Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Fort Marcy Ballpark 490 Bishops Lodge Road Santa Fe, NM 87501 Map It! Santa Fe Fuego website Fort Marcy Ballpark website Year Opened: 1936/1947 Capacity: 1,100 Santa Fe Fuego The Santa Fe Fuego are members of the Pecos League, an Independent Baseball League. They joined the league in 2012 and won the championship in 2014. They came close in 2015, losing to their in-state rival, the Roswell Invaders. They play their games at historic Fort Marcy Ballpark in Santa Fe, NM. The facility was built in 1936; some park guides and documents state 1947 as its official opening or primary reopening date. The ballfield is part of the Fort Marcy Park and Recreation Complex, which has a swimming pool, racquetball, and other sports. The city park also features a dog area, a playground, shade-covered picnic benches, and walking trails. Food & Beverage 3 The Santa Fe Fuego sells the expected stadium fare at reasonable prices. The venue has one concession stand and a separate beer table on its concourse. Offerings include several burger, hot dog, and nacho options, with prices ranging from $4 to $8. The menu indicates that the choices with green chili (New Mexico is known for its green chili) are the fan favorites. Fans can upgrade and get a soda and chips with each meal for an additional $3, which is a pretty good deal. Snacks include popcorn, chips, candy, pickles, seeds, and peanuts. Canned beer choices are domestic beers, 7K IPA 9 (brewed by Santa Fe Brewing Company), Corona, and others. Atmosphere 3 The Santa Fe Fuego game day crew provides a pleasant evening of baseball. They have an excellent announcer who reads the lineup clearly and at a pace slow enough to jot down on your scorecard, a rarity at most ballparks where lineups are rattled off too quickly to record. The sound person plays some between-pitch ‘noise,’ but it’s not too bad. Sit beyond the covered grandstand to be away from the loudspeakers. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a pleasant view in left field, along with houses I’ll never be able to afford. Trees line the left and right fields, and a city park (Magers Field Park) is beyond center field. It’s all very pleasing to the eye. The seating area runs from inside first base to inside third base, and it is all cement with a grandstand roof. We recommend bringing a cushion or foldable chair (the team rents chairs for $5 if you forget yours). A chain link fence protects fans sitting behind home, but fans can move and see some ‘chain-free’ baseball closer to the bases. Within the grandstand, ‘box’ sections line the lowest level (closest to the field), where fans can sit with their chairs and be closer to the field. Fort Marcy Ballpark Grandstand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A dot matrix scoreboard showing the line score sits in center field. Trees serve as the batter’s eye. The outfield grass looks plush; the infield is worn in some spots. A mascot dressed as a dragon roams the stands. The team holds a 50/50 raffle with the proceeds going back to the players. Kids run the bases in the middle of the 4th inning. The Fuego players line up and give them high-fives as they exit the field. Pretty cool. Neighborhood 4 Fort Marcy Ballpark is less than a mile from downtown Santa Fe, which has plenty of activities, eateries, and places to stay. For things to do when in town, visit the New Mexico State Capitol Building, which has an abundance of art pieces (it’s almost like an art gallery). You can explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, stroll through the historic Santa Fe Plaza, or stop by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi with its beautiful stained glass and Romanesque Revival design. Sana Fe has many restaurants, bars, and breweries. Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill, Café Paqual’s, and Café Chimayo are some recommended local places near the ballpark. However, many more line the city streets. Santa Fe has several places for craft beer and cocktails; Desert Dog Brewery and Cidery and Second Street Brewery at the Railyard are worth a visit and are right near the plaza and downtown. And for something different, try Tumbleroot Pottery Pub (make your own work of clay art while enjoying an adult beverage). As a tourist town, Santa Fe has no shortage of hotels, ranging from 2‑star to 5‑star. The further you get from downtown, the more affordable they are. Check here for an accommodations list. The closest other summer sports are the Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB) and the New Mexico United (USLC), about an hour south of Santa Fe. Fans 2 The fans seem to enjoy themselves at a Fuego game. You’ll see families, kids, and retirees. At the game I attended, a couple of hundred fans were in the stands. Access 2 Driving to Fort Marcy Park is relatively easy, as you can bypass the downtown area. Parking is free and near the stadium. Santa Fe does have bus service, but it ends at 7:30 pm, so it's not an option for a Fuego game. The downfall is navigating the stadium and accessing the seating, as the setup isn’t at all accommodating for fans with mobility needs. The steps leading up to the entrance are rickety wooden ones with a wooden banister that’ll give you splinters if you hold on too tightly. There is a ramp on the far end of the parking lot, but it doesn’t look in good shape. Once inside, you’ll find the grandstand has steep cement steps, with handrails only at the far ends of the seating area and none in the middle. That said, there are half steps next to the handrails, making it a bit easier to descend and ascend, but it’s not easy for those uneasy on their feet. The restrooms and concessions stand are on the concourse just beyond the entrance. Return on Investment 3 The costs are low enough that most fans should find a Fuego game budget‑friendly. Parking is free. Tickets are $10 general admission. Rental chairs run $5. Concessions are reasonably priced. Some fans even park their vehicles in the parking lot above the third base side slope and watch for free. Extras 1 The Fuego stream their games via Meridix. Watching the streaming announcer (and listening if you sit close enough) is quite entertaining. Santa Fe Fuego Streaming Broadcaster, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Baseball fans visiting Santa Fe should try to catch a Fuego game during the May - July stretch. Just keep in mind that the ballpark can be tough to navigate if you use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or feel unsteady on your feet.

With the playoffs underway, Stadium Journey once again turns its attention to ranking the game-day experience at ECHL arenas. Our correspondents evaluated 28 of the league’s 30 venues—excluding Greensboro and Trois-Rivières—using the site’s FANFARE rating system. This system considers factors such as food and beverage, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, value, and more. The average FANFARE score for this year’s rankings list is 3.65 out of a possible 5.0. In cases where venues finished tied, a Stadium Journey council of elders was called upon to break the deadlock. It’s a unique approach to evaluating arenas, and one that’s sure to spark plenty of debate. We invite you to join the conversation on our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram. Without further ado, here are Stadium Journey’s 2025–2026 ECHL venue rankings. 1. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - Fort Wayne Komets 4.57 In the state of basketball, Fort Wayne is a hockey town. The fans have been faithful to this franchise across multiple leagues since the Komets came to town in 1952. The atmosphere in the building is electric with crowds hovering around 10,000 for weekend games, and loyal followers dress in the black and orange of the hockey club. Fort Wayne is among the best cities in the country for minor league hockey. 2. Kia Center - Orlando Solar Bears 4.43 The Kia Center is the home of the NBA Orlando Magic, but the Solar Bears make it their hockey palace during the ECHL season. The balcony seats are draped off, and the lower bowl becomes a hotbed of hockey fans in a state where palm trees are prevalent. The building is stunning; a vibrant and colorful concourse and lighting that extends to the main entrance lobby, to the unique arrangement of the court’s flooring – everything here is visually beautiful. 3. Huntington Center - Toledo Walleye 4.29 The Huntington Center has been a successful venture for the fans of the Toledo Walleye. The perfectly sized building is located downtown and offers patrons wide-open concourses, luxury seating, open views of the ice, and plenty of food and drink. The Walleye finished second in attendance in the league with an astonishing 8,000-plus average. 4. Indy Fuel - Fishers Event Center 4 The new state-of-the-art hockey arena for the Fuel in the suburbs of Indianapolis has been a hit with fans and players alike. The team has seen an increase in sell-outs, fans find it easy to pay for parking via an app, and grab-and-go food and beverage options make it easy for them to get back to the action on ice. The area around the arena also gives fans a place to visit before or after the game. 5. The Monument - Rapid City Rush 4 The seating area is U-shaped. There is no center-hung scoreboard allowing the passionate Rush fans the ability to see each other throughout the arena. A large, flat-screen video scoreboard is posted on the wall on the top end of the U and provides basic scoring stats and a visual broadcast of the game, along with replays. 6. Wings Event Center - Kalamazoo K-Wings 4 The Wings Event Center is one of those classic minor league hockey barns. It’s small, the concourses are narrow, it gets crowded during intermission, and the fans don’t hold back on their feelings. However, within a few years, the K-Wings will relocate to a new building, one that offers a lot more comfort and luxury. For a throwback to the team’s days in the old IHL, get to Kalamazoo sometime soon. 7. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena - Jacksonville Icemen 4 The Icemen have made a name for themselves since arriving from Evansville, Indiana, several years ago. The team finished number one in the league in average attendance with close to 9,200 fans per game this past season. Minor league hockey is thriving in the South. 8. Gas South Arena - Atlanta Gladiators 3.86 The Atlanta Gladiators are the only pro team in town and offer an affordable, family-friendly atmosphere. The arena offers stunning views of the ice, easy access to the seating bowl, and great food and beverage options for fans. It is a great night out with friends and family. 9. Tahoe Blue Event Center - Tahoe Knight Monsters 3.71 Undoubtedly, the most enduring gift the Tahoe Knight Monsters give this community is a sense of identity. This is largely a transient town, a place for seasonal residents, a destination for tourists and gaming enthusiasts. Yet the focal point of a team, a professional team, to compete, to cheer for, to wear the colors for, serves as a reminder for people looking to unite. 10. Idaho Central Arena - Idaho Steelheads 3.71 Do check out the delightful downtown Boise area for a fun-filled day. The Steelheads put on a good show, provide valuable sports entertainment, and it’s a rewarding place to watch and enjoy an ice hockey game. 11. Greenville Swamp Rabbits - Bon Securs Wellness Arena 3.71 The Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a better-than-average experience for almost every type of sports event or concert. The seating bowl offers excellent views of the action on the ice, and the center-hung videoboard constantly provides updated game stats and replays of the action on the ice. Seating is very comfortable. 12. Norfolk Scope - Norfolk Admirals 3.71 Although the Norfolk Scope is over 50 years old at this point, it is still going strong. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of newer arenas, hockey fans will definitely want to check out a Norfolk Admirals game here. If you walk into the seating area at the Norfolk Scope before warmups have begun, you will find the arena casked in a soft, blue glow. The full arena lights do not come on until the players come out for warmups. This creates an interesting first impression on fans arriving early. 13. Maine Mariners - Cross Insurance Arena 3.71 Cross Insurance Arena works well for hockey — its limitations don’t detract from the experience. The compact facility and amenities create a cozy, engaging hockey atmosphere. Larger arenas may impress with size and luxury, but that scale can dilute the energy, especially when seats go empty. Cross Insurance Arena’s smaller footprint concentrates the crowd, amplifies excitement, and keeps fans closely involved. 14. Maverik Center - Utah Grizzlies 3.71 The Utah Grizzlies have played their last season in Salt Lake City and will relocate to Trenton, New Jersey, for the upcoming season. The Grizz moved from Denver in 1995 when they were members of the IHL, then joined the AHL in 2001, and became members of the ECHL in 2005. However, after the Utah Mammoths of the NHL came to town, the 30-year history of the Grizzlies came to an end. It was the end of an era, but the Maverik Center was always a fine place for a hockey game. 15. Hertz Arena - Florida Everblades 3.57 The Everblades have been a fixture on the Gulf Coast for well over a quarter of a century. The team draws around 6,500 fans per game in a building that still maintains its charm after all of these years. The Everblades experience has improved with recent renovations to the video board and the concourse area. The seating bowl design offers a great view of the action, no matter where you sit in the building. 16. Enmarket Arena - Savannah Ghost Pirates 3.57 While Savannah is known for its preservation efforts in its large Historic District, Enmarket Arena is a decidedly modern facility. The front of the arena is almost all glass, allowing natural light to filter into the entrance lobby of the facility. Fans can quickly access the Ghost Pirates team store, which is filled with plenty of swashbuckling hockey gear. 17. Cable Dahmer Arena - Kansas City Mavericks 3.57 Cable Dahmer offers an above-average experience for the ECHL. The arena feels sleek and new and has nice selections available at the concessions. Independence also has plenty to do after the game and is close to Kansas City if it’s not enough. If you’re looking for an NHL experience on a budget, a Mavericks game is well worth it. 18. BOK Center - Tulsa Oilers 3.57 This venue, the BOK Center, is more than just an ECHL venue. It is a place for entertainment, from fan excitement to the action on the ice. When it comes to atmosphere, fun is the most important thing. The BOK has nailed this aspect of the sports experience. A real effort is made to sell team merchandise and get fans involved in promotions with huge booths 19. North Charleston Coliseum - South Carolina Stingrays 3.43 The South Carolina Stingrays are a solid organization that brings many of the northern transplants to the Charleston area regularly to enjoy a night of great hockey. The North Charleston Coliseum is the longtime home for Stingrays hockey. It provides easy access to the major interstates in the Charleston area. 20. Xtream Arena - Iowa Heartlanders 3.43 The Xtream Arena offers great vantage points throughout the building, concessions are spread in many parts of the concourse, and there is plenty of in-game entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the game in between periods. The hockey team voluntarily suspended operations for the upcoming season with plans to restructure and return in the future. 21. WesBanco Arena - Wheeling Nailers 3.43 Wheeling, West Virginia, has been the home of minor league hockey for 30 years, and the Nailers have been part of much of that history. The building is small, boxy, and ideal for hockey at this level. The atmosphere comes alive with packed crowds, throngs of fans visiting neighboring restaurants and pubs, and plenty of cheering from the stands. 22. Santander Arena - Reading Royals 3.43 When asked to name a professional hockey team in Pennsylvania, almost everyone would name either the Philadelphia Flyers or the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although Reading may not be the most desirable city to visit in the state, and in fact may be towards the bottom of the list, a trip to see the Royals at Santander Arena is reason enough to come to town. 23. INTRUST Bank Arena - Wichita Thunder 3.43 If travel takes you to Wichita in the fall or winter, or if you live in the area and you like hockey, a visit to a Thunder game is a worthwhile entertainment choice. Downtown Wichita is a walkable city and has several hotels, museums, restaurants, and a variety of other tourist attractions. 24. DCU Center - Worcester Railers 3.29 The DCU Center is a solid if unspectacular place to catch some quality minor league hockey. Recent years have seen the city of Worcester raise its profile in the sporting world by courting the Pawtucket Red Sox to the city. *Editor's Note: The story previously identified the home of the Railers as the Worcester Ice Center. 25. Cooling Insurance Arena - Adirondack Thunder 3.29 The GFCC is a great old hockey barn, and having a stable tenant occupying the building should go a long way toward ensuring a successful franchise after so many years of uncertainty. The team has stepped up its community presence, and the organization is beginning to understand that it will take increased effort to bring local hockey fans back to the Glens Falls Civic Center. 26. Heritage Bank Center - Cincinnati Cyclones 3.29 The arena is in need of a huge makeover, but there are no complaints that it’s a perfect place to watch a hockey game. The 51-year-old building was made for hockey and offers great views from the seating bowl. However, the narrow concourses are a reminder of buildings of that era, but cheap tickets and parking make it worth your while in Cincinnati. 27. Credit Union of Texas Event Center - Allen Americans 3.14 The Allen Event Center is a respectable venue in which to watch an ECHL game. It has above-average food choices, is in the midst of an outdoor shopping mall, and has hotels within walking distance. And the team wins. Check it out if in the area north of Dallas. 28. Grossinger Motors Arena - Bloomington Bison 2.57 This is the first year for the ECHL club (2024-25). Other hockey teams have failed here. I hope this one can make it because the arena is a nice place to see a game, and you could be seeing the stars of tomorrow. Being an ECHL team, some players and coaches may graduate to the AHL and NHL. NG. Colisée Vidéotron - Trois-Rivières Lions Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Colisée Vidéotron. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us. NG. First Horizon Coliseum - Greensboro Gargoyles Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the First Horizon Coliseum. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cool Insuring Arena 1 Civic Center Plaza Glens Falls, NY 12801 Adirondack Thunder website Cool Insuring Arena website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 4,744 Third League’s a Charm? Surely you will understand if the hockey fans of the upstate New York town of Glens Falls have become somewhat jaded. This small town of 14,700 residents built an arena in 1979 to house the top farm team of the Detroit Red Wings. After 20 years and four Calder Cup Championships, the Red Wings folded the team and moved their affiliation to Grand Rapids. The United Hockey League’s Adirondack IceHawks (later renamed the Frostbite) moved into the Civic Center in 2000. The Frostbite suspended operations in 2006, and it looked like the Civic Center had seen the end of professional hockey in Glens Falls. The city and arena got a second chance when the Philadelphia Flyers, looking for a temporary home for their American Hockey League Phantoms, placed the team in Glens Falls in 2009. What was originally planned to be a two-year stay in New York turned into five seasons. The overwhelming support given to the Phantoms by Glens Falls made the city a legitimate option for teams looking for a minor league home. The Calgary Flames stepped in with their AHL affiliate for the 2014-2015 season. The Flames signed a three-year agreement with the Civic Center, but from day one, there were rumors that the Flames would be part of a group of Western Conference teams that would move their affiliates to a new, Pacific Division of the AHL. This Pacific Division became a reality for the 2015-2016 season, leaving the Glens Falls Civic Center once again without an AHL tenant. Luckily, the building did not go without a team for long. The Flames placed their ECHL team in Glens Falls, christening them the Adirondack Thunder. With the Flames organization’s dismal track record in keeping their farm teams in one place for any significant period, only time will tell if Glens Falls third different minor league will have any staying power. So far, Adirondack hockey fans appear to be taking a ‘wait and see’ approach. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are set up in each corner of the arena, with each stand featuring a different theme (Pie in the Sky Pizza, Hot Dog Nation, Black Angus, and Fresh Classics). The menus don’t stray very far from your typical arena fare, and the prices are typical for this level of hockey. You won’t get any gourmet offerings here, but you also won’t need to take out a mortgage to feed yourself at a Flames game, either. There is a decent selection of beers available in bottles at the main stands and draft stands located throughout the concourse. Bud Light, Shock Top, Stella Artois, Labatt’s, and craft brews from local favorite Davidson Brothers can all be found here. Prices start at eight dollars. Thunder fans seeking non-alcoholic beverages can choose from various Pepsi products. Davidson Brothers also operates a pub in Heritage Hall, located underneath the stands during game nights. The Birch room, also located in Heritage Hall, offers a space for birthday parties, events, and buffet-style meals for fans before Friday and Saturday night games. The Ice Lounge, located here, offers discounted drink specials to season ticket holders. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Thunder meant the exit of the classic flaming “A” logo sported by the Adirondack Flames. Fans looking for Thunder merchandise will find a small area of the lobby set aside for sales of the new squad’s gear. Atmosphere 3 The Glens Falls Civic Center has a wonderful old-school feel to it. Part of that feeling is because the arena lacks many of the modern amenities that so many of the newer rinks possess. The center scoreboard is the old dot-matrix style of unit, and two large video screens hang in opposite corners of the rink. One of the highlights of attending a game at the Glens Falls Civic Center in the past was the noise and excitement generated in the old barn. While very little has changed in the game day presentation from the days of the Phantoms and Flames, the atmosphere at the GFCC feels very different this year (2015-2016). While there are still some old-school fans who try to make their presence felt with their non-stop heckling of the opposing team and officials, for the most part, fans seem quieter and more subdued than in years past. Perhaps with some on-ice success and continued presence in the community, the team can regain the support of Glens Falls hockey fans. The Thunder employs a mascot, Gunnar, who isn’t too much of a presence during the game, and an ice crew that also takes some time to throw t-shirts into the crowd. The team offers 50/50 raffles and jersey raffles to benefit local charities. Overall, the Glens Falls Civic Center and the Thunder put on a very family-friendly event. Neighborhood 4 The Civic Center is located right on the edge of downtown and is easy to get to from all parts of Glens Falls. I know what you may be thinking: what kind of downtown can there be in a town of 15,000? Despite the city’s small size, there are a surprising number of places to eat within walking distance of the Civic Center. Local establishments such as Dango’s, Davidson Brothers, Sandy’s Clam Bar, Sully’s West, and O’Toole’s Pub all attract Adirondack hockey fans before and after games. Fans who visit Glens Falls during hockey season may choose to travel a couple of hours north to the ski areas of the Adirondacks. Hockey historians will be drawn to Lake Placid, home of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” During the summer months, the nearby village of Lake George is a popular tourist attraction. Fans 2 Adirondack is averaging a shade over 2,400 fans per game two-thirds through their inaugural season in the ECHL, which ranks them 27th out of the 28 teams in the league. This mark also represents a decrease of 33 percent from their attendance in their final AHL season. Fans in this region are passionate and knowledgeable about their teams, so there is hope that they will return to the GFCC. Some fans at the Civic Center may be a little too loud and vulgar, but their passion is contagious throughout the building. Many fans choose to stand along the railing at the top of the seating bowl throughout the game. With the steep pitch of the stands, it’s a great vantage point from which to take in the game. Access 4 The Glens Falls Civic Center is located in downtown Glens Falls, just a couple of miles from Interstate 87, at the intersections of Routes 9 and 32. While the Greater Glens Falls Transit Company has several routes that serve downtown, most fans drive to the Civic Center for games. There are numerous lots within walking distance of the arena, most charging under $10. There are also many options for on-street parking nearby for fans who arrive early. There isn’t a whole lot of room to maneuver once inside the Civic Center. There is a small entry lobby that contains a concession stand, the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame. Pass through two sets of doors, and you will enter the top of the sharply-pitched seating bowl. There is a single concourse that circles the top of the seating bowl. This walkway can become quite crowded at times, but crowds move around without too much backup. There are restrooms located underneath the seating area, which are accessible by stairs at all four corners of the building. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Adirondack Thunder games range in price from $15-$27, which is a small increase over prices charged last year. Purchasing your tickets on game day will cost you an extra two dollars. Youth tickets can be purchased for $13 and $15 on game days. Since charging more money for a lower level of hockey may not be the best business strategy, the Thunder have come up with some ways for fans to save some money. Buy one get one deal and reduced ticket specials on selected games have been instituted. Factor in inexpensive parking and concessions, and the Adirondack Thunder continue to be an affordable entertainment option for local hockey fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded to the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame and the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, which are both located on the concourse outside of the seating bowl. Another extra point is awarded for the Calder Cup Championship Banners still hanging from the rafters of the Civic Center, 15 years after the Red Wings left town. Final Thoughts Adirondack hockey fans have been slow to embrace the Thunder and AA hockey after many years in the AHL. The team has stepped up its community presence and the organization is beginning to understand that it will take increased effort to bring local hockey fans back to the Glens Falls Civic Center. The GFCC is a great old hockey barn, and having a stable tenant occupying the building should go a long way toward ensuring a successful franchise after so many years of uncertainty. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Joe Molski and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Heritage Bank Center 100 Broadway St Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Cyclones website Heritage Bank Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 14,453 A Cyclone Along the Banks of the Ohio River Sitting right along the banks of the mighty Ohio River is the Heritage Bank Center. It opened in September 1975 as the Riverfront Coliseum; the indoor arena sits next to Great American Ballpark in downtown Cincinnati. The arena has a capacity of 17,556, and the most current renovations took place in 1997 and cost $14.7 million. The main tenant is the Cincinnati Cyclones, but the building has played host to numerous events. The Crosstown Shootout, Conference USA men’s basketball tournament, NCAA men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments, NCAA Frozen Four, concerts, and the World Choir Games in 2012. The originally planned tenant for the brand-new arena was supposed to be an NHL franchise. A group headed by Bill DeWitt, Jr. attempted to lure a team to the building but was rejected. Cincinnati would place an expansion franchise in the World Hockey Association and call it the Stingers; the team would play from 1975-1979 and feature future NHL Hall of Famers Mike Gartner and Mark Messier, both baby-faced teenagers at the time. Cincinnati was denied again when the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979. The Stingers played one more year in the minor-league Central Hockey League before folding after 33 games during the 1979/80 season. There have been three separate Cyclones franchises that began with the expansion club in 1990 in the East Coast Hockey League. The club jumped up a level to the International Hockey League in 1992 but folded with the league in 2001. The current club rejoined the ECHL the following season and, except the 2004-2006 seasons, have been mainstays at the Heritage Bank Center. Food & Beverage 2 A detail that has been overlooked by ownership is the concession areas. Many of the same food stands remain from when I visited this arena as a kid several years ago. The signage is outdated and could use an upgrade. Most were open, but a few on the short ends of the rink were closed. This particular night happened to be a $1 beer night, so long lines at stands were dedicated only to alcohol sales. You could get anything from moonshine to a cocktail. Beers included were Miller Lite, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, PBR, and other local breweries like 50 West. Wine in a can and also tropical mocktails were available at one vendor. There were classic brands of the area that included Donatos Pizza, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Skyline Chili. They offered the typical concession stand food, minus hot dogs, which I found interesting. Pizza by the slice is $4.50, and a burger/chicken finger combo is $8.50. RC Cola products are available at the concessions. The best deal is the $10 bottomless popcorn, which you could easily make your money’s worth. Atmosphere 4 The building’s cramped concourse was the main reason why the atmosphere was not awarded 5 points. The hallways are very narrow, which was a sign of the times when the arena was constructed. They were enlarged during the 1997 renovations, but they will have to be expanded again at some point to make it easier to navigate for visitors. Outside of this, the atmosphere was incredible. The Cyclones have a fantastic pregame player introduction and one of the better ones in the ECHL. An anthem from a local high school got a tremendous roar from the crowd. A great noise was only subdued by an early visitors’ goal against the run of play. After this, the crowd started to get back into the game with some shots from the home team. Cheering and chants during the game made it feel like a playoff game, not an early-season Thursday night tilt. Bringing your dogs to the ice was also part of the promotion tonight. Many dog-themed snacks and treats around the stadium for the furry friends. Barking could be heard throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 While it is downtown, it is quite a walk from the bustling Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods. The stadium sits next to Great American Ballpark and is within walkable distance of The Banks and northern Kentucky. Plenty of spots to eat at the Banks, like Holy Grail and Condado tacos. There are many breweries, and one of my favorite pizza spots, Dewey’s Pizza across the river at Newport on the Levee. Cold Stone Creamery is also just across the river. Fans 4 Nothing beats the promotions served up by minor league hockey teams, and tonight was Pucks for Pugs. Dog owners could bring their best friends to the game. The sounds of the barking dogs added to that unique atmosphere of the night. Fans were excited at the start with a terrific pre-game show on the ice and followed by player introductions to hype up the crowd. An early goal from visitors took a lot out of the fans, but a solid performance and win cured all blues. Thanks to the terrific Cyclones App – I got a free hat just from downloading it onto my phone. There is also a lot of gear available to purchase at the game. You could see a lot of hometown sweaters, some from The Avengers and Spongebob Square Pants-themed nights (another minor league hockey promotion). One thing to note, earlier in the day, a trade sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights from the Buffalo Sabres. I found an Eichel sweater in the stands. Access 3 The parking garage is attached to the arena and charged $10. There are a couple of outside lots around the stadium that are also for $10. You could also park in northern Kentucky and walk across the Purple People’s Bridge to get to the stadium and take in the beautiful Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. The narrow hallways around the concourse are a negative aspect of the arena, especially during COVID times. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $20 for a game, and you might not spend more than $35 total. The parking for $10 may seem steep, but you are only about 100 feet from the arena. The game was of high quality. Multiple goals, hits, and fights meant plenty of action. The food was reasonably priced, and the beer was $1. These are hard to beat. Extras 3 Head Coach Jason Payne is the only African-American ice hockey head coach in all professional hockey. The All-Access Bar & Grill is located on the 5th floor (Suite Level) of the arena but was closed during our visit. When operational, fans get a marvelous birdseye view of the ice along with a full-service bar and restaurant. Final Thoughts The arena is perfect for ice hockey, but it does need some care on the concourses and outside. The game was entertaining, and the food and drinks were reasonably priced. The Cyclones market their games for anyone, and I think anyone would have a great night at Heritage Bank Center.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Lancaster Municipal Stadium 45116 Valley Central Way Lancaster, CA 93536 Map It! AV Alta FC website Lancaster Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 (as baseball), 2024 (as soccer) Capacity: 5,300 Antelope Valley Fútbol Lancaster Municipal Stadium was a great little baseball ballpark when the Lancaster JetHawks were in the California League. Then in 2021, Major League Baseball completed a historic, major overhaul of the minor leagues, which eliminated 40 affiliates. The JetHawks were one of those eliminated. In 2023, the city of Lancaster and USL League One approved plans to convert the baseball stadium into a soccer-specific venue to house the expansion team AV Alta FC. And, what a marvelous job they did! So now, instead of being a great little ballpark, it’s a fantastic soccer (fútbol) stadium for the fans, players, and the community. The name AV Alta FC is derived from the region's nickname, aerospace history, and geographical elevation: AV: Stands for the Antelope Valley, the region in Southern California where the team is based. Alta: From the Latin word for "elevated", represents three things: the region's location in the High Desert, its deep roots in the aerospace industry, and Alta California, the name of the region before California became a state. The team made its inaugural regular-season home opener on April 5, 2025, to a sold-out crowd, and something great began brewing in Antelope Valley! Food & Beverage 3 Concession outlets line the inner concourse, while food trucks enhance the selection. The concession stands offer chicken tenders and fries, asada fries, chicken and asada tacos, nachos, and hot dogs (ranging from $8 - $13). For snacks, pretzels, churros, Dippin’ Dots, regular fries, and candy are for sale. Cocktails and beer run from $8 - $19. Pepsi products, non-alcoholic beer, water, and coffee/hot chocolate cost between $5 - $8. Mi Ranchito Mexican Grill is a very popular food truck behind the goal on what was once the first base side (the south end of the venue). Chick-fil-A and various other food trucks offer their wares in the Fan Village. The best place to get a beer is Bravery Brewing Co at the end of the grandstand. It sells cans of not only Bravery Brewing beers (the Kolsch is delicious), but also Corona, Estrella, Michelob Ultra, and more. Bravery Brewing even brews a special Cerveza Alta Mexican Lager as the official beer of AV Alta FC. Bravery Brewing at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey All in all, a good selection of food and drinks for any fútbol fan. Atmosphere 5 Attending a match here ranks among the most entertaining things to do in the Antelope Valley, from Palmdale to Lancaster and beyond. The transformation into a soccer‑specific venue is immediately noticeable. The grandstand, press box, scoreboard, and batter’s eye remain, but everything has been refreshed in the club’s Joshua green and desert sand color scheme. Upgrades include a premium seating area at midfield with new padded chairs, a club bar offering complimentary tapas and a soda, and a full cash bar. The renovations included the installation of The Green Wall (the 661 Supporters Group stands) providing seven or eight covered standing-only rows, creating a lively atmosphere. On the east side, a Chick-fil-A Family Stand boasts four sections of seven or eight rows of fold-down seating with handrails for easier access. These stands face the sun for the early portion of the match. A new Fan Village sits just behind the Chick‑fil‑A stands, providing space for food trucks, sponsor tables, and a wide, open concourse where kids have plenty of room to move around and play. Lastly, the field itself received a major upgrade, with a FIFA‑quality artificial turf pitch and new LED lighting. The lights flash in celebration after an AV Alta FC goal, adding more fun to the match‑day experience. AV Alta FC Goal Celebration! What makes soccer wonderful is that the match unfolds without a soundtrack; the cheers and reactions of the crowd become the music during match action. The announcer delivers calls with clarity, handling lineups, yellow cards, corner kicks, goals, substitutions, and extra time perfectly. Neighborhood 4 Lancaster is a respectable city to visit, and while no night life is walking distance to the stadium, there is plenty to see and do in and around town. A few regional fast food restaurants are nearby, with In-N-Out being the most popular choice, but don’t shun El Pollo Loco, which originated in Los Angeles.  Lancaster Marketplace is less than ½ mile south of the stadium and provides dining, shopping, and services. If you are looking for a few local options, drive the two miles downtown to the BLVD. In this tree-lined block, visitors can find a collection of ethnic cuisine, including On The Blvd Brooklyn Deli, Lucky Luke Brewpub, El Kachimbon Salvadorian Restaurant, Olive's Mediterranean Café, and so much more. The BLVD has the MOAH (Museum of Arts and History), Lancaster Performing Arts Center, and a Regency movie theater for cultural entertainment, and there’s often some kind of event in the downtown area. Craft beer lovers will enjoy Bravery Brewery (about 5 miles from the stadium), providing a wide variety of excellent brews. And, when in Lancaster, one must drive over the Musical Road at least once. Closer to the stadium, an IMAX movie theater is nearby (just across Valley Central Way). A Homewood Suites and a Hampton Inn are right across the street from the parking entrance. Just across Highway 14 is a Wyndham Garden. So, plenty of places are available within a ½ mile for those spending the night. Fans 3 The fans who attend AV Alta FC matches are a huge part of the cub’s success. The 661 Supporters Group stands and sings, chants, cheers, waves flags and scarves, plays drums and other instruments throughout the entire match. They even have a pregame tailgate in the parking lot. The other fans react similarly with good plays, and groan at missed opportunities. The fanbase tends to be a young crowd and includes families and plenty of kids, giving the match a lively, community‑oriented feel. Access 4 Reaching the stadium is not difficult, as it sits right off State Highway 14. Currently, the city is performing road construction on the highway, so be cognizant of that when arriving and leaving. Better yet, the team offers AV Alta Express bus service to the match from both Palmdale and Lancaster. For fans flying in, the closest commercial airports are Hollywood Burbank Airport - BUR (60 miles) and Los Angeles International Airport - LAX (75 miles). Once on site, plenty of parking is available. Advance parking is $10, while game day parking is $15. The venue allows clear bags up to 14” x 14” x 6”. The layout is entirely flat (except for the seating), so fans can move comfortably without encountering steps. Accessible seating is readily available for those who need it. The venue has several restroom areas, though the women’s facilities get messy by the end of the match. I’m not sure about the men’s. Return on Investment 5 Attending an AV Alta FC match is absolutely worth your sports entertainment budget. It’s a marvelous, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming way to spend a few hours, with an atmosphere that feels both lively and community driven. Tickets typically range from $17–$65, and you can save a few dollars by paying for parking in advance or skipping it altogether by taking the bus. The club also offers group rates, mini‑plans, and theme nights, all of which add even more value to the experience. Concession prices are reasonable, especially compared to what you’d pay at an LA Galaxy or LAFC match. It’s such a fun, engaging night out that I encourage everyone to experience at least one match. AV Alta FC Match Action, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Extras 3 During the evening of my visit, every single AV Alta FC staff member I interacted with made me feel so welcome, as if they were delighted I visited. This greeting extended across parking, security, concessions, and guest services. I wish I lived closer so I could attend more matches. The merchandise store has plenty of Joshua green and desert brown jerseys, caps, t-shirts, scarves, and even lapel pins! The players even sign autographs at the end of the match, adding a personal touch. Final Thoughts Every detail at an AV Alta FC match contributes to a welcoming, entertaining night out. With clear announcing, a vibrant crowd, and a venue that now feels purpose‑built for the sport, this is a club that has quickly become one of the region’s standout experiences.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 EagleBank Arena 4500 Patriot Cir Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website EagleBank Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 10,000 Patriot Games EagleBank Arena, home of the George Mason Patriots basketball team, is located in Fairfax, Va. in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. The 10,000-seat arena opened in 1985 and has played home to Mason ever since. George Mason’s high point came in 2006 when they made a Cinderella run to the Final Four as an 11-seed, knocking off top seed UConn along the way, but they have struggled to return to anywhere near that form ever since. George Mason was a founding member of the Colonial Athletic Association but moved to the Atlantic 10 in 2013, where they have remained ever since. Food & Beverage 5 EagleBank Arena has a wide selection of food and drinks at various stands scattered around the concourse. However, the prices are quite expensive. Basic items include chicken tenders ($15), cheeseburgers ($14, or $15 with bacon), crispy chicken sandwiches ($14), the vegetarian Beyond Burger ($16), and nachos ($9, with salsa cheese, and jalapeños). Several specialty burgers are also available for $16 each. The Southwest Burger comes with bacon, fried avocado, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli. The Wrangler comes with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce. The Patty Melt comes with onion strings and cheese on Texas toast. All come with fries. There are a wide range of snacks as well, including candy, chips, cookies, brownies, mini corn dogs, and hot pretzels. Alcoholic beverages are available for those of age, with beer costing $13 and wine $12. Soda and bottled water are also available. . Atmosphere 4 Every seat in EagleBank arena is a chairback, in alternating green and gold sections reflecting the school’s colors. There is a videoboard above center court which also shows the score and time as well as team fouls and timeouts. Unfortunately, 10,000 seats is far too large for EagleBank Arena, which rarely comes close to selling out. Some seats in the corners are covered by advertising signs, but there are still many empty seats, especially in the upper rows. This is not a good look for the school and really detracts from the atmosphere. The good news is that the school makes a good effort to keep fans engaged. There is a pep band called Doc Nix and the Green Machine which is among the best in the country. They bring music and energy to the arena for the whole game. Band director Michael Nickens (aka Doc Nix) is an impressive figure known for his audacious outfits, which often include sunglasses, audaciously colored suits, and a scepter. The band not only plays music but sings with a synthesizer and the drums are encircled by green lights making it not only a sound to behold but a sight as well. There are also cheerleaders and a dance team who entertain the fans during the breaks. Mason’s mascot is known only as The Patriot and is a costumed character who dresses in traditional colonial garb, which is of course colored gold and green. The cheerleaders throw t-shirts into the crowd after every Mason three-point basket. Ultimately, the team and especially the band do their best to make this a great atmosphere, but it’s really hurt by the large size of the arena. Game Action Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the 29 Diner in the City of Fairfax is a local favorite, as is Capital Ale House. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 3 Although Mason fans rarely come close to filling the arena, they can still make the place loud at times. After big plays, the crowd can get quite loud but there is rarely the sustained noise you see at the top arenas in the country. The cavernous nature of the arena does cut down on the sound somewhat, but this isn’t really the fans’ fault. Mason draws several thousand fans a game, but in a 10,000-seat arena, that doesn't feel like much. Mason does have a student section, but other than the band, they don’t seem that into it. This is disappointing as the students are typically among the most passionate fans at any college venue. Access 4 EagleBank Arena is located on Mason’s main campus just off Braddock Road and about six miles from the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495.) There is ample free parking in the lots surrounding the arena, including handicap parking for those who require it. Keep in mind if you’re traveling to a weeknight game, you will probably run into rush hour traffic, which is notoriously bad in this area. Be sure to allow a lot of extra time if that’s the case. Unlike the other arenas in the D.C. area, EagleBank Arena is not easily Metro-accessible. Despite having the school’s name in its title, the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line is about five miles away from George Mason. If you must go that route, you will need to either take a 15-minute taxi ride from the station or take a shuttle that will let you off in the center of campus, a 10-minute walk from the arena. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station despite the name, as it serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, nowhere near the arena. Getting out of the parking lot after a game can be tricky due to pedestrians seeming to walk anywhere and everywhere. Traffic can also get backed up getting onto Braddock Road, but this can be partially avoided by heading back towards the center of campus and then exiting onto one of the other side streets. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 for seats in the top few rows and some behind the basket to $50 for seats in the front few rows. This is about average for the Atlantic 10. However, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so expect to pay far more than listed price due to fees. It’s always annoying to see seats available for $10 each and then end up paying almost twice that due to outrageous fees. Concessions can also be quite pricey and can cost more than the game ticket itself, which drives down the score here significantly. Extras 4 Doc Nix and the Green Machine deserve an extra star, as well as they, are among the best in the nation. There is a Final Four banner behind one of the baskets honoring Mason’s 2006 miracle run. Before each game, the George Mason lineup is introduced as green and gold spotlights streak across the court. This helps get the crowd hyped up for the game. A fourth and final star for the murals on the concourse honoring George Mason basketball history. Pregame light show Final Thoughts Although George Mason rose to prominence after their Final Four run in 2006, almost two decades later they have failed to regain much of their former glory. The end result is a 10,000-seat arena that is over half empty most games and a whole lot of empty seats. Although Mason has one of the best pep bands in the country, and the fans who do show up are passionate for the most part, the team ought to be doing more to encourage fans to come to games so the place isn’t as empty as it is. Ticketmaster fees and high concession prices don't help matters either. The team does seem to be on the rise the last couple of years, and hopefully that continues and George Mason basketball can return to its former glory.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Growden Memorial Field 207 Wilbur St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Alaska Goldpanners website Growden Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 3,500 The Midnight Sun Game The Midnight Sun Game began in 1906 as the result of a debate between miners in a pair of bars in Fairbanks, Alaska. The subject of the debate – whether a baseball game could successfully be played at midnight without the use of artificial light. The result – “The High Noon at Midnight Classic.” The game lives on today, 120 years later as The Midnight Sun Game. Since the city of Fairbanks is located just 160 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the sun only briefly dips below the horizon on the summer solstice. Darkness never truly arrives, allowing this unique baseball game to proceed without the use of any type of artificial lighting. The Alaska Goldpanners, an independent summer collegiate baseball team, have hosted this annual game since their inception in 1960. Given their status as an independent team, a new opponent visits every year. International teams from Japan (in 1967) and Taiwan (in 1984) have played in the Midnight Sun Game. Hall-of-Famers including Dave Winfield and Tom Seaver have played in the game. Growden Field, the home ballpark of the Goldpanners, serves as host to the Midnight Sun Game every year. With a regular capacity of 1,900, expanded to 3,500 for this game, the ballpark has seen in excess of 5,000 fans descend on this Alaska city for the event. Growden Field was originally named Memorial Field but was renamed in honor of James Growden and his two sons, who perished in the tsunami created by the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964. Growden had been active in supporting youth sports in Fairbanks throughout his life. The ballpark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Approaching Growden Field Before the Midnight Sun Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 There is one main concession stand at Growden Field, which serves up basic ballpark fare, including hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices and nachos. There is a decent selection of snacks to augment the menu, including all the expected favorites such as popcorn, pretzels and even Frito Pie. The team also sells ice cream sundaes in plastic mini-helmets. The quality is good and the prices are decent. For the giant crowds here at the Midnight Sun Game, an auxiliary stand is opened that sells drinks, snacks and ice cream treats. Coca-Cola products are featured at Growden Field. New for 2026 are a pair of beer gardens located on either side of the grandstand, featuring a good selection of beer and other adult beverages. Fans of craft beers will find selections from local favorites Hoo Doo Brewing. Atmosphere 5 The special atmosphere for the Midnight Sun Game begins even as you approach Growden Field. Fans arrive several hours before the game to grab the best seats, and you can hear the band playing on the concourse as you enter the ballpark. The buzz around the field is evident as you walk around the facility. Fans are everywhere, and from everywhere. Before the game, a jazz band performs oldies from the stands. For the 2026 game, a video board with replay capability was installed, a first for the game. The game itself has some traditions that have developed in tandem with the Goldpanners’ usual in-game promotions. Several F-35 jets from nearby Eielson Air Force Base perform a flyover before the game. When midnight strikes, the game is stopped and the Sweet Adelines sing the Alaska Flag Song. For the seventh inning stretch, the Goldpanners’ mascot, Happy Boy, takes the field to the song “Happy Boy” by the Beat Farmers. The stands take on a festival atmosphere, as the fans come to have a great time. Beach balls bounce around the stands, and despite the tight quarters, everyone is friendly and ready to strike up a conversation with their new neighbors. It’s the best of small-town Alaska in a nutshell. Neighborhood 3 Growden Memorial Field is part of a much larger municipal park situated in downtown Fairbanks. Also located in the park is a skate park, four Pony baseball fields, a youth softball field, volleyball courts, a playground and a picnic area. The city of Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska, with a population of over 32,500. Growden Park’s centralized location in the city puts it close to many points of interest, the airport, the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and even the Santa Claus House in nearby North Pole. While nothing is in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark except for a few fast-food restaurants, all points in the city are easily accessible by car. Fans looking for the closest lodging choices near the ballpark should check out the Comfort Inn. Fans 5 As you would imagine, an event such as this, which has taken on international notoriety, will draw great crowds, even given Fairbanks’ remote location. Stadium Journey attended the 2026 game, which was no exception. The game regularly draws baseball fans from all over the United States and the world. The team brags that this game regularly draws fans from over 40 states and multiple countries. The 2026 game was no exception, as an estimated 4,000 fans descended on Growden Field to be a part of the spectacle. And the fans are exactly what you’d expect from an Alaskan crowd. They are friendly, polite, and here to have a great time. There’s a positive, energetic and family-friendly vibe coming from every corner of the ballpark. Access 3 Growden Field is located in the larger Growden Park, about two miles from downtown Fairbanks. It’s easy to get to from all points in the city, as it is located just off of Airport Way and Johansson Expressway, two of the busier roads in the city. Alaska State Highway 3, which runs south to Denali National Park and Anchorage, is about two and one half miles west of the ballpark. Plenty of parking is available in an unpaved lot adjacent to the ball field., as well as on the surrounding streets and at the neighboring Carlson Center. For fans taking public transportation, the MACS (Metropolitan Area Commuter System) blue route has a stop right in front of Growden Field, at the corner of Wilbur St. and 2nd Ave. One thing to remember if visiting Growden Field for the Midnight Sun Game is that this park welcomes a much bigger crowd for this event than usual. Expect lines for everything. Lines to get into the game, lines for concessions, lines for merchandise. A big drawback to the facility is the lack of facilities. However, the Goldpanners come prepared, and there are port-a-johns everywhere. There are so many, in fact, that lines are not an issue, even during peak use. The seating at Growden Field is a hodge-podge of different sections that appear to have gone up over the years. Some seats are plastic stadium seats, with the majority of seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is a section of Green Monster-style bar seats on the first base side of the ballpark. For the Midnight Sun Game, extra sections are brought in. Seats on the third base line are preferred as the sun will be at your back, not directly in your face. Return on Investment 3 As you can imagine, tickets are priced at a premium for the Midnight Sun Game. Reserved seats are priced at $95, with general admission tickets priced at $45. Parking is free, and concession prices are affordable. The team puts out event-specific souvenirs, including t-shirts, programs and more, and kudos to the Goldpanners for not gouging fans for parking and food for this special event. Prices stay the same as every other Goldpanners game. Extras 5 There are so many special things going on during the Midnight Sun Game that a maximum score is all but guaranteed in this category. From event-specific merchandise (including free programs and special tickets) to the traditions of the game, the Midnight Sun Game is as much event as it is baseball game. Attracting fans from all over the United States and beyond, this game has been broadcast on ESPN and internationally. The Goldpanners display banners honoring their most famous alumni around the ballpark. Among the honorees are Terry Francona, Alvin Davis, Harold Reynolds, Dave Kingman and Barry Bonds. A statue of Dave Winfield, one of two baseball Hall of Famers to play for the Goldpanners, is located in a small plaza across the street from Growden Field. Winfield is beloved around town for not only his play, but the way he embraced the Fairbanks community not only during his days here, but afterwards throughout his Major League career and beyond. Final Thoughts A game that started as a bar bet has become a Bucket List item for thousands of baseball fans around the world. Fairbanks may be far off the beaten path, but for one night (and morning) it’s the center of the baseball universe. As they say here in Fairbanks, We’ll leave the sun on for you. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI. The Sun Sets at Midnight Behind Growden Field. Photo by Paul Baker.

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Mike Callas Stadium at North Hagerstown High School 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21742 Mike Callas Stadium at North Hagerstown High School website Hub City FC website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,200 Your Soccer Hub in Hagerstown Hub City FC is a low-level semi-professional soccer team in Hagerstown, Maryland, competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The name is a homage to a nickname of the city of Hagerstown. Unofficially, Hub City FC is nicknamed The Black Roses, symbolizing the team's passion and commitment to the city and fans. In the team's inaugural 2026 season, Hub City plays its home games at Mike Callas Stadium on the campus of North Hagerstown High School, a multi-purpose stadium that also hosts many of the high school's athletic teams during the school year. The NPSL, together with the UPSL and the confusingly named USL League Two, comprise the fourth division of American soccer. They are the highest level that is not fully professional, and consist mostly of current college soccer players and recent graduates. The pay is structured in a way that allows current athletes to retain their amateur eligibility if they are competing in the NPSL over the summer. Although the NPSL is a national league, teams play in regional conferences until the playoffs, when the conference champions face off against each other in several rounds leading up to the national championship. Hub City FC competes in the Mid-Atlantic Conference against other teams from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage situation at a Hub City FC match is outstanding for this level. Rather than utilize the permanent concession stand at Mike Callas Stadium, Hub City has partnered with several local merchants who set up tents and food trucks in a grassy area to the right of the seating area. Although the exact selection varies by game, especially on weeknights, the experience for Stadium Journey's visit is representative. The Captain's Creations food truck serves a wide variety of meals to hungry fans including chicken salad sliders, pepperoni rolls, a yogurt berry parfait for fans looking for something on the lighter side, blackened shrimp tacos, and several specialty hot dogs. The island street hot dogs are topped with mango, red pepper and jalapeño salsa, avocado crema, and pico de gallo. The bay dogs are topped with Captain's Creations' own crab dip, and sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning. The ultimate crunch dog comes with crunchy slaw, barbecue sauce, and potato chips on it. All hot dog meals include two all-beef hot dogs and come with a side of chips (even the one that has chips on the hot dog.) A standard kid's hot dog is also available, and the crab dip is also available by itself. Sides include pretzel braids (served with spicy mustard), watermelon goat cheese bites, and cucumber and onion salad. For dessert, fans can enjoy apple nachos - apple slices topped with caramel sauce, whipped cream, walnuts,. chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Soda and bottled water are also available. The Soda Social is also on hand selling dirty sodas out of a tent. For those who are unaware, a dirty soda is a soda mixed with your choice of flavored syrups and other mix-ins such as cream or marshmallow fluff. Kona Ice has a truck on hand as well. The food area at a Hub City FC game, featuring two food trucks and a tent selling dirty sodas. Atmosphere 3 Mike Callas Stadium seats approximately 2,200 fans, so in this small, intimate environment, everyone will have a good view of the action. The seats closest to midfield are red chairbacks, while some sections closer to the endlines are metal bleachers without backs. All seating is general admission, and you should have no problem grabbing chairback seats given the crowds. However, you will find a few people sitting in the bleachers, which tend to be less crowded and give fans more room to spread out if they prefer. A scoreboard behind the goal on the right-hand side shows only the most basic information, although there is room for other info that only applies to football, such as down and yards to go. As multiple sports are played here, there are many different lines on the field. Just remember the soccer lines are yellow and ignore the other ones. There is not much going on here other than the game itself, and as this is soccer, there is not much chance for it to happen due to the constant action. Music is played before the game and at halftime. Annoyingly, it is also sometimes played briefly before corner kicks. The PA announcer announces the starting lineups before the game as well as substitutions and does ad reads for local sponsors who help support the team. Overall, however, this is an experience created by the fans and we will discuss that in more detail in the appropriate section. Neighborhood 3 As the name would imply, North Hagerstown High School is located in the northern part of the city of Hagerstown. There are a few businesses located along or near Pennsylvania Avenue by the stadium, including Harmans Tavern and Bistro 11. If you head a few miles to Downtown Hagerstown near Washington Avenue, which you will have to do anyway to get to or from the highway, you will find many more options, ranging from taverns and bars to Peruvian and Thai cuisine and more. That being said, there are also some parts of Hagerstown that aren't as nice that you may need to drive through to get here. Fans 5 Despite only being in its inaugural season, Hub City FC is already drawing crowds well above what is standard for the NPSL. Although the stadium won't fill up, there are several hundred fans in attendance for a typical home game. Most NPSL teams draw under a hundred fans, but you will find several times that at a Black Roses game. Many of those in the crowd wear Hub City merchandise, from scarves bearing the team logo to t-shirts with the team slogan - Nothing But Grind. They cheer throughout the game and celebrate after Hub City goals, with many of them waving the aforementioned scarves around. The team and community support each other and make for an outstanding experience at a Hub City game. Access 3 The City of Hagerstown is located along Interstate 70, although you will have to drive several miles off the highway to get to the stadium. Once you arrive, follow the signs for visitor parking and it will take you to a large lot outside Mike Callas Stadium, with another lot adjacent to it once that fills up. Some spots are marked as reserved for school staff, but you can ignore these markings for a Hub City game. Once inside, restrooms are located to your left as you come in and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowd. The concourse at the top is also more than wide enough to accommodate all fans. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Hub City FC games costs just $10, with children under ten getting in for just $5. The price of food and drink is about standard given the quality of what you're getting. Captain's Creations charges typical food truck prices, and while The Soda Social will cost more than a typical soda, this makes sense as it is not just a typical soda. (And if you do just want a typical soda, that will cost only $2 at the food truck.) Overall, given the quality of the experience, a Hub City FC game is an outstanding value. Extras 1 Look for the merchandise table to the left of the entrance selling Hub City FC merchandise. Merchandise table. Final Thoughts Although Hub City FC is still in its inaugural season, they have already created a solid fan expereince for their home games. The team is committed to the city and its fans, and in return, the fans have returned the favor. You don't often see that kind of atmosphere at this level, but a Hub City FC match is a must-see for any soccer fans in the Hagerstown area.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium 5757 US Highway 90 West San Antonio, TX 78227 San Antonio Missions website Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 9,200 Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium – San Antonio Missions As charter members of the Double-A Texas League, the San Antonio Missions can trace their lineage back to 1888. With a proud legacy and history behind them, the ball club has sent scores of players to the big leagues and has sent more than a half dozen to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. These include all-time greats such as Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Brooks Robinson, Joe Morgan, and Dennis Eckersley, all of whom have taken the field in San Antonio. Since 1994, the Missions have called Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium their home ballpark. Located on the southwest side of the Alamo City and named for a longtime political powerhouse in the San Antonio community, the Wolff has seen its fair share of success. The Missions have won five of their 14 league titles while calling the venue home. With Major League Baseball taking a firmer hand over the minor leagues and teams’ stadiums, the Wolff’s days are sadly numbered. A new ballpark is in the planning stages in downtown San Antonio, and momentum in the community has everyone hopeful that it will get done in the not too distant future. In the meantime, the Wolff is still a beloved fixture in the community and across the Texas League. Read on to learn more about it. Food & Beverage 4 The food and drink scene at the Wolff has improved quite a bit over the years. On the main concourse there are stands on the third and first base lines, as well as at home plate. These offer all the traditional ballpark fare, like your hot dogs (and foot-long corn dogs, which are pretty tasty), burgers, nachos, popcorn, etc. On the second level, there are specialty offerings like Sofia’s Pizzeria, which sells pizza by the slice, as well as whole pies. There is also a Kiolbassa BBQ stand, selling sliced brisket sandwiches and sausage wraps. The first baseline offers up one stand selling aguas frescas, while another offers up all manner of funnel cakes, and a third sells Bahama Buck’s shaved ices. Behind third base you’ll find an ice cream stand, where you’ll be happy to know that they can make you a sundae in a souvenir batting helmet. Classic. For fans of adult beverages, the newly launched Bullpen Saloon along the right field line has a full-service bar, as well as food for fans looking to get a break from the seats. Atmosphere 3 The Wolff has a few special features for fans to be on the lookout for. Banners adorn the pillars on the main concourse with pictures of Missions greats from the past. There is a team store behind home plate, and a team tent near the third base entrance that sells San Antonio Flying Chanclas (the team’s alter ego during Copa de la Diversion games) paraphernalia. Set up similarly to Bullpen Saloon, there are also party decks in left and right field for large groups of fans. In addition, beyond the left field wall there is a berm where fans can bring blankets and lawn chairs, to sit and watch the game in a prime spot for home run balls. Lastly, between home plate and first base on the main concourse, you’ll find a monument wall honoring some of the all-time great Missions of the past. It reads like a who’s who in baseball history. Make a point to come and check it out in between innings. Neighborhood 2 This is the one area where Wolff Stadium faces a really uphill battle; located on the far southwest side of town, it is quite a drive from all of the entertainment, cultural, and historical attractions that the Alamo City is known for. It’s a good 15-20 minutes (depending on the time of day) from downtown San Antonio and equally as far from the nearest attraction, SeaWorld San Antonio. However, the area around Wolff Stadium is near Joint Base Lackland, which is the training hub for the United States Air Force. As such, the area is populated with tons of fast food and motel options. If you’re visiting from out of town, I’d highly recommend staying in one of the city’s more popular hubs, closer to downtown or closer to one of the two major theme parks – SeaWorld or Six Flags Fiesta Texas; the latter is around 30 minutes away. Fans 3 The Missions averaged around 3,500 fans per game last season, which is near the bottom half of the Texas League – this is another key factor driving the need for a new ballpark for the club. At the game I most recently attended, the crowd was about that same size. It was an unseasonably warm early summer night, however, so that might have played a factor. Regardless, the fans that did attend were engaged and many wore either Missions or Flying Chanclas gear. Access 3 Even though Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium is out on a proverbial island compared to the rest of San Antonio’s attractions, it’s still very easy to get to. Located off I-90, the stadium can be reached from anywhere in the city in about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. The facility is also around 25 minutes from San Antonio International Airport, if you’re flying in from out of town. If you drive in, parking at the stadium is plentiful. If you want to go the public transportation route, VIA Metropolitan Transit does have bus routes that will drop you off near the facility; just be mindful of when the last route ends, if you’re coming out for a night game. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at the Wolff is still a pretty good deal. Parking will set you back $12, but there is plenty, and it’s not too far a walk from the lots to the venue. General admission tickets start at $13, with high end tickets running $34. This is an incredible bargain. As the current farm club for the San Diego Padres, many of the big-league club’s stars have come through San Antonio, and many still do make it down for rehabilitation assignments. There are also bargain nights here, such as $2 Tuesdays, where many concession items will set you back just that amount. You really can’t beat an affordable day at the ballpark. Extras 3 The Missions boast not one, but three separate and unique mascots that interact with fans during games. First, the anthropomorphic jalapeño named Ballapeno. He’s on hand every night and can often be found on top of the dugouts and in the stands with fans. Next up is Mamapeno, Ballapeno’s mother, of course. Introduced as part of the Flying Chanclas promotion, she has become a true cultural phenomenon in San Antonio. Last is the Missions’ oldest on-field mascot, Henry the Puffy Taco. Named for a restaurant that’s a purveyor of a treasured local dish, the taco has been part of the festivities with the Missions since they moved to the Wolff. On certain nights, one lucky young fan is invited on the field to chase the taco down and tackle him on the basepaths; this really is a lot of fun to see. The team also does a ton of themed nights and giveaways throughout the season as part of their promotional calendar. Make sure to check on that before you pick which game you head to. Final Thoughts I have a ton of great memories of the Missions at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. The ballpark was truly a wonder to behold when it opened. However, it is easy to see that the stadium has seen better days. With the focus of the owners fully zeroed in on their new ballpark, there haven’t been any real updates to the facilities here in quite a while. However, as mentioned earlier, the clock is ticking on it, and if you’re a fan of minor league baseball, there is a ton of history to take in at the Wolff. Get a game in when you can. If nothing else, it’s an affordable way to spend a few hours in the Alamo City. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Battlefield High School Gym 15000 Graduation Drive Haymarket, VA 20169 DC Heat website Battlefield High School Gym website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,500 (estimated) Feeling the Heat in Haymarket The Basketball League, known as TBL for short, is a low-level, independently operated basketball league with teams across the United States and Canada playing their home games in high school or small college gyms. Many players have professional experience and are hoping for a chance to get back to the G-League or even the NBA. Virtually all have some sort of college experience at a minimum. The DC Heat joined TBL in 2026 after playing several years in the even more minor East Coast Basketball League (ECBL). Despite the name, they play their home games not in DC but in Haymarket, Virginia at Battlefield High School, about 35 miles from the District of Columbia. While in the ECBL, they did play in DC proper at E.B. Henderson Sports Complex on the campus of the University of the District of Columbia, but they moved across the Potomac when joining the TBL. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold from a table in the lobby outside the entrance to the gym at Battlefield High School, in what looks like it would be the cafeteria if school were in session. Hot dogs and pizza are the only things available that would constitute a meal, with chips, bottled water, soda, juice, candy, granola bars, and peanuts also available. Prices are reasonable as nothing costs more than $4. Credit cards are not accepted, but you can pay with cash, Venmo, or CashApp. Atmosphere 3 There are two sets of large, purple plastic bleachers in the Battlefield High School Gym, although only one is open for DC Heat games. The other set is pulled out, but fans are not permitted to sit on it. You must use the one by the open entrance. The atmosphere here is pretty standard for small-time basketball. There is music played over the PA system, including during live action like you would see at an NBA game. One interesting quirk of the arena is that there are no shot clocks on top of the baskets. This is because Virginia high school basketball does not use the shot clock. Instead, portable shot clocks are located in the corners for DC Heat games. A scoreboard behind the basket also shows timeouts and team fouls in addition to the score and clock. Neighborhood 3 Haymarket is a typical suburban town, and the area around the high school reflects that. Cookies & Cream is a short drive away and serves up outstanding ice cream. Giuseppe's is a popular Italian restaurant on Market Street. History buffs may also want to check out the Civil War battlefields in Manassas, a short drive away. Fans 3 The DC Heat do not draw large crowds to their games. Expect a few dozen fans to show up, maybe a hundred at most. This is typical for the TBL, especially now that many of the teams with bigger fan bases have split for other leagues. However, those who do show up are passionate and loud at big moments and represent a good cross-section of the Haymarket community. Access 4 Haymarket is conveniently located right off Interstate 66, with several different exits that will eventually take you to Battlefield High School. Once you are there, you will enter through Door 6 on the side of the building, with parking available in a massive lot. Be sure to park close to the door or you may end up walking quite a bit. Once there, you will proceed straight ahead through the hallway and the gym will be on your left once you get to the cafeteria area. There are restrooms in that area as well which are sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 Admission to DC Heat games is $20 via the EventBrite app, which is standard price for TBL games. Concessions are very affordable, though a bit limited. Overall, given the quality of the experience, this is about an average value. Extras 2 Look for the merchandise table just inside the entrance to the gym selling DC Heat gear. A second star for all the friendly, helpful staff. Final Thoughts A DC Heat game in Haymarket is a fairly simple experience. Fans can watch some low-level professional basketball and not much else. If that's what you're looking for, a DC Heat game can be a good experience. However, if you're looking for something with all the bells and whistles you will find at higher levels, you will be disappointed here.

Sometime back in 1906, a bunch of miners from a couple of bars in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the Eagle’s Club and the California Bar, began to argue with each other, as guys in bars often do. The subject of their debate - the logistics of whether a baseball game could be played at midnight without artificial lighting. The result of their argument - “The High Noon at Midnight Classic” - lives on over a century later, known today as “The Midnight Sun Baseball Game.” The two bars, led by Eddie Stroeker, who would go down in Fairbanks annals as "The Father of the Midnight Sun Game,” decided to play a game of baseball on the summer solstice. The game would take place at midnight, devoid of lights or other artificial illumination. In Fairbanks, lights wouldn’t be needed on the solstice anyway, as Fairbanks is located just 160 miles south of the Arctic Circle. While the sun does dip below the horizon briefly, darkness never truly arrives on this day. Local teams kept up the tradition for decades until the Alaska Goldpanners, an independent barnstorming collegiate summer baseball team, took over hosting duties upon their debut in 1960. International teams from Japan (in 1967) and Taiwan (in 1984) have played in the game, as have future Baseball Hall-of-Famers Tom Seaver and Dave Winfield. Over their history, over 200 Goldpanner alumni have reached the majors, including Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Jason Giambi, Mike Boddicker, Bill Lee, Bob Boone, Terry Francona, Dave Kingman, Craig Nettles and Rick Monday. Many of them have played in the Midnight Sun Game. A baseball game as singular as one played under the light of the sun at the midnight hour must have cultivated some of its own unique traditions over a century of play. Indeed, it has. The game stops at midnight so everyone involved can sing the Alaska Flag Song. A live folk band performs in the stands. Fans are asked to bring kazoos to the game, so they can participate in playing a tune called “Happy Boy” during the seventh inning stretch. If you’re going to be up at a ball game well past midnight, you might as well have some fun, right? The game, held annually at Growden Memorial Park, attracts crowds of up to 5,000 fans from all over the United States and beyond. The 2026 edition of the game will be held on June 19th, with the Utah Yaks providing the opposition. It will be the 121st edition of the game. Tickets, which are priced at $45 for general admission and $95 for reserved seats, are available via the Goldpanners’ website up until June 1. After then, you’ll have to take your chances at the gate. A baseball game that began with a beer and a bet has grown into a baseball bucket list event for thousands the world over. As they say, come on up to Fairbanks, we’ll leave the sunlight on for you. If you happen to see Paul Baker at the Midnight Sun Game, don't be afraid to say hi. Or wake him up. Alaska is four hours behind Massachusetts, after all. The game should end around 6 am Eastern Time. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI. *All photos courtesy of The Alaska Goldpanners website

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It! New Mexico United website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Somos Unitos Para leer esta resena en espanol, haga clic en este enace. Attending a New Mexico United soccer match is a great time! The fans are certainly into it, there are fantastic supporters’ groups, and the organization does a tremendous job ensuring all fans are welcome, accepted, and free from derogatory name-calling. The New Mexico United are members of the USL Championship League (one step down from MLS – Major League Soccer). The club began play in 2019. Their strongest season so far came in 2024, when they reached the conference finals. The club plays its home matches at Isotopes Park (Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park), home of the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball team. Though it is common enough, I find it odd watching soccer on a baseball diamond. New Mexico United manages it well, and hats off to the grounds crew and staff for maintaining the field and integrating a lively soccer atmosphere. Food & Beverage 5 The venue offers an excellent variety of food. Permanent concession stands and carts line the inner concourse. Almost all concession stands are open for United matches. Fans can carry sealed bottled water into the stadium. Concession stands include Batter Up! (burgers, chicken baskets, fries, nachos, flatbread), Pecos River Café (BBQ sandwiches, street elotes, hot dogs, nachos, etc.), and Sante Fe Trail (ribs, chicken wings, chicken and waffle baskets, hot dogs, sandwiches, and so on). Dion's Pizza is always a fan favorite. Pericos sells tacos, burritos, pancho nachos, and other classics. The Sweet Spot, down the third base concourse, offers ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, and more, priced from $7 - $12. A Hebrew National cart sells its famous hot dog, and a sausage cart is on the third base concourse. Other carts offer noodles, funnel cakes, pickles, fruit cups, kettle corn, and Dippin’ Dots. Plenty of kiosks providing adult beverages and snacks dot the concourse. Most stands offer domestic and imported beers and Pepsi-brand sodas (beer $14.25 - $15.25; soda $7.75 - $9). A Mystery Beer stand offers an unknown beer for $10.80, the cheapest beer in the stadium; you just don’t know what you’ll get. For those who want New Mexico craft brews, head down the first baseline. Here, the Craft Corner offers up to 25 choices of draft beer from breweries like Bosque, Steel Bender, Ex Novo, Marble, and more. But get there early, as long lines form. New Mexico United Mystery Beer Stand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey There’s certainly plenty available for hungry soccer fans. The Isotopes baseball team closes the merchandise shop, but a long table outside the store on the concourse offers plenty of New Mexico United items for sale. A merchandise tent is also next to the berm seating in center field, and this might be the better one to go to if you don’t want to wait in line. Atmosphere 4 The organization provides an amazing match day experience. First, the field alignment: One goal post is along the first base side; the other is in left field under the video scoreboard. Right-center field holds the player benches; the dug outs are not used. The pitch design team wisely placed the playing surface beyond the pitcher’s mound, so it is not ‘in play’. Second, the seating: One nice thing about using a baseball field is the seats are standard stadium fold down seats; not bleachers. Sit in section 177 for the center of the pitch. The same berm seating is available in the ‘outfield’ as it is during a baseball game. Except for the infield sections behind home plate, the nets are gone. Fans sitting in the second level, third base side (sections 201, 203, 205) see the beautiful Sandia Mountains in the distance. Alcohol is not allowed in a designated family section (section 126). During the starting lineup notice, the announcer states the player’s number and first name, the crowd yells the last name. Same with goals except that’s done three times in a row. Fun! New Mexico United Fans Celebrating a Goal A video scoreboard behind one of the goal posts shows a live visual broadcast of the game as well as the time played and goals per team. Disappointingly, the venue’s exterior gives no indication soccer is played there, but the fans know. Neighborhood 4 The stadium sits adjacent to Central New Mexico College and the University of New Mexico (UNM), and is across the street from The Pit and other UNM Lobo sports venues. It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries. Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood. For breakfast, try Frontier. A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl. For authentic, tasty New Mexico fare, visit Cocina Azul - even the rice and beans are yummy. Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town. Recommended breweries close (though not necessarily walking distance) to Isotopes Park are the 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery. But there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, and, of course, take a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport. Fans 5 New Mexico United fans are loud and proud. Several supporter groups make quite an impression at home matches. Two sections behind the first base goal (sections 116 and 118) are full of these supporters who cheer, clap, yell, wave flags, and create a brouhaha throughout the entire match. They chant, wave flags, bang on drums, and dispense colored smoke after a goal. New Mexico United Supporter Groups, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey By no means are they the only ones who chant, cheer, and yell. Many followers wave flags throughout the game and on the concourse. A good portion of the crowd wears New Mexico United, Meow Wolf, and Somos Unidos attire. And, of course, all fans have a second job of being the match day referee. Access 4 Approaching and traversing Isotopes Park is relatively easy. It is just a block off of I-25 with plenty of nearby parking ($15) across the intersection. Visitors or residents of Albuquerque may find it just as easy to get there via side streets vs. the interstate. Two bus stops are across the street, but figuring out the ABQ bus schedule is difficult. An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park. The closest airport is Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-min drive to the ballpark. Three entrances are available, with the one behind home used only for those with club or VIP tickets. Fans are required to use clear plastic tote bags; no backpacks. Security checks visitors' tote bags, fans walk through a metal detector, and then every fan gets wanded. Re-entry is not permitted. The concourse gets quite crowded, especially before the match and at halftime. Patrons can walk the entire concourse circumference. Fans must cross a small bridge to complete the circle (fans afraid of heights and such things may find this difficult). Local law officials do a fantastic job moving cars out of the parking lots after the game. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets run $23 - $81 and can only be purchased through Seat Geek. These prices are comparable to other USL Championship club ticket prices. Parking is $15, which seems high for a minor league soccer match. Food and beverage prices are in line with other sports parks, though noticeably higher than what you’d pay at restaurants and bars outside the stadium. The game is fun, the fans are a hoot, and the organization does a splendid job at making the evening one of enjoyable, safe sports entertainment. Extras 2 In March 2020, the club launched the Somos Unidos Foundation, the nonprofit arm of New Mexico United dedicated to community impact. Both the club and its supporters’ groups play a major role in bolstering team spirit and strengthening communities across the state. The fans also bring a lively tailgate scene, with vendors, music, and plenty of food before matches, especially when rivals Phoenix Rising FC and El Paso Locomotive FC come to town. Final Thoughts The community certainly supports the New Mexico United. Talk of a dedicated stadium has circulated for five years, but progress remains slow. Time will tell whether a venue materializes. In the meantime, if you’re in the area, make the effort to catch a match, it’s a worthwhile use of any sports fan’s entertainment dollar.

With the playoffs underway, Stadium Journey once again turns its attention to ranking the game-day experience at American Hockey League arenas. Our correspondents evaluated 28 of the league’s 30 venues—excluding the Calgary Wranglers —using the site’s FANFARE rating system. This system considers factors such as food and beverage, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, value, and more. The average FANFARE score for this year’s rankings list is 3.69. In cases where venues finished tied, a Stadium Journey council of elders was called upon to break the deadlock. It’s a unique approach to evaluating arenas, and one that’s sure to spark plenty of debate. We invite you to join the conversation on our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram. Without further ado, here are Stadium Journey’s 2025–2026 AHL venue rankings. 31. Tech CU Arena - San Jose Barracuda 3 David Hegler - The Barracuda has done a remarkable job keeping their new venue clean and lively. Even though both the Barracuda and the Sharks finished far from contention just the year before, the fans are very much into the game. 30. Upstate Medical University Arena - Syracuse Crunch 3.14 Paul Baker - As a hockey venue, the War Memorial does nothing that will blow you away. It is infinitely more interesting as a memorial and as one of the locations in the iconic movie Slap Shot. For hockey fans who have an interest in our nation’s history, the War Memorial is worth a visit. 29. Total Mortgage Arena - Bridgeport Islanders 3.29 Paul Baker - Sadly, there'll be no more hockey in Bridgeport. The Islanders are moving operations to the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, for the upcoming season. It was a bittersweet ending to the AHL team that never found its footing in town. The arena was fine to watch a game; it was close to its parent club on Long Island, but after 25 seasons, the team is no more. 28. CAA Arena - Belleville Senators 3.29 Dave Cottenie - The return of hockey to Belleville was necessary. What the future holds for the Senators will be interesting. The residents of Belleville need to fully embrace the Senators and AHL and get out to the arena to make the Senators at CAA Arena an even better experience. When near Belleville, it is a great plan to check out the CAA Arena and the Belleville Senators. 27. Blue Arena - Colorado Eagles 3.29 Matt Finnigan - Particularly for a team that did not exist a quarter-century ago, the Eagles have created an outstanding experience. Fans are committed to the team, and the franchise seems committed to the fans. While a new arena is likely imminent, here’s to hoping that the Eagles can carry over the great atmosphere and fan support that can be found in a game at the Blue. 26. Allstate Arena - Chicago Wolves 3.29 Eric Hasman - The Allstate Arena has become a fixture for hockey in the northern suburbs of Chicago. The Wolves have played in front of a passionate fanbase since 1994, when they were members of the IHL. Today, the tradition is strong in the Windy City. Many championship banners and retired numbers hang in the rafters for the Chicago Wolves. 25. Mohegan Sun Arena - Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins 3.43 Paul Baker - Thanks to the success of the baby Pens, northeastern Pennsylvania has become Penguins country, even though it is located closer to Philadelphia and New York. The arena may not pack in the fans like it used to, and may not stack up when compared to other nearby minor league arenas, but it remains a solid place to take in a game. 24. Acrisure Arena - Coachella Valley Firebirds 3.43 Meg Minar - The Firebirds organization promoted the team and arena for several years in the Coachella Valley. The team already has 4,000 season ticket holders (full or partial). The results are in, and local sports fans are happy to have an arena and a team in their backyard. As with any new stadium, kinks and quirks need to be worked out, but it’s a fun time. 23. Rogers Forum - Abbotsford Canucks 3.43 Dave Cottenie - The Abbotsford Canucks are now providing the parent Vancouver Canucks with an ideal affiliate location. The AHL club has brought historic Canadian character, Johnny Canuck, to the forefront of the league and presents a good AHL experience for fans. 22. Tucson Arena - Tucson Roadrunners 3.57 Meg Minard - Visiting Tucson, Arizona, and watching an AHL Roadrunners game is an enjoyable experience and one worth checking out. It’s quite a nice facility in which to watch a hockey game. The Roadrunners have found a home in the desert heat of Arizona. 21. H-E-B Center - Texas Stars 3.57 Eric Moreno - I’ve been to several events at the H-E-B Center, including several Stars games, and I have enjoyed myself every time. This is a great venue, especially for hockey. There is no such thing as a bad sightline here, and it still feels new, somehow, even though it is now over 10 years old. 20. Place Bell - Laval Rocket 3.57 Dave Cottenie - As one of the newest AHL franchises, the Laval Rocket is establishing its niche in the Montréal sports market. Place Bell is shiny. new and central to the Laval community, and fans will enjoy a trip to see some hockey there. 19. Lee’s Family Forum - Henderson Silver Knights 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Lee’s Family Forum differs from most athletic venues in that it has adopted a specific theme that is carried out in the names of its various amenities and in the outfits worn by facility staff. It becomes apparent that the parent club, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, is behind the decision to adopt a Modern Medieval theme for the Silver Knights home. 18. PeoplesBank Arena - Hartford Wolf Pack 3.57 Paul Baker - As a minor league hockey facility, the XL Center is a good place to catch a game, with excellent sight lines and plenty going on to satisfy both the casual and diehard fan. Unfortunately, the XL Center is just too big, too empty, and too old for the Wolf Pack. Face it, Hartford, the Whalers aren’t coming back. Start running with the Pack 17. PPL Center - Lehigh Valley Phantoms 3.57 Paul Baker - The PPL Center, while striving for a major league feel and amenities, falls short on many basic fan comforts. While the food selection and amenities here are among the best in minor league hockey, the cramped seating area, concourses, and restrooms are major drawbacks. Is the final result worth the cost? We’ll let you decide. 16. Toyota Arena - Ontario Reign 3.71 Meg Minard - The Toyota Arena has quite a sleek-looking exterior with tall glass atrium entrances, with the rest of the exterior dark grey on the bottom, beige on top. Palm trees line the front and east sides. As nice and bright and beautiful as the exterior is, the interior is unexpectedly dark, both the concourse and the seating area. 15. Bojangles' Coliseum - Charlotte Checkers 3.71 Lloyd Brown - The Charlotte Checkers, both the team and the folks behind-the-scenes, have created a phenomenal game day experience for hockey fans deep in football and NASCAR country. They’ve worked diligently to promote the sport throughout the region and have succeeded in piquing the interest of both die-hard and non-hockey fans alike. 14. Pechanga Arena - San Diego Gulls 3.71 Meg Minard - The team began operation in 2015 after relocating from Norfolk, VA. It is the sixth hockey team to play at the arena, the fifth with the name ‘Gulls.’ The hockey team’s parent club is the nearby NHL Anaheim Ducks, roughly an hour and a half drive between the two. This close distance allows player call-ups/downs relatively easily for the teams and players. 13. Dignity Health Arena - Bakersfield Condors 3.86 Drew Cieszynski - While Bakersfield continues to grow, the Condors remain one of the top entertainment options in central California. For a very reasonable price, you can check out the Condors and even the Division I basketball Cal State Bakersfield on the same day. 12. BMO Center - Rockford IceHogs 3.86 Eric Hasman - The fans who attend are really into the game. This is a major plus since the place is so small, you are very close to the action, and there is no bad seat in the arena. The main level open-ended seating area has a bunch of sit-down tables and stand-up bar tables. My only beef with this area is that if you are not right against the railing, you cannot see all of the ice. 11. Casey’s Center - Iowa Wild 3.86 James Hilchen - Wells Fargo Arena is a great venue for hockey. The organization cares about the fans, the price of attending a game is very reasonable, and downtown Des Moines has something for everyone. The AHL provides some quality hockey, and taking in a game in Des Moines is a fun experience. 10. Amica Mutual Pavilion - Providence Bruins 3.86 Paul Baker - Providence and the Amica Mutual Pavilion are often mentioned among the top American Hockey League travel destinations. The combination of a modern arena, frenzied fan support, and a fantastic downtown area makes The AMP a first-rate destination. With the number and quality of hockey venues in and around Rhode Island, this is a Stadium Journey worth taking by any hockey fan. 9. Adirondack Bank Center - Utica Comets 3.86 Paul Baker - The Aud is packed to the rafters on most nights, and the small barn echoes with chants of “UTICA! UTICA! UTICA!” throughout the game. Capacity crowds create a great deal of noise and a significant home-ice advantage night in and night out. 8. MassMutual Center - Springfield Thunderbirds 3.86 Paul Baker - Hockey has been in Springfield for a long time. Minor league hockey has been in Springfield since 1926, when the Springfield Indians came to be. The team has changed names from the Indians to the Kings to the Falcons to the Thunderbirds. What hasn’t changed is the passion that fans have in Springfield for hockey. Western Mass is filled with hockey fanatics. 7. Coca-Cola Coliseum - Toronto Marlies 4 Dave Cottenie - Though its history as a hockey arena is relatively short, Coca-Cola Coliseum has grown into that role in style. Now into its second century, the historic venue is one of the best and most modern small arenas in the world – it just happens to be a century old at the same time. The Coliseum is a must for stadium enthusiasts, history buffs, and indeed hockey fans, and is poised to continue that role for the next century and beyond. 6. UW Milwaukee Panther Arena - Milwaukee Admirals 4 Eric Hasman - In an era of disposable stadiums and frequent tear-downs, the UW – Milwaukee Panthers Arena is a great example of successful historical preservation. It is not only surviving but thriving, as it is in use nearly every day of the week by a different sports franchise. Even though the arena is not the most luxurious, it is a good place to see a game and is worth the trip. 5. Rocket Arena- Cleveland Monsters 4 Paul Baker - You would think that sharing your home with a major league basketball team would be a less-than-ideal situation for a minor league hockey team. This hardly seems to be the case in Cleveland, where the Monsters are regularly among the American Hockey League’s leaders in attendance. While Quicken Loans Arena is clearly too big for the Monsters, the melding of major league amenities with minor league enthusiasm makes a trip to downtown Cleveland a trip worth taking. 4. Blue Cross Arena - Rochester Americans 4.14 Meg Minard - Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY, is just about the perfect place to watch minor league hockey. It’s got a great fan base, superb ushers and staff, good hockey, lots of banners, and a memorial to our war veterans. 3. Canada Life Centre - Manitoba Moose 4.14 Jordan Falconer - The atmosphere at the Canada Life Centre during a Moose game is family-friendly. Parents should feel comfortable bringing their kids to the MTS Centre to see the Moose play. The Moose cater to families and provide enough entertainment to occupy the little ones’ attention. 2. Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids Griffins 4.29 Steve Ohnsman - This is a great minor league hockey venue! Hockey fans might consider getting tickets for a weekend of fun: they offer a number of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday games on the schedule, so fans could stay downtown and do it up right! Even casual fans will enjoy a match, and families are very well served. 1. Giant Center - Hershey Bears 4.57 Richard Smith - There is minor league hockey, and then there is Hershey Bears hockey. It does not quite get much better than watching a packed house at the Giant Center cheer the Bears onto victory. The fans treat the club as a top-level professional team, and the history of the club adds to its lore. Hockey and Hershey go together like chocolate and peanut butter. NG - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Wranglers

Photos by Vinny Martinand Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Citi Field 41 Seaver Way Flushing, NY 11368 New York Mets website Citi Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 41,922 “Citi” That Never Sleeps Major League Baseball’s New York Mets have called Citi Field home for 18 years. Opening in 2009, it was the successor to the infamous Shea Stadium, where the Mets played for 44 years, from 1964 to 2008. Citi Field resides directly on the site of the old Shea Stadium. The Mets also called the historic Polo Grounds home for the 1962 and 1963 seasons. Citi Field is located in the New York City borough of Queens, specifically in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. The naming rights belong to the New York financial services company Citigroup. The ballpark can be described as having a classic modern design, featuring upscale modern amenities with old school design elements. Citi Field design elements take inspiration from the aforementioned Polo Grounds and Brooklyn's Ebbets Field. Food & Beverage 5 It is not an understatement to say that Citi Field may offer one of the most impressive selections of concessions at any professional sports venue in the country. There is a great variety of food and drink here, at a very high quality. Of course, you can find your typical selection of Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, Burgers, Fries, Pretzels, and Popcorn, most of which are located at Nathan’s stands scattered throughout every corner of the ballpark. While those are good options for picky eaters, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by limiting yourself to just those things. Citi Field has many “food zones” scattered throughout the ballpark. The most impressive being located behind the (gigantic) Jumbotron in center-field. Here, you can find a massive Mets themed Shake Shack, as well as Metropolitan Fry Factory, Amazin’ Chicken, Filet Mignon Steak Sandwiches, and Wok N Roll, a hidden but intriguing spot recommended by Stadium Journey, as they serve a different type of egg roll for every series, inspired by the city of the visiting team. There are many air conditioned food halls, highlighted by the Metro Market on the third floor. Accessible to all ticket holders, this modern food court features super unique options such as Korean BBQ, and full service bars. Fans willing to climb to the skies will find another outdoor food court on the 4th level behind home plate, featuring even more unique offerings such as Jamaican beef patties. Thirsty Mets fans will not have any trouble at Citi Field, as almost all domestic and premium beers, hard seltzers, mixed drinks, wine, bourbon and tequila can be found all around the ballpark. Tucked away in the upper deck in left center is the Milagro Tequila Deck, an underrated spot to get a drink with a great vantage point of the game. Coca-Cola products are offered at Citi Field and can be found at nearly every stand. Shake Shack at Citi Field. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at Citi Field is simply fantastic. The in game presentation is extremely high quality, as fans are always able to be entertained between innings with typical lighthearted competitions. The “Borough Race” is a classic that puts the 5 boroughs of New York City against each other. As Stadium Journey visited on the day after the Knicks won the NBA finals, the borough race ended in a 5 way tie to signify the unification of New York City after the teams long awaited victory, which was a nice touch. Walking around this ballpark, you will constantly notice things going on around you. The Mr. and Mrs. Met mascots circulate the concourse for pictures with fans. Kids will enjoy a miniature wiffleball field and other games in center field. Citi Field is very aesthetically pleasing. Taking architectural inspiration from stadiums of New York’s past, the place has a classic feel. The exterior brick arches resemble Brooklyn's Ebbets Field. The green seats resemble the Polo Grounds, and many elements such as the iconic “home run apple” pay homage to Shea Field. The “Coca-Cola” corner in right field is one of the best spots in the park, with concession options, ample seating and an amazing view of the action. (And a great view of the Queens skyline behind you). Neighborhood 4 Citi Field is located in the Flushing Meadow-Corona Park neighborhood of Queens. It is an area that may have seemed drab in the past, but is going through some redevelopment. The area directly around the stadium is mostly parking lots, but a short walk will bring you to the sight of the 1964 World's Fair, as well as the Queens Zoo. The ballpark shares a neighborhood with another major sports venue, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the tennis US Open, which is a short distance away and can be seen from multiple spots throughout Citi Field. Of course, being in one of the five boroughs of New York City, you are never too far away from the thousands of restaurants, attractions and entertainment options of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Fans cross the Shea Bridge at Citi Field. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Fans 4 It has been a rough season for the Mets, but their fans still show up to Citi Field regardless of the product on the field. There is a pretty impressive tailgate scene here, with the action in the parking lots resembling the vibe of a football game. It was a very dominant Mets crowd even with the visiting Braves in town, whose fans travel very well. During the game, the atmosphere was a little more laid back compared to the crosstown Yankee Stadium. Fans are still very knowledgeable and passionate for their team, and very friendly too. Access 5 For being in the middle of America's most populous city, getting to Citi Field is about as easy as it gets. The stadium is located at the confluence of the Whitestone Expressway and the Grand Central Parkway. Of course, always prepare for traffic in New York City. The 7 Line of the New York City subway runs right next to the stadium and drops off fans at the Mets-Willets Point Station. The Long Island Railroad also serves the ballpark, easily connecting fans to Penn Station in Manhattan and Port Washington in Long Island. Parking is a breeze at Citi Field, with a gigantic lot circling the stadium, and various other lots less than a 10 minute walk away. Citi Field’s main entrance leads guests directly into the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. However this entrance will have the longest lines at the time of gate opening and the mass of fans creates a logjam in the rotundas single escalator. It is recommended to utilize one of Citi Field's other entrances and check out the rotunda later in your visit, as it will remain practically empty after the initial rush. Citi Field has very wide concourses, even on the top deck, allowing for very easy navigation of the stadium. There are over 800 handicap accessible seating options and plenty of ramps and elevators available. Citi Field Rotunda. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 4 A Mets game at Citi Field is a premium sports experience and it is certainly priced like one. While general admission tickets can be found at affordable prices, parking and concessions more than makes up for any good deals. Parking in the main lot at Citi Field is $50. Most concession items are very expensive too, albeit high quality. You also will not find any alcoholic beverage for under $16, besides a draft domestic beer. There are ways to have an affordable experience at Citi Field, such as visiting against a lower tier opponent or on a weekday night, but expect to pay a good amount for a worthwhile experience here. Extras 5 The Jackie Robinson Rotunda is one of the grandest entrances to any sports venue anywhere. While then Mets owner Fred Wilpon faced criticisms at the time for the over-emphasis on the Brooklyn Dodgers, the rotunda is a great way to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson and serves as an incredible entryway to the stadium. Citi Field has some very cleverly named concession stands and shops. The global food court in right field is called “World’s Fare”, appropriately named after the 1964 World’s Fair that took place less than a half mile from where Citi Field stands today. Amazin’ Chicken is a play on the “Amazin’ Mets” nickname they earned after their World Series run in 1969. As previously mentioned, famous stadiums of New York’s past are well represented at Citi Field. The exterior architecture of the stadium is meant to resemble Ebbets Field. The choice to make the seats green at Citi Field may not make sense, but they intentionally represent the Polo Grounds, the Mets first ever home stadium. The Mets previous home Shea Stadium is also well represented, with the beloved Home Run Apple appearing in centerfield for every long ball by the home team. The Shea Bridge in right center is another cool feature that gives fans a great view of the game and overlooks the bullpens. Citi Field is the only ballpark in the MLB to have orange foul poles, representative of the orange in the Mets color scheme. Finally, due to Citi Field’s close proximity to LaGuardia Airport (LGA), fans will notice planes taking off and landing right over the ballpark every few minutes, creating a unique element that cannot be found at many other places. Citi Field Exterior. Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts A Mets game at Citi Field can be described as a premium experience. It is certainly priced like one, but it is well worth the splurge. With excellent food and drink options, a fantastic gameday presentation and unique visual aesthetic, a trip here should be on every baseball fan's bucket list, regardless of the success on the field. Follow Vinny’s stadium journeys on TikTok @vinnymartin_

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Colonial Country Club 3735 Country Club Circle Fort Worth, Texas 76109 Colonial County Club website Charles Schwab Challenge website Colonial Country Club and the PGA: 80 years together The Charles Schwab Challenge is played at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Although 2019 was Charles Schwab’s first year being the sponsor in Fort Worth, Colonial Country Club first hosted the US Open in 1941. Due to World War II, no tournament was played from 1942-45, but a PGA Tour golf tournament has been held here every year since 1946, giving the course the honor of being the PGA Tour’s longest-tenured tournament at a single venue. The tournament is traditionally hosted over Memorial Day weekend. Colonial Country Club is known as Hogan’s Alley because legendary Ben Hogan won the tournament five times. The course yardage is 7,209 (creating a Par 70 for golfers), and the course record is 61, co-held by seven PGA Tour pros: Keith Clearwater, Lee Janzen, Greg Kraft, Justin Leonard, Kevin Na, Kenny Perry, and Chad Campbell. The course has also hosted three major or significant professional golf events: the 1941 U.S. Open, the 1975 Tournament Players Championship, and the 1991 U.S. Women’s Open. Food & Beverage 3 There are numerous concession tents around the golf course, with nearly one stand per hole as the tents are strategically placed for patrons to be able to buy food and not miss any action. The Charles Schwab Challenge food and beverage options are the standard sports fare, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, along with pretzels, peanuts, and various sweets. The food and beverage prices are typical of what sports fans are accustomed to when going to events. On the front part of the course there is also a food truck fairway near holes 1, 2 and 6. The trucks have various food items from local restaurants – two that are well-known are Buffalo Bros (pizza/wings) and Heim BBQ. In addition to the options above, there are also premium seating areas for fans that want to have a more leisurely and upscale place to eat. One of the upgrades for concessions is the Champions Club, with a cost of $250 (upgraded tickets give access to air conditioning as well as television while you eat and drink). In summary, there are plenty of food and beverages here for any fan to enjoy, but the overall menu is what fans expect at PGA events. Atmosphere 3 The Charles Schwab Challenge continues bringing an impeccable environment for avid golf fans, and Hogan’s Alley continues to be one of the best-groomed courses on the PGA Tour. The private club opens their course to the golf world, and creates an atmosphere where all the fans feel like members of the club. There are great seating opportunities to watch the best of the best play on the Par 70 course, and Colonial Country Club and the volunteers create an environment that is attractive to all types of golf fans. The amenities here include a kids autograph zone, the Famous 13th Hole (a par 3 over water with the patron’s seating directly above the green, leaving very little space for the golfers safe zone on the green), and finally The Five, a Schwab Performance Center that is a live interactive golf experience focusing on the five fundamentals of both golf and investing, connecting Ben Hogan’s ground-breaking approach to golf and Schwab’s approach to investing and retirement. As in all PGA tournaments, fan excitement escalates on the last day, with fans getting to see the final pairings and leaders coming down the 18th fairway to the Colonial Clubhouse, with Ben Hogan’s statue overlooking the 18th green. The winner of the Charles Schwab Challenge receives the customary Scottish royal tartan plaid jacket, the Leonard Trophy, and a 1983 fully renovated Jeep Scrambler which has the tartan plaid look incorporated into the seats. Neighborhood 4 Colonial Country Club is located about four miles from downtown Fort Worth. The golf course is located on the south bank of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, just northwest of the campus of Texas Christian University. There are several tourist attractions in Fort Worth near Colonial Country Club, including Fort Worth Zoo on University Drive just across from the main entrance for the tournament; Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the country. In addition, the Cultural District around the public car parking at Farrington Field features several museums, including the world famous Kimbell Art Museum, Will Rogers Memorial Center (home of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo), and Dickies Arena. However, a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must when visiting the Fort Worth area, and it is just a few miles on the other side of downtown. There you can see the famous “World’s Largest Honky Tonk” - Billy Bob’s Texas) – home to live music from national recording acts, a large dance floor, pool tables, mechanical bull rides, and live bull riding on the weekends. The stockyards also have a few steak houses that are well worth the visit, and there is also a local Tex-Mex favorite, Joe T. Garcia’s, but be prepared for long lines if you choose this eatery. Or if you’re looking for BBQ, Heim BBQ at 1109 W. Magnolia Ave is one of the top-rated BBQ places in the state. But the best food option might just be the Ol’ South Pancake House – this Fort Worth staple is a 24-hour family restaurant that is perfect for those early tee times at the tournament. There are plenty of lodging options in town, with two good choices being Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa at 1701 Commerce, and Stockyards Hotel at 109 E Exchange. If you want to be within walking distance of Colonial Country Club, though, then Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth or Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth are your better options. Fans 3 Colonial Country Club is a private golf club, but the fans that flock to this course are very diverse. As with all PGA Tour events, there are plenty of groups that form around certain golfers. The largest gallery the past few years has been around Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler, which is great for fans of other golfers that want plenty of space to follow a different golfer around the course. In general, golf fans are very courteous and respectful of everyone in attendance. This holds true around the course at Colonial – the whole crowd is united in supporting the players, but the support becomes the loudest as the final pairing head to the 18th green on Sunday evening. Access 3 Colonial Country Club is located off University Blvd across the street from Fort Worth Zoo. The club is situated in the Park Hill-Colonial Hills neighborhood, and this old neighborhood can’t support general parking for the PGA event. However, there are three parking options available to patrons: Gold Valet, Silver, and public parking. Gold Valet is the premier parking for patrons, with a cost of $200 a day as you are parked at the clubhouse. The cost for Silver parking is $75 a day, with a shuttle that takes patrons from TCU’s Worth Hills Parking garage to the Colonial Clubhouse. The public parking lot is located at Fort Worth’s Farrington Field at 2921 W. Lancaster or at Rockwood Lane Fort Worth, with both areas also providing free shuttles to the course. The main entrance to the course is on Rogers at the 4th hole fairway. There are no opaque bags allowed that are larger than a small purse (6” by 6”), which includes carrying cases, backpacks, camera bags, and chair bags. Clear plastic, vinyl, or other bags not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as well as food if it is stored in a one-gallon clear plastic resealable bag. All mobile phones, tablets, and PDAs should be put in silent mode, and cameras are allowed during practice rounds only. Once you are inside the course is very walkable, as the landscape is flat with plenty of trees for shade. Return on Investment 3 The return on investment at the Charles Schwab Challenge is as expected for a PGA Tour event, but is a little better than its metroplex counterpart, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in McKinney. The daily grounds tickets at Colonial Country Club are $50 per ticket, but this course is one of the treasures on the PGA Tour – this historic golf course has hosted some of golf’s greatest players. There are also special ticket packages that would enhance a patron’s experience, but they come at a price: Villages Ticket and Leonard’s Club, with seats at the 18th green. These both have clubhouse access, with food and beverages included, but the prices range from $350 to $800 per ticket. The concession pricing and parking are on par with typical sporting event costs. Extras 5 A trip to Colonial Country Club is a chance to see the game’s biggest names firsthand, and those names represent a wide range of styles on the PGA Tour. Since the tournament’s inaugural event in 1946, golf greats like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, as well as modern-day stars such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Rose, have won this tournament – the 2019 champion was Kevin Na, making the tournament his third PGA Tour win. The Charles Schwab Challenge is also among the PGA Tour leaders in charitable giving, generating $18 to $20 million annually for local Fort Worth-area charities. Colonial Country Club’s fifth hole, which has the Trinity River running alongside the fairway, is mentioned as one of the best holes in America. This hole is regularly ranked as one of golf’s most difficult and is the anchor in the very tough three-hole stretch here, nicknamed the “Horrible Horseshoe”. The Colonial staff and volunteers also do a great job throughout the week helping patrons navigate to and from the parking lot shuttles to different places around the course. Finally, the Charles Schwab Challenge’s placement on Memorial Day weekend inspires the tournament to remember the men and women of the Armed Forces, who sacrificed their lives while serving their country, with a moment of silence during tournament play. Final Thoughts Colonial Country Club is a beautiful course laid out in a perfect setting to host a PGA Tournament, and it is also easy to navigate and has plenty of shade from the large oak trees along the fairways. The DFW area is also a great tourist area for golf fans to enjoy, with plenty of restaurants and lodging in the vicinity. The PGA usually schedules the DFW area to host back-to-back weekends of PGA golf, with the CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament in McKinney followed by the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth; Dallas-Fort Worth is the only metroplex area in the US that hosts two PGA events each year. Disclaimer: The PGA schedule for 2027 has the CJ Cup at the end of April, while the PGA Championship being held in Frisco will be the week prior to the Charles Schwab Challenge – this prevents the PGA from showcasing the DFW area for 3 straight weeks.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Modern Woodmen Field 601 Neece Dr Modesto, CA 95351 Map It! Modesto Roadsters website Bryant Field website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 4,000 Modesto Roadsters In December 2024, the Seattle Mariners sold the Modesto Nuts baseball team, and the new ownership group relocated the club to San Bernardino at the start of 2026. Subsequently, in 2026, the Pioneer League added three expansion teams, two in California, including one in Long Beach and another in Modesto, to replace the Nuts. With that came the rebranding and renovations of the baseball team and the stadium. The new ownership secured a multimillion‑dollar partnership with Modern Woodmen of America, prompting a change to the stadium’s name. Formerly known as John Thurman Field, it was officially renamed Modern Woodmen Field in April 2026. Renovations to the stadium include upgraded locker rooms, new carpet in the gift shop and administration offices, and the new team colors, rust and blue, painted on the outfield walls, stands, and other structures. The team’s name, Modesto Roadsters, was a result of a community-wide contest. After significant backlash to the original choice, the Glow Riders, the new ownership listened to local feedback and ultimately changed the primary name to the Roadsters. Both the staff and the fans are delighted with the new team, its image, the new ownership, and its vision for the team, and are thankful that baseball remains in the San Joaquin Valley. Food & Beverage 3 Permanent booths, carts and truck concessions are mostly behind the grandstand. The main concession stand (Cost Less) sells hot dogs, pretzel bites, nachos, chicken and fries, pulled pork fries, garlic fries, and smoked wings with prices ranging from $5 - $12. Satellite stands offer shaved ice, chips, Cracker Jack, and other snacks. The concessions sell Pepsi-brand soda, Gatorade, lemonade, water, and Rockstar. Beers include Coors Light, Modelo, 424 Hazy, Cruiser Light, and are $5 - $8. The lower seating sections have wait staff, and peddlers roam the upper-level seats hawking snacks and drinks. Nachos and chicken fingers with fries are a popular choice amongst the fans. Atmosphere 3 Fans will enjoy a night at a Modesto Roadsters game, thanks to a comfortable layout and a well-run presentation. Seating is split into two levels with a walkway between them. There are the traditional fold‑down stadium seats on the lower level and bleachers above. Several lower‑concourse sections include drink rails, and two party decks sit beside the press box. A medium-thick black net extends across all seats. Modern Woodmen Field First Baseline Seats, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A decent scoreboard in left field displaying the current batter’s stats and the line score, with sponsor ads rotating between innings. Trees line the center and right fields, giving the park a pleasant backdrop. The game day staff presents the ballpark experience well. The announcer’s voice is clear and easy to understand, offering pitching changes, challenge results, remaining challenges, and lineups. The sound operator does occasionally play brief between‑pitch noise, but it’s only a couple of seconds, nothing like the long, drawn‑out blasts some parks use, and the volume stays reasonable. Fans add their own energy by stomping on the bleachers. I recommend the team address two small but meaningful items to enhance the fan experience. First, staff could use a quick refresher on the basics, namely, where the nearest restrooms are and where the team posts the starting lineups. I was sent to two different locations on opposite sides of the concourse before discovering that the starting lineup display is actually a set of Roadsters player photos mounted so high that they’re difficult to read, especially with the sun reflecting off them. It also displays only the home lineup, omitting the visiting team and leaving out player positions. Fortunately, the customer service table provides a printed lineup, and that’s the option we suggest using. Lastly, the Roadsters have a spacious team store chocked with hats, t-shirts, foam fingers, and trinkets. Neighborhood 3 Modesto has a small, quaint downtown area about a mile and a ½ from Modern Woodmen Field. The region is known for its rich agriculture. Be sure to stop in Rodin Ranch Market for some farm-fresh goodies or visit Vanderhelm Farms for U-Pick activities. A popular attraction is the McHenry Museum. For a pregame meal, Commonwealth, a gastropub, comes recommended, as does Churchkey. Modesto has a few breweries for hopheads to enjoy: Persuasion Brewing, Contentment Brewing Company, and Track 424 Brewery. Dryden Park Golf Course, a public course along the Tuolumne River, is adjacent to the ballpark just to the south. For places to stay, a DoubleTree is less than two miles from the ballpark. A Best Western and a Motel 6 are also in that same area downtown. Other sports teams somewhat nearby during baseball season are the Stockton Ports (about a 40-min drive) or maybe take a drive down to Fresno and visit Chukchansi Park (about an hour and a ½ drive). Fans 3 Cowbells. The Modesto Roadster fans know how to generate their own noise with cowbells, stomping of the feet on the bleachers, and cheering on good plays. Even better, when the fans ring their cowbells, the sound person doesn’t ruin it by drowning it out with noise and other music. Very smart move. In this inaugural season, they’re already averaging over 3,000 fans per game, an impressive start for a brand‑new club. Access 3 Getting to the park is relatively easy, as it sits just off State Route 99, though current road construction can slow things down. The stadium has two parking lots, East and West, with ticket booths on both sides. Parking is free for Roadsters games. Gates open one hour before the first pitch. Security is notably thorough, with staff wanding every guest. I don’t remember any bag restriction rules; I recommend just leaving your backpacks at home and bringing a clear stadium sports tote bag. Inside, the concourse is wide and easy to navigate, offering plenty of room to move around. Both ramps and steps lead up to the seating areas, and several restrooms are available throughout the venue. Return on Investment 5 Catching a Modesto Roadsters game is an enjoyable experience, and the wallet‑friendly price tag only adds to the enjoyment. Ticket prices don’t range more than $16, and more often than that, you can get in for just a few bucks. Weekly specials include $2 Tuesdays (hot dogs, pretzel bites, and sodas for $2), $3 Thursdays (beer specials and $3 general admission), and Fireworks Fridays. Wednesdays feature t‑shirt giveaways, while Saturdays offer promotional giveaways and live music. Sundays are family days, complete with bring‑your‑pooch. And, the team has voucher books, group rates, and season and half-season ticket packages. Free parking, reasonable concessions, and a genuinely fun atmosphere make it an incredibly entertaining, affordable night out. Extras 3 A few other items are worth noting. First, they hand out pocket schedules. Remember them? Second, when purchasing a ticket at the gate, they hand out decorative paper tickets. Remember them? Modesto Roadsters Colorful Printed Ticket, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Collectables long forgotten about in this digital age. Lastly, the Modesto Roadsters’ song is catching and lively. Listen below. Click Photo for the Music Video. X out of Sign-On Request Box and Turn Volume On. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DY1Eyudvii1/ Music Written & Produced by Curtiss Staggs Filmed & Edited by FlysVisuals Final Thoughts The staff and fans alike are pleased to have the Roadsters in town, and it’s easy to understand why. A night at the ballpark is affordable, relaxed, and family‑friendly, the kind of outing that feels good. Modesto has embraced its new team, and the Roadsters have given the community something fun to rally around. Go and experience the newest chapter of baseball in Modesto and see the Roadsters for yourself.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Mascot photo courtesy of Brockton Rox. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Campanelli Stadium 1 Feinberg Way Brockton, MA 02301 Brockton Rox website Campanelli Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 4,750 Team on the Rox? The original iteration of the Rox debuted in the Northern League in 2002. Their home, Campanelli Stadium, opened along with the start of the team. The ballpark was named for Alfred Campanelli, a suburban housing mogul and Brockton native. He donated two million dollars to the City of Brockton for a project that would “substantially benefit the people of Brockton.” The team was a success, bringing affordable baseball to the hardscrabble city of Brockton, located about 25 miles south of Boston. The club was christened the Rox, a derivative of the nearby Red Sox and to honor Brockton native Rocky Marciano, the legendary heavyweight champion who went 49-0 during his career. However, the team’s success on the field and at the gate did not translate to the front office, where the team slipped into unmanageable debt. As a last-ditch effort to keep baseball alive in Brockton, the franchise was moved to the collegiate Futures League in 2011 as a temporary move to get the team’s finances under control. This temporary move lasted 13 seasons, as the Rox passed through a series of ownership groups who paid less and less attention to the team and the stadium. Factor in similar neglect from the city, and Campanelli began to deteriorate, culminating in an infamous raccoon infestation at the ballpark. In the early 2020’s team ownership and the city began to sink money into virtually every corner of the stadium with the stated goal of returning professional baseball to Brockton. These efforts were rewarded in 2024 when the Frontier League granted an expansion franchise to Brockton. The team was christened the “Chowdahheads” after a standard name the team contest. After lukewarm reaction and copyright issues, the team pivoted and rebranded as the Knockouts. In January 2025 a new ownership group, headed by New York Boulders owners Bill and Rob Janetschek and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice purchased the team. They immediately announced that the team would return to the classic “Brockton Rox” name and logo. Food & Beverage 3 The Rox generally open only one of their concession stands for games. Basic stadium fare is offered here, with hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and pizza slices anchoring the menu. Assorted sides, including french fries, pretzels and popcorn round out the menu. A pair of portable stands augment the menu, selling walking tacos and various ice cream treats, including ice cream helmets and Mini Melts. Coca-Cola products are featured at Campanelli Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a selection of beer including Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois and Wormtown. New for 2026 is a Rox-branded beer, Wicked Good Blonde Ale, made in collaboration with nearby Black Hat Brewery. Atmosphere 2 Last year, Stadium Journey sang the praises of the improved game day atmosphere at Campanelli Stadium. This year, the atmosphere has taken a step back. Part of the issue has been technical, as problems with the sound and video systems have hampered the presentation on certain game days. Another issue has been the lack of a consistent emcee to run the show on field. The lack of polish on certain days is readily apparent. Still, there’s a lot of fun to be had at a Rox game. The PA announcer provides a lot of energy and anchors the entertainment night in and night out. The team is doing a better job of integrating the video board, and as the new staff works out the kinks, things should improve. In Brockton, Fun is, and always has been, Good. Promotions and giveaways dot the schedule and the game night entertainment. Still, in an empty stadium, even the best efforts can fall flat. Campanelli Stadium Entry Plaza. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Campanelli Stadium is situated on the campus of Brockton High School, the largest High School in Massachusetts. Brockton is a city of about 105,000 residents located 25 miles south of Boston. The city was named in honor of Isaac Brock, the British commanding general at the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle of the War of 1812. A couple of trivial facts about Brockton: during the Civil War it was the nation’s largest supplier of shoes, and it is the second windiest city in the United States. There are many dining options in the immediate vicinity of Campanelli Stadium for visiting fans, but many of these establishments are of the fast-food variety. Among the more notable spots nearby are Pho 89, Charley’s Cheesesteaks, and McMenamy’s Seafood. Stadium Journey recommends a pair of restaurants on the other side of Route 24 near Stonehill College, Stoneforge Grill and Brack’s Grill & Tap. The Residence Inn here is a quality lodging option. There is no shortage of dining, lodging or entertainment options in the area should you widen your search. Should you be visiting the area, there are many attractions located just a short drive from Brockton. Boston is just 25 miles to the north, and the popular summer attractions on Cape Cod are just 35 miles to the southeast. The historic destinations of Plymouth, MA and Newport, RI are both within an hour’s drive of Campanelli Stadium. Fans 1 Ownership arrived in Brockton with a lofty goal: to return enthusiasm for professional baseball to town. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of staff, results have been slow to come. Early on in the 2026 season, Brockton continues to linger near the bottom of the Frontier league attendance rankings, averaging about 1,000 fans per game. Even with an improved promotional schedule and more frequent camp games, the hoped-for bump in attendance has yet to materialize. What the Rox fans are lacking in quantity, they are making up for in quality. The team does appear to have their share of superfans scattered throughout the ballpark. These fans are notable for their noise level, participation in chants and promotions and classic team attire. Campanelli Stadium Press Row Facade. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Campanelli Stadium is located about a mile from Route 24, which connects Fall River and the Massachusetts South Coast with the Greater Boston area. Interstates 495, 93 and 95 all pass within a short distance of Brockton. While driving is the primary method to get to the ballpark, the Brockton Area Transit Authority’s number 3 bus does have a stop next door at the High School. The final bus departs at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s Fall River/New Bedford Line brings passengers from downtown Brockton north to Boston and south to Fall River and New Bedford. The Rox website advises visiting fans to park in the large lots at Brockton High School. Be warned that the path from the high school’s main lot to the ballpark is unpaved and unlit. The many smaller lots behind the ballpark by the RMV and library may be more convenient, especially at night. Unfortunately, there are no staff around to help you and no signage to direct fans. All fans will access the stadium via the main entrance, where the ticket offices and team store are located. Two sets of stairs lead to the entrance of the ballpark and the concourse level. There is an elevator located in the main plaza for those who need it. The seating bowl stretches from short left field around to the right field foul pole. An open concourse runs atop the seating bowl. Seating consists of red plastic stadium seats with decent leg room. All seats feature good views of the field. Rest rooms, while in need of some freshening up, are plenty large enough for the typical Rox crowd. Fans may get frustrated with the lack of Rox staff stationed around the stadium to help out. Those staff stationed inside the ballpark tend to cluster together in certain areas. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Rox games are priced at $14 for Infield Reserve seats and $16 for Premium Reserve seats. With the small crowds in attendance, and lack of ushers, buy the cheaper tickets and sit where you want (unless it’s someone else’s seat, of course). The Rox also offer ticket deals throughout the season. Check their social media and website for details. Parking is free in the lots surrounding Campanelli Stadium. Unfortunately, signage isn’t always clear as to what lots are OK to park in and what ones aren’t, and there are no staff around to help you out. A simple rule: at night, all the lots are OK. During the day, use the high school’s lots. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a Rox game an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans and an affordable alternative to the nearby ballparks in Boston and Worcester. Extras 2 Two retired numbers hang on Campanelli Stadium’s outfield wall. Brockton native sons Rocky Marciano (#49) and Marvelous Marvin Hagler (#62) are immortalized with their final victory totals. Behind the ballpark in the entry plaza to Marciano Stadium is a statue of Rocky Marciano. Measuring 20 feet, it is noted to be the tallest statue of a sporting figure in the world. There is a statue of Marvin Hagler downtown near where the famous Petronelli gym once stood. Final Thoughts It’s been a frustrating three seasons back in pro ball here in the City of Champions, where every step forward seems to be followed by a step back. The Rox may be on the ropes, but can they go the distance? Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup showcases the best footballers in a generation, across the Atlantic, stars of the future will gather in the unlikely location of North Wales. The annual UEFA European Under-19 Championship sees eight of Europe’s elite footballing nations challenge for this coveted trophy from 28 June to 11 July. Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Fernando Torres and Viktor Gyökeres are just a few players to have used this tournament to springboard their careers into the stratosphere. But whilst the world’s elite play in vast ultra-modern arenas such SoFi (Los Angeles Stadium), Hard Rock (Miami Stadium) and MetLife (New York New Jersey Stadium) four slightly more humble venues have been selected to host the stars of the future. Racecourse Ground, Wrexham (10,200) Central Park, Denbigh (2,400) The Oval, Caernarfon (3,000) Bangor City Stadium, Bangor (3,000) Central Park, Denbigh (2,400); The Oval, Caernarfon (3,000); Bangor City Stadium, Bangor (3,000), Photos Courtesy of UEFA The ‘Hollywood’ venue is of course the Racecourse Ground (Y Cae Ras) which holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest international football stadium in the world. In modern times it’s known as the location for Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ hugely successful ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ FX documentary. The stadium will host the first match of the tournament on 28 June, three further games and the prestige final at 20:00 BST on 11 July. Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey The competition began in 1948, starting life as the International Youth Tournament. After further iterations the tournament has had its current name since 2002. The current holders are Spain, and they are favourites again for the 2026 tournament. The full list of contenders is: Spain U19 France U19 Netherlands U19 England U19 Germany U19 Denmark U19 Wales U19 Montenegro U19 Whilst North Wales may seem a little ‘low key’ compared to New York, Miami and LA, you’d be wise to reconsider. North Wales is the home of the stunning Snowdonia National Park, popular beaches, the Menai Bridge and Caernarfon Castle, where the investiture of the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) took place in July 1989. With such a beautiful location, extremely reasonable ticket prices, a variety of accommodation options for under £100 a night and a chance to say you’ve seen the next Ronaldo, there is still time to plan your stadium journey to North Wales. For fixture updates and ticket information visit the UEFA tournament webpage here. Stadium Journey will review each of the four tournament stadia from a fan’s perspective. Look out for these in the coming days.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Edward A. LeLacheur Park 450 Aiken St. Lowell, MA 01852 Lowell Spinners website Edward A. LeLacheur Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,767 Take it for Another Spin The original version of the Lowell Spinners first took the field in 1996. Located just 27 miles northwest of Boston, this Class-A Rookie League affiliate of the Red Sox was an immediate success. Noted for their wacky gameday presentation, the team was a model low-minor league franchise over their quarter century of play, at one point selling out 413 consecutive games at LeLacheur Park. Edward A. LeLacheur Park was built in 1998 as the result of a partnership between the city of Lowell and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. The ballpark is named in honor of the state representative who spearheaded its construction. From its opening until 2020, LeLacheur served as home to the UMass Lowell Riverhawks baseball team and the Lowell Spinners. When Minor League Baseball was reorganized before the 2021 season, the Spinners were one of the 40 teams dropped from Minor League Baseball. In November 2025 it was announced that a new team would play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League using the Spinners name starting in the 2026 season. Leading the ownership group is Marc Deschenes, a former UMass Lowell baseball player who enjoyed a 13-year professional career in the Cleveland and Boston organizations. After his playing days, Deschenes founded and developed USA Prime New England, a premier youth baseball program in the area. Among the minority owners is Red Sox legend Johnny Damon. The Futures League is a summer wood-bat collegiate league with teams located throughout New England. The circuit began play in 2011 when the NECBL denied the league’s founders, Drew Weber and Chris Carmucci, expansion teams. Many of the league’s teams play in former minor league ballparks. The Futures League differs from other area leagues in that half of each team’s roster must have a New England connection, either by being natives of the region or by attending area schools. Food & Beverage 4 There are concession stands on either side of the ballpark serving up traditional ballpark fare for visiting fans. Anchoring the menu are hot dogs, burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and chicken tenders. Fans looking to save a few dollars can pair a main item with fries and a 12-ounce drink in a value meal. A good selection of snacks are sold throughout the park, from nachos, pretzels, cotton candy and ice cream novelties to Dippin’ Dots, which are sold behind the press box building at one of the portable carts that line the concourse. Speaking of portable carts, fans looking for an adult beverage will find three bar carts serving up a good selection of craft beers all over the park. Featured are brews from local favorites Fiddlehead, Mighty Squirrel, Sea Dog and Garage Brewing. Coca-Cola products are featured at LeLacheur Park. Before games the Spinners open up the Sea Dog Brewpen, an all-you-can-eat party area open for 90 minutes before each game, where fans can enjoy BBQ foods or unlimited pizza slices. A separate ticket is needed to access the Brewpen. Atmosphere 3 The Spinners have stated their intention to replicate the wacky in-game promotions and packed promotional schedule of the original Spinners. While the schedule is loaded with giveaways and deals for visiting fans, the gameday presentation still has a way to go to fully round into form. While there are games, contests and distractions planned for every half inning, the staff are very inexperienced and need some more practice to smooth out the many rough spots in the game day presentation. Stadium Journey attended the Spinners’ second home game of the 2026 season, and there were several gaffes noticed throughout the game, many of which will undoubtedly get ironed out as the season progresses. The overall volume could stand to be turned down a bit, and the folks with microphones will hopefully learn that they don’t need to yell into those microphones, but the enthusiasm shown by Spinner staff is impressive. Likewise, the staff should quickly figure out which promotions are working and which need to be replaced as spring moves into summer. Many promotional mainstays that were popular during the days of the original Spinners have been brought back, including the chicken dance, the alligator mascots, and the giant inflatable Canaligator that greets fans outside the front entrance to the ballpark. Face painters, caricature artists, mimes and balloon artists add to the carnival-like atmosphere at the game. A kids play area is open at the far end of the left field grandstand for younger fans who need a place to blow off some steam. Canalligator Runs to Catch a Young Fan at LeLacheur Park. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 LeLacheur Park is located on the campus of The University of Massachusetts-Lowell, which straddles the Merrimack River in the north-central part of the city. The ballpark is on the south bank of the river, a short distance from Tsongas Center. Running right behind the field are the rapids that fueled the mills that made this area a magnet for industry back in the day. A nice feature of the area is the Riverwalk, a two-mile trail that runs along the Merrimack River. It’s a nice place to explore if you have some extra time. Lowell is a working-class city. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of LeLacheur Park to draw visiting fans, but visitors to the city may be interested in exploring the Lowell National Historic Park, which has preserved several old textile mills to tell the story of the industrial revolution. On the grounds of the park is a memorial to native son Jack Kerouac, who was one of the icons of the “Beat Generation.” Most out-of-towners will likely make their way to nearby Boston, 25 miles to the southeast, but for those looking to stay in town, most lodging options are located out by Interstate 495. Fans looking for a place to eat near the ballpark might want to check out the Worthen House Café, which was established in 1898. Some of its notable patrons through the years were Edgar Allen Poe, Jack Keroac and Jimmy Breslin. Fans 5 Stadium Journey attended the Spinners’ second game, and early returns have been amazing. Opening Night drew a capacity crowd, while the second and third games have drawn about 1,800 fans each. Those figures alone are very respectable figures for summer college baseball. It will be interesting to see if these large crowds continue once the novelty of the team fades. Futures League games attract many families, along with friends and families of the players, and in the case of Lowell, local baseball fans happy to see baseball return to their local ballpark. There is a definite buzz in the stands at LeLacheur. Spinners Turn a Double Play at LeLacheur Park. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Lowell is a city with a population of about 115,000 citizens located about a half hour northwest of Boston near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. Straddling the Merrimack River, Lowell came of age during the Industrial Revolution as a mill town. Many of those mills have been preserved as part of the Lowell National Historic Park. LeLacheur Park is located on the southern bank of the Merrimack River a short distance from downtown. Interstate 495 runs just south of Lowell, and the Lowell Connector takes motorists from the interstate into downtown Lowell. The ballpark is about two miles from the end of the Lowell Connector. The Lowell Regional Transit Authority’s number 9 bus has a stop on Pawtucket Street right near the ballpark for those fans using public transit. Fans will enter the ballpark via an entry tower on the right field side of the stadium. The concourse and seating bowl stretches from deep right field around to medium left field, with the field visible from most spots on the concourse. Most seating consists of faded green stadium seats, with some metal bleachers farther down the right field line. Standing room and handicapped seats are located at the top of the seating bowl. Concession stands, a small team store, restrooms, and portable carts line the outer edge of the concourse all the way around the ballpark. Lines are generally not an issue here in Lowell. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Spinners games are affordable, with prices starting at $10 for reserved bleacher seats, and rising to $11 for box seats and $12 for premium box seats. Parking is available in the East Parking Garage adjacent to the ballpark, the Hall Street Garage a few blocks away, and on the local streets near the ballpark. Parking costs $10 no matter which option you choose. Concessions and souvenirs are inexpensive for this level of baseball, making a Spinners game an affordable entertainment option for Merrimack Valley sports fans. Spinners Line up for the National Anthem at LeLacheur Park. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 3 An extra point for the return of the Spinners and baseball to Lowell. A second extra point for the needed repairs to LeLacheur Park to bring it back to its former glory. On our last visit there for UMass Lowell baseball in 2025, large sections of the park were closed off, the video board was covered by a tarp, and overall maintenance had been clearly neglected. Today, surfaces have been painted and powerwashed and the park looks much as it did during the heyday of the original Spinners. A final extra point is awarded for the Lowell baseball traditions that were carried over, without overdoing things, and giving the new team room to create their own traditions. Using the old name, but a new logo is a prime example of this philosophy. Final Thoughts Creating a summer college team to replace a beloved professional baseball team does not always go as planned (Hello, Brockton!). But if the first week of the 2026 Futures League season is any indication, the Future is indeed bright in Lowell. No need to put a positive spin on it. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos Courtesy of Marc Viquez When CPKC Stadium opened in 2024, there was hope that the capacity would be expanded sometime in the future. The future may be now, as Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced an ordinance to expand the home of the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League. The project will increase the stadium’s capacity from 11,500 to 18,000, and expand the district around the stadium and a parking garage. The estimated cost is $1.4 billion, which also includes the completed construction of the riverfront district, named Current Landing. The legislation says the city could issue up to $235 million in special obligation bonds that would include additional funding from Current owners and investments from the state of Missouri. In addition to expanding the stadium's capacity, the legislation aims to enhance the waterfront through new public trails, expanded public spaces, and additional community amenities. CPKC Stadium was the first of its kind built for a professional women’s soccer club in 2024 and was privately funded at $117 million. The Current has sold out every one of its home games in its first three years. The city has embraced the women’s club by donning the team's teal and red colors. Fans flock downtown hours before kickoff, generating an energy rarely seen elsewhere in the NWSL. Stadium Journey was in town for a game in March of 2024 and had this to say about the game-day experience. “CPKC Stadium might be the template for women’s soccer stadiums in the United States. The design, culinary features, location, and environmental thinking will make others take notice when constructing stadiums of their own in other cities. The fanbase has embraced the club and has made attending a home match the place to be on a Saturday night.” The expansion of the venue could help the city in its bid to be a host city for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, and the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup. "We look to build on the momentum, expanding a stadium district that will draw more visitors, create jobs, help Kansas City compete for more global and national events, and strengthen our riverfront for generations to come, “ Lucas added in a press release. The City Council will review the ordinance on June 23. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch 5895 Post Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Rach website Sarasota Paradise website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 3,500 We Are Paradise Sarasota Paradise is a professional soccer club playing in USL League One in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, just outside Sarasota. Paradise began play in 2023 in USL League Two with a largely semi-professional roster, before transitioning to the league’s fully professional third division ahead of the 2026 season. Food & Beverage 4 The menu here offers a fairly standard ballpark-style lineup with a mix of quick snacks, handhelds, and Hispanic-inspired items at affordable prices. Traditional staples such as popcorn and hot dogs are paired with more unique options such as chicken Caesar wraps, turkey chili wraps, and several empanada options, including cheese and spinach, chicken, and beef. A few specialty items add some local flavor, including Paradise Pretzels and Paradise Nachos, along with a Southern Almond Chicken Sandwich. Overall, the menu leans simpler and more casual than gourmet, but it still provides a solid variety of inexpensive stadium fare. Several food trucks and vendor tents also expand the options with more local flavors, most notably sweet treats and refreshing smoothies that fit the hot, humid Florida climate well. The alcohol selection offers more variety than the typical domestic-heavy stadium setup. Sun King Keller Haze IPA, Kona Big Wave Golden Ale, and Sun Lab Blonde on Paradise, a Sarasota Paradise collaboration brew, help elevate the beer lineup. NUTRL seltzers, Surfside Teas, Cutwater spirits, and a full selection of single-serve wines are also available. Atmosphere 3 The stadium at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch serves as the centerpiece of a soccer-specific complex that includes 23 regulation soccer fields surrounding the main stadium pitch. The facility itself is fairly simple, consisting mostly of functional structures housing locker rooms, ticketing, concessions, maintenance areas, and the team shop, all surrounded by chain-link fencing. Seating is made up primarily of aluminum bleachers running along both sides of the pitch, each backed by rows of palm trees that reinforce the Florida setting. Seats feel close to the field, making it difficult to find a truly bad view anywhere in the stadium. The nearside seating sections are the most desirable, as fans on the far side must contend with the harsh Florida evening sun during the early portions of matches here. A small section of removable stadium seats sits near midfield, while a handful of club and premium seating options provide a more comfortable viewing experience. A green and white building at the north end of the stadium houses the ticket office, apparel shop, and concessions. The scoreboards are fairly basic four-by-eight-foot displays showing only match time, half, and score, though videoboards are reportedly planned for the future. Overall the venue is comfortable and appropriately sized, avoiding the empty feeling that can plague larger lower-division soccer stadiums. Neighborhood 3 The Lakewood Ranch area sits just east of Sarasota, though the complex itself is closer to Bradenton to the north. The area is largely made up of gated golf communities, master-planned neighborhoods, and sprawling retail developments. Located directly off Interstate 75, the area continues to grow rapidly despite already having an established suburban foundation. The Waterside district along Kingfisher Lake, roughly 15 to 20 minutes south of Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, has emerged as one of the area’s primary gathering spots, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options continuing to open. Good Liquid Brewing Company is among the more popular local hangouts nearby. Several hotels sit near the Interstate 75 exits around Lakewood Ranch, though much of the lodging in the area leans toward resort-style accommodations and vacation rentals. The complex is positioned roughly between Sarasota and Bradenton, while Gulf Coast beaches are generally within an hour’s drive. Early-season matches also overlap with the closing weeks of Major League Baseball spring training along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Fans 3 The club steadily grew its fanbase throughout its inaugural season, with more than 1,000 supporters attending the final home match of the year. Sarasota Paradise has had time to establish a following during its years at the USL League Two level, though the overall atmosphere still feels somewhat like a work in progress. The club’s supporters group, the “Birds of Paradise,” works hard to create a traditional American soccer atmosphere with chants, flags, and steady vocal support. At times, however, the in-house MC still has to encourage much of the crowd with repeated “Let’s Go Paradise” chants to keep the energy going. As matches progress, particularly when the club is playing well, the Birds of Paradise noticeably increase their involvement, helping add that extra air of excitement to the experience. Access 4 Ticket windows are located near the north entrance, and open onto an open-air concrete concourse running behind the seating areas. Each bleacher section also has a walkway running in front of the lower rows, which can occasionally create brief sightline interruptions for fans seated closest to the pitch, as spectators move through the area. This issue is generally minor and does not significantly impact the overall viewing experience. Overall, getting in and out of the facility is fairly straightforward and hassle-free. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices begin at $13 for seats on the far side of the stadium, where fans must contend with the setting evening sun. Seats near midfield and on the shaded near side of the pitch can climb to more than $50 depending on location and premium seating access. Concession prices are reasonable for this level of soccer, and are slightly more affordable than at many comparable soccer venues. Free parking also goes a long way toward keeping overall costs manageable. While some seating prices feel uneven depending on section location, there is still strong overall value available for fans attending a match. Extras 3 Pre-match entertainment includes an interview segment with Sarasota’s manager discussing storylines and key points to watch for during the match – this is a simple but effective way to connect supporters to the tactical side of the game before kickoff. There is also a small family area featuring inflatables, cornhole, and kid-sized soccer goals to help keep younger fans engaged throughout the evening. One especially thoughtful touch comes from the Birds of Paradise supporters group, which posts a QR code for fans to scan that provides lyrics and instructions for chants and songs used throughout the match. It is a small gesture, but one that helps visitors feel more involved, and also contributes to the overall atmosphere. Final Thoughts Sarasota Paradise is a club in a bit of a transition, balancing the feel of its USL League Two roots with the growing ambitions that come with moving into the professional ranks of USL League One. Premier Sports Campus is not a flashy venue, but it succeeds in creating a relaxed and approachable matchday environment that fits the club’s current stage of development. Between the affordable concessions, easy access, intimate sightlines, and improving supporter culture, the experience delivers solid value for lower-division soccer fans along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Future plans for a standalone stadium with a proposed capacity of roughly 7,500 fans signal that Sarasota Paradise views its current setup as only a stepping-stone. For now, however, the club’s existing venue does enough to provide an enjoyable and comfortable soccer experience while allowing the organization time to continue building its identity, atmosphere, and fan base in one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Bank of the James Stadium 3180 Fort Ave. Lynchburg, VA 24501 Hill City Howlers website The Bank of the James Stadium website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 4,000 Hill City Howlers - Lynchburg, Virginia The team might have a new name, a new moniker, a new logo and a new identity, but minor league baseball in Lynchburg, Virginia, has roots that go all the way back to 1894. In 1995, the team adopted the name “Lynchburg Hillcats”, which was just changed in 2026 to the "Hill City Howlers." So, who are the Howlers? Their city stadium, corporately named Bank of the James Stadium (more on that later), shares a boundary with the historic Spring Hill Cemetery. Ancient lore suggests that there are abandoned tunnels running between the cemetery and the stadium, and the story has it that when a Babe Ruth home run ball landed on cemetery grounds, it awakened spirits who then became attracted to baseball. The Howlers are the ghosts. It makes for a good story. Approaching The Bank of the James Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 5 Given the small size of the stadium, and seemingly the older infrastructure of an established ballpark, the colorful display of concessions and the multitude of items available is quite surprising. Pepsi products run $5, bottled water $3.50, Coffee $3.00 and Arnold Palmer iced tea $6. Beer prices are also pretty reasonable, $7 for domestic and $9 for craft. Hot dogs go for $3.50 the jumbo dogs for $6, Fries $3.50, Popcorn $6/ Hamburgers with chips will run $10 and cheeseburgers with chips $11. There is full bar service available with mixed drinks at $10. In a testament to new technology, Victor’s Grab and Go offers contactless purchase of beverages and snacks. Help yourself, scan and out the door. Atmosphere 3 Being a 1940 built stadium, the best way one could refer to this venue is “classic”. Mostly chair back seats, and the ones on the infield are weather protected thanks to an overhead canopy and a mezzanine level for suites. Mascots entertain, there is not much in the way of contemporary video board technology, and the pure baseball experience is what works here. Welcome to Lynchburg Mural. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 1 “Neighborhood”? Not so much. The immediate area surrounding the stadium is pretty much isolated from everything this region has to offer. Besides parking, there is the aforementioned cemetery next door. The community of Lynchburg has plenty to offer in terms of tourist destinations, starting with a very walkable downtown historic district. Civll War attractions include the Appomatox Court House and the Fort Early battlefield. And of course the huge economic driver and employer in this city is the faith based Liberty University (of Jerry Falwell fame), the sheer size and presence of the sprawling campus leaves an indelible footprint. Fans 2 The Howlers' fan support is amongst the lowest tier in the Carolina League, and for the most part is a sleepy fan experience. We’re guessing that the college basketball and college football experiences at Liberty University are the main sports attractions in these parts. Game Action at The Bank of the James Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Driving to “City Stadium” is a piece of cake, much of which takes you through city streets and back roads. There is no public transportation option directly to the stadium. Once on the grounds, parking is ample, and free. The lots are sorted on several levels, meaning bit of a walk and an uphill climb depending on time of arrival. Return on Investment 5 The parking is free. Concessions are all reasonably priced. Ticket prices run from $10 to $17, with a daily four pack bringing that cost down to roughly $8 a ticket. They even offer free admission to kids under 14 on Sundays and seniors 60+ on Tuesdays. This is clearly an entertainment bargain Outfield View at The Bank of the James Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 The “Bank of the James” is the corporate name on the venue. Good luck finding that name on any marquee, signage or anyplace else within the stadium for that matter. The bank pays $50,000 a year for the privilege of having their brand on a stadium which offers little back in return. Final Thoughts The best way to describe a game day here at City Stadium with the Howlers is “ordinary”. Given the way Minor League Baseball has modernized and adapted their ballparks and game day experiences, a visit here for the casual one-time fan is more like a box to check than a memory to last a lifetime.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Alumni Field at Kutcher Foundation Stadium 703 E Churchville Rd Bel Air, MD 21014 Baltimore Clippers website Alumni Field at Kutcher Foundation Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 1,000 The Clippers are in Bel Air The Baltimore Clippers are a summer collegiate baseball team competing in the Maryland Collegiate Baseball League (MCBL). This league features active college baseball players utilizing wooden bats. The Clippers play home games at Alumni Field at Kutcher Foundation Stadium at the John Carroll School in Harford County, MD. The John Carroll School, located in Bel Air, Maryland, opened its doors in September 1964 as a private Catholic high school named after the first Catholic archbishop in the United States. The 72-acre John Carroll campus features several outdoor athletic facilities, highlighted by Alumni Field at Kutcher Foundation Stadium, commonly referred to as the John Carroll Baseball Field. Opened in the spring of 2021 after a major renovation of a previous baseball field, the venue's most notable physical feature is its playing surface. The baseball field is entirely artificial and not grass. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food sold at Clippers games, so stop somewhere before the game and bring your own items to snack on. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at the John Carroll Baseball Field is functional, focusing entirely on the action on the diamond. The venue is devoid of modern game-day production. There is no public address announcer, no player introductions, no walk-up music, or between-inning announcements. Furthermore, the electronic scoreboard located beyond the outfield fence is not turned on during Baltimore Clippers games. There are no formal stands or bleachers at the venue. Instead, most people sit around the top of the surrounding hill, with a few people near the backstop at the bottom of that hill. The steep grassy inclines provide a natural amphitheater perspective of the action. Spectators bring their own folding chairs, coolers, and blankets to set up along the grass. Neighborhood 4 The John Carroll School sits directly on Churchville Road, also known as Maryland Route 22, in Bel Air. The venue is positioned within a busy commercial and residential corridor in Harford County. The Harford Mall is located approximately two miles west of the campus at the intersection of US Route 1 and Route 24. This commercial area features multiple chain restaurants, including Miller’s Ale House, Bonefish Grill, Qdoba Mexican Grill, and Five Guys. Downtown Bel Air, situated just west of the school, provides a dense collection of independent dining options for pre-game or post-game meals. Local establishments in the downtown district include Looney’s Pub, Sean Bolan’s Irish Pub, and Das Bierhalle Bel Air. Vagabond Sandwich Company serves sandwiches on Thomas Street, and Sunny Day Cafe operates on Main Street for early weekend games. The immediate neighborhood surrounding the school consists of suburban housing developments and local parks. Fans 2 For fans, it seems like family and friends at best. Attendance consists almost exclusively of the collegiate players' parents, siblings, and acquaintances from the surrounding area. Access 4 The John Carroll School is accessible directly from Maryland Route 22. Drivers coming from outside Harford County reach the school via Interstate 95, taking the exit for Maryland Route 24 North into Bel Air. The campus features a large, paved surface parking lot situated adjacent to the main academic buildings and the outdoor athletic fields. Parking is free for all attendees, and the lot provides more than enough capacity for the crowds attending Maryland Collegiate Baseball League games. There are no ticket booths, turnstiles, or designated entry gates to pass through at the venue. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Baltimore Clippers games at the John Carroll Baseball Field is entirely free of charge. Parking in the John Carroll School surface parking lots is also free for all attendees. Because there are no concession stands or team merchandise vendors on site, fans spend zero dollars to enter the venue and watch the game. Extras 2 The Baltimore Clippers and the MCBL utilize wooden bats during all games, altering the sound and strategy of the game compared to standard aluminum-bat college baseball. The field utilizes the host school's black and gold color scheme prominently, including a black artificial turf infield with the school name painted down the foul lines. Final Thoughts The John Carroll Baseball Field provides a functional, minimalist outdoor venue for Baltimore Clippers baseball. The facility allows fans to watch summer collegiate athletes compete on an all-turf field in a stripped-down environment with completely free admission and parking.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fluor Field at the West End 945 S Main St Greenville, SC 29601 Greenville Drive website Fluor Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,000 High A Ball In Green Vegas Baseball has been played in Greenville since the late 1800s. With over one hundred years of baseball in the city, the sport has become a central part of the town's culture. Through the years, a variety of minor league teams have called Greenville home, including, but not limited to, the Greenville Braves (1984–2004). The current resident, the Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Red Sox, has called Fluor Field home since its gates opened in 2006. Paying homage to their major league affiliate, Fluor Field shares many of the same dimensional characteristics as Fenway Park. The Drive front office has made a continued investment in the stadium since its inauguration, maintaining the standard of one of the best High-A experiences in the country. Food & Beverage 4 Fluor Field offers a wide variety of food and beverage options throughout the stadium. Along the concourse, you will find all the stadium basics, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, chicken tenders, popcorn, soda, candy, etc., and then some at the traditional concession windows. In addition to the basics, there are also windows and grab-and-go options that house chicken wings, soft-serve ice cream, energy drinks, and BBQ sandwiches, all of which are reasonably priced. The soft serve served in a mini helmet has become a baseball classic and appears to be a hit with the Greenville Drive faithful. The beer selection adds to the already strong food and beverage variety. You can find an array of basic domestics, as well as craft beer from New Realm Brewing, including, but not limited to, the Greenville Drive house lager, "Rallyville." There is also a decent selection of seltzers, ciders, and Cutwaters for non-beer fans. Atmosphere 4 If I could describe the atmosphere of Fluor Field in one word, that word would be "clean." From the concourse to the bathrooms, the game presentation, the ticket office, and the team store, everything is clean, and it is exactly what you want from a High-A baseball experience. Starting at the ticket office, if you choose not to purchase tickets online before you arrive, you still have the option to purchase a physical ticket. It is a pleasant aspect of the gameday experience that seems to be fading away nowadays, so props to the Greenville Drive and their staff for keeping it alive. Adjacent to the ticket office is the primary team store. It is the typical size for a team at this level, offering a variety of '47 Brand hats, T-shirts, jerseys, sweaters, and other trinkets that often inhabit team stores. The concourse does not wrap around the entirety of the stadium; rather, it stretches from foul pole to foul pole. The left field foul pole holds a general admission grass berm, and behind the berm is a caged playground for children. The right field foul pole houses the 500 Club, where the majority of the specialty food can be found, along with picnic benches and high-top tables. As the concourse wraps around to the other side, there are plenty of concession windows, mini team stores, and a drink kiosk. The field of play is also viewable from the concourse. There is traditional blue stadium seating below the concourse, and the sun does set on the third-base side, which is an important bit of information on sweltering Southern summer days, nights, and everything in between. Premium seating and other hospitality areas can be found on the second deck, and these areas are inaccessible to patrons with a standard ticket. There is also seating atop the replica Green Monster, as well as a specialty rooftop bar and hospitality areas above that. All of this adds to the quirky minor league baseball atmosphere. The field itself pays homage to its major league counterpart, Fenway Park, by modeling some of its unique dimensions after landmarks such as the Green Monster and Pesky's Pole. The atmosphere is topped off with a seamless game presentation featuring fun between-inning activations, clear announcements, audible music without being overbearing, and a well-rounded modern video board. Neighborhood 4 The Historic West End is one of Greenville's most popular districts, offering a wide array of activities, food, drink, and culture. Adjacent to downtown, the West End offers a slightly calmer atmosphere than the busier, but still attractive, downtown area. Modern apartment buildings, shops, bars, and restaurants surround Fluor Field, adding to the Fenway-esque vibe as the stadium is nestled into the surrounding buildings. There are plenty of establishments to pop into before the game for a quick drink or a bite to eat. Places such as Gather GVL, Lefty's West End, Mercado Cantina, and many more are merely steps away from the stadium. Personally, I enjoy New Realm Brewing, which is right across the street from the outfield, for a quick drink before the game. Their beautiful taproom offers a spacious two-story interior with ambient lighting and an expansive outdoor patio with a stage for live music. There is a Homewood Suites across the street from the stadium, but due to the proximity to downtown Greenville, there is no shortage of lodging options. This is true for both hotels and Airbnbs alike. Falls Park on the Reedy is one of Greenville's most popular attractions, and it is less than a mile from the stadium. The park offers a cascading river, scenic views of the city, and plenty of walking paths. While the West End is quaint, downtown is also certainly worth a visit and has more to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants, and bars. It is a little louder and more hectic, but still very clean and walkable. Downtown is also home to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Fans 4 We were in attendance for a Thursday night tilt. Weeknight minor league baseball games can be very hit or miss in terms of attendance, but the Drive faithful had a strong showing. This seems to be the norm, as they average just under 5,000 fans per game—nothing for a High-A team to be ashamed of. The fans themselves are reserved and welcoming. It is largely locals greeting one another and staff members alike, which is one of the more special aspects of minor league baseball—something that often gets lost at major league games. While the Red Sox are the major league affiliate, Greenville is certainly still Braves Country, as Braves hats, jerseys, and shirts can be found throughout the crowd. Access 3 There are no direct Fluor Field parking lots adjacent to the stadium; instead, the Drive directs fans to general Greenville parking lots and decks around the city. The Drive offers detailed parking information on its website, including a map displaying all lots, decks, and trolley service routes, as some parking decks are downtown and require a bit of a stroll. There is one free lot at 706 Pendleton Street that is well worth using if you arrive early enough, as some parking options can run as high as $20. This lot is only about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Traffic coming into the city can be hit or miss, so it is worth giving yourself a little extra buffer time upon arrival, but it should not be anything too extreme. The stadium itself is simple to navigate, as it consists of one concourse that wraps above the seating bowl; it can, however, get a little tight when busy. Return on Investment 4 Minor league baseball should be affordable, and the Drive delivers exactly that. At $9 for general admission and $13 for a reserved seat, combined with the free parking option, you are already looking at one of the more affordable experiences in affiliated baseball. The low cost does not stop there. Basic stadium fare—hot dogs, pizza, boiled peanuts, soda, and more—will only run you between $2 and $6. Specialty items, like the meatball sub that I can and will vouch for, cost around $11. Beer ranges from about $5 for a domestic to $7 for a craft option, and on Thursdays, prices drop even further with $4 Rallyville Lager and $3 Kona Big Wave specials. All things considered, one of the better MiLB experiences is also one of the most affordable. There is no arguing the bang for your buck at Fluor Field. Extras 3 The aforementioned unique ballpark dimensions and left field seating areas are a lot of fun, and they definitely earn a point for still offering physical tickets. Last but certainly not least, the team store offers a '47 Brand hat that does not feature the team logo; instead, it displays a shield of Fluor Field itself, which is much appreciated. Final Thoughts This stadium experience certainly lives up to the hype and is a must-see for any baseball fan in the area.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Highland Park Stadium 900 West Defenbaugh St Kokomo, IN 46902 Kokomo Post 6 website Highland Park Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,000 Kokomo Highland Park Stadium Stands Still Highland Park Stadium, or CFD Investments Stadium, has been a fixture in Kokomo, Indiana, since 1955, when it was prepared for minor league baseball in the Midwest League. The era of affiliated ball lasted seven seasons and provided lasting memories for all who attended games, but many more were made at high school, amateur, and American Legion games. Today, the Kokomo Post 6 baseball team plays here. The American Legion team has called it home for many years and has played steadily since 1925. The program has two primary squads: Senior 19U and Junior 17U teams that develop and prepare area youth for college baseball. The team is affectionately known as the Sixers and has captured two American Legion Baseball State Championships in 1972 and 1982. The 1982 squad finished fourth in the nation. The Kokomo Dodgers operated during the 1955 season before giving way to the Kokomo Dodgers the following year. The K-Dodgers played at the stadium until 1961. Future MLB Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda and NL All-Star Tommie Davis spent time in town honing their skills. In 1961, improvements were made to the stadium, including painting several buildings and installing bleachers, but it was not enough to keep professional baseball in town. The K-Dodgers quietly folded after the season. The city invested more than $250,000 in stadium renovations that included new lights and bleacher seating for the 1985 American Legion World Series. The upgrades reduced the stadium’s seating capacity from 7,000 to 3,000. The stadium would continue to be used by Kokomo High School, Legion Ball, and other organizations, with close to 160-180 events per year. The stadium was used for amateur baseball teams that included the CFD Saints and the Kokomo, sometimes named Burger King Highlanders, from 1960 to 1999. These teams would generate between 300-500 fans per game at times. Food & Beverages 3 There was food served at the game in the form of a food truck just outside the stadium’s main entrance. El Rancho Street Tacos could not be missed by many in attendance, offering a specific menu for the game that included street corn, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and nachos. The main attraction might be the street dog that is topped with grilled onion, pico de gallo, cilantro, and crumbled Hot Cheeto dust. The bun flavors worked well together, and the bun was nicely toasted. Coca-Cola products and bottled agua frescas are available to wash it down with. Fans are also able to bring their own food and drink into the stadium. Atmosphere 3 If you enjoy a laid-back baseball experience with no thrills, this is your place. The game is relaxed, quiet at times, and ideal for the baseball purists. There is not much taking place during the game besides watching the game with a few friends and family members of the players. The sounds of the ball pinging off aluminum bats, cleats brushing against the gravel path, and celebrations from each dugout to end an inning. There is a PA announcer, reminders to visit the truck, and pitching changes. At times, somebody will talk to you about the game or the team itself, but this is a chance to stretch your feet and enjoy the ballgame. The Sixers sell official caps and game-worn jerseys for $30 and $5 a piece at the entrance of the stadium. Foul balls are returned to the umpire, and the neighborhood surrounding gives the experience a small-town feel that is welcoming. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in Highland Park on the edge of a residential neighborhood and a golf course, just 2 miles south of Kokomo Municipal Stadium, home of the Kokomo Creek Chubs of the Prospect League. What you would find in Kokomo is a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on US-31, which is not too far from the stadium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then here are a few suggestions. ​ Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches, and it is also an ideal place for the kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery provides a great stop for a bite to eat or craft beer after the game. The Windmill Grill, B-K Root Beer Stand, or Artie’s Tenderloin are great local choices in town. Be sure to try a tenderloin sandwich, a giant breaded piece of pork that is deep-fried and big enough for two. ​ The ballpark is 2 miles away from the historic Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, which at one time was one of the largest high school basketball field houses in the country. The current size is around 5,000, and it still packs a crowd during the high school season. Fans 2 The game attracts parents, friends, and other family members. There are very few who come out to check out the game itself. Access 3 Highland Park Stadium has its own parking lot, and two main bleachers are separated by a press box. There are areas down the foul lines to watch the game along the fence, but the stadium is laid out nicely for easy access. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $5, children are $2, and a season pass is $25. The cost of a baseball cap is $30, and game-used jerseys are $5-cash only. The food truck prices range from $3 for a taco, $4.50 for a street dog, and $9 for a torta. They take credit cards. A nice way to spend an evening of baseball at a low cost. Extras 2 The stadium earns a point for having a food truck that changes per game. A second point is for the $5 team gear, which makes for a unique and nice gift. Final Thoughts A visit to Highland Park Stadium is for the dedicated baseball traveler, or if you know someone playing for the Sixers. It is a curiosity, a former ballpark that once housed minor league players and a future Hall of Fame ballplayer. If in town to see the Creek Chubs up the road, check out to see what’s going on at Highland Park. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Randal R. Sadler Stadium 1000 Gurney Dr. Richmond, IN 47374 Richmond Red Devils website Randal R. Sadler website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 Red Devils Play Games at Sadler Stadium Randal R. Sadler Stadium is the home of the Earlham College Quakers baseball program in Richmond, Indiana. It was built during the summer of 2013 and named after former player Randy Sadler, who graduated in 1973. ​ The stadium features a synthetic turf playing surface, 180 chair-back seats, bleachers, and two patio seating areas. There are two batting cages and bullpens next to each dugout and a viewing mound down the right field line. ​ There is also the two-story Cliff Dickman Media Center, behind the backstop, that includes the Avis Stewart Clubhouse, which includes the team’s locker room, concession stand, coach’s office, umpire room, training room, and restrooms. ​ The first recorded baseball game played on campus was in 1886, and the first official game took place in 1900. The baseball team played games at McBride Stadium before relocating to Sadler Stadium and did not have a winning record from 1971 to 2013. However, it has proceeded to have 10 out of 13 winning seasons since the new stadium opened. It included the 2017 and 2022 Heartland Collegiate Athletics Conference tournament champions and first NCAA regional wins in school history. ​ The Richmond High School Red Devils use the ballpark when there are conflicts with McBride Stadium, which is now the home of the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. Surprisingly, Sadler is the smaller stadium. ​ Food & Beverage 0 ​Unfortunately, the concession stand was closed during our visit. It was a high school game between rivals Hagerstown and Richmond. The stands were packed with students and fans, and the concession stand would have been essential to the fans. From what we were told, the concession stand for college games offers soda, chips, candy, and hot dogs. ​ Atmosphere 3 ​This easily could have been a college crowd, but it was a high school crowd for two rival schools that were playing here due to Richmond's home field being occupied for the first game of the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. All of the seating was occupied by students, friends, and family members of the players on the field. ​ The stadium features chairback seats behind the backstop, a wide open concourse, and plenty of bleacher seating down the foul lines. The design of the stadium allows fans multiple opportunities to enjoy the game, whether it is from the grass mound or the picnic tables. However, views from behind the bullpen down the left field line are limited. ​ The stadium features a video scoreboard that was added in 2017 and lights that were added the next season. The synthetic turf means that there are fewer rainouts for the Quakers and Red Devils high school baseball teams during the season. ​ Neighborhood 3 ​Sadler Stadium is located in the southern part of the campus near a residential area. ​There are no dining options within proximity of the stadium, and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat. ​ Little Sheeba's offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo's Italian Grill is another fine option. ​ There are quite a few national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker's has some of the best hot wings in the area. Roscoe's Coffee Bar and Tap Room has an extensive craft beer selection, on-site roasted coffee, and a spacious, relaxed atmosphere. ​ McBride Stadium, where the Red Devils house their games, is less than a mile from campus. The stadium is also home to the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. The Tiernan Center is also less than a mile from Earlham College, the basketball arena where the Red Devils play during the school year. ​ Fans 4 ​It is quite an interesting mix of fans from both High schools. Usually, this type of atmosphere takes place during a basketball or football game. But tonight, both sides cheered greatly for their respective High schools. However, one of the teams was up 11 nothing in the midst of a no-hitter during the visit. Still, everyone remained in great spirits as the game proceeded. ​ Access 3 ​The stadium is listed on GPS, and the venue offers a parking area; however, heavily attended games could result in a search for a space. The main entrance is on the left fuel corner, and restrooms and concession stands are located behind the backstop of the ballpark. However, not all of the views are ideal. There is no access to watch the game from the right field foul line and fencing, and the bullpen blocks views on the left field foul line. ​ Return on Investment 3 ​Sadler Stadium does not charge admission to either college or high school baseball games. It is worth a trip on a beautiful spring afternoon or evening for a game. The seats are comfortable, close to the action of the diamond, and there is plenty of green space to watch the game with your own food or fur baby. ​ Extras 4 ​Sadler Stadium earns a point for the Maroon Monster down the left field line. The giant wall rises 50 feet into the air and mimics the Green Monster at Boston’s Fenway Park. The stadium also might be the only one of its kind with maroon colored fencing. The stadium earns additional points for chairback seating and a video board in right field. ​ Final Thoughts ​Sadler Stadium is a nice-looking venue for Division III baseball. It has comfort, style, and a maroon color that sets it apart from other D-III venues of its kind. If passing through the Richmond, Indiana, area on a baseball trip, check this one out if you have the time.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Hodgetown 701 South Buchanan Street Amarillo, TX 79101 Amarillo Sod Poodles website Hodgetown website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 6,631 More Than a Dusty Cow Town To many outsiders, Amarillo, Texas is a small dusty cowtown where everyone rides horses; raises cattle; and wears cowboy boots, jeans, and hats everywhere they go. But while Western culture is alive and well here, with many of the world’s largest cattle ranches within a few hours’ drive, the Potter County capital itself is a bustling modern city replete with all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options of any major city. There are also a few museums that are well worth your time, including The Museum of Art, The American Quarter Horse Museum, and the world-famous Cadillac Ranch, a short 14-mile drive west on Interstate 40. Part of the colorful history of Amarillo is a deep-rooted relationship with professional baseball; beginning in 1922 with the Amarillo Gassers, there have been professional baseball teams here for most of the past 104 years. After the Gassers the city laid claim to the Amarillo Gold Sox, a club which called Amarillo home and played at various levels from 1939-1982, serving multiple parent clubs during its tenure. The Gold Sox left the Texas Panhandle to become the Beaumont Golden Gators, then later the Wichita Wranglers, and eventually the modern-day Northwest Arkansas Naturals. More recently, after a brief dalliance with different independent teams such as the Dillas, Sox, and Thunderheads, affiliated professional baseball returned to Amarillo in 2019 with the introduction of the Sod Poodles, and the opening of the new downtown gem, Hodgetown. Hodgetown creatively provides a local twist by combining ‘Hodge’, from Amarillo businessman, philanthropist, community leader, and 26th mayor Jerry Hodge, with ‘Town’ from Prairie Dog-naming culture, when several smaller colonies come together to form a larger community. Free of corporate branding or standard labels like ‘park’ or ‘stadium’, the venue’s unusual name perfectly mirrors its one-of-a-kind game-day experience. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Hodgetown offer numerous unique and thematic options in addition to the normal ballpark fare. With four full-service concession stands (Barnyard, Feed and Seed, Panhandle Pizza, and Route 66 Grill) all serving the traditional options plus premium choices, finding food and beverages is no problem. In addition to the full service stands along the concourse, there are also several standalone beverage and specialty food carts spread throughout the facility such as the Pepsi Party Deck in left field, as well as Dickey’s BBQ Pit and HTeaO. Food options vary from traditional items such as hot dogs, nachos, and burgers to game and series-specific items, such as loaded BBQ baked potatoes, calf fries, pork rind nachos, and regional favorite Frito pie (a combination of Fritos, chili, and cheese topped with onions and relish). One specialty food promotion here is to offer a ‘Food from Around the League’ premium item that honors the visiting team for each home series, such as the BBQ pulled pork onion ring burger which honored the Northwest Arkansas Naturals’ parent club, the Kansas City Royals, was available at Route 66 Grill on the concourse. Traditional baseline food options are generally between $5 and $8, while premium options cost between $15 and $20. Drinks run between $6 and $9, but in an effort to be more budget friendly, the Soddies recently introduced four value meals that include a main item, popcorn, and a drink (either a 16 oz. soft drink or a 12 oz. beer) for less than $15. Pepsi is the soft drink company of choice in regular or refillable (free refills) souvenir cups. Many domestic beers, plus multiple local and regional craft beers, are available at the different party decks, including Bar 352 just beyond the left field wall. Other alcohol options include wine and mixed drinks, especially multiple flavors of margaritas from Marg House. In addition to the multiple drink and quality food options offered here on a daily basis, the Sod Poodles offer numerous food and drink promotions that tie in with other stadium events. All these options have helped move Hodgetown’s concessions to the short list of best vendors in minor league baseball. Atmosphere 4 As an anchor to Amarillo’s downtown scene, Hodgetown is a beautiful setting for its passionate fans. Baseball fans in the Panhandle of Texas have been passionate about the game dating back to the days of independent baseball, as the Amarillo teams typically led their leagues in attendance. Averaging between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game, the Soddies consistently play in front of a passionate fan base. At the most recent game I attended, for example, there were fans lined up more than an hour before the gates opened, in anticipation of the jersey giveaway promotion that night. In-game hosts and game staff create a fan-friendly environment starting before the game begins. Drew Goodman, the play-by-play broadcaster here, hosts his pregame show on field, and multiple giveaways and promotional contests take place between the time gates open and when play begins. Once play begins, interactive between-inning games and activities using the scoreboard keep fans engaged, limiting downtime. Children also have access to a small play area in the right field concourse, as well as a more exclusive area if desired. Neighborhood 4 Hodgetown is the hub of downtown Amarillo; there are numerous office buildings and parking garages near the stadium, which means evening and weekend games take place when traffic is mostly gone. There are also a handful of nearby eateries, including Jimmy John’s across the street from the main entrance to the venue. Other restaurants within walking distance include Crush Wine Bar & Grill, Six Car Pub and Brewery, and Napoli’s. If food challenges are more your thing, try The Big Texan a few miles away; a world-famous steakhouse where you can take on a 72 oz. steak dinner. Complete the steak within 60minutes, along with a loaded baked potato and side salad, and you join the short list of gastronomy heroes. However, if the steak is the victor, you might need a small loan to pay for your experience and the story that comes along with it. Amarillo is large enough to offer hotels and short-term rentals in all price and amenity ranges. For hotels within walking distance of the baseball diamond, the best options include Embassy Suites (immediately across from the third base gate), Courtyard by Marriott, and The Barfield. Less costly choices can be found by choosing accommodations further away from the stadium. Fans 5 Sod Poodle fans deserve full credit for their passion and energy. In terms of attendance they have consistently been one of the highest ranked teams in the Texas League, if not all of minor league baseball, since their inception. Last season they ranked 2nd in the Texas League, averaging nearly 5000 fans per game, which put them in the upper tier of minor league baseball. During the most recent game I attended, there was a near sellout on a Sunday afternoon with the chance of rain in early spring. Not only are fans at Hodgetown present in large numbers, but they are passionate as well – they even lined up hours before the gates opened to get free replica jerseys for one of the alternate identities, the Yellow City Pigweeds. The fans’ excitement and energy help the team create an environment where visitors enjoy watching games. Access 4 Located just north of the intersection of Interstates 27 and 40 in downtown Amarillo, Hodgetown is easily accessible from any direction. Streets are clearly marked, and parking is plentiful – the City of Amarillo states there are over 7000 public parking spaces within walking distance of the facility, including nearly 70 handicapped spaces in the city hall lot across the street from the third base gate. Fans can enter the venue using either the third base entrance or the main gate, the latter of which leads to home plate, and is located at the corner of Buchanan Street and S. 8th Street. Once inside, 360-degree access is available via a ground level concourse. Seating is in a sunken-bowl setting, which makes movement around the ballpark easy. Return On Investment 4 Outfield berm tickets can be purchased for less than $10, while the most expensive seats in the house go for approximately $35 (behind home plate on weekends). Parking around the facility costs around $8, although handicapped parking is free by Texas state law, if you have the proper signage. The cost of concessions items at Hodgetown is consistent with other Texas League venues, with some days of the week offering special promotions and prices for specific items. The pricing of souvenirs is also in line with most other minor league teams, as well. All these considerations lead to helping the Sod Poodles create a positive return on investment. Once you factor ease of access and fan passion into the equation, the chance of a high-quality game experience is sure to increase. I enjoyed my time at Hodgetown, and would relish another trip. Extras 5 Alternate identities with catchy logos such as the Calf Fries, Yellow City Pigweeds, and Pointy Boots have helped generate a large variety of merchandise to choose from at the team store. The crowd’s engagement and involvement during the game creates a fun environment, which is key since not every fan base is active during games. Concessionaires and team employees are friendly and engaging; I had multiple questions during my visit, and every interaction was met with a smile and positive reception. The efficiency and speed at which fans move through the gates is also amazing – at the last game I attended the lines were a block long to get into the game, but were cleared within minutes of the gates opening. The ease in which you can get in and out of downtown Amarillo is also worth extra points; I was there for two days in a row, and never had trouble getting to or from the facility. Final Thoughts While Amarillo may not lead most people’s vacation lists, Hodgetown should definitely be on the short list of minor league parks baseball fans want to attend; it offers amenities and perks that many other baseball stadiums are unable to duplicate.

Spring has sprung and baseball is in full effect! Paul and Dave head down to the Minor Leagues and talk about a franchise that was the beneficiary of the "Tebow Effect." Grab a beer and get ready to learn about carousels in the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views, Binghamton Rumble Ponies edition! ⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Mirabito Stadium and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies game day experience here.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 TPC Craig Ranch 8000 Collin McKinney Pkwy McKinney, TX 75070 TPC Craig Ranch website The CJ Cup Byron Nelson website The CJ Cup Byron Nelson There are two PGA stops in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in the month of May. The older of the two tournaments began in 1944 with the event’s namesake, Byron Nelson from Fort Worth, Texas, winning the inaugural event at Dallas’ Lakewood Country Club. The tournament has been played at various courses throughout the Dallas area. In 2018 the tournament celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the opening of a new course at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Southeast Dallas. However, the links course in Southeast Dallas wasn’t a good match for the players or the fans, so after only three years at Trinity, the tournament moved to its current location at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. TPC Craig Ranch is located 30 miles north-northeast of downtown Dallas. The course is located within the Craig Ranch Community and was designed by Tom Weiskopf, a major champion and a member of the TPC network, which is operated by the PGA. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and drink options throughout the course, either in the built-up suites or in the public concession tents; most tents are operated by local groups as fundraisers. The concession menu here has variety, but lacks the overall wow factor that has been a staple at sports venues. The various menu items are as follows: smoked chopped brisket sandwiches, smoked link sausage sandwiches, cheeseburgers, jumbo hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, deli hoagies, classic club subs, chicken Caesar salad wraps, Bavarian pretzels, and peanuts. The one wow concession stand would be the Korean BBQ stand called Bibigo – this concession tent serves shrimp kimchi bao, sweet and spicy chicken skewers, jap-chae (noodles with beef and vegetables), and bibi-cones (ice cream cones filled with bulgogi or kimchi rice). Pepsi is the beverage sponsor of The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and sodas cost $7 for 16oz, with Smart Water at $7.50 and Dasani bottled water or Powerade at $6.50 if you want something besides soda. There are also plenty of alcoholic beverages throughout the course – Michelob Ultra is a proud sponsor of the event and is readily available, along with Estrella Jalisco, Texas’ own Ziegenbock, and Houston’s brewery Karbach Love Street. These beers are $15, while a glass of wine is $18. Atmosphere 4 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has always been a go-and-be-seen type of event for North Texas, with most people’s idea being to attend the golf tournament as a large social event. All ages and backgrounds from all over the area can be seen walking the course throughout the weekend. From the moment patrons step off the shuttles, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson atmosphere begins. The main entrances have photo ops for fans to start their day, and the box office, will call, and volunteer headquarters are all near the shuttle drop-off. All patrons are shuttled in and walk through the main entrance, to arrive on the course at the driving, putting, and chipping ranges in the front nine of the course. To get to the middle of the course and clubhouse you will walk on a path under a neighborhood road. Fan options are to either find a golfer and be part of the gallery around the course, or set up in an area that not only has one green, but offers multiple greens and tees – this set up provides fans with more action, and allows them to get more involved in the action being played around the course. In addition, the course provides numerous activities along the 18th fairway, especially the CJ Zone, the tournament’s merchandise shop, as well as other interactive displays. There are also plenty of photo spots and course information signage, creating more of an event here than just golf. Neighborhood 3 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is played at TPC Craig Ranch Golf Course in McKinney, Texas. The course is the center point of the Craig Ranch community. The community is 30 miles from downtown Dallas and lies between McKinney and Frisco, off the Sam Rayburn Tollway where the tollway meets North Central Expressway (75) in Allen, Texas. There isn’t much outside the course except apartments and houses, except a couple of hotels nearby, as well as the general parking lot at McKinney ISD Stadium. The best bet is to look at Frisco, McKinney, or Allen where you have an abundant number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities. Each city is about 8 miles in the opposite direction of each other, with McKinney and Allen being neighbors. The McKinney side has a nice historic downtown with restaurants and breweries. The Yard is one of the restaurants you will find in this area; there isn’t anything fancy about The Yard, but the vibe is pleasant and the food and drinks are perfect after being out on the golf course. Allen has premium outlets and other restaurants along with lodging, with Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Allen across from each other off the North Central Expressway. The Frisco side of TPC Craig Ranch has numerous restaurants, lodging, and a mall area next to Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco Roughriders), and just south of The Star in Frisco (headquarters to the Dallas Cowboys). Frisco also has the National Soccer Hall of Fame inside Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas, which is in Frisco’s historic downtown. Golfers may have already heard of Frisco, Texas as home to the PGA’s newest championship golf course – Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa will be the site of the 2027 PGA Championship. Overall, there are plenty of places to eat, sleep, and visit while attending the CJ Cup, so the best idea would be to plan your trip around which side of TPC Craig Ranch is perfect for you. Fans 5 Last year’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson welcomed 181,000 fans filling the grounds, a record-setting attendance since the tournament moved to Craig Ranch in 2021. The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has one of the highest attendances on the PGA tour, and North Texas golf fans have embraced this tournament for 55 years. These fans will also welcome back the PGA Championship in 2027. While The PGA Championship will be just up the road in Frisco, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson will remain at TPC Craig Ranch through 2030, ensuring years of world-class golf for North Texas golf fans, and unforgettable moments still to come. In general, though, the golf fans here are passionate – the calls of “Get in the hole!” on the greens are impressive, while the same calls as the players hit off the tee are just silly. But there are plenty of lively moments on the course that television just can’t duplicate, such as the roar of a massive golf crowd when an athlete sinks a long putt or aces a hole-in-one during the tournament. In general golf fans have a kind demeanor, as there is not the my-team-versus-your-team attitude that other sports tend to engender; golf fans just like to enjoy the day on the course while watching some amazing professional golfers make some incredible shots. Access 3 TPC Craig Ranch is in the surrounding Craig Ranch Community of McKinney, Texas, about twenty-five miles from the airports in Dallas. The course is just off the Sam Rayburn Tollway, with a physical address of 8000 Collin McKinney Parkway. There is signage on the tollway for parking, including the corporate parking lots near the course – the few lots within walking distance to the main entrance will cost $106, while general parking is located at McKinney ISD Stadium and costs $26 to $30, with a 10-minute shuttle ride to the golf course. For patrons wanting to use Uber/Lyft, spectators will be dropped off and picked up in a designated lot at 8043 Henneman Way in McKinney, a short walk from the TPC course main entrance. When you are ready to leave for the day, request your ride upon leaving the tournament from the same spot where you were dropped off, as Ubers/Lyfts trying to get to main entrance itself will face a nightmare. Once at the gates to the tournament, access flows through with little wait. Spectators can bring in items such as umbrellas (without sleeves), binoculars, and collapsible chairs (without bags). Bags larger than 6” x 6” will not be allowed in, and mobile devices must always be kept on silent. The course clubhouse splits the course, as it is on the sixth and eighteenth greens, and most of the fan amenities are around the clubhouse. The course is not flat, but only has subtle terrain changes, so is highly walkable, although the Texas weather may take a toll if the weather is hot. Return on Investment 3 Daily Grounds tickets are based on the day you attend. Ticket prices for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson start at $50 for the Wednesday Pro-Am, are $75 for Thursday and Sunday, and reach $90 for Friday and Saturday. There are also two single-day hospitality club tickets to choose from: $400 to $550 for Champions Club on the 17th hole (with full food and bar) or Choctaw Club (climate-controlled) views of the 13th tee and 16th green. The tournament also offers free daily tickets to military personnel, first responders, and youth (15 years and under). Public parking is under $30, and concession prices are typical of events like this, so there aren’t any savings when it comes to food and drinks. Overall, the cost to attend this event is on par with other PGA tour events, but is much cheaper than the PGA major event. Extras 2 TPC Craig Ranch is a walkable course with places you can find shade. The natural terrain of the course is relaxing, and if you get out on the course away from the large galleries, you can get lost in its beauty. The Byron Nelson golf tournament has had a few sponsorships and been played at a few courses over the years, but the one constant is the “Red Pants” of the tournament. There isn’t anyone that can do fundraising better than the Salesmanship Club of Dallas; this club is the chief fundraiser for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and has been the heart and soul of the tournament since 1968. Since that time the event has raised over $160 million and transformed more than 100,000 lives, making it the most successful charity event on the PGA Tour. Final Thoughts The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is a popular stop on the PGA Tour. The large crowds for this event show that North Texas loves this annual tour stop. Although many wish the tournament was back at TPC Las Colinas, TPC Craig Ranch is a wonderful course to see some of the top golfers in the world.

The Canadian Hockey League began the season welcoming the Penticton Vees to the Western Hockey League to increase its ranks to 61 teams. An expansion team in Chilliwack, British Columbia, expected to begin in the 2026-27 season was pushed off for another year. The Newfoundland Regiment joined the QMJHL after relocating from Acadie-Bathurst. The culmination of the season was the Memorial Cup, hosted in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Kelowna Rockets welcomed the champions of the three leagues, WHL, QMJHL and OHL, to compete in a weeklong round robin tournament to crown the top junior hockey team in the league. The semi-final saw the Everett Silvertips defeat the Chicoutimi Sagnaéens to move on to the final. However, the story of the tournament was the dominant performance of the Kitchener Rangers who were undefeated in the tournament and beat the Everett Silvertips to win their third Memorial Cup. Sam O’Reilly was named the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy winner as the Memorial Cup’s Most Outstanding Player and Jack Pridham won the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the tournament’s top scorer. Stadium Journey welcomed brand new reviews for the Newfoundland Regiment, Victoria Royals, and Vancouver Giants for the 2025-26 season. Also, updated reviews were posted for Québec, Charlottetown, Cape Breton, Barrie, London and Kitchener. The annual CHL 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 3.65 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 2026 Rankings of the Canadian Hockey League Experiences. NR - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Penticton Vees, Prince George Cougars, Spokane Chiefs, Wenatchee Wild Stadium Journey needs your help! If you are in Baie-Comeau, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Spokane or Wenatchee and interested in writing a review, please contact Stadium Journey! 54. 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. 53. Dort Financial Centre - 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. 52. 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. 51. Accesso ShoWare Center - 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 50. 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. 49. Harry Lumley Bayshore 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. 48. 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! 47. 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. 46. 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. 45. 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. 44. 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. 43. 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. 42. 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. 41. 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. 40. 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. 39. 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. 38. 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. 37. 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. 36. 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. 35. Aréna Glencore - 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. 34. 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. 33. Progressive Auto Sales Arena - Sarnia Sting - 3.57 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. 32. 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. 31. 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.” 30. 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. 29. 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. 28. 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. 27. 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. 26. 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. 25. 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. 24. 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. 23. 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. 22. 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. 21. 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. 20. 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. 19. 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. 18. 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. 17. 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. 16. 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. 15. 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! 14. 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. 13. 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. 12. 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. 11. 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. 10. 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. 9. Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet - Sherbrooke Phoenix - 4.14 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. 8. 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. 7. 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. 6. 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. 5. 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. 4. 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. 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. 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” 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.