anthem, the easy-going arena-rocker song popular with the home crowd. All of the seating provides vantage points of the ice and are not obstructed by the copious amounts of championship banners and retired numbers hanging on all four sides from the ceiling. The seats are plush and cozy, providing an ample amount of leg space. The atmosphere is heightened when the teams play against rivals New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. The building is cashless at the box office, team shop, and all concession stands. There are Reverse ATMs with zero fees available at multiple kiosks. 12”x14” bags are permitted, and anything larger, except child care or medical bags, isn’t permitted. There are also 6 family restrooms located on the main and upper concourse. There is also complimentary wheelchair access. Neighborhood 3 The Prudential Center is in a nice little pocket in Newark where fans can easily walk to great places to eat and get back and forth through mass transit. The Ironbound District is easily one of the state’s premier neighborhoods and worth a visit even after a night of hockey. The Ironbound neighborhood is a mixed-use of residential homes, retail, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, clubs, and parks located half a mile from the venue on Ferry Street. The predominantly Portuguese neighborhood is home to some of the best Spanish-Portuguese establishments in the metropolitan area. The Iberian Peninsula, Iberia, Spanish Tavern, and Mompou are just a few of the restaurants where one can enjoy flavorful and classic dishes from Spain, Portugal, and Brazil (rodizio). Redd’s Biergarten is home to the 5-Hour $5 Happy Hour six days a week from 2-7 pm. The German Beer Garden has an urban flare and provides guests with a gathering place featuring multiple bars, televisions, and long communal tables that encourage socializing. Mad For Chicken has wings, tenders, kimchi fries, fried dumplings, and kielbasa bites. A few other recommendations include Chateau of Spain, Ferry Street BBQ, and Hobby’s Deli. Fans 3 The fanbase is strong at home games, especially with the current season that sees the club fight for first place in the division. The Devil fan is hardcore, but many will point out their low attendance figures (close to 90 percent to capacity). They play in a market with two other NHL teams within an hour’s drive from one another, but with consistent winning seasons, you might see larger crowds at The Rock. Access 5 The Prudential Center is 2- blocks from Newark Penn Station, providing services to New York City and other points in New Jersey via Amtrak, PATH, NJ Transit, and Newark Light Rail. A PATH train ticket costs $2.75 (one-way) and stops at Greenwich Village, the 9/11 Memorial, and Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and Hoboken and Jersey City in New Jersey. The PATH will also take visitors to 33rd Street in Manhattan, several blocks from Times Square. The parking lots range from as low as $15 to as high as $30. One option is to park at the Iberia Restaurant for free in the Ironbound district–if you grab something to eat or drink–and walk the seven blocks to the arena. Various lots near the arena offer varying prices. Inside the building, the spacious concourses are separated into two sections offering fans easy access to seating assignments, concessions, bathrooms, and exits. Traffic inside moves freely during game action but will get crowded, like most other hockey arenas, during intermission. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket will depend on who the Devils are playing. A single-game ticket against its arch-rivals, New York Rangers, can fetch close to $100 and will more likely sell out closer to game time; tickets on the secondary market will sell for half the price. The two team’s buildings are separated by a short PATH Train ride and will sell out when the Blueshirts are in town. The Devil’s other rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, will cost much less but are no less intense as they are hated as much as the Broadway Blues. Affordable options include visits from Toronto, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Ottawa, and Chicago that will cost under $30 in advance. The return on investment depends on your price point. The concession prices tend to be high but are in line with other NHL venues, and parking is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost at MetLife Stadium or venues in New York City. The modern building also provides comfortable views of the rink and easy access to all sections and concourse levels. Extras 4 The arena receives one point for the Jersey-inspired food, including Taylor ham, zeppoles, Italian hot dogs, and disco fries. These are items you won’t find at other NHL arenas and are inclusive. You can also wash it down with a local craft beer or cider. A second point is awarded towards the organization’s history dating back to 1982 when the club arrived from Denver. There are murals of former greats, trophy cases featuring the club's three Stanley Cups, and the Brodeur statue. The retired numbers of Hall of Famers Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Brodeur also make everyone know whose building this is. The arena also displays almost every high school hockey jersey in the state. The arena received a third point for being one of the first NHL buildings that partnered with KultureCity to provide sensory training to its staff for customers with autism. There are sensory rooms, social stores, and sensory bags for customers and parents with children on the spectrum. The Rock gains another point for the biggest video scoreboard in the league. The newly installed board provides an innovative way to connect fans to the game on the ice and through social media. Final Thoughts The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game. With the Devils playing winning hockey, the experience will only improve at “The Rock.”

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Starlight Stadium 1089 Langford Pkwy Victoria, BC V9B 4B4 Canada BC Lions website Starlight Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,000 On the Road at Home The BC Lions of the Canadian Football League have been making the rounds of their province in the past couple of years, from Touchdown Pacific in Victoria in 2024 to games at Starlight Stadium in nearby Langford (since 2025), as well as games in Kelowna starting in 2026. While BC Place is still the team’s main home venue, their fans have responded well, and traveled, for games in these nearby cities. Starlight Stadium opened in 2009 and primarily serves as the home stadium for Canadian Premier League soccer’s Pacific FC. The venue is also used by Rugby Canada and by the Westshore Rebels, a junior Canadian football team. The color scheme trends toward purple and white, for Pacific FC, but does include signage showcasing all the teams that play here, including the BC Lions’ orange and black during CFL games here. The facility holds 6,000 fans and has seating along both sidelines, as well as behind one end zone. Food & Beverage 4 Perhaps not surprising given this is Canada, the beer and alcohol selection has a lot more variety than the food selection when it comes to concessions here, and the food choices are also a little spread out. For example, there is only one tiny concession stand under the press box (south) side, which boasts no main dishes except hot dogs. This almost led me to give a much lower rating for this section, until I found a much larger concession area nestled next to the endline (west) stands, which adds chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, poutine, cheeseburgers, and veggie burgers to the mix. Prices start at 8.50 CAD for the hot dog and go up past 17 CAD for chicken tenders with fries, but you can find chips and candy for around 4 to 5 CAD. Alcohol starts at 9 CAD. The opposite (north) side doesn’t have any fixed stands, but instead boasts several food trucks serving such items as burritos, gyros, and baked potatoes, with prices starting around 15 CAD for a meal. There is also a VIP area (Gate C at the “hidden” back side of the venue) which adds a few more options for fans who want to make their way to that side. Atmosphere 4 The VIP area is a lot of fun, with plenty of games for kids and adults; think cornhole, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, samples from drink vendors, a well-stocked BC Lions team gear store, and even a working water feature. The staff also carries over a lot of traditions from their time at BC Place, including a sing-along, fan contests tossing touchdowns or kicking field goals, and the ever-popular, though no less weird, hot dog toss – these babies are dubbed “mustard powered meat missiles” by the in-game host. The BC Lions mascot is on hand for selfies and to toss a ball around with the kids, while the BC Lions cheerleaders are there to bring the crowd alive before the home team comes onto the field. The Lions even bring along their inflatable tunnel for the team to run through, flags waving – everything you have come to expect from a major sporting event. All the seats on the press box and endline sides are also covered, which is a major plus that you don’t see at most sports venues. Fans will be very grateful for this perk, especially during summer days with 2 pm start times, when the sun is already high in the sky, or last year when it rained during the Lions at Langford game. Neighborhood 4 Langford, BC boasts a population of just over 62K, a 12K increase in the past five years. As such there is plenty of shopping and dining to be found near Starlight Stadium, as well as great views of the water along the beautiful Vancouver Island coastline, only a few miles from the facility. That said, you really don’t have to drive anywhere at all if you are looking for things to do before or after a Lions game at Starlight Stadium – the venue is right next to Westhills Arena, and there are several restaurants within a few hundred feet of the stadium, as well as a city park, bowling alley, and even a rock-climbing center. The city park serves as sort of an anchor location for all these different entertainment options, making this part of the city a great place for the community to come together. Fans 4 Starlight Stadium only holds 6,000 fans, but the venue was almost entirely filled, and most fans were decked out in the bright orange of the BC Lions. Fans are there to have a great time, with the cornhole and other games in use throughout the whole game. The team gear stand seemed to do a brisk business as well, and there were lines at the concession stands for a big chunk of the game – the food trucks on the north side had the shortest lines, while the small stand under the press box had the longest lines, if that helps you make your decision. Access 3 The only potential downside of attending a BC Lions game at Starlight Stadium is getting here – Vancouver Island is exactly that, so the only way to get here is either to fly over, which can be pricey, or ferry over from the mainland if you don’t already live here. The airport is on the north end of the Sannich Peninsula, meaning maybe a 45-minute drive to get to the venue once you land, or a half hour drive from Victoria proper. Once you get to the facility there is free parking, but the lots closest to the stadium tend to fill up quickly, even if you get there an hour and a half early. The good news is there is additional parking just down the road past the city park, in a commercial shopping center – that area includes mostly non-retail businesses, so you should be able to find an empty space easily enough, and the walk is not far. Unfortunately you cannot walk freely around the entire venue (the east end is closed off), so if you park near the front of the facility like most people do, you will have to walk all the way around to get to the press box side, and if you want to enter at Gate C, you’ll have to walk up the hill and all the way around using a kind of hiking path along the street behind the stadium. The good news is that you only need Gate C to pick up a VIP pass; if you already have your ticket, you can enter at Gate A or B and get to the far side just by walking around inside the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Attending a BC Lions game at Starlight Stadium is absolutely worthwhile; tickets start at only $40 for reserved (covered) seats behind the west end zone or on the press box side. Concession prices are typical for sports venues, but that is balanced by the free parking. This quaint venue has great sightlines, you can get really close to the action, and there are all manner of free activities going on inside, what with the games and promotions, so you can absolutely have a great time here without breaking the bank. Extras 4 The BC Lions staff does a great job carrying over the traditions from BC Place to Starlight Stadium, so nothing feels like it is missing from the normal CFL game day experience. The smaller venue is also probably a little easier to navigate, so as long as you are willing to cross over the water, you can’t go wrong seeing your favorite team on the road, but really, still at home. Final thoughts Vancouver Island is a great place to visit, with great views of the water and fabulous seafood. But more importantly, it is also now home to football – what could be better than that trifecta?

The WHL found that they were settling into the reality of the NCAA eligibility changes in the 2025-26 season. Ready to host the Memorial Cup in Kelowna at the end of May, it was a big season in the WHL. At the beginning of the season it was reported that the expansion team set for Chilliwack, British Columbia would not begin in September of 2026 but rather 2027, leaving the new franchise as a bit of a question mark. Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers led all players with 108 points while Cameron Schmidt of the Seattle Thunderbirds tallied a league leading 51 goals. Rookie Michal Orsulak of the Prince Albert Raiders had the top Goals Against Average with 2.22 and Joshua Ravensbergen of the Prince George Cougars posted a stellar .919 save percentage, earning him the Del Wilson Top Goaltender Award. The Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for the WHL Player of the Year was awarded to Bryce Pickford of Medicine Hat. The Edmonton Oil Kings once again had the best season at the turnstiles, averaging 7,645 fans per game. The Everett Silvertips were dominant during the regular season and playoffs posting a massive 117 points on the year. Everett rumbled through Portland, Kelowna, Penticton and Prince Albert to earn their first Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions, only losing 2 games in the process. The Silvertips will join the host Kelowna Rockets in the Memorial Cup at the end of May. The annual WHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.61 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all. Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets. How is your list different from ours? What do we have right? What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025-2026 Rankings of the Western Hockey League Experiences... N/R - Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Penticton Vees, Prince George Cougars, Spokane Chiefs, Wenatchee Wild Stadium Journey needs your help!! If you are interested in writing reviews for Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Spokane or Wenatchee, contact Stadium Journey! 17. Assiniboine Credit Union Place - Brandon Wheat Kings - 2.86 Andrew Kulyk - Andrew Kulyk - Home for the Brandon Wheat Kings is Assiniboine Credit Union Place, a 6,000-seat arena built as part of a larger convention/exhibition complex called Keystone Centre. It was built in 1972 and has undergone numerous renovations. The franchise is the easternmost franchise in the Western Hockey League and ranks in the upper end of attendance in the league. 16. Accessso ShoWare Centre - Seattle Thunderbirds - 2.86 Josh Eastern - The Seattle Thunderbirds are a junior hockey league team that plays in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League. They play in the ShoWare Center located in Kent, WA which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. It was opened in January of 2009. The Thunderbirds played at Mercer Arena before moving to Key Arena. In 2009, the T-Birds moved south to the ShoWare Center. It is a multi-purpose arena that is mostly used for hockey. It is a great setting for hockey. 15. Brandt Centre - Regina Pats - 3.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Brandt Centre is a hockey arena located in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Opened in 1977, its primary tenant is the Regina Pats, a junior hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The arena is part of a larger interconnected complex called Evraz Place, which offers exhibit space, curling venues and other public facilities. 14. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Hitmen - 3.43 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and is among the busiest arenas in the country as it is also the home of the Calgary Flames, Calgary Roughnecks and AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. 13. Angel of the Winds Arena - Everett Silvertips - 3.43 Dennis Morrell - Angel of the Winds Arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. 12. SaskTel Centre - Saskatoon Blades - 3.43 Andrew Kulyk - True story. Back in 1983, a Saskatoon-based investment group put together a deal to buy the NHL St. Louis Blues and move them to Saskatoon, a city that was off the grid for most hockey fans. Plans were put in place for a new arena to replace a dated historic downtown venue that had served the city well. Front office staffers were hired, and moving plans were put in place. And then it all derailed when the NHL Board of Governors refused to support the move. Lawsuits went flying from all sides, and in the end the Blues stayed put in St. Louis. Out of the disappointment of that debacle came a gleaming new arena and showplace for hockey in Saskatoon, an arena initially dubbed Saskatchewan Place. Fans who liked the old and creaky downtown barn weren’t happy with the move. But with numerous renovations, expansions, and now a showplace for some major events, the arena is now embraced within the community. 11. Co-Op Place - Medicine Hat Tigers - 3.57 Jim Flannery - Until the fall of 2015, the Medicine Hat Tigers spent the entire history of their franchise playing in the Medicine Hat Arena, located just east of the city’s downtown core. The Tigers relocated to a brand new arena at the start of the 2015-16 season; after 45 seasons in the Arena, it was time to move into a more modern facility. Originally called Canalta Centre, it was specifically designed to Memorial Cup specifications in the hopes of luring the CHL championship to Medicine Hat in the near future. Now called Co-op Place, it has room for 3,000 more fans than Medicine Hat Arena did, includes 22 luxury suites, 350 club seats on the south side between the blue lines, a lounge, and state of the art technology throughout. 10. Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland Winterhawks - 3.57 Paul Hilchen - Portland hockey dates back to the 1910’s with the Portland Rosebuds. The most recent team not named the Winterhawks was the Buckaroos, who played in the Coliseum from 1960-1975. The franchise has had much success during their tenure in the Rose City, including winning the 1998 Memorial Cup, and a current run of back to back to back to back Western Conference championships. Memorial Coliseum is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architecture and glass walls that adorn the outside of the building. Some within Portland have questioned the practicality of having two buildings side by side that serve exactly the same purpose, while others have outwardly called for its demolition so a baseball stadium could be built on the site. Whatever side of the spectrum one finds themselves on, no one can deny the fact that the building has a great amount of history and character. 9. InnovationPlex - Swift Current Broncos - 3.71 Jim Flannery - In a small facility like the InnovationPlex, it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the energy up in the place. A couple thousand people, many with cowbells, can get the place rocking in no time at all. With the game viewable from standing room in the main lobby right at ice level, audience members downstairs almost feel like they’re right in the game, just inches from the play. And even the worst seats in the main viewing bowl are only 11 rows back from the ice, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. 8. Temple Gardens Centre - Moose Jaw Warriors - 3.71 Jim Flannery - After a four-year stint in Winnipeg, the Western Hockey League’s Warriors moved to Moose Jaw in 1984. They played their games at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre, better known as the Crushed Can, for many years, but in 2011 the team moved to a brand new facility right downtown, known as Temple Gardens Centre. The $61 million arena seats 4,465 people, which is the equivalent of about 13 percent of the entire city population when the place is full. In addition to the rink area, it also features an eight-sheet curling club, a banquet room, and other meeting rooms. It has played host to a number of major events, including the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and concerts by A-list performers like Alice Cooper and Carrie Underwood. But the Moose Jaw Warriors are the centrepiece of entertainment in the building. 7. Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria Royals - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Victoria Royals may seem a bit isolated, being located on Vancouver Island. However, Victoria is an excellent tourist destination, and the Victoria Royals can definitely be a part of the excitement. The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre provides a solid junior hockey experience, and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. 6. Langley Events Centre - Vancouver Giants - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - In 2001, Vancouver, British Columbia, was granted an expansion team. The Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home and enjoyed decent success there. The Giants took home the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League Champions in 2006 and eclipsed that feat with a Memorial Cup the following season. The Giants have produced several NHL players, including Cody Franson, Evander Kane, Brendan Gallagher, and Milan Lucic. In 2016, the Giants moved away from the oversized Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, to the Langley Events Centre. Built in 2009 and more appropriately sized for junior hockey, Langley Events Centre is a ways from central Vancouver, but serves the suburban cities. 5. VisitLethbridge.com Arena - Lethbridge Hurricanes - 3.86 Jim Flannery - VisitLethbridge.com Arena opened its doors in 1974, in anticipation of the 1975 Canada Winter Games. The Sportsplex (as it was then known) was designed for a multitude of purposes. The arena converts easily to a number of different applications for curling, concerts, hockey, basketball, banquets, etc. The Lethbridge Hurricanes ice hockey began their history as the Winnipeg Jets in 1967 and have been in operation ever since. They changed their name twice while in Winnipeg before moving to Calgary and becoming the Wranglers in 1977. They remained in Calgary until 1987 when they relocated to Lethbridge and were renamed once again, becoming the Hurricanes, a name they have stuck with now for more than 30 years. 4. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oil Kings - 4.00 Jim Flannery - The Oil Kings returned to Edmonton for the 2007-08 season and have been have found an audience. Owned and operated by the Katz Group, which also owns the NHL’s Oilers, the Oil Kings are drawing good crowds, and winning consistently. The Oil Kings spent most of their history playing at what is currently known as Rexall Place (formerly Northlands Coliseum). But starting in the fall of 2016, the Oil Kings have relocated to the new downtown arena, called Rogers Place. It is the newest, most modern arena in hockey and without a doubt the premier place to watch the WHL. 3. Art Hauser Centre - Prince Albert Raiders - 4.00 Jim Flannery - Playing at the Art Hauser Centre, the Prince Albert Raiders have been one of the more successful junior hockey teams in Saskatchewan. Between 1977-1982 the Raiders won four Tier II junior national championships in six years. After graduating up to the WHL for the 1982-83 season, the Raiders went on to win the Memorial Cup in 1985 as the top junior team in the country. The Raiders have produced 72 players who have made it to the NHL, including Brad McCrimmon, James Patrick, Wes Walz and Mike Modano. And all of them have paid their dues in this little arena in this little city. 2. Toyota Center - Tri-City Americans - 4.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Tri City Americans, representing the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the State of Washington, are one of the flagship original franchises of the Western Hockey League. Its origins began in Calgary, before city hopping to several locations throughout British Columbia, with a 5-year stop in Billings, Montana along the way. They have been located in Tri Cities since 1988, and have played in the Toyota Center in the bedroom community of Kennewick since the arena opened that same year. The facility also doubles as a theatre, offering a season of Broadway musicals and other stage shows. 1. Marchant Crane Centrium - Red Deer Rebels - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Nestled almost exactly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, the residents of Red Deer share a healthy split of allegiances between the two major Alberta cities’ NHL clubs. Both the Oilers and Flames are well represented in Red Deer, however, when it comes to Junior Hockey, there is no question as to who is king. The Red Deer Rebels have been members of the Western Hockey League since 1992. Founded by Terry and Wayne Simpson, the Rebels have seen quite a few future NHL players walk through the doors and also enjoyed some team successes. The ultimate team successes for the Rebels came in 2001 when the Rebels, led by future NHL players Jeff Woywitka and Colby Armstrong, saw Doug Lynch score the biggest goal in Rebels history, an overtime goal to defeat Val d’Or in the Memorial Cup Final.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Eddie Stanky Field 307 N University Blvd Mobile, AL 36608 South Alabama Jaguars website Eddie Stanky Field's website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 5,000 South Alabama Baseball Baseball has long been part of Mobile’s identity. Known as one of America’s richest baseball cities, the Port City has produced Hall of Famers such as Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Willie McCovey, Billy Williams, and Ozzie Smith – more Hall of Famers than any other city in the world besides New York and Los Angeles. But beyond those legendary names, Mobile’s baseball story also includes Eddie Stanky, the fiery former Major Leaguer who helped shape college baseball in Mobile. The Jaguars have built one of the Sun Belt’s proudest baseball programs, with 13 regular-season conference championships, 11 Sun Belt Tournament titles, and more than two dozen NCAA Regional appearances. Before becoming a coaching icon, Stanky enjoyed a successful 10-year big league career, earning four All-Star selections, appearing in three World Series, and playing alongside Jackie Robinson. After managing the Cardinals and White Sox, Stanky arrived at the University of South Alabama in 1968 and transformed the Jaguars into a Sun Belt powerhouse. Over 14 seasons he compiled a remarkable 490-195-2 record, and guided South Alabama to five NCAA Regionals, firmly establishing the program on the national stage. Stanky’s connection to Mobile proved stronger than professional baseball itself. In 1977, he famously accepted the Texas Rangers' managerial job, only to resign after one game and return to Mobile, where he felt most at home. When Eddie Stanky Field opened in 1980, he came out of retirement to coach four more seasons. Today, the stadium remains a lasting tribute to both Stanky’s legacy and South Alabama’s proud baseball tradition, one that includes 17 conference championships, 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, and more than 150 players drafted into professional baseball. Food and Beverage 3 There are two main concession stands at Eddie Stanky Field, located along the first and third base concourses. The menu sticks to classic ballpark staples, with options such as chicken tenders, hot dogs, Conecuh sausage, cheeseburgers, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and candy available throughout the game. Prices remain reasonable for a college venue, generally ranging from around $3 to $8 depending on the item. Fans can also purchase combo meals that include a souvenir Coca-Cola cup, with hot dog combos typically priced around $10, and cheeseburger combos priced around $11. Alcohol is also available throughout the stadium. Domestic options like Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light are sold in 16-ounce cans, while premium selections such as Michelob Ultra and White Claw are also offered. One unique local touch is the stadium’s signature beer, Spotted Tail Jaguar Ale, brewed by Mobile’s own Braided River Brewing Company specifically for South Alabama athletic events. This locally crafted ale adds a distinct Gulf Coast flavor to the game day experience here, serving as a cool nod to the city’s growing craft beer scene. Atmosphere 4 When you arrive at the ballpark, it’s hard to tell Eddie Stanky Field is almost 50 years old. The stadium’s exterior remains sharp and welcoming, anchored by a statue of Eddie Stanky at the main entrance, where the legendary coach still seems to greet fans arriving for another night of Jaguar baseball. Also, in a fitting nod to Mobile’s nickname as the Azalea City, vibrant azalea gardens surround the entrance area, giving the ballpark a distinctly Gulf Coast charm. Once inside, fans are welcomed by a spacious concourse that stretches beneath both sides of the grandstand, with concession stands, restrooms, and a pop-up team store offering a solid selection of South Alabama gear. The layout feels clean, accessible, and refreshingly modern for a venue that is now more than four decades old. South Alabama has done an impressive job preserving and showcasing its proud baseball tradition throughout the facility. Along the concourse walls, banners, pennants, and displays celebrate decades of Jaguars success, reminding visitors that this is one of the Sun Belt’s flagship programs. Down the third base line, the Baseball Ring of Honor serves as a centerpiece, featuring a bust of longtime coach Steve Kittrell alongside plaques honoring former Jaguar greats. Additional displays highlight South Alabama’s NCAA Regional appearances and the long list of MLB talent developed here. Over 50 players have advanced to the big leagues from South Alabama. The seating bowl itself maintains a classic, no-frills design with 15 rows of red bleacher seating wrapping around blue chairback seats behind home plate, while the two-story press box and Stadium Club suite add a touch of premium comfort. However, one of the biggest upgrades to the facility in recent years is the pristine new turf playing surface installed in 2025, which has injected fresh life into the stadium. The modern field not only enhances playability and durability, but also gives Eddie Stanky Field a polished, updated appearance that matches many newer collegiate venues. In addition, beyond the foul lines, a party deck in left field brings an energetic college atmosphere, often filled with alumni grilling and gathering throughout the game. The South Alabama soccer complex is visible beyond right field, and a somewhat dated scoreboard with a small videoboard is visible above left field. Neighborhood 4 Mobile offers plenty for travelers who want to experience more than a baseball game. Spread across a wide stretch of the Gulf Coast, Alabama’s Port City offers enough food, history, nightlife, and family attractions to easily fill an entire weekend. Around the University of South Alabama campus, visitors will find no shortage of dining options, from casual favorites like Mellow Mushroom and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to local staples such as Foosackly’s for affordable chicken fingers. Dreamland Bar-B-Que, one of Alabama’s most iconic barbecue chains, is also nearby and remains a must-visit for first-time travelers wanting a true taste of the state. Airport Boulevard and Old Shell Road are also lined with countless restaurants, sports bars, and chain options, making the area around Stanky Field highly convenient for fans. A little bit further away, Dauphin Street, the heart of downtown nightlife, blends historic architecture with lively bars, music venues, and local restaurants in a setting often compared to a smaller, more relaxed Bourbon Street. Colonial Fort Condé provides a fascinating glimpse into Mobile’s French colonial roots through reconstructed fortifications and interactive exhibits, while the iconic USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park allows visitors to explore a World War II battleship, submarine, and extensive military aircraft displays. Families will also enjoy the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Theatre, which feature hands-on science exhibits and immersive giant-screen experiences. Bellingrath Gardens and Home, located just outside the city, showcases breathtaking seasonal floral displays and one of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful historic estates. For beachgoers, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are less than an hour away each, offering white sand beaches, fresh seafood, and classic coastal relaxation. Fans 3 South Alabama has long established itself as one of the Sun Belt’s premier baseball programs. With attendance regularly ranking among the nation’s better mid-major programs, South Alabama’s baseball culture is deeply ingrained within the university. More than any other sport on campus, Jaguars baseball has the most prestige, built on decades of championships, postseason appearances, and a pipeline of major league talent. When the crowd is engaged, Eddie Stanky Field offers a uniquely patriotic atmosphere, as South Alabama’s red, white, and blue color scheme gives the ballpark an almost Team USA-like energy. While attendance can fluctuate depending on the opponent and on team performance, marquee matchups consistently bring out some of the best crowds in the region. The stadium’s attendance record came in 2018 when 4,500 fans packed the venue for a showdown against Alabama, creating a standing-room-only environment. Rivalries against in-state powers like Alabama, Auburn, Troy, and regional foes such as Southern Miss routinely bring packed houses as well. Access 3 Getting to the University of South Alabama can take a little patience, especially on weekday afternoons when Mobile traffic begins to build. Located in northwest Mobile near the intersection of Old Shell Road and University Boulevard, the campus sits several miles away from Interstate 10, meaning visitors will likely encounter plenty of stoplights and steady traffic regardless of which direction they are arriving from. Travelers coming from out of town will typically use I-10 before connecting to I-65 north toward the Dauphin Street exit, followed by a straightforward drive west toward campus. While this route itself is simple enough, it is wise to allow extra travel time, particularly before first pitch on busy weekends, or on days when larger events are occurring around the city. Once fans arrive on campus, however, the experience becomes much easier. Ample parking is available around the nearby Mitchell Center lots just steps from Eddie Stanky Field, making gameday parking relatively stress-free compared to many larger college venues. Entry into the stadium is efficient, and the spacious concourse design allows fans to move comfortably throughout the ballpark without dealing with major congestion, even when there are larger crowds. Return on Investment 4 Eddie Stanky Field delivers one of the better values in college baseball, especially for fans looking to experience a program with deep tradition without spending a fortune. The best way to remember the ticket prices is that the red bleacher seats down the first and third baselines are $12, while the blue chairbacks behind home plate are $18. There are also five rows of chairback box seats located in front of the grandstands with tickets at $25 each. Even for bigger conference matchups, tickets to baseball games here are easy to find, making the experience accessible for both locals and traveling baseball fans. What truly makes the return on investment stand out, however, is the history attached to the program. South Alabama baseball carries a level of tradition and professional pedigree that many casual fans may not realize, and watching a game at Eddie Stanky Field feels like stepping into one of the Gulf South’s hidden baseball treasures. Between the intimate atmosphere, passionate fan base, and long list of MLB talent developed here, a trip to Mobile provides a quality college baseball experience that feels underrated on the national stage. Extras 4 One of the cooler touches around Eddie Stanky Field is how South Alabama continues to honor the players who helped build the program into a Sun Belt powerhouse. Down the left field line sits Jon Lieber Clubhouse, which opened in 2017 and is named after a former Jag pitcher who played at South Alabama in 1991 and 1992, before going on to a successful 15-year Major League career. Inside the clubhouse is David Freese Weight Room, named after another South Alabama baseball legend. Freese played for the Jaguars in 2005 and 2006 before spending 11 seasons in the majors and earning 2011 World Series MVP honors with the Cardinals. Also nearby is Luis Gonzalez Hitting Facility, named after the five-time MLB All-Star and 19-year veteran who played for South Alabama from 1986 through 1988. Gonzalez remains the only player in program history to have his baseball number retired by the Jaguars. Eddie Stanky Field has also played a major role in Sun Belt Conference baseball history, hosting the league tournament 12 times, more than any other venue, with the first tournament held here in 1980 and the most recent in 2014. Even before the current stadium opened, the 1978 Sun Belt Tournament was played on the original field that once occupied the same site. Over the years, the Jaguars have clinched five Sun Belt championships on their home field, adding even more history to the ballpark. The stadium also briefly served as the home of professional baseball in Mobile during the mid-1990s. The independent Mobile Bay Sharks of the Texas-Louisiana League played at Stanky Field in 1994 and 1995, bringing professional baseball back to the Port City for the first time in nearly a quarter century. The Bay Sharks proved wildly popular, drawing more than 100,000 fans per season during both years they played at the stadium. That success ultimately helped pave the way for affiliated baseball to return to Mobile in 1997, when the Double-A Mobile BayBears began play at newly constructed Hank Aaron Stadium. The BayBears would spend the next 23 seasons in Mobile before eventually relocating to North Alabama and becoming the Rocket City Trash Pandas. For baseball fans visiting Mobile, one attraction that absolutely deserves a stop is the Hall of Fame Walk located in downtown Mobile. The Port City is home to five National Baseball Hall of Famers – Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Willie McCovey, and Ozzie Smith – more than any city in America outside of New York and Los Angeles. The Hall of Fame Walk celebrates Mobile’s incredible baseball legacy through plaques, monuments, and displays honoring each legend throughout the downtown waterfront area. Visiting the Hall of Fame Walk before a South Alabama baseball game makes for a great stop.

Photos by Paul Baker & David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Delta Dental Park @ Hadlock Field 271 Park Ave Portland, ME 04102 Portland Sea Dogs website Hadlock Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,868 Home of the Maine Monster The longtime home of the Portland Sea Dogs underwent a name change in 2024 when local medical insurance company Delta Dental entered into a multi-year naming rights agreement with the team. However, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that uses the facility’s formal name. To almost everyone around, the home of Maine’s favorite ball team continues to be Hadlock Field. The ballpark is named for longtime Portland High School baseball coach and physics teacher Edson J. Hadlock Jr. The Sea Dogs began competing in the AA Eastern League in 1994 as the Florida Marlins’ affiliate. In 2003 the Sea Dogs switched affiliations to the nearby Boston Red Sox, which only strengthened the bonds between the city and team. When the city of Portland was awarded an Eastern League expansion team in 1992, the city renovated Hadlock Field, which was being used at the time as a high school field. To this day, Hadlock Field is used by both the Portland High and Deering High School baseball teams. Over their existence, the Sea Dogs have won one Eastern League title along with six division titles. The Red Sox-Sea Dogs affiliation shows no signs of slowing down, as the clubs are currently contracted to be affiliated through the 2030 season. Game Action at Hadlock Field. Photo by Paul Baker. Food & Beverage 4 At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like Hadlock Field would offer much more than a traditional concessions experience. Most of the stands, tucked away under the grandstand, have a real old-school feel to them. But a closer look shows a decent variety of food available and some local treasures hidden within the old menu boards of Hadlock Field. The main stands offer standard ballpark fare. In between the Fenway Franks, burgers, pizza slices, chicken tenders and the like are more unique items, such as full-sized batting helmets filled with french fries, buffalo chicken subs, and steak and cheese subs. A few uniquely Maine items are worth checking out: Red Snapper hot dogs and of course, lobster rolls. Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to a Sea Dogs game, as in addition to the usual fried dough, candy and ice cream are two local “must have” items. First is the Whoopie Pie, which is so ubiquitous to Maine that it is used as one of the team’s alternate identities. The other may be the most popular concession item at Hadlock Field, the Sea Dog biscuit. The biscuit is two chocolate chip cookies with a scoop of Gifford’s vanilla ice cream in between. Coca-Cola products are featured at Hadlock Field. As you would expect in a craft brewing hotspot like Portland, the microbrew game is impressive here. Local brews from Allegash, Geary’s, Sea Dog, Baxter, Red Hook, Shipyard, Harpoon, Sebego and Sam Adams can all be found at the microbrewery stand on the first base side of the stadium. Atmosphere 4 While Hadlock Field’s physical constraints limit what Sea Dog staff are able to do in many regards, the staff here pack every game with plenty of activity, distraction and noise designed to keep the younger and casual fans in attendance engaged and entertained. Theme nights and giveaways fill the schedule, and activities between every half inning take place on the field, meaning that whether you are visiting Portland for the baseball action or not, you will leave entertained. A statue of the Sea Dogs’ mascot, Slugger the seal greets fans at the entrance to Hadlock Field. This is a popular spot to meet before or after the game and to pose for a picture. The actual Slugger, a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, is one of the more entertaining mascots in the minor leagues and is integral to the gameday presentation. Unique to Hadlock Field are the “Trash Monsters,” mascots who also serve as trash cans. Young fans line up to throw out their garbage into the mouths of the “monstahs” throughout the game. It can’t be fun to be the poor intern in that costume during the hot summer months. Anyone who has spent any time in Red Sox Nation can testify how dedicated and intense fans are in this part of the country. The Sea Dogs’ affiliation with the Red Sox guarantees that the fans in Portland know the players well and are invested in their success. Unfortunately, Sea Dog fans share some bad habits with their parent fans in Boston, in that they are always in motion, blocking views and distracting fans from the action going on down on the field. Hadlock Field Grandstand from Center Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 4 The city of Portland is often mentioned among the top destinations in all of minor league baseball. The city features a thriving arts scene and is a favorite amongst foodies. In particular, if you love seafood, you won’t find a city with a greater diversity and quality of restaurants than Portland. In addition, Portland has an active craft beer scene, with several fine breweries located in the immediate area. Shoppers will flock to nearby outlet malls in Kittery, just to the south of the city, or Freeport, just to the north. What keeps Hadlock Field from receiving a perfect score in this category is that it is located away from the city center near I-295. Most of the city’s attractions are a short drive away. For the best of what Portland has to offer, head down to the Old Port neighborhood. This historic district, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and fishing piers, is the tourist, culinary and cultural hub of the city. Some of the best seafood you’ll ever have is found in the Old Port, as food is practically taken right from the ocean and put on your plate. The boutiques, shops and bars that line the crooked, hilly streets and docks of the Old Port make this one of Maine’s top tourist destinations. Maine dubs itself “Vacationland,” and whether your idea of relaxing involves a sandy beach, an amusement park, a museum, a day on the bay or hiking through the woods, you’ll find what you need in and around Portland. Check out VisitMaine.com for more details. Fans 4 Even after two decades as the Red Sox AA Eastern League affiliate, the Sea Dogs continue to pack fans into Hadlock Field. In 2025 the team attracted over 5,800 fans per game, good for fourth in the league rankings. The team’s affiliation with the nearby Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park is 107 miles away) ensures that the fans in Maine are knowledgeable about the team and passionate about the action taking place down on the field. It’s a shame that more of them don’t sit down and watch the game for a while. Video Board at Hadlock Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Hadlock Field is easy to get to, located just a few blocks from Interstate 295. Simply take the Congress Street exit and follow the signs to the ballpark. Parking is available in surface lots around the ballpark, including at the adjacent Fitzpatrick Stadium. On-street parking is also available but pay attention to signs for hours and restrictions. Fans will enter Hadlock Field onto a concourse that stretches underneath the length of the seating bowl. The small but well-stocked team store will be immediately to your left, with concession stands lining the wall in front of you. The concourse can get crowded when the park is filled, but generally fans should have no issues getting around. Rest rooms are located on either side of the ballpark and are plenty big enough for a typical Sea Dog crowd. Due to the presence of the Portland Expo Center next to Hadlock Field, the seating bowl of the ballpark is irregular, running from about first base around to deep left field. Most of the seating consists of green folding plastic stadium seats, with some metal bleachers along the top of the seating bowl and in deep left field. An inner walkway runs along the length of the seating bowl, separating the box seats from the reserved and general admission seating. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Sea Dog games range in price from $15-$29. Children, seniors and members of the military receive a $1-$3 discount depending on the type of ticket purchased. Waiting until gameday to buy your tickets will add a two-dollar surcharge to them. For an extra three dollars, fans can purchase Assurance tickets, which allows for transfer of tickets to another home game should plans change. Parking in the many lots around Hadlock Field costs between ten and twenty dollars. Unfortunately, the ample free on-street parking that could be found around the ballpark is not available on most nights. Pay attention to parking signs in the area if looking for on-street parking. Extras 5 The Sea Dogs have a staggering number of alternate identities to honor local foods and notable Maine things. Of course, each identity comes with its own amazing set of gear. Check out the team store or site for your Whoopie Pie, Bean Suppah, Red Snappah, Lobstah Bake, and Candlepin swag. Hadlock Field is loaded with touches designed to evoke memories of the ballpark’s Maine location. Keep a look out for the lighthouse hidden beyond the centerfield fence which rises after every Sea Dog home run and victory. Hadlock Field has many features meant to mimic their parent club’s ballpark in Boston. In left field stands a 37-foot-tall replica of Fenway’s Green Monster, known here as the Maine Monster. Hadlock has its own version of Fenway’s Monster Seats, located high above the right field wall over the Sea Dogs bullpen. Located on the concourse is every Sea Dog team and award winner since the franchise’s inception in 1994, as well as the Sea Dog Hall of Fame. There is also a display listing every Sea Dog alumnus to make the major leagues. Each season, every Sea Dog alumnus to play for the Red Sox has his jersey displayed on the façade of the press box. Every season, the Sea Dogs end their season with their “Field of Dreams” game, in which the players emerge from a corn field in center field to play their finale. Final Thoughts Hadlock Field is often named among the top minor league ballparks in the nation. This may have more to do with where it is rather than what it is. Hadlock may not be the most modern minor league ballpark, but it is filled with enthusiastic, knowledgeable fans and plenty of kitschy touches. A day spent at Hadlock Field and the Old Port is one of the top Stadium Journeys you’ll ever experience! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

The 2025-26 Ontario Hockey League season seemed to bring as much drama off the ice as there was on the ice. At the beginning of January, the league was rocked with the news that longtime Commissioner of the OHL and President of the CHL, David Branch, had died. Rumours of expansion were abound with the belief that the USHL teams from Muskegon and Youngstown were headed to the OHL. This would turn out to be not the case as it is believed that USA Hockey blocked these moves. Expansion is still in the forefront for the league as some neutral site games were announced for Cornwall in the 2026-27 season. It was also announced that the Guelph Storm will be hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. The Kitchener Rangers were the story of this season. The Brantford Bulldogs were the best team during the regular season with 106 points. The London Knights had the best attendance once again, averaging 9,051 fans per game. However, it was the Rangers running roughshod through the playoffs to take the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions, their fifth. The Rangers will be heading to Kelowna to represent the OHL in the Memorial Cup. Marek Vanaker of the Bulldogs scored 47 goals while the Saginaw Spirit’s Nikita Klepov tallied 97 points. Ryan Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s was the top goaltender with a 2.07 GAA and .923 save percentage, winning the Jim Rutherford Trophy as goaltender of the year. The Rid Tilson Trophy for the Most Outstanding Player went to Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers. The annual OHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.59 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all. Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets. How is your list different from ours? What do we have right? What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025-2026 Rankings of the Ontario Hockey League Experiences. 20. CAA Centre - Brampton Steelheads - 2.57 Dave Cottenie - The home for the Steelheads is CAA Centre. The city owned arena opened in 1998 and has a capacity of 5,000. It is an appropriate home for OHL hockey as it housed the Brampton Battalion from 1998 to 2013, before they moved to North Bay. A familiar story for OHL hockey in the GTA is once again brewing, low attendance and an uncertain future. 19. Dort Financial Center - Flint Firebirds - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - When Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were a number of eyebrows raised. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. 18. Dow Event Center - Saginaw Spirit - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - Saginaw provides a decent hockey experience for Junior Hockey. The Dow Event Center is one of the nicer OHL venues from the exterior. The Atrium can be found on the north side of Johnson Street and offers a warm, welcoming feeling for fans coming out of the cold, Central Michigan winter. Glassed in and spacious, the Atrium is a great place to meet friends before the game and also houses security and the ticketing windows. The upper rotunda features hanging banners of significant, former Saginaw Spirit players. These include Ryan McDonough, Jack Combs, Josh Shalla, Vince Trocheck, Dylan Sadowy, Brandon Saad, T.J. Brodie, Tom Pyatt, Eric Locke, Brad Walch, Patrick McNiell and Jake Paterson. 17. Harry Lumley Bashore Community Centre - Owen Sound Attack - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The Owen Sound Platers were to be sold to a businessman out of town which would require relocation. The “Super Six,” would come together to purchase the team and keep them in Owen Sound. Brian Johnson, Dr. Robert Severs, Fay Harshman, Frank Coulter, and Peter and Paul MacDermid, a group of local business owners, would keep that can-do attitude alive in Owen Sound and the Attack have remained viable and competitive in the Ontario Hockey League. The hard work culminated in the Attack’s 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions and a berth in the Memorial Cup. 16. TD Civic Centre - Brantford Bulldogs - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - When the Hamilton Bulldogs found they would be homeless for two years as the FirstOntario Centre undergoes renovations, owner Michael Andlauer found a landing spot in Brantford, Ontario, famously the childhood home of Wayne Gretzky, and signed a lease with the city for at least three years. The Bulldogs have since committed to Brantford with a new arena in the works and a long-term lease signed, leaving their time at the Civic Centre very limited. 15. WFCU Centre - Windsor Spitfires - 3.29 Marc Viquez - The WFCU Centre is the home of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. The building has a seating capacity of 6,450 for hockey and was built for $71 million. The new home to the Spitfires ensured that the club would remain in Windsor for the foreseeable future. The arena replaced the 84-year-old Windsor Arena that the Spitfires had called home since 1975. The new WFCU Centre was a much-needed replacement for the aging arena and resulted in the building hosting the 2017 Memorial Cup. 14. Sadlon Arena - Barrie Colts - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - In a mind-splitting thirteen months, the City of Barrie built the home for the Barrie Colts. Granted an expansion team for the 1995 season, work frantically began for what is now known as Sadlon Arena. Opening its doors in 1995, Sadlon Arena also became the home of the Colts, who have played nearly all of their home games just west of Highway 400. The Colts were originally a Junior B franchise established in 1946. The Colts have come a long way, earning a Hamilton Spectator Trophy for the best record in 2010 and a J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2000 as OHL Champions. Barrie was not foreign to top-level junior hockey either, as the Barrie Flyers took the ice from 1945 to 1960, earning a pair of Memorial Cups. The franchise line leads them to the current Sudbury Wolves. The Colts are currently owned by Howie Campbell and are also known as the final hockey stop for Hockey Hall of Fame member Dale Hawerchuk, who was the coach in Barrie before his tragic death in 2020 after battling stomach cancer. 13. Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens - North Bay Battalion - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - In 2013 the Ontario Hockey League made a triumphant return to North Bay, Ontario. After the North Bay Centennials had their run from 1982 to 2002, they left for Saginaw, Michigan under a cloud of mistrust and bad feelings. The hockey light would shine again in the Gateway to the North after the local fans provided next level support for the Nipissing Lakers, a newly formed university team. Brampton Battalion owner and Trivial Pursuit founder Scott Abott would bring his OHL team from outside of Toronto north to the banks of Lake Nipissing in search of greater fan support. Moving the team to a military city like North Bay made the team name and moniker suddenly make a whole lot more sense. 12. Progressive Auto Sales Arena - Sarnia Sting - 3.71 Marc Viquez - The Progressive Auto Sales Arena is home to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. It has a seating capacity of 5,500 and sits on the campus of Lambton College. The building debuted in 1998, four seasons after the Sting arrived, and features 43 luxury suites, two full-size NHL rinks, and a full-service restaurant. 11. Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough Petes - 3.71 Robbie Raskin - The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success are their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. 10. Erie Insurance Arena - Erie Otters - 3.71 Patricia Beninato - If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena. 9. Sudbury Community Arena - Sudbury Wolves - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Sudbury Community Arena, simply put, is an old-school hockey barn. The exterior of the Sudbury Arena has a classic red brick entrance that is true to its age. The arena is guarded by a bronze statue of singer Stompin’ Tom Connors, author, and performer of the famous “Hockey Song.” One of Connors’ big hits was “Sudbury Saturday Night” which is the reason for the commissioning of the statue. The southeast corner of the arena is where the most unique item in all hockey resides. In the rafters hangs a real taxidermy wolf. When Sudbury scores a goal, the wolf travels out over the ice towards the visiting team bench on a pulley system. It stops over the bench, shakes around a bit, and heads back to the southeast corner. There is nothing like this anywhere. It may be kitschy, but it is amazing. 8. Canada Life Place - London Knights - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - It is difficult to argue with the success that the London Knights have achieved on the ice. Since the Knights were purchased in 2000 by Mark and Dale Hunter and Basil McRae they have earned six J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions and three Memorial Cups and CHL champions. What is even more shocking is that not long before the Knights set the record for the greatest regular season in the entire Canadian Hockey League (59-7-2 in 2004-05, with a 31-game unbeaten streak), they set the record for the worst season in the league (3-60-3 in 1995-96).The Knights play in one of the premier venues in the OHL. The second-largest venue in the league, Canada Life Place, was built in 2002 and was key to the turnaround of the team. Originally known as the John Labatt Centre, the facility replaced the venerable London Gardens. In 2024, Canada Life purchased the naming rights. Canada Life Place has hosted the Memorial Cup on two occasions, in 2005 and 2014. 7. Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa Generals - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. 6. Slush Puppie Place - Kingston Frontenacs - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. Slush Puppie Place offers an atmosphere for Frontenacs hockey that is among the best in the OHL. Outside of the arena, in the northwest corner sits actual ruins from the original Fort Frontenac. Across Ontario Street is the current Fort Frontenac, which is a Canadian Military venue. The exterior of Slush Puppie Place is attractive with light coloured brick. The south side of Slush Puppie Place is Tragically Hip Way, a portion of Barrack Street that Kingston City Council renamed in honour of the famous Kingston band. 5. Sleeman Centre - Guelph Storm - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Sleeman Centre is a unique facility as it is built inside a shopping mall. As a result, the majority of fans will not enter through the main doors on Woolwich Street. Parking entrances off of Macdonell Street having fans enter through the south side or through the Old Quebec Shoppes, the remnants of the mall, is far more popular. That being said, the front exterior of the Sleeman Centre is attractive with light siding and tinted windows. It is not a hulking structure, and is almost inconspicuous from the front. 4. GFL Memorial Gardens - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Greyhound name has been linked to hockey teams in Sault Ste. Marie since 1919. The name was selected as a jab to their rivals, the Sudbury Wolves as a “greyhound is much faster than a wolf.” The Senior A Greyhounds would win the Allan Cup in 1924. The current iteration of the team began as an NOJHL expansion team in 1962 which would transition to the OHA in 1972. The OHA would eventually become the Ontario Hockey League. The team is currently owned by medical executive Tim Lukenda. The Greyhounds achieved ultimate success in 1995 when they won the Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League Champions in front of a home crowd in Sault Ste Marie. The Greyhounds have also won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 1985, 1991 and 1992. The importance of the Greyhounds and the 1995 Memorial Cup is immortalized on the sign coming into town where it is emblazoned with the home of astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar. 3. Meridian Centre - Niagara IceDogs - 4.14 Robbie Raskin - Meridian Centre is best described as clean, bright, spacious, and new-feeling, even though it’s now a decade old. It also manages to avoid the cookie-cutter bowl shape with many modern rinks; an asymmetrical layout keeps things interesting. The defining quirk of the arena is its topographical situation. The arena is located in a deep ravine, at the bottom of the high land upon which downtown St. Catharines is perched. In fact, the roofline of the arena is mostly even with street level of the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rising above it. Fans don’t enter at ground level and climb up to their seats, as usual. Here you actually enter from the roof and descend into the arena. 2. TD Place Arena - Ottawa 67’s - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. 1. Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - Kitchener Rangers - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - In 1963 Kitchener businessman Eugene George facilitated the move of the Guelph Royals, affiliate of the New York Rangers, west to Kitchener. George purchased the team from the Rangers for $1 when their Rangers sponsorship ended in 1967 and turned them over to the season ticket subscribers in one of the most unique community-based, not for profit ownership models ever. The Rangers maintained the colours and identity of their former parent team and became one of the cornerstone franchises in the current Ontario Hockey League and greater Canadian Hockey League. The Rangers have pumped out a ton of NHL talent, including a number of Hockey Hall of Fame Members, and enjoyed the ultimate success in 1982 and 2003 as Memorial Cup Champions. Home for the Rangers is the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Built in 1951 as a “mini–Maple Leaf Gardens” The Aud has morphed over time to remain a viable and treasured venue with some of the best reviews for any arena in its class. Rumblings about replacing the Auditorium seem to have dissipated and it is set to become the oldest venue in the OHL very soon. The arena itself, now part of a larger sports complex, is named after longtime mayor of Kitchener, the late Dom Cardillo.

The Cotton Bowl in Dallas, during the Red River Rivalry (Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey) A new study found that Texas was home to four out of 10 of the stadiums in the US with the worst food quality. Claiming the worst spot was the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas, home to the annual Red River Rivalry game between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners. The study analyzed Google reviews for nearly 200 stadiums in the US and examined how frequently visitors mentioned the food quality and whether or not those reviews were positive or negative. The Cotton Bowl came in with a staggering 74.7% negative reviews. Other Texas schools that made up the 10 worst were Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, home of the SMU Mustangs; the Alamodome in San Antonio, home of the UTSA Roadrunners; and Rice Stadium in Houston, home of the Rice Owls. Land-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, which is the largest sports and entertainment venue on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, came in as second-worst in the country with 72.09% negative reviews. The stadium plays host to two college football HBCU football classics and has played host to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the past. Third-worst was War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, with 70.18% negative reviews. Currently home to minor league soccer and high school football, War Memorial Stadium traditionally hosts at least one game for the Arkansas Razorbacks each season. According to the findings, Major League Baseball stadiums generally outperformed football venues. Stadiums such as Petco Park in San Diego, home of the San Diego Padres, and Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, home of the Cincinnati Reds, had review ratings of just 11.4% and 21.1% negative, respectively.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 John Cropp Stadium 570 Wildcat Court Lexington, KY 40506 Kentucky Wildcats softball website John Cropp Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,417 ‘til the Battle is Won On a campus where basketball reigns supreme and the reach of “Big Blue Nation” touches nearly every corner of athletics, softball has still carved out a loyal following of its own at the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats first took the field in 1997 under founding head coach John Cropp, who built the program from the ground up and guided it through the 2018 season. During his tenure Kentucky developed into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender in the SEC, making multiple NCAA Regional and Super Regional appearances, while also reaching the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history in 2014. When Kentucky opened its new softball facility in 2013, the venue was named John Cropp Stadium in recognition of his role in establishing and growing the Wildcats softball program into a nationally respected one. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at John Cropp Stadium are fairly standard and lack much creativity, offering the usual ballpark staples such as hot dogs, pizza, chicken tender baskets, and fries. A small collection of snacks including soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jack rounds out the permanent menu. What helps elevate the experience a bit are the food trucks parked beyond the right field corner. These rotating vendors provide more specialized options than the main stands, but also expand the dessert offerings with frozen lemonade, cotton candy, and Dippin’ Dots. Soft drinks come from the Coca-Cola family of beverages, while beer and seltzers are available throughout the stadium, though the alcohol selection mostly sticks to familiar domestic choices. Atmosphere 3 John Cropp Stadium blends Kentucky blue and gray with steel and aluminum accents to create a clean, modern appearance that mirrors the overall design used throughout Barnhart Athletic Complex. The main grandstand stretches from one cut of the outfield grass to the other, and features three central sections of chairback seating behind home plate, flanked by aluminum bleachers down each line. Beyond the outfield fence a terraced berm wraps from the right field foul pole into center field, giving fans another relaxed viewing option. A large videoboard in left field displays virtually every piece of information a fan could want during a game, including batting averages, detailed hitter and pitcher statistics, pitch speed, inning-by-inning scoring, and ball-strike-out counts. Smaller scoreboards mounted to the press box provide additional inning and score information throughout the game. Music clips and sound effects are used heavily during play, sometimes becoming a bit repetitive in the later innings, though the overall presentation is not much different than what is commonly found at a Minor League Baseball game. Between innings, the entertainment shifts to scoreboard features and occasional on-field contests. Neighborhood 4 John Cropp Stadium sits within Barnhart Family Athletic Complex, alongside Kentucky Proud Park and the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex on the southern edge of campus. The complex borders residential neighborhoods and sits across the street from the State Arboretum of Kentucky. Elsewhere around Lexington, there is no shortage of sports and cultural attractions. The spring sports calendar overlaps with the schedule of Lexington SC of the USL Championship soccer season, while summer baseball brings the Lexington Legends into action. Visitors can also explore Kentucky Horse Park, tour the Mary Todd Lincoln House, or visit Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington. Bourbon tourism is also prominent, with the Distillery District featuring names such as James E. Pepper Distillery and Wild Turkey. Dining options around the city are plentiful as well. Local favorites include Tolly-Ho, Joe Bologna’s, Wallace Station, and Bourbon n’ Toulouse. Fans 3 Big Blue Nation supports Kentucky softball well, though the atmosphere can occasionally feel a bit reserved. Visiting fan bases with larger traveling contingents can sometimes create more noise than the home crowd itself. The Wildcats generally draw around 1,000 fans per game, with SEC conference series typically pushing attendance numbers a bit higher. Access 3 Lexington sits directly along Interstate 75, making the city relatively easy to reach from places such as Knoxville and Cincinnati. Even so, the University of Kentucky campus remains roughly 20 minutes from the interstate, and the drive into campus follows busy city thoroughfares that are prone to congestion and lengthy stoplights. Once at Barnhart Family Complex, parking is available near John Cropp Stadium, though many fans use the lots along College Way and walk a short distance to the gates. Entry into the facility flows through a spacious plaza area that helps alleviate congestion before games, although rivalry matchups can still create lengthy lines prior to first pitch. Inside the ballpark, concourses are wide enough to move comfortably, and the exterior walkway behind the seating bowl offers the easiest route to most sections. Access along the third base side is somewhat restricted, though it does not significantly impact seating access. During games with larger crowds, concession lines can spill out into the exterior concourse and create occasional bottlenecks. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets for conference games run around $14, while non-conference game tickets cost closer to $11. Reserved seating starts at approximately $17. Pricing feels fair overall, though it does stand out slightly in a conference where several programs still offer free admission. Concession pricing falls in line with what would be expected at a major college sporting event, and combo meals can save fans a small amount on larger orders. Extras 3 The plaza area outside the seating bowl includes several activities geared toward younger Wildcats fans, including inflatables, face painting, and craft stations. Kentucky’s mascots “The Wildcat” and the younger “Scratch” make regular appearances throughout games, frequently walking the concourse, interacting with fans, and posing for photos. The outfield wall also highlights Kentucky softball’s postseason accomplishments, including appearances in the NCAA Regionals, Super Regionals, and the Women’s College World Series. Final Thoughts As with most of the athletic programs at the University of Kentucky, softball takes a backseat to the love of basketball, but the latter is still a highly supported program that offers a highly fan-friendly and entertaining experience for attendees. John Cropp Stadium also provides multiple seating options, from traditional stadium seating to drink rails along the upper-level walkways, as well as tiered grassy seating in the outfield. The venue even allows visiting fans access to their own bullpen, which is a nice plus.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Houston Field House 1900 Peoples Ave. Troy, NY 12180 RPI Engineers men’s hockey website Houston Field House website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,780 Warehouse Hockey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute played hockey as far back as 1901, but it was World War II that may have had the biggest influence on the NCAA hockey program. As part of the Veterans Educational Facilities Program where the United States military sold off various pieces of war surplus equipment and other assets, RPI would get in on the action. Led by RPI president Dr. Livingston Houston, the Troy, New York engineering school would purchase a Navy Warehouse located in Davisville, Rhode Island. The building was deconstructed and shipped to Troy and reassembled on campus. That warehouse became the Houston Field House, the current home of the RPI Engineers hockey program. The doors opened on the new facility in 1949 and the rest is history. At one point, the Houston Field House was the main civic arena for the Albany area and would even host the 1959 Frozen Four. RPI has a long history in college hockey. Playing in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), essentially the Ivy League of college hockey, RPI has enjoyed National Championships in 1954 and 1985 as well as graduated several players to the NHL including Hockey Hall of Fame member Adam Oates. RPI is similar to several other programs where the hockey team plays at Division I and the other programs play at Division III. A trip to see the Rensselaer Engineers will bring a smile to the face of fans who love the uniqueness and coziness of College Hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Houston Field House does not have an exemplary culinary scene. There is one simple concession that serves pretzels, chicken tenders, curly fries, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and popcorn. Soft drinks of choice are Pepsi products and bottled water and coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available. There is a Ben and Jerry’s stand on the opposite side of the arena for those wanting a little something extra, and several vending machines around the arena. A private club sits at the west end of the arena and it appears, food-wise anyway, membership has its privileges. Atmosphere 3 Considering the Houston Field House is a former military warehouse, the exterior of the arena is quite attractive. The main entrance is on the west side of the building and features a rounded entry with bay windows at the top that leads into a small atrium where the ticket windows can be found. Passing through the second set of doors in the atrium, fans are brought right into the concourse to the west side of the ice, behind the net. It is immediately noticeable that the floor is higher than the ice surface, which although may be trivial at best, does give the fan a feeling that there is something slightly different here. With an interior very much like the North Bay Memorial Gardens, the Houston Field House feels long and compact and the aesthetics of the concourses are a secondary concern at best. The east side of the arena is open and houses the Zambonis and other maintenance items for the arena. Although there is a long, blue curtain on the east side, little effort is done to hide these items. With no seats behind the east glass behind the net, a long “Engineers” sign is on the glass. A unique feature. RPI does what it can to make the Houston Field House as homey as possible. Several murals depict great Engineer moments in hockey as well as large team pictures of the 1954 and 1985 National Championship teams. The exterior of the private club boasts a huge number of photos of former Engineers who have gone on to play professional hockey including Brad Tapper, Marty Dahlman, Darren Puppa, and Kevin Constantine to name a few. In the rafters, above the ice, banners proudly hang for NCAA tournament appearances, ECAC Championships, and the 1954 and 1985 National Championship banners. At the east end of the arena banners honoring players and coaches who have provided a significant contribution to the program hang. These include Joe Juneau, Frank Chiarelli, Bob Brinkworth, John Carter, Jerry Knightley, Adam Oates, and coaches Ned Harkness and Garry Kearns. The video board that hangs at centre ice does the job but will not blow fans away. The seating area is fairly straightforward and the higher fans sit, the more likely the massive beams running east to west will interfere with the view. The west end looks to have been renovated at some point as the corners are rounded in the seating area. The east end of the north and south side seats are not great for the view and should be avoided. Pillars in each of the four corners hold up the large beams and should be considered when choosing seats. Many of the red or blue seats in the Houston Field House are wooden and a definite throwback to a past era. Fans who want the perfect center ice picture with the logo should sit on the north side of the arena. The gameday production at RPI is what one would expect for college hockey. The pep band is great and they play throughout the game from the top of the northeast corner of the arena. Students in attendance are normally found around the band. The Rensselaer mascot, Puckman, can be found traversing the crowd throughout. On an Engineers goal, a member of the band runs the entire perimeter of the arena carrying an RPI flag and getting high fives from all who are passed. Neighborhood 3 The Houston Field House is located on the east side of the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute near the rest of the school’s athletic facilities. The immediate neighborhood of the arena does not offer much in the way of pre and post-game libations. Heading west, towards the Hudson River to downtown Troy is a much better option. Their fans can find several good options including Brown's Brewing Company, the Whistling Kettle, The Ruck, Nighthawk, Sea Smoke, and the Stadium Journey favorite, Dinosaur BBQ. As far as other sports go, the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League is also located in Troy. However, nearby Schenectady and Albany offer other options. The Union Dutchman are rivals of the Engineers and they play at Achilles Center in Schenectady. The Albany Firewolves of the National Lacrosse League are found at MVP Arena and Siena Saints and Albany Great Danes basketball are also in the Tri-City area. Fans wishing to stay in Troy can try the Hilton or the Best Western Franklin Square. Fans 4 The Engineers enjoy a solid fanbase in the ECAC. For the 2022-2023 season, RPI has averaged over 2,000 fans per game. Compared to other programs, that is in the top 4 in the conference. Still, under 50 percent capacity, there is plenty of room to grow. The fans that are in attendance are loud and engaged and bring that college hockey atmosphere to the game. The band leads the students in fan participation and RPI fans declare how each player “sucks” from the opponent when they are introduced. A humorous tradition at RPI comes during an opponent’s penalty where the fans belt out that the offending player “sucks” and is receiving two minutes for “sucking.” Access 3 RPI is located on the east side of Troy. It is easily accessible from Highway 7 from the north and Highway 4 from the east. There is parking available in the general area of the athletic facilities, but the terrain is not overly flat, and getting from Houston Field House to where parking is in the east can be a trek. For those fans wanting to take public transit to the game, some buses run on Peoples Dr to the south and Burdett Ave to the west. Fans should check out the Capital District Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Houston Field House can be tight. The concourses that run under the grandstands are not very wide and the arena is not accessible for the entire 360 degrees. The seating is fairly old, with wooden seats, however, they are plenty wide enough. The washroom facilities are good for a small crowd but would be taxed with a big group. Return on Investment 4 NCAA hockey has tremendous value. Tickets for the Engineers go for $15 each with discounts for kids and seniors. There is a $3 surcharge for games that are considered premium. Concession prices are good and parking can be found for free. As for the product on the ice, RPI provides a decent team. The gameday atmosphere is excellent and a whole lot of fun when combined with the band, students, and the uniqueness that is NCAA hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Big Red Freakout. It is the biggest game of the year and essentially part event and part reunion. Students camp out to get tickets and it has put RPI on the hockey map. An extra mark for the part of the Harlem Shake video being recorded at Houston Field House. An extra mark for the tremendously unique history of the Houston Field House and its origins as a military warehouse. Final Thoughts There seems to be something special about a Division III school that plays Division I hockey and the Rensselaer Engineers fit the bill. The Houston Field House is a unique facility, with a tremendous history that hockey fans should take in. Troy is the place to be for some Saturday night RPI hockey! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photo by Brian O'Sullivan, Stadium Journey While they are currently surging in the NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks were recently crowned as the most expensive professional team to support in all of sports. A study from Foresight Sports found that major sports ticket prices have risen over 25% in the past three years. This factored into their determination that the NBA’s Knicks cost their fans the most – over $4,000 annually – to support each season. Foresight’s research examined the yearly expenses that fans can incur over the cost of a season, including streaming fees, ticket costs, food and beverages in the stadium, and jerseys. “Tickets are going up in price almost every season,” a spokesperson with Foresight said of the report. “And if you don’t buy them on time, the resale rates are unbelievable lately. Even if you decide to watch at home, you have to buy streaming services these days. Before, you'd buy cable and catch most games. Now you need separate subscriptions for different leagues, plus local networks, plus playoff coverage.” These costs were all combined to show the annual price of being a sports fan. The Knicks were the runaway winners as being the most expensive team to follow in the world, with ticket costs averaging $3,195 and in-stadium food and drinks $390. “An average Knicks fan spends nearly $4,300 every year to support their favorite team, more than what people pay to follow any NFL or soccer franchise,” the report says. “Tickets alone cost them $3,195 for the season, as watching 15 home games at Madison Square Garden runs over $200 per seat.” Surprisingly, the second most expensive team on the list is the NFL’s Detroit Lions, which cost fans an annual average of $4,011. The leading culprit? Ticket costs for the Lions average $3,088 for fans, and streaming costs for the NFL are higher than for other leagues. “NFL fans spend nearly $600 on streaming subscriptions alone, nearly triple what soccer supporters pay,” the report said. The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors join the Knicks as some of the highest-cost NBA teams to follow, while the NHL’s lone representative in the top 10 is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Findings courtesy of Foresight Sports

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 CAA Centre 7575 Kennedy Road Brampton, Ontario L6W 4T2 Canada Brampton Honey Badgers website CAA Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,000 A Honey of an Experience When the Canadian Elite Basketball League was established out of the National Basketball League of Canada in 2018, one of the founding franchises was the Hamilton Honey Badgers. Fast forward to 2022 when the City of Hamilton announced a multi-million dollar renovation of the FirstOntario Centre would close the arena for a few years. The response of the CEBL was to permanently move the Honey Badgers north to Brampton. Beginning their new era in 2023 at CAA Centre, the Brampton Honey Badgers have attempted to carve out an existence in what is one of the most unique markets in Ontario. With over 52% of Brampton residents identifying themselves as South Asian, Brampton is far from a traditional Ontario market. In 2025, former CanWest CEO Leonard Asper purchased the Brampton franchise from the CEBL. The Honey Badgers continued to make news in 2026 with the announcement that former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was joining the Honey Badgers ownership group. CAA Centre is most identifiable as the home of the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL. Built in 1998 for the OHL expansion Brampton Battalion, CAA Centre has become part of a greater Brampton Sports Park which includes another community ice pad, a number of soccer and rugby fields, baseball diamonds and the TD Cricket Arena. CAA Centre has a capacity of 5,000 for basketball. Food & Beverage 3 CAA Centre has a decent concession selection. Concession stands are found in the concourse only on the north side. The main concession has all of the typical arena items including hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets, fries, popcorn and pizza. For Honey Badger games some other concession providers are also present and have selections that are favourable to the Brampton demographic. Shelby’s offers shawarma and mango chunks. Rick’s Good Eats offers samosas, chicken sandwiches and butter chicken loaded fries. Pepsi products are the soft drinks of choice at CAA Centre. The Coors Light stand offers a small selection of beer. Atmosphere 3 CAA Centre has a fairly non-descript exterior with light siding with blue highlights. It is easy to see which part is the main arena and where the community arena is found. There is no real main entry at CAA Centre, but there are some Brampton Honey Badgers markings on the outside to go along with Brampton Steelheads markings. A curious feature is the large rock at the northwest corner of the arena inscribed as “Joey’s Rock.” It was presented to the City of Brampton from the City of St. John’s, Newfoundland to memorialize former Newfoundland Premier, Joey Smallwood. It is not evident what the connection is between Brampton and St. John’s. After entering CAA Centre, fans will be brought into the main concourse. There is a decent balance of markings in the concourse as well between the Honey Badgers and Steelheads. A small merchandise table is set up near the concession stands. Fans can check out the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame kiosk in the concourse, a unique feature differing itself from other arenas of the same size. The seating bowl is a single level with all purple seats in a horseshoe configuration with the east end open. The court is west to east oriented with the centre logo best viewed from the south side. Suites are at the top of the seating bowl on the east and west sides. A foursided video board hangs above the court. Unfortunately, there are no videoboards or scoreboards dedicated to statistics, leaving the fan a little more in the dark then they should be. The 2022 CEBL Championship banner, won in Hamilton, hangs to the east along with a couple of hockey banners. With no changes in seat configuration for basketball that would be found in major league arenas, the floor level at both ends are open. A huge, inflatable Honey Badger stands on the floor in the west end and a club area is found on the floor in the east end. The gameday atmosphere at a Honey Badgers game is better than expected. The PA announcer is energetic and attempts to build crowd support. The same can be said for the two in-game hosts. Hammer, the team mascot, participates in pregame festivities and interacts with the crowd and the dance team performs a few times during stoppages. The Honey Badgers enter the court from the southeast corner, through an inflatable gate with lights and steam effects. Steam effects are also on both backboards and shoot off for every Brampton dunk and 3-point shot. The Honey Badgers gather in the south concourse after the game for autographs. The family friendly nature of the event is evident with the CEO of the Honey Badgers spending just about the entire game traveling through the crowd and interacting with fans. It would be remiss not to acknowledge the different scoring system used in the CEBL that adds to the experience. The CEBL employs the “Elam Ending” to complete games. With the final stoppage, less than four minutes remaining in the game, a target score is created using the score of the leading team, plus nine points. The winning team is the first team to reach that target score. This eliminates monotonous stoppages at the end and disincentivises fouling the opponent. The end result is a very exciting ending. Neighbourhood 3 CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton. It is on the grounds of the larger Brampton Sports Park and as a result, there is little for pre or post game food and drink in the immediate area. A short drive in the car offers a few choices. There are a ton of Indian restaurants in the area. Pomodoro Italian Kitchen, Mount Vesuvio’s Ristorante, and Loco Kitchen & Bar are more unique options to go along with a number of large chain restaurants north of the arena on Steeles. As far as other sporting options in the area, the CAA Centre is also the home of the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL. The Brampton Excelsiors of the OJLL and MSL also play in the summer. The CAA Centre is a few short minutes from the town of Caledon East and their hockey teams, the Caledon Admirals and Golden Hawks. There are far more options for fans willing to expand their search into Mississauga or Toronto. Other tourist options in the area include the Peel Art Gallery and checking out Downtown Brampton. However, Brampton is very much part of the GTA and far more options can be found by heading to Toronto. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Fairfield Inn Brampton is not far away. Fans 2 The game that was reviewed was the first of the season and saw over 2,100 fans in attendance. The 2025 season was not a strong one for Brampton on the court or at the turnstile. The Honey Badgers averaged over 1,400 fans per game, which ranked them 10th in the 10 team league. The previous season they averaged 2,000 fans per game. The fans in attendance for the game reviewed were definitely into the action and louder than expected. If Brampton can get some traction and put together a strong season while retaining fans, this category could see some improvements. Access 3 The CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton. It is at essentially the confluence of Highways 410 and 407, on Kennedy Road. Fans coming from out of province should beware that Highway 407 is a toll highway. Although it may seem that getting to the arena is not difficult, traffic in this area can be a real chore, especially on Highway 410 during the week. There is free parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Brampton Transit bus stops on Kennedy Road. Fans should consult the Brampton Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Inside the CAA Centre, the concourses are small and can get cramped. Considering the low number of fans in attendance, this is definitely a concern. It is not possible to walk a full 360 degree circle in the concourse and doubling back may be necessary. The washroom facilities are decent in the facility. Stadium Journey acknowledges that the security protocols in major sports are constantly changing. It is highly recommended that fans consult the Brampton Honey Baders and CAA Centre websites for prohibited items and safety procedures. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for most Honey Badger games start at $20, with some tickets going as high as $25. Seats are limited for sale, basically between the baselines, ensuring that fans have the best seat possible. Parking on site is free and concession prices are decent. The goal of family friendly, affordable entertainment is the goal of the Honey Badgers, one that is definitely achieved. Extras 3 An extra mark for the CEBL focusing on developing Canadian basketball talent. It is required that 70% of all rosters must be Canadian. An extra mark for the CEBL use of the target score and Elam Ending. Very exciting! An extra mark for a very enthusiastic Honey Badger volunteer who was seen attempting to rile up the crowd and performed cartwheels after Brampton 3-point shots. Final Thoughts The Brampton Honey Badgers are making a strong attempt to find their place in the Brampton sports market. By leaning into the city’s demographic and providing affordable, family fun, the Honey Badgers may have found the recipe for success. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

May and June mean college graduations, and if you’ve seen the NCAA commercials, you know most of those athletes won’t end up playing professionally. Across the US, between 70,000 and 80,000 college student-athletes are expected to graduate this year, and most of them will be far away from the lights and glitz of the NFL or NBA drafts. These are athletes such as Camylin E. R. Blake from Columbia University, the track and field sprinter and hurdler who is co-captain of her women's track team. As a Junior, Blake finished 2nd in the 60-meter hurdles at the DYC tri-meet, and as a First-Year took 3rd place in the same event at the TCNJ Lions Invitational. Her best outing as a Sophomore was 4th place in the 100-meter hurdles at the Ivy Heps Outdoor Championship. Exceptional off the track as well, Camylin majored in both Biology and Psychology, and was just awarded the James J. Valentini Prize upon her graduation from Columbia, given to the student who best demonstrates the qualities of Beginner’s Mind through their “true curiosity and desire to learn from different perspectives”. A couple of years ago, Blake also launched her mentorship program and passion project, Think Unlimited, a recruitment access clinic for prospective student-athletes; her goal is to provide a support system and pass her knowledge on to the next generation. For every game we watch and every box score we skim, there are hundreds of stories like Camylin’s happening quietly in the background – athletes who show up, put in the work, and don’t go pro, but grow into people who carry those lessons far beyond the track. This spring, as they trade uniforms for new beginnings, we honor the many student‑athletes whose impact will echo far beyond the stadium, the fieldhouse, the diamond, the arena, or the swimming pool.

There's something about college hockey that just hits different. Maybe it's the classic old barns that dot the landscape across the country. Maybe it's the rivalries, a century in the making. Maybe it's the student sections, packed with rowdy kids, armed with chants, songs and taunts for the opposition, some not so safe for repeating on a family site such as this. Maybe it's the bands, that give the atmosphere that certain something you just don't get anywhere else in North American sports. Whatever that secret sauce is, there's nothing like catching a game on a Friday or Saturday night in a cozy barn on your favorite campus. It's a feeling you can't get anywhere else. And of course, Stadium Journey is here to find the best of the best. The 2025-26 season was another great one, concluding with the 11th national title for the Denver Pioneers and the 9th women's title for the Wisconsin Badgers. Still, with all the highs came some lows. Before the season American International announced they were downgrading their program to Division Two. Tennessee State, which was due to start a varsity program this season, pushed their debut back to 2026-27. And at the conclusion of the season, Mercyhurst announced that they were terminating their men's hockey program. Out of the 61 Division One teams scattered across the nation, Stadium Journey has visited 56 of their arenas (we're sorry, Augustana, Bemidji State, Colgate, LIU and Alaska-Anchorage; we're on our way - we promise). While we missed out on five arenas, our writers did update our reviews of seven barns this year, including a final visit to Northeastern's famed Matthews Arena before it was torn down. We've ranked the top 25 game day experiences here according to our patented FANFARE rating system, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage experience, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more venues had the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders was called upon to break the tie. To see any of the reviews referenced here, simply click on the link above the photo. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present our top 25 college hockey arenas for the 2025-2026 season. 25. M&T Bank Arena - Quinnipiac Bobcats 3.86 Paul Baker - One of the best sports stories of the last decade was the ascension of tiny Quinnipiac University to the top of the college hockey world. After a couple of down years, the Bobcats are back at the top of the polls and People’s United Center is filled with rabid Connecticut hockey fans. This hidden gem of an arena is a must-see for anyone who enjoys college pucks. 24. Cadet Ice Arena - Air Force Falcons 3.86 Matt Finnegan - The Air Force Academy is worth a visit for its beauty and tradition alone. A game at Cadet Ice Arena is a different and fun way to experience the school. The program is consistently competitive and, especially against Army or local rivals Colorado College and the University of Denver, things can get loud in Cadet Ice Arena. 23. Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center - Minnesota State Mavericks 3.86 Jared Townsend - Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much. 22. Harold Alfond Arena - Maine Black Bears 3.86 David Welch - Hockey at Alfond Sports Arena had become a bit of an afterthought for the state since its glory days. While the fervor and passion from the students have been relatively consistent, interest from the community has ebbed and flowed with the ups and downs on the ice. The pendulum is now seemingly swinging back to the positive, however, which has revitalized Alfond Arena into one of the more special college hockey experiences in the country. 21. Pegula Ice Arena - Penn State Nittany Lions 3.86 Paul Baker - The Pegula Ice Arena is already mentioned as one of the marquee collegiate hockey venues in the nation. Penn State hockey has likewise enjoyed a meteoric rise to be considered one of the premier programs in the nation. When you step into Pegula Ice Arena for a Nittany Lion game, be ready for one of the best game day experiences in the nation. 20. Berry Events Center - Northern Michigan Wildcats 4.00 Paul Swaney - There is no doubt that college hockey fans should include a trip to Northern Michigan University as a spot to see great hockey. Whether you are following your team on the road or just looking for a new venue, you won’t be disappointed by what you find at the Berry Events Center. 19. Silvio O. Conte Forum - Boston College Eagles 4.00 Paul Baker - If you were to Google “what an arena looked like in the 1980s,” there’s a good chance Conte Forum would top the search results. With Boston College's history oozing from every corner of the facility, Conte Forum has a cozy, intimate feel to it. With the Eagles, a fixture at the top of the national rankings year in and year out, a trip to Chestnut Hill is a must for any hockey fan visiting Boston. 18. Mullett Arena - Arizona State Sun Devils 4.00 Lloyd Brown - While Mullett Arena has been panned as an NHL venue due to its small capacity and lack of NHL-level amenities, it shines as the college-level home of the Sun Devils. It offers a great gameday experience for both players and fans. The Inferno student section adds to the college vibe in the on-campus arena. I guess you could say I’m the (Sun) Devil’s advocate for this new venue! 17. Martire Family Arena - Sacred Heart Pioneers 4.00 Greg Venuto - Martire Arena is a great venue to take in a hockey game. Both families and local hockey fans should not pass up the chance to check out the impressive new facility and watch Sacred Heart as the program attempts to make its mark on New England hockey. 16. Gene Polisseni Center - RIT Tigers 4.00 Dave Cottenie - A trip to Henrietta to see the RIT Tigers is an excellent experience that college hockey fans should consider undertaking. Although probably not considered a bucket list venue, even among college hockey die-hards, the Gene Polisseni Center more than meets the expectations of the hockey fan and is easily competitive with other college hockey venues. 15. Mullins Center - UMass Minutemen 4.00 Paul Baker - The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. 14. Tsongas Center - UMass Lowell River Hawks 4.00 Paul Baker - It’s easy to be overshadowed in the crowded Boston hockey scene, but the Tsongas Center remains as one of the better hockey rinks in the area, even after a quarter century of use. While professional hockey is no longer in the cards for this cozy mid-sized arena, The UMass Lowell River Hawks have a home that measures up to any college arena in the country. 13. Centene Community Ice Center - Lindenwood Lions 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally leaped over NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one of the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. 12. John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena - Michigan Tech Huskies 4.14 Paul Swaney - A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena. 11. Lee and Penny Anderson Arena - St. Thomas Tommies - 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The opening of the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena is a major component of the University of St. Thomas’ Athletic Department’s move to the Division I level of NCAA sports. The arena serves as the home of the hockey and basketball programs for both the men’s and women’s teams. 10. Magness Arena - Denver Pioneers 4.14 Matt Finnegan - A game at Magness Arena allows fans to enjoy some of the nation’s top college hockey at a reasonable price. From families with children to rabid hockey fans, a Pioneer home game provides a great, overall experience for everyone. 9. Goggin Ice Center - Miami RedHawks 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. 8. Agganis Arena - Boston University Terriers 4.14 Paul Baker - Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. 7. Baxter Arena - Omaha Mavericks 4.29 Nolan Searl - A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious. 6. Kohl Center - Wisconsin Badgers 4.43 Paul Swaney - Time a visit in November and you may be able to see two games on your trip to Madison depending on the basketball and football schedules. College hockey fans should come to a Wisconsin game- it’s one of the finest venues in college hockey. 5. Compton Family Ice Arena - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4.43 Marc Viquez - There are many great college hockey facilities in the United States, some much better than others. The Compton Family Ice Area on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana might be in a league all by itself. It is a facility that is hard to describe unless you have been to a game, but once inside it is clear that this is truly a work of art in terms of experience. 4. AMSOIL Arena - Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 4.43 Jared Townsend - AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans. 3. 3M Arena at Mariucci - Minnesota Golden Gophers 4.43 Dennis Morrell - Get here to see a game, you will be talking about for weeks and months after your visit. Witnessing a game here is very special. While the fans make up a huge part of the experience make no mistake, the venue and the university add a great deal to creating a magnificent live hockey experience. 2. Ralph Engelstad Arena - North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4.43 Darren Skefte - The Ralph Engelstad Arena is unlike anything else in college hockey. The extreme detail that goes into every aspect is vibrant and outstanding. The excitement can quite literally be felt from a mile away, and regardless of the turn-out of the game, you will have a good time. The arena is truly the best in college hockey for several reasons. This should be a spot to see on everyone’s bucket list. 1. Yost Ice Arena - Michigan Wolverines 4.57 Sean MacDonald - Michigan is known for football, but if you are lucky, you might find a hockey game the night before the Wolverines take to the gridiron. With so much history here, a visit comes highly recommended. Get there early and get the most out of Yost.

The 2026 season marks 40 years since the founding of Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, which would eventually become the National Lacrosse League. The league welcomed the Oshawa FireWolves for their first season after moving from Albany. Partway through the season the league received word that the ownership of the Philadelphia Wings would not continue to operate the franchise after the 2026 season. At the time of writing, no alternative location for the Wings had been revealed and it is possible the franchise will just be folded. Keegan Bal of the Vancouver Warriors led the league with 124 points while Tanner Cook of the Calgary Roughnecks led the league with 49 goals. Brett Dobson of the Georgia Swarm was the top goaltender with a 7.86 GAA and an 85% save percentage. Dobson brought home the awards for both Goaltender of the Year and NLL MVP. The Vancouver Warriors ended the regular season in first place with 13 wins. However, the Toronto Rock defeated the Halifax Thunderbirds two games to none to take home their 7th NLL Championship. Sam English of the Rock was named NLL Playoff MVP. The Rock are now tied with the Buffalo Bandits for most NLL Championships. Stadium Journey was in the front row this lacrosse season with updated reviews in Calgary and the newly renovated arena for the Rock. Brand new reviews were produced for Oshawa and Vancouver. The annual NLL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.63 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2026 Rankings of the National Lacrosse League Experiences. 14. Lee’s Family Forum - Las Vegas Desert Dogs - NR Stadium Journey needs your help! If you can help us with a review of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, please contact Stadium Journey!! 13. TD Coliseum - Toronto Rock - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - After being the final event in the venerable Maple Leaf Gardens, the Toronto 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. 12. Ball Arena - Colorado Mammoth - 3.29 Meg Minard - The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a half time show includes various entertainment acts. 11. Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa Black Bears - 3.29 Dave Cottenie - It was a somewhat surprising announcement that saw the rebirth of box lacrosse in Ottawa. GF Sports, the New York-based owner of the New York Riptide, announced the relocation of the National Lacrosse League franchise to the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. The circumstances surrounding the move were a little bit hazy, however, it is believed that the Riptide were evicted from their home, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, due to low attendance. The return of lacrosse to the Capital Region is a welcome one. The NLL left Ottawa as the Ottawa Rebel struggled at the gate, playing from 2001 to 2003. The Rebel would move to Edmonton and eventually become the current Saskatchewan Rush. 10. Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa FireWolves - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - In 2021, the Toronto Rock moved westward from Toronto to the city of Hamilton. Among the most controversial issues surrounding this move, along with keeping the Toronto brand, was the greater distance that lacrosse fans on the east side of Toronto would now have to travel for the highest level of professional lacrosse. In 2025, a plan to help alleviate this issue was hatched with the relocation of the Albany FireWolves to Oshawa. Oshawa is 63 km east of downtown Toronto, about equidistant east of Hamilton is west. The FireWolves franchise lineage dates back to the original Philadelphia Wings, who were an original Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, now the National Lacrosse League, team in 1987. The Wings moved to Connecticut in 2015 to become the New England Black Wolves, and Albany in 2021 to become the FireWolves. 9. SaskTel Centre - Saskatchewan Rush - 3.57 Jim Flannery - Until 2016 the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders, playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. That is no longer the case as the Saskatchewan Rush are now residing in Saskatoon. The Rush had a busy and exciting 2015. In their 10th year of operation in the National Lacrosse League, they won their division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon. As a result, folks in Saskatoon are not only getting their first pro sports franchise, but they’re getting to see it played at the highest level, with a top-ranked squad coming to town. The Rush now play indoor (aka ‘box’) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone a number of renovations, expansions and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. 8. Pechanga Arena - San Diego Seals - 3.57 Meg Minard - The San Diego Seals are members of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), beginning play in the 2018-2019 season. They have been successful, enjoying winning seasons since their inception. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA. Pechanga Arena also hosts the San Diego Gulls (AHL hockey). It is also home to a variety of other entertainment such as concerts, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, and more. A busy and popular Kobey’s Swap Meet is held every weekend in the parking lot of the arena. Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functional, not like the whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities. It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. 7. Gas South Arena - Georgia Swarm - 3.57 David Welch - Lacrosse has long been popular in the mid-Atlantic, northeastern states, and throughout Canada, but the sport’s popularity in the south has just started to blossom in the last decade. The growth of lacrosse in Georgia has been helped by the addition of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. The NLL is a 14-team indoor lacrosse league with teams throughout the United States and Canada, playing their inaugural season in 1987. Indoor lacrosse is a combination of field lacrosse, played within a hockey rink on sports turf, with the production level of professional basketball. 6. Scotiabank Centre - Halifax Thunderbirds - 3.71 Greg Johnston - Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. 5. Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia Wings - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - RIP Philadelphia Wings 4. Rogers Arena - Vancouver Warriors - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - The National Lacrosse League has long been known as an everyman league, where the players are generally more accessible than those in other major leagues, and many are actually “weekend warriors” who have regular jobs during the week. In 2018, the Vancouver Stealth were sold to Francesco Aquilini and his Canucks Sports and Entertainment and moved from the Langley Events Centre in Langley, a significant distance from downtown Vancouver, to Rogers Arena. This was a huge moment for the newly minted Vancouver Warriors bringing NLL lacrosse back downtown for the first time since the days of the Vancouver Ravens in 2004. The Warriors franchise was originally the Albany Attack in 2000. The team moved to San Jose in 2004 to become the Stealth and then up to Everett, Washington in 2010. The move was made to Langley in 2014. 3. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Roughnecks - 3.86 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Roughnecks (NLL) are one of the most successful franchises in Calgary sports history. Since they started playing in November, 2001, they have won three championships, in 2004, 2009, and 2019. Needless to say, their standards for performance are high and their fanbase are dedicated and enthusiastic. While the Saddledome was state-of-the-art when it opened for business, it is starting to be a little long in the tooth more than 30 years later. However, a new arena is now under construction just north of the Saddledome. It is slated to open in 2027, so the clock is officially ticking on when the Saddledome will close its doors. 2. Blue Cross Arena at The War Memorial - Rochester Knighthawks - 4.00 Meg Minard - The Rochester Knighthawks are a member of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), an action-packed game of box lacrosse. This is the second Knighthawk franchise to call the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY its home. The first was a very successful franchise that operated from 1995 to 2019. Its owner relocated the team to Nova Scotia and rebranded them as the Thunderbirds after the 2019 season. The NLL granted an expansion franchise to Pegula Sports and Entertainment (owners of four other professional sports teams in Western New York) to begin playing the 2019-2020 season. Pegula Sports purchased the Knighthawks name to keep that name and lacrosse in Rochester. The organization hired new players and staff and designed new logos and colors for the new team. All championship records of the former team moved with them to Nova Scotia. 1. KeyBank Center - Buffalo Bandits - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The year was 1992. The Buffalo Bandits were founded in what was then the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The fledgling league was only five years into their existence and four from being the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. Of that group of seven teams from the 1992 season, only the Bandits remain, uninterrupted and undeterred. The Bandits even predate the current National Lacrosse League, which is what the MiLL would eventually become. Since then, the Buffalo Bandits have been the crown jewel of the league, which has seen plenty of change, strong years and lean years, and looks currently to be stronger than ever.

Photo courtesy of Empower Sports I wrote an article back in July of 2025 about the stadiums that I stumbled upon during a summer vacation in Europe. Quite a few of those were in Norway. Since that trip I have kept up on various soccer/football news coming from “The Land of the Midnight Sun,” so the following news about Bodø/Glimt and their new stadium came across my desk and interested me greatly. Also a favorite YouTuber of mine, Steve Marsh, posted a visit to the team's current stadium. That video will be embedded at the end of this news article. Today (May 20th), Bodø/Glimt officially broke ground on the "Arctic Arena." Scheduled for completion in 2027, the new 10,000-seat facility is specifically designed to meet UEFA requirements for international matches. For a club located north of the Arctic Circle, the project represents a massive infrastructural leap to match their recent on-pitch success. Photo courtesy of Empower Sports Video courtesy of Empower Sports The timing of the construction capitalizes on incredible momentum. The four-time Norwegian champions are coming off a historic UEFA Champions League campaign, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. The Arctic Arena will serve as a modern upgrade built for the next chapter of the club, ensuring they have a venue suitable for European soccer's biggest stages while acting as a catalyst for business and community growth in Northern Norway. Photo courtesy of Empower Sports Frode Thomassen, CEO of Bodø/Glimt, emphasized that the project is more than just a new pitch and grandstands. “It is a statement about who we are, what we have built together, and where we want to go,” Thomassen noted. “This arena will be the future home of Bodø/Glimt and a place that reflects the ambition, energy and unity that have driven this club’s remarkable journey.” Steve Marsh's Video:

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you are heading to the Indy 500 this Sunday and are a first-timer, here are a few reminders for a full day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The gates open at 6 am and include access to retail shops, food stands, and the Midway. This year’s race is sold out, so the earlier you arrive, the better your spot. There is a new retail shop at the Midway with items not sold outside the track. Also, note that the speedway is cashless. The traffic and parking can be a hassle. Passes for the areas around the IMS are sold out, and the residents of Speedway will charge a price for the right to park on their lawns. Some could ask as much as $50 to have their car sit on their lawn, while others will negotiate the price. This might be the only part of your trip where you might want to have some cash on you, but I am sure the business-minded folks might accept cash apps as well. If you can walk, there is parking for $10 in various lots, including churches to fraternal organizations (VFW, Knights of Columbus, or an American Legion post). The Amvets Post 99 at 2807 Merchants Drive, about a mile away, offers a free shuttle service. The leisurely walk among the thousands of others to the race is quite the experience in itself. You will see a collection of characters in great spirits, adding to the ambiance. However, the shuttle is a bit quicker and easier on your feet. Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Fans are allowed to bring in food and drink in appropriate-sized coolers that are no bigger than 8” x 15” x 15’ (hard or soft-sided coolers). Patrons can bring in food of their choice, aluminum cans of their favorite beverage, from soda pop to beer, and plastic bottles of ice-cold water. However, no glass bottles and no peanuts (they are considered bad luck at the track). Smoking tobacco is prohibited in any grandstand or seating area, but allowed 20 feet away from any buildings, seating entrances, and infield viewing mounds. This includes vapes and similar products. Once through the gates, look for your section and enjoy the next few hours of cars zipping by at over 200 miles per hour. The green flag will drop at 12:45 pm. Driver introductions take place at 11:47, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and “Back Home Again in Indiana”. The Indianapolis 500 is quite the spectacle and one of those sporting events that should be seen in person at least once in a lifetime. There are many ways to enjoy it, but knowing a few tips will ensure maximum enjoyment. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey For the first time, fans can bring home a literal slice of the action from the home of the Steelers and Panthers. Following a massive seat‑replacement project at Acrisure Stadium, MeiGray – the memorabilia specialist behind some of the sport’s most coveted collectibles – is offering approximately 22,000 refurbished seats for purchase. “There’s no way to get closer to the Steelers than to own a piece of the stadium in which so many great moments occurred,” says MeiGray President Barry Meisel. “It’s an exciting time for Steelers fans and hobby collectors.” The Steelers recently signed a multi‑year agreement with MeiGray, a company known for dealing in game‑used and game‑worn gear. The deal gives fans the exclusive chance to buy sustainably repurposed, authentically verified stadium seats, each bearing the distinct look and feel of the venue where legends have been forged. “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with MeiGray, giving fans the first opportunity to own a piece of the Steelers iconic home—sustainably repurposed and authenticated by a renowned game‑used sports memorabilia authenticator,” explains Ryan Huzjak, Senior Vice President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers. What’s Available The current inventory comes from three areas of Acrisure Stadium. Fans can choose a single seat, a matching pair, just the back, or the bottom. A limited run of seat backs carries signatures from former Steelers greats, adding a personalized touch for collectors. Section Item Type Price Upper Level East, Single seat $399 Upper Level West, North Club Same sections Pair of seats $590 Same sections Seat back $199 Same sections Seat bottom $149 Selected seat backs (signed) *Signed seat back $299 (*Signed seat backs will be signed by James Harrison, Santonio Holmes, & Joey Porter, Sr. - others may be available in the future.) Acrisure Stadium has been the backdrop for countless iconic moments. Owning a seat from the Upper-Level East or West, or the plush North Club, lets fans relive the roar of the crowd each time they glance at the reclaimed stadium seats. The refurbishment process respects both preservation and sustainability. Each seat is thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and inspected before being assigned a unique authentication certificate, ensuring buyers receive a genuine piece of NFL history. The seat‑replacement initiative is still underway, meaning more sections will become available as the project progresses. Collectors who miss the current drop can keep an eye on future releases, as MeiGray plans to rotate inventory aligned with the stadium’s phased upgrades. How to Purchase Interested parties can visit the MeiGray online store or contact the company directly for bulk orders and corporate gifting options. Shipping is handled nationwide, with careful packaging to protect the memorabilia during transit. Whether you’re building a “fancave” shrine, looking for a unique gift, or want a tangible reminder of Steelers lore, these refurbished seats blend heritage, sustainability, and authenticity in a way no other NFL merchandise does.

The 2025-2026 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League season has come to a close with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens winning their first championship since 1994. The Sags won their third Gilles-Courteau Trophy in six games over the Moncton Wildcats. Stadium Journey’s annual QMJHL venue rankings have been released. Using the site’s FANFARE rating system, our writers evaluated the full game day experience at arenas across the league, scoring categories such as food and beverage, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and any unique extras encountered along the way. The league’s average score this season came in at 3.73 out of a possible 5.0. As always, these rankings reflect the combined perspectives of multiple Stadium Journey contributors and may not align with every fan’s personal list. We encourage readers to join the conversation on social media—how do your rankings compare? What did we get right, and where did we miss the mark? With that, Stadium Journey proudly presents the 2025-2026 QMJHL Rankings. 1. Centre Vidéotron - Québec Remparts - 4.57 Andrew Kulyk - Quebec invested in building a new, NHL- ready arena. Bold isn’t the word. This is a grand arena that not only swamps its peer venues in the Q for its stunning design, architecture, size, modern amenities, and fan-friendly spaces, but put this building into the NHL tomorrow, and it immediately rockets to a top six venue in that league. 2. Scotiabank Centre - Halifax Mooseheads - 4.43 Andrew Kulyk - Halifax in and of itself offers a superb vacation destination, albeit this region is more geared for tourism in the warmer months, and that means not so much during hockey season. Plenty of attractions, historic sites, a vibrant and bustling downtown, and this arena, which strays away from the mold of the quintessential rural “community rink”. 3. Avenir Centre - Moncton Wildcats - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Wildcats were founded as the expansion Moncton Alpines in 1995 and played out of the Moncton Coliseum. After one season, they were purchased by local industrialist Robert Irving and renamed the Moncton Wildcats. For the 2024-25 season, the Wildcats have lured USports hockey coaching legend Gardiner MacDougall to take the reins of the team. 4. Mary Brown’s Centre - Newfoundland Regiment - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - The newest member of the QMJHL has hockey fans talking. There are high hopes for the return of hockey to Newfoundland, and the results are being seen at the turnstile. Hopefully, the Newfoundland Regiment will have a long and successful reign at Mary Brown’s Centre despite the travel challenges it brings to the league. Hockey on the Rock is a necessity, and Junior Hockey is the perfect fit. 5. Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet - Sherbrooke Phoenix - 4 Dave Cottenie - This old arena, named after the founder of the Sher-Wood hockey stick company, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. 6. Centre Gervais Auto - Shawinigan Cataractes - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - If you want to see what Québécois hockey is all about, make a trip to see the bedrock of junior hockey in Quebec. The Shawinigan Cataractes are a fantastic entertainment experience and a must for all hockey gurus. When in Shawinigan, you will most definitely feel l’energie! 7. Centre Agnico Eagle - Val-d’Or Foreurs - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - When travelling to Northern Québec, fans should want to get the true feel of the Québécois culture in the north. A trip to see Les Foreurs de Val-d’Or is an absolute must. An old-school hockey experience in a gem of a building, the Foreurs will provide a great evening’s entertainment at a cost that will shock fans with how affordable it is. 8. Centre 200 - Cape Breton Eagles - 3.71 Andrew Kulyk - As a destination venue, Centre 200 in and of itself is not the kind of building that will make an indelible impression. It lacks some of the glitz that has become part of some of the newer arenas in the QMJHL. But what makes this a compelling and worthwhile travel experience is the totality of the destination itself. Sydney offers a lot to see and experience, even in the winter. Its location as a waterfront town provides a sense of wonder at the beauty of Nova Scotia. 9. Colisée Financière Sun Life - Rimouski Océanic - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Having passed off the Rimouski Océanic to his grandson, Alexandre Tanguay, Maurice Tanguay must be proud of how his team has continued. The Océanic continues to be a solid franchise in the QMJHL and has continued to enjoy success on and off the ice. They are truly one of the best experiences in the league and were worth the trip to the south shore area. 10. Centre Georges-Vézina - Chicoutimi Saguenéens - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - A trip to see Centre Georges-Vézina and the Saguenéens is truly a trip to see the church of hockey. An old school hockey barn that bleeds history and is a throwback to days of old, a trip through the Q is not complete without Georges-Vézina. 11. Centre Slush Puppie - Gatineau Olympiques - 3.57 Sean MacDonald - The city of Gatineau awarded the non-profit organization Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO) the contract for the construction and management of a 4,000-seat arena, including three community ice rinks. The venue is now known as Centre Slush Puppie after naming rights were acquired by the maker of the “original non-carbonated frozen beverage treats enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.” 12. Aréna Glencore du Centre Dave-Keon - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The horns, oh the horns! They may not be the horns of justice or the horns of victory. They may only be made of plastic and cardboard, but the horns are a staple of Aréna Iamgold du Centre Dave-Keon. The building is as old school as they come and totally fits the Northern Québec area. If there is one thing that the hockey experience in this town should be known for, it is the horns. 13. TD Station - Saint John Sea Dogs - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - The Saint John Sea Dogs were founded in 2005. In 2011, they won their first Memorial Cup and, in so doing, became the first Atlantic Canada team to achieve the feat. The Sea Dogs would hang a Memorial Cup Championship again in 2022, as well as post the curious moniker “City of Champions” in the arena. It is undeniable that the Sea Dogs have enjoyed a great deal of success in New Brunswick. 14. Eastlink Centre - Charlottetown Islanders - 3.29 Andrew Kulyk - While this arena and the hockey game day experience will not blow you away, what makes a trip to see the Charlottetown Islanders is not the game itself, but immersing into a cultural and tour experience that embraces the community and the region. Prince Edward Island offers charm and beauty that is so palpable. 15. Centre Marcel-Dionne - Drummondville Voltigeurs - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time and a great group of fans who know how to be loud. The air horn is a favorite of the Drummondville fan, and they use it liberally. The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. 16. Amphithéâtre Gilbert-Perreault @ Colisée Desjardins - Victoriaville Tigres - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - Travelling through Quebec can be a bit intimidating for any Anglophone, especially in the smaller cities, away from the tourist areas of Montreal and Quebec City. However, stadium travelers should attempt to see real grassroots hockey the way it was meant to be seen in Quebec. The passion is there, and the price is right. In Victoriaville, they have the tiger by the tail, and the Tigres will put on a show for you. Photo Courtesy of El Nomad 17. Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - You will not find a whole lot of bells and whistles at an Armada game. Simple. However, the product that they put on the ice is pretty good, and the atmosphere there is good as well. Don’t feel that Montreal is only about Les Habitants. Check out the Armada in the suburbs the next time you are there! N/A Baie-Comeau Drakkar - Centre Henry-Leonard Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jack Burch Park 100 North 7th St Cannon Falls, MN 55009 Cannon Falls Bears website John Burch Park website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 675 From a View to a Hill in Cannon Falls John Burch Field in the town of Cannon Falls, Minnesota is one of the most curious-looking ballparks. The grandstand is wedged into a hill and hovers ten feet above the playing field, while the left field borders against a river. The Cannon Falls Bears have been playing baseball on this site since 1938, but its current grandstand was constructed in 1984. The Cannon River runs behind left field creating a short distance of 293 feet from home plate; a 20-foot high fence is set up to ensure that cheap home runs don’t find themselves in the river behind the wall. Beyond that, copious amounts of trees plaster the area, while the town’s water tower and streets are downtown. The ballpark itself is named after a local legend who was at the center of baseball history in Cannon Falls for over half a century. John Burch began his town ball career in 1946 and retired after the 1961 season. In 1948, it was reported in the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he knocked the cover off a baseball during a game. The humble Burch would later say that the ball must have been manufactured wrong. When he retired he played softball, umpired games, and ran the concession stands. The town would honor him by renaming the baseball stadium in 2000 and creating a small museum featuring his old baseball uniforms and equipment. Even at an advanced age, he would ride his electric cart five blocks from the nursing home to attend games. Town ball has been played in Cannon Falls since 1887 and the Bears would make the tournament for the first time in 1949, a few seasons later the club would win 42 consecutive games (regular season and playoffs). The highlight was winning the Class A tournament championship over the Belle Plaine Tigers in 1952, their only state championship to date. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand near the entrance of the ballpark that offers basic concession items at very affordable prices. A hot dog is two bucks, hamburgers are a dollar more, and peanuts are a buck and a half. You can wash it all down with a pop for two bucks. The stadium offers combo platters with its hot dogs and hamburgers that come with chips and a drink for $5 to $6. Atmosphere 3 John Burch Field offers a typical townball experience. The fans in the stands are a majority of friends and fans, the play is high quality, and the ballpark becomes an area of socialization among the locals. The majority of the fans sit on the first base side that is shaded with trees and provides an area to spread out a blanket or two. The field has a unique design that keeps all of the seating areas well above the playing field and provides a nice view of the lush forestry that is behind the outfield walls near downtown. The covered grandstand features bleacher-style seating, a small press box, and protective netting. A simple, but lovely sign spells out the ballpark above the grandstand. Cannon Fall players, at least this year (2018), don light blue and white striped pullover tops, a look first made popular in the early 1980s but being rediscovered by today’s baseball clubs at all levels. Neighborhood 4 Cannons Falls has a population of 4,083 and features a historic downtown. The Cannon Valley Trail is recognized as one of the ten most beautiful rail-to-trails projects. It runs along the Cannon River and is used for skiing during the winter months. The Cannon River Winery is within a short walk that features both full-bodied reds and dry whites. A few places to eat include Nick’s Downtown Diner serving breakfast all day, specialty sandwiches, and homemade pies; Mill Street Tavern offering an urban atmosphere and casual dining, and Tilion Taproom is open from Wednesday to Sunday with ten beers on tap, including Lake Andrew unCommon–a California Common that is not found at many breweries. Fans 3 The small gathering of fans takes up residence on the hill on the first base side of the stadium overlooking the field. The fans spread out blankets and sit back to enjoy the game. The grandstand is often near empty but provides for a view of the stadium. This appears to be common at The Mini Met in Jordan and Tiger Field in Belle Plaine where most fans opted for open seating areas away from the grandstand. Access 3 Cannon Falls is about a 35 to 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities and Rochester. The entrance to the ballpark is on the first base side and top of the hill overlooking the baseball diamond. The grandstand is not full all the time since most fans covert a spot on the first base seating area underneath the trees. The facility has one concession stand (with a nice view of the playing field) and bathrooms. Parking is available next to the stadium or on the residential streets. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range between $2-$3, concession prices are all under $3 for single items. Downtown Cannon Falls is also enjoyable to visit for a few hours and with trails, a winery, and a brewery in town makes for an ideal location to visit with friends, a loved one, or solo. Extras 2 John Burch Field receives a point for having its grandstand hanging over the playing field and providing an interesting view of the diamond. John Burch Field gets a second point for the limestone seating area that also rises well above the playing field down the first base line Final Thoughts John Burch Field is among the most curious ballparks in Minnesota and is worth a visit if you happen to be nearby in Miesville, Rochester, or Red Wing. The experience is quite different but highly enjoyable. A bonus is that downtown is worth a visit any time of the year.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey In a baseball landscape increasingly dominated by billion-dollar stadiums and big-league spectacle, the heart of the game still beats strongest in places like Minnesota. Home of the Miesville Mudhens, this small-town ball club represents everything that makes Minnesota Town ball one of the most distinctive and enduring traditions in American sports. For Brian Meyers, Mudhens groundskeeper and vice president of the board, the connection to the team and the game runs deep. “I grew up just down the road from Miesville,” Meyers said. “I was going to games three days a week, just like most kids around here still do.” That lifelong bond is a common thread throughout town ball communities, where generations of families grow up around the local diamond. Meyers himself first attended games in the late 1980s and eventually realized a dream shared by many local kids, taking the field as a Mudhen. A Century of Town Ball Tradition Amateur baseball in Minnesota dates back to the early 1920s, with the first state tournament held in 1923. Over the decades, the sport has grown into a statewide institution, featuring 270 amateur teams across three classes. The Mudhens roots trace back to that same era, though like many early teams, they initially played in farmers’ fields. That changed in 1961, when 25 local families each contributed $100 to build what is now known as Jack Ruhr Field, still the centerpiece of baseball in Miesville today. The Mudhens have an impressive array of accolades: eight state championships, 35 state tournament appearances, and multiple opportunities to host the tournament itself. The town will welcome the state tournament again in 2028, sparking a new wave of improvements to the historic ballpark. Sponsorships line up the outfield fence at Jack Ruhr Field, Photo by Marc Viquez Built by the Community If there is one defining feature of the Mudhens organization, it is the overwhelming community support. From field maintenance to concessions to major construction projects, everything in Miesville is powered by volunteers and local partnerships. “We’ve usually got 15 to 20 people helping out regularly,” Meyers explained. “But when you include game day operations, events, and everything else, it’s well over 100 volunteers.” That number skyrocketed during the 2020 state tournament, when 318 volunteers came together to help host the event. Local businesses also play a vital role. The outfield fence is lined with sponsorship signs, and those same businesses are often called upon for construction, concessions, and other needs. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that keeps both the team and the town thriving. Even skilled labor often comes from within the fanbase. “If we need an electrician or a plumber, someone will just say, ‘Give me a call,’” Meyers said. “They’re already at the game having a hot dog and a beer.” Fans pack the grandstands on a rainy afternoon at Jack Ruhr Field, Photo by Marc Viquez The Ballpark Experience Jack Ruhr Field offers a quintessential town ball atmosphere, a small ballpark, a church, and a tavern. With seating for roughly 250–300 in the grandstands and additional grassy areas lining the baselines, the ballpark encourages fans to spread out, bring lawn chairs, and enjoy the game at their own pace. Kids roam freely, playing catch, chasing foul balls, or simply running around with friends. “This is a place where families feel safe,” Meyers said. “You’ll see kids everywhere playing in the outfield, the parking lot, wherever. That’s part of the experience.” Attendance continues to grow, with Sunday afternoon games drawing close to 500 fans, an impressive number for a town of its size. Admission is just $5 for adults, while anyone 18 and under gets in free. A family of four can enjoy an entire afternoon of baseball, food, and community for less than the price of parking at a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field. A Taste of Miesville No visit to a game is complete without a stop at the concession stand, perhaps one of the best in all of town ball. The star of the menu is the bratwurst, made exclusively for the team by Greg’s Meats in nearby Hampton. These coarse-ground brats are a closely guarded secret—you won’t find them anywhere else. “We get so many compliments on them,” Meyers said. “You can’t buy them in the store. They’re made just for Miesville.” In addition to brats, the menu features burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and a selection of affordable beverages, including local beer from Spiral Brewery in Hastings. At just $4 per beer, it’s another reminder that the Mudhens experience is built with fans in mind. The brats cook to perfection on the grill at Jack Ruhr Field. Photo by Marc Viquez More Than Just a Game While the on-field product is strong, the true appeal of Miesville lies in the atmosphere. The crack of the bat, the smell of grilled food, and the sound of local radio broadcasts create a setting that feels both timeless and uniquely Minnesotan. Games are broadcast on local radio station KDWA and livestreamed, extending the team's reach beyond the ballpark while keeping its small-town roots. For Meyers and the many volunteers who dedicate their time to the Mudhens, the reward comes in seeing. According to Meyes, fans walk through the gates and immediately feel at home. “You can see it on their faces. They walk in, hear the game, smell the food, and they just smile. That’s what makes it all worth it.” The Mudhens embody the spirit of Minnesota Town Ball, where community, tradition, and love of the game come together in their purest form. For fans seeking an authentic baseball experience far removed from the glitz of the major leagues, Jack Ruhr Field delivers something even better: a place where the game still belongs to the people. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter at @ballparkhunter and on his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gainbridge Fieldhouse 125 S Pennsylvania St Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indiana Fever website Gainbridge Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,923 Fever-Paced Basketball The Indiana Fever celebrated 25 seasons in Indianapolis. Caitlin Clark's presence in 2024 created a spike in attendance. The team has seen an increase in media coverage, season ticket sales, and merchandise sales. The upper balcony seating has been opened for home games in recent memory. All of this excitement has created a new interest in the team that hopes to translate to packed fans at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The home of the Fever was built in 1999 and is also home to the NBA Indiana Pacers. The arena just completed a three-phase $360 renovation plan that has transformed it to today’s standards. The building seats 18,165, and all of these seats will be available for Fever games during the summer season. The Fever arrived in town in 2000 and has qualified for the playoffs 13 times in its first 17 seasons. It included a championship in 2012 during the Tamika Cathigs era. However, the team has fallen on hard times with seven straight losing seasons, including a 5-31 season in 2022. With the arrival of Clark, along with previous number-one pick Aliyah Boston, the Fever began a new era of basketball in Indiana and hung another championship banner in the Gainbridge rafters. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options have been updated at the fieldhouse and include new and familiar options. The Warehouse District BBQ and Three Point Taqueria are two options that offer fans something different at the game. The Indiana Kitchen offers lemon-pepper and honey-glazed chicken wings, short rib poutine, and maple bourbon sticks. If you are looking for familiar options, then Fieldhouse Favorites has you covered. Hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza, burgers, pretzels, and Pepsi products are available. A value menu offers $4 hot dogs, $3 popcorn, and $8 cans of PBR and Coors Banquet. A unique sweet treat is served at the Steak 'n Shake Milkshake Bar, which offers cotton candy, mega M&M, and crazy chocolate brownie flavors. Warehouse District BBQ options, Photo by Marc Viquez. The Fast Break Market sells grab-and-go beverages and snacks. A nacho cart offers an array of toppings, and Ben's Pretzels has long lines for freshly made baked pretzels. The Crossroads Eats sells gourmet hot dogs. The Yuengling Flight Deck and the Jim Beam Bar offer beers, wine, and cocktails. It also has various TV screens and views of the playing court. One of the more unique partnerships at the arena is with Cheez-It. Fans can find limited-edition Cheez-It boxes featuring the Fever logo in the team store, along with creative menu items at the concession stand. Options include a walking taco made with Cheez-It crackers and a barbecue mac and cheese dish topped with Cheez-It pieces at Warehouse District BBQ. For dessert, the Dough-Ver Load kiosk serves edible cookie dough bites in several flavors, including birthday cake, peanut butter, and chocolate chunk. Atmosphere 4 What a difference a season makes. A Fever game feels more aligned to an Indiana Pacers game. A variety of fans walk throughout the concourse and the seating bowl in support of their WNBA team. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse is ideal for accommodating the newfound fan base that has made their way downtown. Before the game, many fans gather in Bicentennial Unity Plaza, where kids can shoot hoops on the outdoor basketball court, while others take in the atmosphere around the plaza’s curved sculpture and video screen displaying graphics and team content. Inside, the main atrium feels bright and open thanks to the massive windows that let in plenty of natural light. Banners featuring current Fever players hang throughout the space, while a large round chandelier serves as the centerpiece above the sweeping staircase leading to the main concourse. The concourse has been revamped and features basketball-theme murals that are both popping with color and creativity, along with honoring past greats who have suited up for the Fever, Pacers, and high school teams of the state. The new art is a variety of murals, and the artwork varies in designs and colors. The fieldhouse includes a massive $4.3 million 20-foot by 52.5-foot video scoreboard, including underbelly panels for improving sightlines for fans sitting next to the court. It almost feels like it's floating when viewing it from the main concourse. There are also plenty of open views of the court from the concourse. Team banners of retired jerseys, league titles, and division championships hang from the rafters on each side. The Fever gift shop has an array of team merchandise, but it is a little cramped. However, a couple of stands and one station can personalize a jersey with your name on it on the main concourse. Neighborhood 5 The fieldhouse is in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and closer to retail and restaurants than Lucas Oil Stadium down the street. The only problem is choosing where to grab a drink or eat before or after the game. Located near the arena is the local favorite Kilroy’s Bar and Grill, which offers 40 flat-screen televisions, shuffleboard, video games, and their famous pepperoni-stuffed breadsticks. Another fan favorite, Brother’s Bar & Grill, is a short walk away and is another popular destination before or after the game. A few more favorite spots after the game include The District Tap, Mr. Tequila Street Cantina, and Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar. There are many options for a drink before or after the game. Photo by Marc Viquez It is highly recommended to visit the neighborhoods of Mass Ave. and Fountain Square. The two areas offer live music, craft beer, fine dining, and a little shopping at local retail shops. Mass Ave. is also home to the Bottleworks District, the city's newest attraction. The Garage houses multiple food and drink vendors, offering an array of culinary treasures. Downtown Indy is also safe, clean, and easy to get around by car, foot, or mass transit. Local museums include The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The Riverwalk Canal is a nice spot for a stroll on a warm spring day. Fans 4 The Fever attendance continues to rank near the top of the WNBA. The team averaged 4,000-plus fans two years ago, and so far this season, lead the league with an average of 16,560 per game. The Fever has opened up the balcony seats, which had been draped off in recent seasons. It has created a mixture of die-hard Fever fans along with new and bandwagon fans. The fanbase feels more like a Pacers game, and attendance is more of a priority than a curiosity. Access 4 The arena is easily accessible from the major interstates of 70, 65, and 465, with parking abundant downtown. After the game, exiting these facilities takes a little know-how of the one-way streets of Indianapolis, but signs and police help direct customers to their desired route back home. Traffic moves smoothly during this time as well. Return on Investment 5 Depending on the night and opponent, Fever tickets are as low as $10 on ticket sites such as TickPick. Imagine paying $2 for a professional sporting event these days. Tickets for games against the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, and Chicago Sky will cost upwards of $45-$57. However, check out the dates and times because tickets sell for under $15. Prices inside the venue are typical of many NBA arenas, and craft beer will cost $10 a can, much less than what we saw in Seattle last year. The cost to park across the street is $25, but meter parking is available at $1.75 an hour until 11 PM (Sundays and Holidays are free), and there are cheaper parking lot options around the arena for as low as $10. Extras 4 Bicentennial Unity Plaza is outside the building. According to its website, it is the focal point for gatherings, offering a space where all residents and visitors will be greeted by captivating landscapes & art installations and, of course, a basketball court for some friendly competition. The team offers a Game Night Special that consists of a specialty-made t-shirt on sale for $18. They sell out fast, and the team store is usually packed with fans in line to purchase one. Bicentennial Unity Plaza, Photo by Marc Viquez The Caitlin Clark effect can be seen all over the concourse. Fans wear her number 22 with pride, and many others bring in banners and signs to show support for the league’s newest star. Not as strong as it has been in the past, the fieldhouse still boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia showcasing the game of basketball in the state. There is an array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field 800 S. Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228 CCBC Catonsville Cardinals website CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 250 Cardinals Baseball One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore County area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but previously operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Catonsville began in 1957, operating out of nearby Catonsville High School. The college is located on the site of the historic Knapp Estate. There is still the manor house of the estate, as well as ruins of various historic buildings scattered around the hilltop campus. The school mascot is the Cardinals and they play ten sports. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The baseball program runs out of the simply named "Baseball Field" which is next to the school's soccer and lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options at or near the baseball field. You are free to bring your own food. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There are two simple metal bleachers around the main part of the field. They offer decent views of the game, although through chain link fencing. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Catonsville is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the high school and nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Catonsville's main street, Frederick Road, is filled with many food and drink options. Nearby Arbutus will also be a good source of options. We like Sorrentos in the downtown section of Arbutus for a good sub or cheesesteak before the game. Fans 3 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. Access 4 The CCBC Catonsville campus is easy to access, as it is located off Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the field. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. There are many banners and plaques scattered around inside the nearby Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center displaying the various personal and team accomplishments of Cardinals athletes. Final Thoughts The CCBC Catonsville Baseball Stadium is a basic pleasant baseball field located in nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

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

Image Courtesy of DE Turf For years, DE Turf has been Delaware’s largest all-turf sports complex. Nestled in the heart of the state, its fields have hosted countless local games, youth leagues, and regional showcases. It has always been a premier destination for sports like soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey, but the vision for this premier facility was always bound to grow. Now, the complex is preparing for a monumental transformation. The centerpiece of this ambitious expansion is the addition of a massive, climate-controlled dome, a game-changer that will completely weather-proof the facility. Alongside the dome, DE Turf is constructing professional grade locker rooms designed to provide a top-tier experience for visiting teams and officials. To accommodate the expected surge in spectators, the complex is also dramatically expanding its footprint, increasing stadium capacity to 2,000 fans. These physical upgrades are meticulously designed to elevate the complex from a bustling regional hub to a world-class arena. With these cutting-edge facilities in place, DE Turf is no longer just a seasonal venue; it is unlocking the ability to host high-level events year-round, regardless of the unpredictable Delaware weather. The expanded 2,000-seat capacity and upgraded amenities are specifically tailored to attract high-stakes competitions, including prestigious NCAA championships, professional-level matches, and major national tournaments. This evolution means drawing larger, more lucrative events to the First State, which will significantly boost the local economy. As the vision becomes reality, the excitement surrounding DE Turf is increasing among locals and sports insiders alike. Athletes will soon have the opportunity to compete on a national stage right in their own backyard. Fans can look forward to experiencing top-tier sporting events without crossing state lines. By stepping into this new era, DE Turf isn't just expanding its physical footprint; it's elevating Delaware’s sporting legacy for generations to come.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Joe Cannon Stadium 7611 Ridge Chapel Rd Hanover, MD 21076 Coppin State Eagles website Joe Cannon Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 1,500 Fly Like An Eagle Coppin State University plays baseball nearly 25 miles away from its Northwest Baltimore campus, as an on-campus facility does not exist. They use Joe Cannon Stadium, located at Harmans Park in suburban Hanover, MD. The stadium was designed for the use of amateur baseball teams in the region and is named after the man who pushed very hard to get such a field developed. Coppin has not really been one of the more successful schools in baseball, but it did have the late Baltimore Orioles great Paul Blair serve as their Manager from 1998 to 2002. Recent years have seen some better success with the team. The team competes as a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC). Through the 2022 season, the Eagles had competed in the school's full-time home of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), but after that season, the MEAC merged its baseball league into that of the NEC. Coppin State and the three other MEAC members that sponsored baseball became NEC associate members in that sport. When Joe Cannon Stadium was opened in 1990, the area was not very developed. Since then, this area has been the center of rapid growth and development. The large Arundel Mills Mall and Maryland Live Casino are nearly across the street from the stadium. BWI Airport is also located nearby, and the sight of airplanes taking off is not uncommon. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Coppin State baseball game. A concession stand exists at Joe Cannon Stadium but is not used during Coppin games. No soda nor snack machines are located here either. Atmosphere 2 The seating section sits pretty high off of the field, which limits fan participation. And that is if there are fans at the game. The atmosphere is almost non-existent, although a PA announcer does keep you into the game with announcements and music played between players. The seats are metal bleachers with no backing. It may be worth it to go all the way to the top of the stands so that you will have a back to your seat, but you will be a bit further from the action. Many of the fans do not even sit in the stands, but bring their own chair to sit along the chain link fence along the foul lines. This may offer a bit more interesting view than in the main grandstand. The stadium did have a recent renovation that added an artificial turf field and other player amenities. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located back in the woods but is across from a thriving development. Arundel Mills Mall is very popular, so much so that parking can be difficult at times. The addition of the Maryland Live Casino adds to the popularity of the area. Luckily, the casino has added a large parking garage to alleviate some parking problems. Food options are varied. The closest options are within walking distance across parking lots. Subway and The Greene Turtle are close and offer options for both carry-out and eat-in. The Greene Turtle has a diverse menu, offering more intriguing options, including everything from Raspberry Turkey Flatbread down to a more usual bar food menu. They also offer many happy hour foods and drink specials at the bar. There are so many other food options in the area, from standard fast food fare to upscale restaurants at the casino. There are a few hotels also in the area, with ALoft and Element located within walking distance of Joe Cannon Stadium. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium are clearly family and friends only. I would doubt there are ever many student fans in attendance unless they know someone playing. The stadium is too far removed from their campus. The stadium did seem to draw a large group of fans from the opposing team. Once again, it was mostly family members and other friends, but the location near Arundel Mills may be a draw for these games. Access 3 Joe Cannon Stadium is near most of the large highways in the area, such as I-295, I-95, and Maryland Route 100. So access is technically very good. The abundance of highways does not tell the whole story. The traffic around Arundel Mills Mall can be stifling. You can expect to sit through many lights just to make simple and small turns. Weekend games will be worse than weekday games. Plan your trips accordingly, as you may need to be patient for the most simple of rides. Parking at the stadium is plentiful and free. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. If a good local team is in town, or one of the powerhouse programs is playing, fans will be rewarded with some good baseball skills with very little investment. Extras 1 The large water tower located beyond the left field wall is an interesting sight to see at a baseball game. It may not be the Green Monster or the Camden Yards Warehouse, but it gives fans at Joe Cannon Stadium an interesting view. Final Thoughts The stadium is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially for being free. You will not be wowed by the field, nor probably the talent level, but it can offer a good option away from the crowded shopping environment located nearby. A good option for many fans is to drop those of their party who wish to shop at the mall while others take in a game.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey What started as a postgame conversation between longtime town ball players has evolved into a new ballpark and amateur baseball in Minnesota. “We were sitting around after a game talking about why there wasn’t a town ball team in Lakeville,” Hathaway said. “Almost everybody on our team had ties to Lakeville baseball, and we realized this community was missing something.” A new era in Minnesota town ball begins this May. The Lakeville Loonatics, a Class A amateur baseball club in the Minnesota Baseball Association, are preparing for their inaugural season at the brand-new Belzer Stadium, to provide a small-community experience unlike anything else in the state. Lakeville has a population of approximately 75,000 residents, about 30 minutes south of Minneapolis-St. Paul has had town ball baseball teams, dating back to the 1930s. However, it has been so long since one played that it feels like the Loonatics are the first time the town has ever had a town ball club. Technically, this is the town's fourth team. Tobias and Hathaway wanted to build something that would last. “Success for us is coming back 15 years from now and seeing 400 people sitting in the stands watching baseball,” Hathaway explained. “That’s what this is about, longevity and community.” The project has been almost a decade in the making. The Lakeview Baseball Association was formed and raised $1.6 million for the construction of the ballpark with enhanced amenities and lighting. The city had not had lighting at any of its baseball fields, and the hope is that the stadium will also house high school, youth, and 35 and 50-and-over leagues. The new stadium, part of the Grand Prairie Park complex, will seat approximately 350 to 375 fans, with additional standing-room areas, a beer garden, and a grassy hill beyond the fence where spectators can watch games. Tickets will cost just $5, while children under 12 will be admitted free. Belzer Stadium, named after local dealership Jeff Belzer's Auto Group, will feature a large video board capable of instant replay, digital advertising, floodlights, and interactive entertainment during games. There will also be cameras set up in multiple production views for the web, a beer garden, and state-of-the-art locker rooms. “We’re competing with a lot of other entertainment options in the suburbs," added Hathaway. "We wanted to create a true game-day experience. However, you still need the hot dogs, the burgers, and the cold beer." The team also plans to offer expanded concession options through a partnership with Midwest grocery chain Hy-Vee, which will provide fresh food products for the stadium. Team officials are even working on signature menu items and specialty drinks to further distinguish themselves, but still make it affordable to the members of the Lakeview community. "We wanted this to be affordable for families," explained Tobias. "Nobody’s getting rich doing this. Everything goes back into the ballpark and the program.” The Loonatics colors are based on the city of Lakeville’s official colors, while the logo was designed by Hathaway’s daughter, Sierra; it blends the Minnesota loon with playful baseball imagery and elements inspired by the city logo. The name “Loonatics” was chosen after careful consideration. Hathaway looked for a name tied to the town but did not find anything that stood out. The attention shifted to Minnesota’s state bird, the common loon. The pun could provoke mixed reactions from the public. Hathaway explains. “This is really about the loon and having fun. It’s meant to capture excitement and community spirit." The team has already received strong support from local sponsors and baseball fans eager to see the project come to life. Tobias noted that much of the excitement comes from the idea of creating a permanent baseball stadium in one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing communities. Lakeville’s roster is expected to feature many players with ties to local high schools and college baseball programs. Despite the modern touches, the Loonatics still see themselves as part of Minnesota’s rich town ball history when they take the field. They will play against the likes of the Cannon Falls Bears, Hastings Hawks, and the Red Wing Aces. The Loonatics will begin play today at Belzer Stadium, but it will be a soft opening. The official dedication celebration is planned for early July during Lakeville’s annual Pan-O-Prog community festival. Hathaway and Tobias want to create a place where families gather, baseball thrives, and a new tradition takes root. The team plays its first game today against the Northfield Knights. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and on his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Coliseum Exhibition Place 19 Nunavut Road Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C3 Toronto Tempo website Coca-Cola Coliseum website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 8,500 Turn Up the Tempo The explosion of the WNBA has brought expansion to the cities of Portland and Toronto for 2026. Toronto’s entry to the league, the Toronto Tempo, has been met in the city with excitement and optimism. Even better than that has been the reaction on the ticket sites, where Tempo tickets are increasingly difficult to come by. The team was founded by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment minority owner Larry Tanenbaum and a number of other investors including Serena Williams, former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri and Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. Tanenbaum reportedly attempted to get the Tempo to be part of the MLSE portfolio, but was blocked by some members of the board. In their inaugural season, the Tempo made a calculated free agent signing, bringing in Canadian Olympian and TSN analyst Kia Nurse to be part of the roster. The inaugural home for the Tempo is Coca-Cola Coliseum. Located on the grounds of Exhibition Place, it is most well-known for being the home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. The building was originally built for livestock shows as part of the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in 1921. A massive renovation took place in the early 2000’s to convert the building into a hockey arena in an attempt to attract a professional hockey team. At a capacity of 8,500 for basketball, Coca-Cola Coliseum is the fourth smallest venue in the WNBA behind Atlanta, Washington and Dallas, and the Wings are moving to a larger venue in 2027. The Tempo are hedging their bets on the popularity of the new team with a few games at Scotiabank Arena as well as games in the big venues in Montréal and Vancouver. Food & Beverage 5 A number of recognizable brands are found throughout the Coliseum including Pizza Pizza, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Tim Horton’s and St. Patties. Traditional arena fare is found at the Food Junction stand, however some of the most unique items are also found here including Buffalo Chicken tenders, Korean Fried Chicken sandwiches, Beef Taco Loco Fries, Bacon Mac & Cheese eggrolls and Jerk Chicken Patty Sandwiches. Molson Canadian, Coors, Heineken and Steam Whistle are available beers. There are also a number of concession stands on the upper level. With the crowd size at the maximum, all concession stands were open. The Crown Royal bar has a number of spirits available as well as wine. Atmosphere 4 In the massive renovation that became Coca-Cola Coliseum, the exterior of the building was maintained. Although it is tightly wedged between the Enercare Centre and Horse Palace, there are still some exterior spots visible with very attractive yellow brick and curved architecture. It is one of the most unique looking arenas out there. Most fans will enter at the southwest corner of the building, however, entry for the CIBC Club is found at the north side near the public transit. Upon entering the concourses fans will find that the Tempo have made a strong effort to make the Coliseum look like their home. Many of the markings for the Toronto Marlies are covered with temporary banners for the Tempo. Framed historic photos remain uncovered including some throwback prints to some agricultural shows. The massive wooden doors at the south entrance are also a throwback to the agricultural days. The seating bowl is a single, split-level design with the court oriented from south to north. The best spot for a centre court logo photo is from the east. A four-sided video board with upper ring and lower rectangle screens hangs above centre court. Unfortunately, there are no videoboards dedicated to individual statistics, leaving the statistical side of the experience below some Canadian universities. Suites hang above the east and west sides. There are a number of permanent markings for the Marlies visible from the seating bowl including the Leaf crests for players who have played for the Marlies and moved up to the Leafs. The end result in the seating bowl is a feeling that the Tempo are still tenants in Coca-Cola Coliseum as opposed to residents. The gameday production at a Tempo game is not too complicated. A DJ booth is in the upper northwest corner, right beside the TSN crew who bring the pregame and halftime shows for television. The Rhythm Section, the Tempo dance team, performs during some pauses in the action. The Tempo also employ a pair of in-game hosts who help with the promotions. The more simplistic approach is a bit of a refreshing change compared to the NBA, which can be sensory overload. Neighbourhood 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. Coca-Cola Coliseum is shared with the Toronto Marlies and Toronto Sceptres. BMO Field is across the parking lot and is home to the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, hockey fans must take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby. Fans 4 It is difficult to assess fans of the Tempo at this point. At the time of writing, the Tempo played only their second home game. As expected, the first home game brought in over 8,200 fans. As compared to the previous WNBA season, the Tempo would have had the 11th best attendance in the league. The venue is a bit restrictive, but offers the opportunity for the team to possibly grow into a larger venue. Ticket sales have been very strong thus far so a favorable mark is given for fans with some room to grow with longevity. Fans in attendance are louder than the typical Ontario fans, who tend to be more reserved. Access 4 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is on the south side of Manitoba Drive, and immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although it has a very close proximity to the expressway and is easier to get to from the west than the rest of Downtown Toronto, it can still be a challenge, as Toronto traffic can be a significant issue. There is plenty of parking on site, which will require payment at a kiosk or on a parking app. Fans should be cognizant of what other activities are taking place at Exhibition Place, as this can drastically affect parking. At the time of writing, parking was limited due to the upcoming World Cup which has lots blocked off for fan fests and construction. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Tempo games, they have a couple of options. A GO Transit station is at the north end of Exhibition Place. There are also buses and streetcars that can be found at Exhibition Place. Fans should consult the GO Transit and TTC websites for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Coca-Cola Coliseum is not too difficult; however, initially, the concourses can get congested during pregame. Once people start to utilize the upper concourse, it thins out a bit. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey strongly suggests fans consult the Toronto Tempo and Coca-Cola Coliseum websites for the most up-to-date security information, including prohibited items and bag policy. Coca-Cola Coliseum is a cashless facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Toronto Tempo start at $30 for limited games. Most games start at $56 for standing room. Seats for most games start at $137. Dynamic pricing makes face value difficult to determine, but the initial popularity of the Tempo have driven ticket prices up. Parking at the Ex can go for $18. Concession prices are about what one would expect. The gameday experience in Toronto is good, but the outlay seems to be high for an expansion experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Toronto Tempo ownership investing in the team right off the bat. Before their first game, the ownership group announced that the building of a multi-million-dollar practice facility was in the works at Exhibition Place, reportedly the cream of the crop in the WNBA. An extra mark for Brittney Sykes scoring the first points in Toronto Tempo history. An extra mark for the Tempo Impact outreach program with focus on not only developing players but coaches as well. Final Thoughts Right out of the gates the Toronto Tempo have acquired a solid following making tickets difficult to come by. The gameday atmosphere at Coca-Cola Coliseum is solid for the first season. It will be interesting to see if the Tempo can maintain their following and force themselves into a larger venue. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Major upgrades are officially underway at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie. The Maryland Stadium Authority has partnered with Gilbane Building Company and WarrenBuilds to oversee a massive design-and-construction project for the venue. This $50 million renovation will modernize the facility for the Chesapeake Baysox and ensure the ballpark meets the new Professional Development League standards adopted by Minor League Baseball. For fans tracking the development of future Baltimore Orioles prospects, these improvements represent a major investment in the regional sports landscape. The renovation prioritizes modern athletic training needs and player development. The updated blueprints include expanded weight room areas and dedicated training spaces to keep players in peak physical condition. Both the home and visiting clubhouses will see significant upgrades, featuring larger locker rooms designed to accommodate up to 32 players comfortably. Additionally, the construction plans introduce new team commissaries to improve nutrition and daily meal prep for both squads. Beyond the main clubhouses, the modernization efforts address important operational upgrades. The new design incorporates dedicated female changing rooms, providing proper and private facilities for female umpires and coaching staff members. On the baseball operations side, the project will increase the number of indoor and outdoor hitting tunnels. These new batting areas will give players continuous opportunities to refine their mechanics throughout the season. To keep the improvements moving swiftly, the construction team is utilizing a fast-track design approach. This method allows for the early release of bid packages and speeds up the procurement of construction materials that require extended lead times. The venue is well on its way to becoming a premier destination for avid groundhoppers and everyday baseball fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 BMO Field Exhibition Place 170 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Toronto FC website BMO Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 28,180 Preparing for the World Stage In June of 2026, Toronto will be one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup. The smallest venue for the entire tournament is what is now known as BMO Field. Due to sponsorship restrictions it will be renamed Toronto Stadium for the tournament, but when it is home to the Toronto Football Club of Major League Soccer, it is BMO Field. At a paltry capacity of 28,180, BMO Field required a significant expansion for the big tournament; massive grandstands on each end of the pitch have been installed to bring the capacity up and over 45,000 and brings BMO Field to its fullest potential as the National Soccer Stadium. BMO Field opened in 2007 and has already undertaken a few significant renovations to increase capacity from its original seated capacity of over 21,000. Toronto FC joined Major League Soccer in 2007 as an expansion team and was a bit of a trail blazing franchise. Pushing the limits of capacity while fielding a pretty horrible product on the field, TFC grew to where expansion of BMO Field became necessary. TFC fostered a relationship with supporter groups which is now standard in MLS and continued to grow. The signings of Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley signaled a new era which culminated in three MLS Cup appearances in four years and the Championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food selection at BMO Field is top notch. The main concession stands are the Food Junction stands and serve all of the expected stadium items including hot dogs, popcorn, burgers, chicken tenders and nachos. There are a number of specialty locations that serve more unique items that are worth checking out. Panini serves porchetta, smoked meat, and turkey club sandwiches along with Braised Beef Grilled Cheese. Frites serves a variety of fires and poutine including Jerk Chicken Poutine and Steak & Ale Pie Chips. Pizza Pizza is the purveyor of slices at BMO as well. The King Club bar has a massive selection of alcoholic beverages including a number of craft beer selections. For those who like to plan their culinary journey, the BMO Field website has a decent rundown of the concession options. Atmosphere 3 BMO Field has found itself in a number of different forms since originally being built in 2007. One of the early soccer specific stadiums in MLS, BMO Field’s design is a bit dated and more modern facilities have trended toward the fully enclosed “soccer arena” style. BMO Field is located at Exhibition Place. The exterior is fairly non-descript with clearly separated grandstands on the east and west sides of the pitch with grey and silver accents to the simple structure. Around the outside of the stadium are a number of marble benches which smartly depict various highlights of the Ex. Fans will definitely want to head to the northeast corner of BMO Field before entering to check out the TFC Wall of Honour. A number of TFC accomplishments, both individual and team, are memorialized on the exterior wall in smart looking silver and grey badges on the red siding backdrop. The most recent update has been a badge signifying 400 TFC matches for Canadian National, Jonathan Osorio. Inside BMO Field fans will be welcomed by the “TFC Legends” banners which can be found throughout the stadium. The new addition to the atmosphere shows portraits of such Toronto FC legends as Dwayne De Rosario, Danny Dichio and Michael Bradley, to name just a few. The pitch runs from north to south with the videoboard found on the north side. At the south end, no doubt blowing in the wind, are flags commemorating the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020 Voyageurs Cups as Canadian Champions, the 2017 Supporters’ Shield and 2017 MLS Cup. The seating area features two tiered seating decks on the east and west sides with some seating and standing room in the north and south ends. A field level general admission standing area is found in the north end and the supporters sections are found in the south. The grandstands are covered from the elements with large canopies, courtesy of one of the more recent renovations. The seats themselves are very simple, in most cases molded plastic buckets that do not move. Although they are physically not the greatest seats, there is enough legroom provided. The most obvious changes for the 2026 season are the massive grandstands at the north and south ends in preparation for the World Cup. They were given a test run when TFC hosted Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi in their final home match before the World Cup. Fans will also want to check out the Winterdome area on the second floor of the west grandstand. A social area complete with DJ, Christmas decor, photo ops and blowing snow. Considering the MLS calendar changing and winter soccer being more of a reality in Toronto, this may be a way of preparing the fans. The gameday experience in Toronto is akin to most other MLS experiences. Soccer usually provides an experience that is not over-produced and generally more organic than other sports. Local youth groups hold banners on the pitch for the player entrances. The TFC anthem “The Legend TFC” is played with video before the kickoff. Toronto FC’s mascot, Bitchy, a live Harris Hawk originally employed by the team to keep seagulls away from BMO Field, proudly takes a perch on the pitch and is part of the opening festivities. A large metal hawk statue is found in the southeast corner in honour of the mascot. From that point, the supporters sections take over and provide the atmosphere by singing and chanting and waving flags throughout. Neighbourhood 5 BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. BMO Field is shared with the Toronto Argonauts. Coca-Cola Coliseum is across the parking lot and is the home of the Toronto Sceptres, Toronto Marlies and the future home of the Toronto Tempo. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, sports fans should really try to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby. Fans 4 The fan support that Toronto FC has enjoyed over the years is pretty remarkable. The majority of Toronto FC’s existence has been marred with horrible squads on the pitch and very little in the way of winning. For a short period, this changed, culminating in the 2016, 2017 and 2019 MLS Cup appearances. A return to rebuilding has seen a bit of a dip in attendance, but the support over the years has been terrific. With a few years of substandard play on the pitch, attendance has fallen off a bit. As of this writing, Toronto FC are averaging over 17,300 fans per match for the 2026 season. This is also very early in the season and the warmer weather has not hit Toronto just yet. In the previous season, TFC averaged over 21,300 fans per match, ranking them 15th in MLS; pretty much average. The fanbase is very diverse as Toronto is a very International city and they are very passionate and knowledgeable about soccer. The Toronto FC Supporter Groups are among the best and most passionate in MLS and have pushed the team to have among the most consistent support in the league. Access 4 BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place. Getting to Exhibition Place can be a challenge, as anything in Toronto can be. The Ex is immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although fans may think this is the quickest way to drive to the Ex, often a longer route on Lakeshore Blvd is the way to go, especially for those coming from the west. There are a number of parking spots available for fans at Exhibition Place. It is important for fans to do some research before heading out to see the Reds. At times there are other events taking place at the Ex and parking is a real challenge. Even at the best of times, parking is not cheap and other options may be the best plan. This is exemplified by the temporary stands and construction zones in place to prepare for the World Cup, making parking options even more scarce. For fans who prefer the public transit route, Exhibition Place has some decent public transit options. There is a Go Transit station right by the Ex and this is probably the easiest form of public transit. A walk north of the Ex will bring fans through Liberty Village and eventually to some TTC options. Check out the Go Transit and TTC websites for fares, maps and schedules. The ticketing window is at gate 1, at the north end of BMO Field. Lineups are not usually an issue. Security is what you would expect now in this day and age of sports security, including walk through metal detectors. With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto FC and BMO Field websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the stadium, including bag policy and prohibited items. Getting around BMO Field is not too difficult and concourses are fairly spacious. Washroom facilities are also adequate for this venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Toronto FC seem to have become more affordable, with tickets starting around $30 and some resale seats available for less than that. Tickets can go above the $200 mark for the lower bowl. These prices have come back down a bit, but upper deck seats can still go for $100 and above. Parking can be pretty expensive at over $30 and fans must use the self-park “Green P” app to purchase parking. Concession prices are about what one would expect for a major league team. According to the 2022 Fan Cost Index, Toronto FC are the seventh most expensive experience, above league average. That being said, a Toronto FC match is a whole lot of fun and is one of the best experiences in MLS, but you will pay for it. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Danny Dichio song. Every match at the 23:14 mark, the supporters belt out the Danny Dichio song, in honor of Toronto FC’s first ever goal scored by Danny Dichio. An extra mark for the investments made by MLSE to field the best possible team in Toronto. A reward to the fans, who greatly suffered in the early years of TFC. An extra mark for Exhibition Place and the former location of Exhibition Stadium, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Base markers can be found in the parking lot south of BMO Field. An extra mark for BMO Field as the home of some of the matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Final Thoughts With the World Cup coming to Toronto in 2026, the expansion of BMO Field is a reality. How this affects Toronto FC in the latter part of the season as well as what the future holds for the stadium remains to be seen. That being said, a trip to TFC is a great way to take in the (2nd) highest level of soccer the city has to offer. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos Courtesy of Lisa Farrington This weekend, the Savannah Bananas took their roadshow to Yankee Stadium, bringing two nights where sport and spectacle collide. Everyone there knew to expect far more than a typical minor-league-style exhibition. The Bananas with the Party Animals turned the Bronx into a stage with fast-paced baseball, comedic stunts, and interactive moments designed to make every fan feel like part of the performance. With a wink from Mother Nature and a magician’s touch of scheduling, two back-to-back game washouts turned into days of sunshine. The Bananas were supposed to play against the Party Animals Saturday and Sunday, but when rain threatened, the team shuffled Saturday’s game to Friday, and fans showed up early, beaming and louder than a brass band. Photos Courtesy of Lisa Farrington The party started outside Yankee Stadium at Pregame Plaza in Macombs Dam Park with small concert stages, fan activities, and entertainment (e.g., the Peel Show, player appearances, pictures, etc.) The Bananas reported that both games were sold out. The Bananas theatrical style offers an entertaining counterpoint to Yankee Stadium’s storied, tradition-rich vibe. For locals and visiting fans alike, it was an opportunity to see an alternative baseball experience inside an iconic ballpark. The contrast — comedic, fast-paced play against the Yankees’ historic backdrop- makes for memorable visuals and stories. Photos Courtesy of Lisa Farrington The stars were not just in the sky, but out on the field to play “Banana Ball” as well. Former Yankee Tino Martinez and NFL QB Russell Wilson suited up as Savannah Bananas for Sunday’s game. However, Banana Ball brings along its own local celebrities. Performers like Princess Potassia, a character who greets the crowd and leads them in singing "Yellow" at Savannah Bananas games, showed up. Not to be outdone, mascots Split of the Bananas and Party of the Party Animals were also there, up to their usual antics as well. Expected was the standard Yankee Stadium concessions and amenities; however, the Bananas’ presence brought themed food like the Banana Cream Pie Nachos, vanilla Mister Softee, banana cream filling, Nilla Wafers, whip cream and rainbow sprinkles served in a Yankee souvenir helmet for $11.99 plus tax and the Banana Foster Milkshake, vanilla shake, caramelized banana compote, caramel sauce, whip cream and banana chips served in a Yankee souvenir cup for $18.39 plus tax. Photos Courtesy of Lisa Farrington The Savannah Bananas make sure you get a full experience and your money's worth. After the game, the fun continued with a post-game Plaza Party at Heritage Field, South of Yankee Stadium, featuring cast and characters, but no players. This visit is a reminder that ballparks are more than stat lines and standings. Experiential teams like the Savannah Bananas extend baseball’s appeal by emphasizing fun, inclusion, and theatrics. Whether you’re a traditional-first fan or a seeker of quirky sports experiences, this game is worth attending for the memory alone. Photos Courtesy of Lisa Farrington