Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Father William Gartland C.S.C. Field 111 Belmont St. S. Easton, MA 02375 Stonehill Skyhawks softball website Father Gartland Field website Year Opened : 1997 Capacity: 500 _________________________________________________________________________________ Stonehill Skyhawk Softball   On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts, with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division One level, effective in the fall of 2022. Before 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division Two. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference.   The home of Stonehill’s softball team, Father William Gartland C.S.C. Field, is named in honor of Stonehill’s first athletic director. Reverend Garland served at Stonehill College for 33 years before his passing at the age of 64.   Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2005, the school officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks. This name has no connection to a bird but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954 and 1995.   Now in their fourth year competing in Division One, Stonehill has yet to see much success at the sport’s top level. A member of the Northeast Conference (NEC), Stonehill has compiled a record of 41-141 in D-1 as of this writing, which occurred in mid-April of 2026. Stonehill has finished no higher than 7 th  in the NEC standings thus far.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Father Gartland Field. Fans are able to bring their own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see lots of coffee from the nearby Dunkin’ on chilly spring afternoons here at Stonehill.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at Father Gartland Field is a fairly basic one. The Stonehill staff does a nice job with the tools they have. The first thing you will notice while at a Skyhawk game is that the sound system needs to be replaced. The music sounds fuzzy over some blown speakers, and the PA announcer can be difficult to understand, although he does a good job sharing game information.   As is the norm at a college softball game, much of the energy and noise created at the game comes from the dugouts. The teams themselves come armed with a repertoire of chants and songs, and their antics can be as entertaining as the action on the field. Game Action at Father Gartland Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Stonehill College’s 375-acre, treelined, suburban campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening on the busy roads just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, with State Routes 123 and 138 intersecting at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls, and dining options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you’re at Father Gartland Field, you may notice the local outpost of 99 Restaurant located right across the street from the field.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half-hour drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott, located just off Route 24, just a mile from Father Gartland Field.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can be found here .   Fans 2   The crowd at Father Gartland Field is what we at Stadium Journey often refer to as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Typically ranging in size between 100 and 200 fans, almost everyone in attendance seems to have a personal connection with the players on the field. As you would expect, the fans in the stands have great knowledge of the teams and are enthusiastic in their support. With Stonehill’s schedule consisting exclusively of teams from New England and the northeast, it’s not unusual to see many fans of visiting teams in attendance as well. Stonehill College Softball Banner at Father Gartland Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, just across the Brockton city line, 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south barely a mile from campus. Father Gartland Field is tucked in right behind Skyhawk Field near the front entrance to Stonehill College on Belmont Street. Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Merkert Gymnasium , W.B. Mason Stadium  , and Lou Gorman Field , are located close by.   Parking for the softball field is located a short distance away at an unpaved lot on Blessed Basil Moreau Drive, or in some parking spots near the Shields Science Center beyond the left field fence. Seating at the field consists of a pair of bleachers located far down either foul line. There is room all around Father Gartland Field for fans to set up their own lawn chairs and watch the action.   There are no permanent restroom facilities on site. A pair of porta-johns are set up down the left field foul line.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Skyhawk softball game. With free parking nearby and no concessions on site, you will not have to reach for your wallet even once while visiting Father Gartland Field. Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey   Extras 1   Stonehill honors figures from the softball program’s past at Father Gartland Field. A plaque near the bullpen honors Coach Ken LeGrice, who coached the softball team for 17 years, including a stint as head coach from 2004 to 2021 until his passing after a long battle with cancer in May 2021. A small plaque on the Stonehill dugout honors Dr. Fred C. Petti, Stonehill’s first softball coach.   Final Thoughts   Father Gartland is a basic facility that suits the needs of this fledgling Division One program. Much like the rest of the facilities at tiny Stonehill College, there is plenty of room for growth here.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos courtesy of Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Skip Brown Baseball Field 101 College Pkwy Arnold, MD 21012 Anne Arundel Riverhawks website Skip Brown Baseball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 500 Arundel's Team Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), located in Arnold, Maryland, was established in 1961 and moved to its current 230-acre campus in 1967. The institution serves as a central hub for higher education in Anne Arundel County and has developed a robust athletic department over the decades. The Riverhawks compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 20 and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (Maryland JUCO). The athletic program features 11 varsity sports and has earned national titles in men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and softball. Historically, the college’s teams were known as the Pioneers, sporting red, white, and blue, before a 2014 rebranding introduced the Riverhawks identity and teal-based color scheme. Skip Brown Baseball Field serves as the home for the Riverhawks baseball program. The facility is named in honor of Charles "Skip" Brown, a long-time professor, coach, and athletic director who served the college from 1968 to 1988. The field is situated on the western edge of the Arnold campus, adjacent to the campus loop road. I Food & Beverage 0 There are no permanent food or beverage concessions available inside the venue. Fans attending games at Skip Brown Baseball Field should plan to bring their own refreshments. Atmosphere 2 The field features a traditional natural grass playing surface and a classic layout that places fans close to the action. There is no permanent public address system or large-scale scoreboard display that dominates the environment. There is a variety of seating options, some in better shape than others. The best option is to bring your own chair. Neighborhood 3 The college is located in Arnold, Maryland, a suburban community situated just north of the state capital, Annapolis. The campus itself is divided by the Earl S. Scott Nature Trail, which offers miles of wooded paths for those looking to explore the local landscape before or after a game. While the immediate area surrounding the baseball field is primarily academic and residential, the College Parkway corridor provides several dining options within a five-minute drive. Nearby establishments include local favorites like Garry’s Grill, known for its extensive breakfast and lunch menu, and Mother’s Peninsula Grille, which offers a standard American sports bar menu. For those interested in local history or a more scenic post-game stroll, the city of Annapolis and the United States Naval Academy are less than seven miles away. The proximity to the Severn River also means there are numerous waterfront parks and scenic overlooks within a short distance of the AACC campus. Fans 3 The bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. Access 3 Access to Skip Brown Baseball Field is straightforward, as the campus is located just off Maryland Route 2 (Ritchie Highway) and U.S. Route 50. Once on campus, visitors should follow the signs toward the athletic facilities on the western side of the loop. There is a large parking lot (Lot A) located directly behind the outfield and along the first-base side of the field. Parking is free and typically offers plenty of spaces, even on days when multiple campus events are occurring simultaneously. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend, and parking is free, as well. The return on investment is therefore very strong. Extras 2 The field is named after Skip Brown, who was a foundational figure in the department's history. His influence is still felt through the "Skip Brown Award," which is given annually to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in leadership and academics. Additionally, the venue’s location near the Earl S. Scott Nature Trail is a unique feature; the trail actually divides the campus and runs near the athletic complex, allowing fans to transition from a collegiate sporting event to a quiet nature walk in a matter of seconds. Final Thoughts Skip Brown Baseball Field is an ideal destination for the purist traveler looking for a quiet afternoon of baseball in a pleasant setting.

Rendering courtesy of the Houston Rockets On April 8, the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority approved a $180 million renovation to Toyota Center . Located in downtown Space City, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, and will be the home of the returning Houston Comets  of the WNBA in time for the 2027-28 season. According to the Sports Business Journal , the renovations will include the addition of a 20,000-square-foot glass atrium designed to give the arena’s main entrance an “aesthetic oomph.” This atrium will offer up to 3,000 square feet of covered gathering space, and will have an overlook inside that is exclusive to season ticket holders. “[Toyota Center has had] plenty of what I would call ‘projects,’ particularly maintenance and keeping the building up to date over the years,” said Rockets’ President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr, “But the building has never had the big, multiyear renovation it’s now undertaking. There is no hiding that it’s 23 years old.” The project will begin once the Rockets complete the 2025-26 season, and will be aim to be completed in time for the Comets’ re-debut in H-Town. Accordingly, the renovation includes a revamped Rockets and Comets team store that will more than double the footprint of the current team store. Fertitta also plans to invest in Comets-specific facilities at the facility (that investment was included in the $180M figure), with more information coming later this year. The Houston Chronicle reported that Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during the March 8th meeting that $95 million of the project’s costs would be covered by the state of Texas, while Houston Rockets and team owner Tilman Fertitta will pay for the rest. The Rockets’ lease to play at Toyota Center runs through the 2032-33 NBA season.

The United Football League will launch a new franchise in Oklahoma City for the spring 2028 season, playing at the downtown MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. The league’s expansion was announced in April 2026; a community-involved naming process and full branding reveal are expected in late 2026–2027. MAPS 4 Stadium and financing The team will call the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium home — a roughly 10,000-seat downtown venue built as part of Oklahoma City’s MAPS 4 development. Funding combines voter-approved 2025 bond money, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and a land donation from developer/operator Echo. Construction is set to begin soon after the announcement, with a target opening in early 2028. Team Structure and Timeline Specific local ownership and front-office hires have not been disclosed. The UFL typically uses investor partnerships and league support; staffing and roster construction (coaches, GM, player signings, tryouts) are expected through 2027. Key milestones: stadium groundbreaking and construction updates (2026), branding reveal (late 2026–2027), staff hires and player acquisitions (2027), and schedule/ticket on-sale announcements before spring 2028. What Fans Can Expect Games will follow the UFL’s spring schedule with a shorter regular season and playoffs. The smaller-capacity stadium suggests affordable, family-friendly ticketing and active game-day fan zones. The club is likely to run community outreach, youth clinics, and local partnerships once staff are in place. Economic and Local Impact The project promises construction jobs, ongoing stadium employment, and increased downtown activity, benefiting nearby businesses and hospitality. Public funding components and TIF support will be monitored by local stakeholders to track projected returns and timelines. Risks and Considerations On-time stadium completion is critical; any construction delays could affect the inaugural season. The quality of on-field play, league-wide media deals, and local market competition (including the NBA’s Thunder and other entertainment) will influence long-term success. What’s Confirmed Now UFL expansion to Oklahoma City for spring 2028. Home venue: MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium (downtown, 10,000 capacity). Funding includes 2025 bond approval, TIF, and developer land donation. Team name, ownership details, and schedule to be announced in the coming 12–24months. Stay tuned to official UFL, MAPS 4 project updates, local media, and Stadium Journey for upcoming releases.

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

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 Detroit Tigers Spring Training website Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 9,000 Feel the Roar in Tigertown The Detroit Tigers have been an institution every spring in Lakeland since 1934. They have the longest relationship between an MLB club and a spring training city. They call Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium home every spring. While there have been several renovations over the years, the park has retained its charm and intimate environment for fans to experience. A trip to Joker Merchant Stadium will treat fans to tremendous aesthetics, some solid food, and a great afternoon of baseball. It is well worth the trip when down in Florida in March. Food and Beverage 3 The food & beverage assortment at Joker Merchant Stadium hits all of the notes that fans are looking for in ballpark food. You'll find the usual staples like burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and candy well represented. Fans can also find items like quesadillas, wraps, and black bean burgers on the concourse. Along the left field line fans can find a BBQ food truck serving up sandwiches and mac & cheese. Fans looking for their pizza fix will be glad to see that Little Caesars sells slices and full-size pizzas at the stadium. The connection between Little Caesars and the Tigers comes from the fact that the Ilitch family owns both Little Caesars and the Tigers. At the ballpark a full-size pizza will run you $24 while a super slice is $8.50. Those looking for a Coke will unfortunately be disappointed as Joker Merchant Stadium sells Pepsi products. Fans can also find a variety of beer and wine options at the park. The prices are a little on the high side for spring training venues; a bottle of water is $5.75, hot dogs are $8, and a large domestic beer is $14.25. Overall, the prices aren't too egregious and there's enough variety for most fans to find something tasty. The only thing holding the rating back is a few more unique items that are specific to the area. Atmosphere 4 Joker Merchant Stadium is a very aesthetically pleasing park to experience a spring training game at. The facade of the ballpark really blends in with the other buildings and architecture of this area of Florida. All of the landscaping is well maintained and pleasing to look at. The aesthetic enhances the relaxed vibe that Spring Training likes to engender with fans. The game presentation further reinforces this with call outs to the weather in the colder climates like Detroit and Boston and the in-game announcer certainly brings a lot of energy to get the fans involved. There aren't really any bad views in the stadium to take in the action with the way the stadium is laid out. Additionally, there's a huge video board in left field that provides a perfect view of the action from anywhere in the stadium. Another unique feature is the minor league fields that fans can check out from the outfield concourse and see players getting in additional work before or after they play in the game. Game Action at Joker Merchant Stadium. Photo by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Lakeland, like many areas, has some good areas and some areas you'd like to avoid. While the area around the ballpark isn't dangerous, there's just not a whole lot to do in the immediate vicinity of the park. Of course, being close to I-4 in Florida means you're never that far from things to do though. A quick trip up I-4 can take fans to Disney, Sea World, and Universal. The Orlando area is filled with things to do and there are also several other spring training venues within 45 minutes. Fans 3 It's always hard to judge spring training fans. It's a mix of fans from several teams due to many people vacationing in Florida during March and the snowbirds who spend a few months in the sunshine state. At this particular game between the Red Sox and the Tigers you saw plenty of Tigers hats, plenty of Red Sox hats, and also plenty of hats for other teams throughout baseball. Fans from opposing teams have nothing to worry about at Joker Merchant Stadium, everyone was treated well. The fans were all engaged and seemed to really know their stuff. Relaxing on the Berm at Joker Merchant Stadium. Photo by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Joker Merchant Stadium is right off of I-4, the main highway in Florida that runs East/West through the center of the state. Exit 33 from I-4 will get you very close to the stadium. To park you can try the main lot of the stadium but there are also residential units that charge $10 -$15 to park in their driveway near the stadium. Once inside the stadium fans will find it very easy to navigate. The concourses are fairly wide and the bathrooms are also very accessible. If you'd like some autographs, be sure to get to the stadium early before the crowds fill in and take the prime signing areas. Return on Investment 4 It's hard to beat the affordability of spring training games. This is the time of year where you can see some star players without paying an arm and a leg like you do at some MLB stadiums. The price to get into a game ranges from a minimum from $21 to $39 depending on the date and opponent. When you factor in food and parking you can take a family of four to a spring training game and not spend a ton. You're also able to get up close to some of the players in spring training and interact with them a little more than you can in a regular season game. It's definitely worth the money to attend a Tigers spring training game. Joker Merchant Stadium Entrance. Photo by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey. Extras 4 One star goes to the graphics throughout the concourse depicting the spring training venues in Florida and how far they are from Joker Merchant Stadium. There are also graphics for the Lakeland Flying Tigers who call the stadium home during the summer. A second star goes to the overall aesthetic at Joker Merchant Stadium. From the facade that blends in with the Floridian architecture and the huge scoreboard in left field, it's a great venue to take in a spring training game. Final Thoughts Lakeland may not have the fanfare of Miami, Orlando, or Tampa but it is definitely a solid venue to catch a spring training game. If you're in the Orlando area, take a drive down I-4 to see some great spring training baseball and see some present and future MLB stars. This writer recommends a visit to Joker Merchant Stadium.

Photo courtesy of the Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball season is here, and Major League Baseball (MLB) is fully underway. For fans flocking to the ballparks, one of the delights is knowing you can count on chowing down on hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jack; they are the tried-and-true staples that have helped make baseball America’s Pastime.   In recent years, the big leagues have also gone “big league” with their concession items. Designed to target fans with discerning palates and/or who are adventurous eaters, each spring finds newer and crazier ballpark eats. Sports Illustrated  recently went in-depth on some of the new dishes that stood out.   Some of the “most absurd” new dishes that SI identified include the Colorado Rockies pizza donut and the Kansas City Royals Beef Wellington hot dog. A cousin to the classic pizza bagel, the pizza donut is exactly what it says it is, namely a plain donut topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, cheese, and pesto sauce. Photo courtesy of the Colorado Rockies The Beef Wellington hot dog, quite frankly, looks insane; this foot-long hot dog is wrapped in prosciutto, minced mushrooms, chipotle ketchup, and yellow mustard. It is then wrapped again in puff pastry. It sounds delicious and scary at the same time!   In addition, listed by SI among the “most appetizing” new dishes are the Chicago Cubs Chicken and Churros option, and the Washington Nationals D.C. Monument Chicken Tower. The new dish at Wrigley Field is a riff on the classic chicken and waffles combo, just swapping in churros, but the fried chicken is brined in pickle juice and served with ancho syrup and fresh strawberries.   The D.C. Monument Chicken Tower is a mammoth grilled chicken sandwich topped with smoked bacon, greens, Gruyere cheese, and chipotle ranch sauce, all of which comes stacked on a soft pretzel bun, pinned together by a baseball-themed toothpick.   Lastly, in the category of “most stomachache-inducing” is the Arizona Diamondbacks Take Me Out to the Ballgame Shake and the Philadelphia Phillies Schwarbomb Sundae. The shake at Chase Field basically just takes most of your favorite ballpark foods – whipped cream, peanut butter sandwich cookies, KitKat candy bars, and Cracker Jack – and combines them into a sugar-overload drink.   Meanwhile, in the City of Brotherly Love, the Schwarbomb takes the traditional ice cream served in the mini baseball helmet and turns that up to 11; the ice cream is topped with a funnel-cake-fried Uncrustables sandwich, fresh strawberry sauce, and fruity breakfast cereal.   Are you brave enough to try any of these?

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Toyota Center 1510 Polk St Houston, TX 77002 Houston Rockets website Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 19,000 Houston Rockets – Toyota Center The NBA’s Houston Rockets made their debut in Space City in 1971, coming over from San Diego. From the beginning the Rockets cultivated a die-hard group of fans in H-Town. A string of all-time greats suited up for the squad over the years, including Hakeem Olajuwon , Moses Malone , Clyde Drexler , Ralph Sampson , Yao Ming , Scottie Pippen , Charles Barkley , and Tracy McGrady . Since coming to Houston the Rockets have taken home four conference championships – in 1981, 1986, 1994, and 1995 – as well as took home the NBA Championship in back-to-back years in 1994 and 1995. In 2001 the Rockets moved into their brand new downtown stadium, Toyota Center. The state-of-the-art arena has all the bells and whistles to keep fans entertained during each game in H-Town. Despite being a quarter of a century old, it is still one of the best stops in the NBA. Read all about it below.   Food & Beverage   4 Toyota Center has a truly great array of food and beverages for fans. Barbecue, Tex-Mex, hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings and fingers, and pizza can be found all throughout the arena on both the upper decks and on the main concourse. Chains such as Pizza Hut and Dippin’ Dots can also be found on the main concourse. One particular stand near the escalators that take fans up to their seats in the upper decks has a rotating menu of gourmet hot dogs and hamburgers. The smell is always intoxicating! I would also make a stop at Garrison Brothers Bourbon Bar on the upper concourse to sample some Texas-made bourbon cocktails, if you’re inclined to. Pretty much anything you could want to eat or drink is available to you here. My one knock that keeps this from being a “5” ranking is the cost. This may just be a symptom of the NBA at large, but I couldn’t find any item available for less than $8. Just be forewarned before you start ordering.   Atmosphere   5 This area is one in which Toyota Center truly excels. From the banners hanging from the rafters – and on the main concourse – to the no less than five team stores in the arena, at lot of attention to detail has been paid to fan entertainment and engagement. On the upper concourse, the Children’s Memorial Hermann Sky Court has a ton of activities for fans young and old. Sign-making activities (only ones that root for the Rockets, though) and arcade games like pop-a-shot, as well as a one-on-one court, are all up there for fans to partake in. You can also find the Legends Lockers, a collection of player lockers featuring memorabilia of some of the team’s all-time greats. Also, it is home to the center court of the former Houston Summit, which fans are invited to take pictures at or on. On the main concourse, fans can stop in at multiple cantinas/bars/viewing areas, such as the ULTRA Club, Corona Beach House, and Golden Nugget. These areas are congregation spots for fans looking to catch up away from the crowds in the stands.   Neighborhood   5 Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country, and is the most metropolitan of all of Texas’ big cities. As such it has a ton of activities, dining, and lodging options for visitors. With Toyota Center being in the middle of downtown, a lot of these are within walking distance of the arena. For sports fans, Daikin Park – home to MLB’s Houston Astros  – and Shell Energy Stadium – home to MLS’s Houston Dynamo  and college football’s Texas Southern Tigers – are all within walking distance of Toyota Center. If you plan your visit just right, you should be able to double up on games while you’re in town. Other areas of interest include Houston’s Museum District – home to multiple world-class museums – and Discovery Green , a 12-acre oasis in the middle of H-Town. All of this is within walking distance of the arena. For dining options there are plenty spots to choose from, with your only limitations being your budget and your taste buds. A few of my favorites include Kenny & Ziggy’s , a New York-style delicatessen that serves up belt-busting plates of comfort food – and Lankford Grocery & Market , an unassuming little building that serves up one of the best burgers in the state. While neither are near the arena, they are well-worth the trip, trust me. When it comes to lodging, you can find plenty of hotels that are within walking distance of Toyota Center; these include Athens Hotel & Suites and Hilton Americas-Houston . As with dining, your only limitations are going to be your tastes and your budget.   Fans   4 The Rockets are on a bit of an upswing in the past few years. The addition of high draft picks and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant  are partly to thank for this resurgence. As such, fan interest is at a pretty high level right now. Houston is averaging around 18,000 fans per game, which is a virtual sellout each night. When I last attended, the vast majority of the crowd was decked out in the Rockets’ signature red color, with a variety of jerseys found in the crowd. It was loud and energetic, and this is the best that you can ask for from a home crowd.   Access   4 As mentioned, Toyota Center is located in downtown Houston. It’s right smack-dab in between state highways 45 and 69. As such, the arena is relatively easy to get to if you’re driving from out of town. It’s also only roughly a 25-minute drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and around a 20-minute drive from William P. Hobby Airport, if you’re flying in. If you don’t want to deal with parking downtown, the Houston METRO  makes stops close to Toyota Center. If you do drive, there are multiple lots and garages near the arena, depending on how much you want to spend and/or how far you’re willing to walk. The one element that keeps this score from being higher is my long-time nemesis, the Houston traffic. You’re going to get stuck in it, no matter what you do. If you are driving in, give yourself some extra time.   Return on Investment   4 Depending on the game, tickets to the Rockets at Toyota Center range between $65 and $200 depending on where you want to sit and the opponent. This is around the middle of the pack for the NBA, but it is on the higher end compared to the other two pro teams in Texas. You do get a good bargain, however, especially considering how well the Rockets are playing these days, and considering how strong the Western Conference is presently. Parking in and around Toyota Center is another story. I saw costs ranging from $35 to $75. If you want to park around the arena, it’s going to cost you. This all coupled with the concession costs means that you’re going to spend a penny or two.   Extras   4 The Rockets have all the traditional pomp and circumstance of most modern professional sports teams. Their mascot, Clutch the Bear , is a beloved local institution. The Clutch City Dancers , Houston’s dance squad, perform during most breaks and at halftime. Before games, the Bud Light Liftoff is a party for fans near the main entrance, complete with performances from the dancers and a DJ. Lastly, the Red Rowdies are Houston’s answer to the recent development of fan clubs. They patrol the arena at different times in the game, banging drums and rooting on the Rockets.   Final Thoughts As much as I – a lifelong Spurs fan – have to admit it, Toyota Center is the best arena of the three NBA squads in Texas. It still looks brand new, it has a ton of things outside of the game for fans to take in, the food options are great, and the location really can’t be beat. If you haven’t made a visit yet, Toyota Center definitely should be on your sports bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Little Caesars Arena 2645 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Red Wings website Little Caesars Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 19,515 Pizza, Pistons, and Pucks The Detroit Red Wings are one of the earliest teams in the NHL, founded in 1926. Originally known as the Detroit Cougars, they changed their name to the Red Wings in time for the 1932 season. The team has won 11 Stanley Cups over the years, with hockey icons such as Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvecchio leading the way. Over those years, the team has called three venues their home ice. Their original home was the Olympia (1927-1979), followed by the Joe Louis Arena (1979-2016) and their present home at the Little Caesars Arena. Little Caesars Arena is also the home of the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. The arena is also a very popular venue for concerts. Food & Beverage 3 Little Caesars Arena offers both sit-down service and the traditional concession stand service to fans. Sit-down options are featured in the District Detroit area of the arena. They include Mike’s Pizza Bar, which offers artisanal pizza ($18) and sandwiches ($16), along with craft beers ($14) or wine ($10). The UWM District Market is divided into multiple sections, including The Coffee House, The Garden, La Cocina, and the Patio Grill. The more traditional concession stands include Little Caesars Pizza (pizza), the 313 Grill Company (fries, burgers, sausages, chips, and sodas), Classics (nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and chips), the Coop (chicken tenders, chicken rollups, fries), and Taqueria (nacho grande, street tacos). The arena features Coca-Cola brand sodas. There are several drinking establishments at Little Caesars Arena. Before the game, you might want to check out the Budweiser Biergarten. This is located on a patio just outside the arena. It is glass-enclosed, so you can still visit during the colder winter months. Two other options are Mike’s Pizza Bar or Bell’s Tap House in the District Detroit section of the arena, which both offer a wide selection of craft beers. The drinking age in Michigan is 21. Atmosphere 4 Even though the Little Caesars Arena is shared with the Detroit Pistons, it is readily apparent that the Red Wings are the primary occupant of the building. Once inside the building, fans will see a wide variety of salutes to the history of the Red Wings, through displays, memorabilia, and statuary. Along the main concourse of the arena, you will find statues of Red Wings superstars Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvechio. One of the brick walls lining the concourse features a vintage graphic of the Hockeytown logo with the year the team was founded. The letters from the original home of the Red Wings, Olympia Stadium, can also be found along an interior wall of the facility. Other memorabilia include the team bench from the Joe Louis Arena and a mural featuring Gordie Howe. The team store is also located on the main concourse. As you make your way to your seat, you can’t help but notice the eleven Stanley Cup banners hanging from the rafters of the arena. They are accompanied by eight banners recognizing the retired numbers of Red Wing superstars. The show does not stop there. The pregame program also features action footage with hype music projected onto the ice to get the crowd fired up. Neighborhood 4 Little Caesars Arena is in the Midtown area of the Motor City. This is just across I-75 from downtown Detroit and the other major league sports venues, Ford Field and Comerica Park. The neighborhood around Little Caesars is primarily residential, but the presence of the arena is beginning to spur more businesses to relocate to the area. Little Caesars opens a portion of its building to serve the community during non-event days and hours in a section known as District Detroit. The district features several restaurants, including Mike’s Pizza Bar, the Mixing Board, and the UVM District Market. Downtown Detroit is within easy walking distance of the arena, or fans can take the free Q -Line light rail train to visit the sights in the downtown area, including the ballpark, the football stadium, and the elegant Fox Theatre. One of the most popular sites for pre- or postgame gatherings is the Hockeytown Café. It is located just across I-75 from the arena. The Hockeytown Café was founded by former Red Wings owner Mike Illich in 1999. It is considered one of the top sports bars in the country by ESPN. Fans 4 The Red Wings have developed a deep bond with their fanbase over the past 100 years. Many families have passed their season tickets from generation to generation, as well as shared their stories of multiple Stanley Cup Championships. They tend to wear the red hockey jerseys to show their loyalty to the team and follow the team very closely in the media. Like many of the other Detroit franchises, it has been a while since they have been to a championship game. Rather than complain, the Red Wing fans have developed some unique traditions to will the team back to the playoffs. One tradition is the singing of the Journey anthem “Don’t Stop Believin” after each home victory. When the team does make it to the playoffs, the fans are known to throw an octopus out on the ice. Theoretically, octopi have seven sets of tentacles, the same number of games in a Stanley Cup series. Supposedly, this brings good luck to the team, as it has won several Stanley Cups since the tradition began. Fans will be able to keep up with the action by getting their information from the huge 6,020 square foot center-hung videoboard. It constantly updates the game stats, as well as providing replays of key plays on one of its four video screens. The videoboard also gets the fans charged up during breaks in the action and during power play opportunities. Access 4 Getting to and around Little Caesars Arena is very easy. If you are driving to the arena, you would take the Fisher Service Drive exit off I-75 at the Fisher Service Drive exit. Stay on Fisher Service Drive to Woodward Avenue and turn left towards one of the six parking decks that surround the arena. The rideshare pick-up and delivery area is also located on Fisher Service Drive. If you are staying in downtown Detroit, the most economical way to get to the game is via the Q-Line light rail system. The Q-Line is free to ride and drops you off right in front of the arena. After the game, you would then return home via the stations at Adelaide or Sproat Street. Once at the arena, you can enter through one of the four entrances located on the four corners of the building. Doors open 90 minutes before the puck drop. You will find that the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. There are two levels of seating at Little Caesars Arena. You can take one of the ten elevators or four sets of escalators to your seats. The arena uses a portal system to easily guide you to your seats. The portal number is on your ticket, and you simply follow the signage to your seat location. Portals 1-20 service the lower seating areas, while Portals 21-72 are dedicated to the upper-level seats. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Little Caesars Arena is more affordable than at many other NHL arenas. Fans have several options when it comes to saving money when they attend a Red Wings game The average ticket price for a seat in the upper level of the arena averages $55-80, depending on the opposition. Parking can range from $20-30 in one of the arena parking garages, but other private lots in the area charge much less. You can also use the Q-Line light rail system to get to games for free if you are staying in the Downtown or Midtown areas of the city. Food concession prices vary greatly depending on what level of service you desire. The average prices at one of the traditional concession stands are hot dogs ($7), water ($5), pizza slices ($8-10), and a soda ($7). Prices at one of the District Detroit full-service restaurants tend to be much higher. Little Caesars Arena operates on a cashless basis. Extras 2 During the 2025-2026 season, the Red Wings will celebrate their Centennial Season. Numerous special events, unique uniforms, and merchandise items will be incorporated into the celebration. Little Caesars Arena has one of the most unique seating areas in the NHL in its Gondola seats. These seats are suspended from the ceiling and hang out over the ice for a one-of-a-kind view of the action below. Final Thoughts The Red Wings have a long and deep relationship with the Motor City. The Little Caesars Arena is a more than worthy successor to the team’s previous homes over the past century…. the Olympia and the Joe Louis Arena.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Keesler Federal Park 906 Beach Blvd Biloxi, MS 39530 Biloxi Shuckers website Keesler Federal Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 6,067 Shuck Yeah!!!! In 2005 the Mississippi Gulf Coast received a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina – the destruction of the 20-foot storm surge and 150 mph winds was catastrophic. With the coast practically wiped off the map on that day it was a wonder if the coast would ever recover. Flash forward 17 years and the coast is thriving again, perhaps better than before, and if coming to Biloxi today you would have a hard time saying that anything happened on that fateful day in August 2005. One symbol of hope and resilience for the region is the Biloxi Shuckers, born in 2015 when the Milwaukee Brewers  moved their Double-A team from Huntsville as the first affiliated minor league baseball team to ever play in Biloxi. The Shuckers name is fitting for a team in an area like this, as the Gulf Coast is known for its oyster harvesting; ‘shucking’ is the slang word for picking oysters. The Shuckers play at Keesler Federal Park, which opened midway through the 2015 season. This 6,000-seat ballpark is situated less than 100 yards from the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Biloxi is also known as a casino destination, and the ballpark sits right in the middle of all the casino action. The luxurious Beau Rivage Casino, a giant lit-up guitar, and Hard Rock Casino line the backdrop at the stadium, providing a scene of glitz and glamour that remains unmatched at any ballpark in the country. A night game at Shuckers Ballpark will almost make you feel like you are in a mini-Vegas, and it’s almost a surreal feeling knowing this was the scene of so much destruction back in August 2005. From 2015-2023 the ballpark was known as MGM Park, but in 2024 was renamed Keesler Federal Park after Biloxi-based Keesler Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Mississippi, and the credit union itself is so named because it originally served soldiers stationed at nearby Keesler Air Force Base.   Food & Beverage   4 When you play in a city known for such great seafood, you can expect nothing less when it comes to the food options here, which feature six permanent concession stands, each selling a different themed menu, as well as several temporary stands open for select games. Each stand is located on the open concourse so you will never miss a pitch. Down the first baseline you will find two full-service permanent stands, as well as one grab-and-go stand – Shipwreck Grill and Catch of the Game offer the usual grilled items such as hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as fried chicken tenders and fries, plus nachos. If you don't want to wait in the line, however, the grab-and-go stand offers pizza, peanuts, candy, and drinks. Also with a name like Shuckers, of course, they have oysters on the menu – down the first baseline toward right field is the Aw Shucks Grill, which sells southern-themed food items; you can buy jambalaya in a souvenir baseball helmet, grilled or fried oysters, fried shrimp, and boudin sandwiches. Unfortunately, the Aw Shucks Grill is only open for select games, usually during weekend games. The third baseline features a broader selection of concessions, with two permanent stands on that side, namely Biloxi Breeze Tacos, which offers more than just tacos, as you can get the Shuckers signature crawfish queso or red beans and rice, and Lighthouse Pier, featuring some of the Gulf Coast's finest seafood, as you can purchase a shrimp po’ boy or get the seafood basket with hush puppies. In addition, each stand offers a different kind of po’ boy – on my most recent visit they had alligator. For beverages Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider, and an interesting fact about Biloxi is that Barq’s Root Beer was founded just a couple of blocks from Keesler Federal Park. To honor this fact, behind home plate you can find Barq’s Creamery serving root beer floats and ice cream out of mini baseball helmets. The Shuckers also have two beer gardens, one on each side of the concourse, both offering different draft beers (domestic and local) for $10. The good thing about the Shuckers is they promote local Gulf Coast breweries, serving beer brewed on the coast. At the beer gardens you’ll find many different local breweries, with beers served on draft such as Lazy Magnolia and Southern Prohibition. The Shuckers also partnered with a local brewery to develop their “Let’s Go Shuckers” brand beer.   Atmosphere   4 Situated less than 100 yards off the beach, Keesler Federal Park has perhaps one of the best views in all of minor league baseball – just beyond the outfield wall sits the 32-story Beau Rivage Casino plus Hard Rock Casino, providing a beautiful view that no other ballpark in the Southern League has. In addition, the recent stadium renaming brought several changes to the ballpark; the right field berm has been transformed into a beach paradise for the 2024 season, so you'll feel like you never left the beach, as a boardwalk now occupies the outfield complete with a tiki bar and splash pad. The tiki bar features four TVs and bar seating overlooking right field. Walk down a couple of steps and you'll be walking on a makeshift sandy beach, complete with beach chairs and a giant lifeguard station. Schooner the seagull mascot can often be found at the top of the lifeguard station observing the field. From the outside the ballpark seems kind of small; the park was built right next to an interstate overpass to the west, and with the casinos towering over the stadium to the south the ballpark can easily be overlooked if you are driving by on Highway 90. They recently built a parking garage on the south side of the stadium, so that takes up a lot of the view now from the highway as well. Because of frequent hurricanes and flooding, the concourse at Shuckers Ballpark is elevated. There are two entrances into the park, and unlike most minor league ballparks, there is no entrance behind home plate. Instead the main entrance and ticket booth are both beyond the center field fence, but there is another entrance down the third baseline. Take note of the beautiful grounds outside the stadium when you enter – a lush rose garden greets you as you enter at the center field entrance. The park's beige exterior also ties into the giant Beau Rivage across the street, making it seem like it's a part of the casino. Furthermore, something new added for 2024 outside the stadium at the left field entrance is Shuckers Plaza, a gathering area that includes inflatables, food and beverage options, and a wiffleball field. Bats and balls are even provided; kids and adults alike will enjoy being able to take a swing or play catch before the game. Once inside the ballpark the concourse is wide and open, but there is a noticeable lack of shade inside; with no covering over the concourse it's not so fun when the frequent summer thunderstorms pop up. However, behind home plate sits the new and improved Shuckers Team Store, which was upgraded before the 2024 season. The upper level features a third-base party deck – the party deck has seating for about 30 people and offers a buffet. During summer games you’ll also get excellent breezes coming off the Mississippi Sound, as well as beautiful views of the Gulf Coast waters. The upper level features Kloud7 Sky Box, which offers indoor and outdoor table seating, as well as a full-service bar with televisions and a full restaurant-style menu. In terms of suites, Keesler Federal Park features 12 of them; each can hold up to 12 people and features food and drinks, television access, and indoor and outdoor seating. One of the suites is even themed after the Milwaukee Brewers , and features various Brewers-themed artifacts on display.   Neighborhood   4 Biloxi is a pretty small city of about 48,000 located off the beaten path, about 90 miles east of New Orleans. Biloxi still retains that small-town feel evident in most towns in Mississippi, but the city is also a nightlife destination for the state as well – Biloxi is an extremely popular gaming destination that attracts millions of visitors every year, and is often referred to as the Vegas of the South. Biloxi features nine high-rise casinos, each offering its own themes and amenities. You cannot put a ballpark in a more prime location than Keesler Federal Park; the stadium sits less than 100 yards from the waters of the Mississippi Gulf, conveniently located right downtown near most of the attractions in Biloxi. If you are into gambling you can go from the ballpark to playing whatever casino game you want in less than 10 minutes. Mississippi also recently legalized sports betting, so you’ll be able to bet on almost any sporting event you can imagine before the game – but ironically, minor league games are not available to bet on. Even if you aren’t into gambling, however, I would recommend giving yourself time to walk around the two casinos before or after the game. The inside of the Beau Rivage is stunning – the first floor features an upscale shopping center and restaurants, as well as beautiful, lush tropical gardens that you must see for yourself. The Beau also features plenty of restaurants and entertainment options, as it regularly attracts big-name acts, and even has a virtual top golf area where you can hit a golf ball at a virtual screen. Hard Rock Casino next door is a pretty cool casino as well, and attracts the younger mid to late-20s crowd. Hard Rock features numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and features a nice display of famous memorabilia from top-name music acts in the lobby. All the casinos in Biloxi have their own unique features, and there is a trolley stop right out in front of the baseball stadium for travel from casino to casino. Even if you are not into gambling, it’s something fun for people to do while in Biloxi. There are also plenty of restaurants in the downtown area within walking distance of Keesler Federal Park – Half Shell Oyster House, Fields Steak & Oyster, Patio 44, Mugshots, Sal & Mookie’s Pizza, The Fill Up, and the oldest restaurant on the Gulf Coast, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, are just some of the restaurants in the neighborhood within walking distance. For bars you can walk to Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, Adventures Pub & Spirits, The Sandbar, Mermaid Bar, and The Fillin’ Station, located in an old 50s-style gas station. If you want to stay near the park there are plenty of hotels along the Beach but the closer you are to the water the more expensive they’ll be. For a cheaper alternative I’d recommend driving up the interstate a few miles to D’Iberville and staying at one of the hotels there.   Fans   3 For the Shuckers, the first nine seasons' attendance has not been as great as hoped for. The Shuckers average about 2,400 fans per game, which places them near the bottom of the Southern League. One thing hurting the team is that college sports dominate the area, so minor league baseball takes a backseat for most people in the area. When the Shuckers play it's hard to get a full house, but when Southern Miss  or Mississippi State  play a neutral site game here, expect a standing room only crowd where you can barely walk the concourse. The games with the biggest attendance will be the summer weekend games when they capitalize on the weekend casino and beach crowd, while if you go on Sunday or during the week you should have no problem getting tickets. The Shuckers organization does a great job entertaining the fans; the mascot is a giant seagull named Schooner and is a constant presence interacting with kids and taking part in various games on the field in-between innings. The crawfish race is always a hit with the kids in attendance – crawfish is a Southern delicacy, and the main things you boil with crawfish are potatoes and corn, so in the bottom of the 5th inning mascots dressed as crawfish, corn, and potatoes race from right field to left field, hence the crawfish race. The Shuckers also have a wide variety of promotions and giveaways throughout the season. For example, they’ll wear different color jerseys to match the theme of that night’s promotions. Biloxi is a huge military town, so for military-related promotions they’ll wear camouflage unis, while for Jackie Robinson Day they’ll wear the old yellow and blue Biloxi Dodgers uniforms from the Negro League. But my favorite jersey combo is on New Orleans Saints  Night when the Shuckers invite several current and former Saints players to the game, and the team wears black and gold Saints-inspired jerseys. Also new for 2024 the Shuckers will rebrand themselves with two different identities for eight home games: four games as the Biloxi King Cakes and four games as the Biloxi Beach Chickens, King Cakes paying homage to the Coast's Mardi Gras tradition, and Beach Chickens as the 'slang' word for Seagulls. King Cake and Beach Chickens gear is also sold throughout the season in the team store. Access   3 The best part about coming to Keesler Federal Park is just how easy it is to get here – the park is conveniently located right on the beach at the corner where the I-110 overpass meets Beach Blvd. I-110 is a north/south branch of I-10 about five miles north of Biloxi, so if coming from out of town just take I-10 to exit 22 onto I-110 in D’Iberville, and then go south for about ten minutes until you get to the beach. The first view you’ll get when you arrive in Biloxi is the giant Beau Rivage in front of you, and you can’t miss the ballpark to the left of the overpass. Unfortunately, the Shuckers do not have a public parking lot on site. However, there are over 8,000 parking spaces within a 15-minute walk to the stadium – parking directly across the street to the north is $5, and under the overpass on Howard Ave they also charge $5 to park. But the best place to park is across the street at the Beau Rivage parking garage, where it’s free to park, and there is even a covered walkway that crosses busy Beach Blvd.   Return on Investment   3 Individual tickets for Shuckers games are priced as follows – General Admission for $15 (three sections down the third baseline and five sections down the first baseline); Dugout Box Club seating for $17 (four sections behind each dugout); and the Home Plate Box Club for $19 (three sections behind home plate). Most games won’t come close to a sellout, though, so you shouldn’t ever have trouble getting tickets. There aren’t very many places where you can go to the beach, go to a casino, and then walk across the street to watch a baseball game, so I consider this a great experience. You won’t have to fight traffic and crowds, you will get a great view of the game, and you can park for free – you can’t beat that.   Extras   5 One extra for the unprecedented trials the Shuckers had to go through during their first year as a franchise in 2015 – due to political, financial, and environmental issues the opening of Keesler Federal Park ended up being delayed until mid-way through the season, so the Shuckers had to go on a 54-game, eight city, 2,800-mile road trip playing all their games on the road, as well as some games in their former home in Huntsville. By mid-June Keesler Federal Park finally opened to great fanfare, though, and the Shuckers even ended up making it to the Southern League Championship that first year, and were named Minor League Baseball’s Team of the Year in 2015. Another extra for Biloxi’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina; if you come to Biloxi now there is no sign of the deadly storm, which is quite remarkable considering how it looked then. If you have some time to walk around before the game I recommend the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, which is located about a block east in the town green – there is a water marker there that shows just how high the storm surge was. Also scattered throughout the park are tree stumps with various coastal art inscribed; these are the remains of dead trees that were destroyed during Katrina. Another extra for the great marketing job the Shuckers have done. Some minor league teams have generic nicknames and mascots, but the Shuckers have a nickname that is unique, charming, funny, and specific to the Gulf Coast. It’s a shame that more people don’t attend games here because the Shuckers have capitalized on the culture of the Gulf Coast region as a whole. Keesler Federal Park is the only ballpark in the country where you can watch baseball on the beach while eating fried oysters or jambalaya, all while a giant seagull entertains fans and a giant crawfish runs around in-between innings. Everything here ties into the culture and uniqueness that makes the Mississippi Gulf Coast so special; this is a great job of local branding by the Shuckers. Also, of course, one extra for the beautiful view of the casino skyline at Keesler Federal Park – on a clear day from different vantage points of the stadium you can see all of Biloxi’s eight casinos. In addition, you can go from the stadium to the beach or to gamble in less than 10 minutes, and I can’t think of any other ballpark in American where you can do that at.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Citi Field 123-01 Roosevelt Avenue Flushing, NY 11368 New York Mets website Citi Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 41,922 New York Citi The New York Mets is one of two major league clubs based in New York City, the other being the New York Yankees. The Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants. The team's colors evoke the Dodgers' blue and the Giants' orange. The Mets played home games for the 1962 and 1963 seasons at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan before moving to Queens. From 1964 to 2008, the Mets played their home games at Shea Stadium, named after William Shea. Since 2009, the Mets have played their home games at Citi Field next to the site where Shea Stadium once stood. The first game at Citi Field was on March 29, 2009, with a college baseball game between St. John's and Georgetown. The Mets played their first two games at the ballpark on April 3 and 4, 2009 against the Boston Red Sox. Citi Field hosted the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking the second time the Mets have hosted the event (the first being in 1964, the inaugural season of Shea Stadium). The naming rights were purchased by Citigroup, a New York financial services company, for $20 million annually. Citi Field is located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, specifically the Willets Point neighborhood. The neighborhood near the Flushing River has been known for years for its automobile shops and junkyards. Changes do appear to be happening. Food & Beverage 5 Citi Field has one of the most extensive programs of food variety we have seen around any league. There are basic food stands all the way to specifically unique offerings. There are over 100 concession stands and restaurants. Fuku by David Chang serving spicy chicken sandwiches is an example of one of the unique options. A Shake Shack sits in center field behind the scoreboard and surprisingly seems to be not too much more expensive than other, non-stadium locations of the chain. This is a good time to mention prices around. the park. Prices are not cheap but it is a major league stadium and in one of the major cities of the world, so high prices shouldn’t be a shock. Other great options are Tacocina, Pat LaFrieda’s, Caesars Sportsbook Metropolitan Grille, and the chopped cheese cart in the left field concourse. Chopped cheese is a legendary NYC specialty. There are numerous clubs and specialty locations around that stadium that different tickets get one into. Even cheap tickets may get you into a club or two. Atmosphere 5 Outside the stadium is the original Big Apple from Shea Stadium. That makes a great pre-game meeting spot. You will also see the wonderful structure of the ballpark which is trying to resemble Ebbets Field. Entering behind home plate by way of Jackie Robinson Rotunda sets a great tone for the stadium. Maybe Jackie didn't play for the Mets, nor even in any team based in Queens, it is a special place for any fan. As you go up the staircases or escalators you will see the day’s lineup presented as a series of oversized baseball cards. Walking around the stadium's concourses is a pleasure with cool touches such as the Shea Bridge, Mets Museum and Hall of Fame, as well as the Piazza 31 Club. While it might be a bit weird how much of the stadium is trying to reach into the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Ebbets Field since that is a whole different part of New York City, that doesn't mean it doesn't work. This is a great place to watch a game with a knowledgeable and diverse baseball crowd. Neighborhood 3 In the past, we would rank this as a two, but our experiences in the neighborhood were better than that grade. We also have hope for the future of Willets Point. The construction of the new soccer stadium for New York FC of Major League Soccer is happening across the street from the back of Citi Field. That is bringing to an end many of the junkyards and auto shops that made such a horrible view from Citi Field, as well as Shea Stadium. We also attended a game during the qualifying matches for the US Open Tennis Championships , commonly called the US Open. Since 1978, that tournament has been played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center right across train tracks from Citi Field. It would be hard to miss the massive Arthur Ashe Stadium. The qualifying matches are free to attend, draw a good crowd, and provide a great atmosphere to the area. The main tourney brings in even larger crowds and even a greater feeling of excitement to the area. We admit that without the US Open going on, the feeling around Citi Field could be a bit dreary. We are hopeful that Willets Point will soon become a new place. Fans 5 The Mets seem to have a good and strong fan base that shows up even when the team is not doing so well. Fans cheer when they need to and support at all the right times. There is a very knowledgeable fan base. Access 5 This is New York City, so traffic and busy areas are the norm, but Citi Field is as easy to get to as one can expect. The 7 Train of the New York Subway system runs right next to the stadium and drops fans off at the Mets- Willets Point station. The 7 runs from Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s west side and terminates one stop beyond Citi Field in Flushing. The Long Island Railroad, running between Penn Station in Manhattan and Port Washington in Long Island, also stops at Citi Field and is connected to the 7 train station by an elevated boardwalk. This boardwalk also takes fans to the USTA facilities. Beyond the USTA is also the remains of the 1964 World's Fair. There are also massive amounts of parking lots around the stadium, but once again, note that this is New York City and driving might not be the best solution to getting to the stadium., If the US Open is going on you may also want to think again about driving as spaces will get even more limited. Lines are long to get into the stadium since most want to enter via the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Other gates will have smaller lines and you can always visit the rotunda at a later part of your visit. Return on Investment 3 This is a Major League Baseball stadium in a Major League kind of town, so expect prices to be high, especially if a big rival such as the Phillies are in town. If it is a Subway Series with the Yankees expect even higher prices. Even with all of that, the secondary market can likely get you some decent prices, especially on a weeknight game. Extras 5 The Ebbets Field style facade is a nice-looking extra for this ballpark. The Jackie Robinson touches might not make sense, but as long as a baseball great like Jackie is remembered who could complain? The concourses and all the cool extras such as the Shea Bridge make for a great atmosphere for fans. The team displays its history throughout the facility in cool ways. Make sure to stop at the Hall of Fame and Museum as it is slightly hidden. The ability for fans who have bought tickets of various prices to get into a special club is a cool touch, even if that club is pretty much a bar and food stall with some seating, it makes one feel like you are special. We spent some time in the Hudson Whiskey Club waiting for a brief rain delay, and it was wonderful. The view to Arthur Ashe Stadium is pretty cool, as well as some views back to Manhattan and nearby LaGuardia Airport. Final Thoughts It is surprising to this writer that Citi Field has not gotten much love in terms of being a great ballpark. It is a fun place to see a game. We can only surmise that the Willets Point neighborhood has been a drag on the fan experience of this place, as well as at Shea Stadium. Hopefully, the neighborhood will improve.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Truist Park 755 Battery Ave, SE Atlanta, GA 30339 Atlanta Braves website Truist Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 41,147 This is Braves Country Opened in 2017, Truist Park is one of the youngest stadiums in Major League Baseball, second only to the Rangers’ Globe Life Field . Truist Park debuted to both excitement and controversy – fans welcomed a brand-new ballpark paired with a vibrant mixed-use development outside the gates, while critics saw it as the Braves abandoning the city of Atlanta. It is the team’s third home since relocating from Milwaukee in 1966, following Fulton County Stadium (1966–1996) and Turner Field (1997–2016), which was originally built for the 1996 Summer Olympics before being retrofitted for baseball. In less than a decade, Truist Park has hosted Kennesaw State football , served twice as the neutral site for the Georgia - Georgia Tech  “Clean Old-Fashioned Hate” baseball series, staged the 2022 World Series, and welcomed the 2025 All-Star Game.   Food & Beverage   5 New to Truist Park in 2025 is the Outfield Market. Located along the right field concourse, what has been promoted as an in-stadium “food hall” brings together eight diverse food stalls from various Atlanta area eateries in a shaded, communal setting. Fans can grab smash burgers from NFA Burger, award-winning cheesesteaks from Fred’s Meat & Bread, tacos from Velvet Taco, and Latin-Asian fusion from Taqueria Tsunami. Pepper’s Hotdogs also serves creative Southern-style dogs, while Coop’s Wings offers rotating chicken wing flavors, while The Giving Kitchen stall features a different local chef’s creation each month. Beyond the Outfield Market, the 2025 concessions lineup includes the massive Big League Platter (ribs, mac and cheese, biscuits, beans, and slaw), the towering Home Run Stack burger-brisket-bacon sandwich, and the Fast Ball meatloaf sandwich. Other standouts include pickle-brined Golden Tender Bites, Mongolian beef bao buns from Blue Moon Beer Garden, and gourmet tortas and Italian sausage from Bona Fide Deluxe. In addition, burger fans can opt for Grindhouse Killer Burgers’ smash burgers or the classic Holeman & Finch Burger, with more traditional restaurants such as Blue Moon Brewery & Grill offering burgers, pizza, BBQ, and exclusive beers, while Chop House serves an expanded menu of appetizers, hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches.   Atmosphere   4 The excitement at Truist Park is set even before the gates open. The Heavy Hitters drum line, Tomahawk Team spirit squad, and Home Depot Tools welcome fans with music and photo ops in a nightly pep rally. Then, when the gates open fans are welcomed by stadium organist Matthew Kaminski, who fills the stadium with the sounds of an era gone by. Mascot Blooper also often entertains fans pregame with good-natured skits poking fun at opposing players. While recent changes to the food options have been expanded, this comes at the expense of nurturing a fan-friendly environment. The section above the home bullpen, which had previously been a favorite of early arrivers during batting practice, is now the ticketed “all-you-can-eat" section, “The Pen”, with fans who want to chase batting practice home runs now corralled completely into the area from left field to center. The addition of The Pen adds to the exclusivity of the seating, with Chop House seats that only allow access to ticketed fans during pre-game. When choosing seats, note that the left field stands are often exposed to harsh sunlight during the early innings, while nearly the entire upper level is covered by MLB’s largest canopy, providing ample shade and protection from the elements. Some of the most luxurious seats are directly behind home plate and offer access to the Delta 360 Club, which serves a buffet throughout the game. Beyond that, Infinity Club on the terrace level features a more refined menu and climate-controlled concourse. The stadium offers several social areas for fans to gather and enjoy the game. Much like Turner Field did, the upper level of Chop House remains a popular spot to casually watch the game while grabbing a drink. The outfield walls also add excitement to the game: a six-foot-high fence in left field allows for spectacular home run-saving catches, while the brick wall in right field can create some exciting caroms for fielders who are not well versed in playing the ricochet off the brick. In addition, true baseball fans will appreciate the large digital board in left field, which displays pitch speeds, types, exit velocities, launch angles, and distances nearly instantly during each at-bat.   Neighborhood   5 When Truist Park was designed, it was planned to create a neighborhood around the facility. The idea was not just to bring fans to the game early and have them to stay late after the game, but also for The Battery to be a 365-day a year destination. Office buildings help to set the cityscape backdrop of the development; The Battery is home to the regional headquarters of Comcast, and the newly completed Truist Securities building is just 300 feet behind home plate. Rising above them is the 420-foot Thyssenkrupp Elevators headquarters, the tallest building in Cobb County and a defining feature of the skyline. But The Battery is more than just offices and residences – it features entertainment options aplenty, from Punch Bowl Social’s arcade games, bowling, and high-tech Dartsee to Good Game’s indoor golf simulators and Sandbox’s immersive virtual reality experience. Dining is equally diverse with upscale fare at C. Ellet’s Steakhouse and Garden & Gun Club, lively sports bars such as Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Yard House, and Sports & Social, as well as international flavors at Asian-inspired PH’EAST, Tex-Mex favorite Superica, and Italian eatery EATaliano Kitchen. Local favorites include Goldberg’s Deli, Terrapin Taproom/Fox Bros. BBQ, and Antico Pizza, whose Neapolitan style pizza are often hailed as Atlanta’s best. Also new for 2025, Shake Shack replaces Wahlburger’s. The Battery also offers two hotels: Omni Hotel, which stands prominently beyond right field and provides breathtaking views of the stadium, The Battery, and Metro Atlanta, as well as Aloft, located at the Cobb Parkway end of the development. Several other hotels are also within walking distance, making overnight stays convenient for fans. The primary drawback of the location is that once leaving The Battery, there are not many of Atlanta’s significantly prominent tourist attractions nearby.   Fans   4 Ted Turner purchased the Braves in 1976, and starting in 1977 the team enjoyed national television exposure through the Turner Broadcasting System, a reach few franchises could match. That coast-to-coast coverage not only earned Atlanta the self-proclaimed title of “America’s Team,” but also built a nationwide fan base. After years of futility in the late 1970s and most of the ’80s, Braves fans were rewarded with unprecedented success through the 1990s and into the mid-2000s. Sixteen consecutive division titles grew the fan base and set expectations sky high. With that level of dominance for more than a decade and a half, fans became accustomed to winning, and when the team is out of contention by the All-Star break, frustrations tend to surface quickly. From 2021 through 2025 the Braves have consistently ranked among Major League Baseball’s top 10 in average attendance, with June and July often bringing near-capacity crowds. Once school resumes in August, however, attendance dips, and the region’s attention starts to shift toward college football by the end of the month. This is not to say the atmosphere lacks energy – big moments still generate an electric buzz – but fan engagement does seem to dwindle when competing with other priorities during the dog days of summer. Atlanta has a loyal following, but much of that passion centers on individual players rather than the team as a whole, a loyalty that can waver when the wins total might not meet the expectations of the fanbase.   Access   3 When the Braves announced their move to Cobb County, much was made of potential traffic snarls at the junction of Interstate 75 and the I-285 bypass during the evening commute. While 285 does experience heavy backups, that is true on most days, game or not. Getting to the stadium is not dramatically worse than other venues, but parking is another story. Most of the parking is outside of The Battery, and can require a noticeable uphill walk which can be tiring in the summer heat. Parking decks near The Battery offer closer access, but rates can climb quickly. However, one of the more convenient and moderately priced options is at The Cobb Galleria, which is connected to The Battery via a pedestrian bridge over I-285. The Braves promote public transportation access to The Battery from downtown Atlanta, but unlike the MARTA subway service that many fans used for Turner Field, the only current options are CobbLinc buses from Arts Center Station and MARTA buses from Midtown Station. While necessary for some, these routes face similar delays and congestion as anyone else driving to the stadium. Entering the stadium has been expedited with the addition of newly installed metal detectors, but narrow concourses, pinch points, and concession lines can make navigating the stadium slow and crowded. The field and terrace-level concourse are also cut off entirely behind home plate due to luxury seating, which impedes movement from one side of the venue to another.   Return on Investment   3 Professional sports have reached a point where even the cheapest option comes with a steep price tag. In addition, if ticket prices are available at an affordable price, parking and concessions often cancel out the difference. For non-premier games, general admission in the upper level down the left field line starts just under $20 after fees, and a little over $31 for division rival matchups. Prices climb quickly outside the upper deck, with field-level outfield seats starting at $48 and going up from there. Many of these seats are now tied to clubs or special access areas, driving costs even higher. Dynamic pricing and a hierarchy of opponents also keeps popular games at premium prices. Parking decks at The Battery start at over $30 per car, with the most convenient Red Deck running as high as $65, but there are a few workarounds to make the experience as light on the wallet as possible. To avoid some of the sticker shock of parking, and if you are willing to walk a bit, $10 parking is available in the parking lot of the Olive Garden – how can you go wrong with $10 parking and a never-ending pasta bowl?  In addition, a ny of the merchants within The Battery will validate parking in the red, green, yellow, or purple decks with your purchase of $50 or more. Concession prices are the toughest pill to swallow; it is hard to find many stands where you feel you’re truly getting value for what you are paying.   Extras   5 New for the 2025 season is an expanded kids play area, the Children’s Health Care of Atlanta Park; it keeps many of the old favorites while adding more to keep kids engaged. Now located just outside the stadium along the third base side, this area features a small baseball field, a large video board so fans can follow the game, and kid-themed concessions and souvenirs. One casualty of the move was the loss of the zip line and 90-foot baseline. Just prior to the All-Star Game, one of baseball’s most iconic pairs of artifacts was finally made accessible to all Truist Park visitors, the bat Hank Aaron used and the ball he hit for his 715th home run. Once displayed inside the ticketed-access only Hank Aaron Club on the terrace level, they now sit across from the Hank Aaron statue in Monument Garden. Stadium organist Matthew Kaminski keeps the crowd entertained during lulls in the action, often by picking walk-up songs for opposing players with a playful twist. Some of his most memorable choices include Lucas Duda’s entrance to Camptown Races, Bryce Harper walking out to Harper Valley PTA, and Starling Marte stepping up to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The Home Depot Tool Race is a fan-favorite mid-inning piece, where Phil the Bucket, Hammerin’ Hank, and B-Rush often take turns tormenting 2-Bit the Drill, who is lucky to win even one race per season. In addition to the iconic Hank Aaron statue in Monument Garden, the stadium features three other statues around its exterior – Bobby Cox, Phil Niekro, and Warren Spahn each have their own spot, honoring their lasting impact on the Braves, as well as welcoming fans as they arrive.   Final Thoughts Truist Park and the surrounding Battery are a great pairing that offer fans convenience just steps from the stadium gates. Visitors being able to enjoy a meal, catch the game, and then walk back to a nearby hotel make for one of the smoothest and most complete baseball experiences in the league; few other stadium districts match The Battery’s blend of dining, entertainment, and lodging so close to the action. However, once inside the facility Truist Park lacks a distinctive feature that truly sets it apart. Unlike Boston’s  iconic Green Monster, Chicago’s ivy-covered walls, or Pittsburgh’s stunning skyline framed by its bridges, Truist Park does not have that signature element that leaves a lasting impression – even Miami’s  home run sculpture, good, bad, or indifferent, gave the ballpark a unique identity. But while Truist Park offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it does not quite reach the level of some of the more memorable or beloved ballparks around Major League Baseball. Nevertheless, The Battery brings energy and convenience that help elevate the overall game day experience, even if the ballpark itself falls short of iconic status.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Hadlock Field 271 Park Ave Portland, ME 04104 Portland Sea Dogs website Hadlock Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 7,368 Baseball the Way it Should Be Minor league baseball returned to Portland, Maine in 1994 after a 44-year absence. The addition of the Florida Marlins to Major League Baseball in 1993 created the need for new affiliates, and Portland was awarded the Double-A franchise. Portland’s previous minor league team, the Pilots, briefly known as the Gulls, played from 1946 to 1949 at neighboring Fitzpatrick Stadium as a Phillies  affiliate. Before the Sea Dogs, the most recent affiliated baseball in Maine was played in Old Orchard Beach by the Triple-A Maine Guides and Maine Phillies, but lasted just six seasons. The field at its current location dates back to the 1930s, giving the stadium a deep tie to the city’s long baseball history. During the early years of the Sea Dogs, the ballpark was often abuzz when President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara were in attendance as guests of team owner Daniel Burke – they regularly sat beside the Sea Dogs dugout, never in a suite, and created an air of excitement in the stands when they attended. The Sea Dogs quickly became a point of pride for Mainers, so it came as no surprise that the 2025 decision to sell the naming rights, rebranding Hadlock Field as Delta Dental Park, sparked debate among locals.   Food & Beverage   4 The concessions menu is largely what would be expected at a minor league ballpark . Fenway Franks, nachos, and pizza slices are all on the menu, but a handful of higher-end options help set it apart; these include steak and cheese subs, grilled sausage with peppers and onions, chicken Caesar wraps, and even veggie burgers and gluten-free hot dogs. One of the most popular items, however, remains the Sea Dogs Biscuit, which is two chocolate chip cookies with Gifford’s vanilla ice cream in-between – this has been a staple here since day one. Portland’s reputation as a craft beer haven is well reflected in the ballpark’s drink selection – ne arly twenty locally brewed beers are available, from brewers such as Nonesuch River Brewing, Orono Brewing Company, Allagash, Bastin Brewing Company, Baxter Brewing, Rising Tide, Brickyard Hollow, Oxbow, Geary’s, Bunker Brewing, and Eighteen Twenty Brewing Company. If beer is not your thing, there are also local wines from Blue Lobster Urban Winery available. Though the concessions here are not overwhelmingly unique to Maine, the sheer variety of local, quality beer options is tough to beat.   Atmosphere   4 At first glance, Delta Dental Park may not seem especially remarkable. The stadium’s current and original names both hang above the entrance, and an eight-foot fiberglass statue of beloved mascot Slugger greets fans and serves as a popular photo spot. The stadium’s footprint is constrained by the adjacent Portland Exposition Building, railroad tracks and Fitzpatrick Stadium , resulting in a seating area that is relatively compact. Seating includes field-level box seats, reserved chair backs, and general admission bleachers. A group picnic area sits beyond right field, and high-top tables have been added along the right field line, mirroring Fenway’s  Monster seats. Around the outfield, a mix of scoreboards displays pitch speed, exit velocity, and provide real-time Red Sox  game updates, while a larger video board sits in the frame of the original scoreboard. Similar to Fenway’s Green Monster, an inning-by-inning line score screen has been integrated into the wall; its smaller size in comparison to the large wall does make it seem a bit awkward, however. The stadium lacks some modern features; there is no major kids’ zone, no dedicated social gathering area, and only limited premium seating. Still, the experience remains one of the most enjoyable in the minors, in large part because the focus remains on the game. Fans are not bombarded with sound effects throughout the game, for example. Mid-inning activities tend to take common ballpark contests and add a bit of a local flair to them, such as the lacrosse (rubber) lobster toss, a variation of a shuttle run contest, or a simple race between kids from point A to point B with some sort of theme accompanying the race. When choosing seats, the first base side faces the sun and shade is limited, especially during afternoon games. The third base side of the stadium does get some relief for evening games, however, and on specifically hot days, the Expo’s basement offers a cooling room.   Neighborhood   4 Portland is a well-known summer destination, attracting visitors heading to nearby beach towns, inland lakes, or to any of t he several cruise ships that come to port. Margaritas, located in the nearby St. John Street plaza, has been a local go-to for Mexican food for over 30 years. Around the corner, Amato’s, a Portland staple, offers a wide menu of sandwiches and Italian-style fare. For early games, fans might enjoy a quick trip across the street to Holy Donut, known for its signature potato-based doughnuts. Thompson Point is home to Bissell Brothers brewery and the Maine State Children’s Museum. Thompson Point also hosts several national music tours, if a Sea Dogs game is just part of a longer stay in the area. In addition, the largely popular Portland Hearts of Pine play at neighboring Fitzpatrick Stadium , and occasionally have a match the same day as the Sea Dogs game, or at least during the same home stand.   Fans   4 The Sea Dogs have long enjoyed strong support from the Portland community; in their inaugural 1994 season they averaged nearly 5,500 fans per game in a stadium that seats just over 6,000. They’ve remained one of the top draws at the Double-A level ever since, frequently landing in the top 20 for minor league attendance across all levels. The Sea Dogs drew well enough during the team’s early years as a Florida Marlins affiliate, but really surged when the Sea Dogs joined the Red Sox  system in 2003. While Portland fans may be more reserved than rowdy, they know the game and reward good baseball with appreciative applause. One lasting tradition from the inaugural season is the collective stomping on the aluminum bleachers, creating a thunderous rumble that has become part of the park’s personality.   Access   4 There is no dedicated stadium parking beyond a small ADA-accessible lot adjacent to the field. However, a few city-owned lots sit beyond right field, and several private lots are located nearby. Street parking is hit-or-miss, though Deering Avenue and Washburn Street, just across the I-295 bridge, are usually decent bets. Parking along St. James Street at Daugherty Field is also a popular option for those willing to walk about a half mile. For fans arriving from out of town, Portland is served by the regional rail connecting Boston to Brunswick, Maine. The Amtrak station is about a mile from the stadium and is also accessible via public transit. Delta Dental Park is also located between the Parkside and Libbytown neighborhoods, making it a reasonable walk from many parts of the city. The ballpark has one primary point of entry, which can back up slightly before the gates open, but lines move quickly once the initial rush subsides. Inside there are two main walkways, one that runs under the  stands and another on the field concourse. Most of the seating above the walkway is elevated, which limits obstructions by passersby.   Return on Investment   4 Ticket prices are in line with what would be expected for most Double-A stadiums. General admission is $15 (fees included), reserved seats run $18, and field box seats are $26. Box seats may be on the higher side for this level, but the baseline price of entry is reasonable. Prices align with what fans would expect at a comparable sporting event, and the variety and quality – particularly in the local craft beer selection – help justify the cost.   Extras   5 The Sea Dogs Hall of Fame is located along the concourse under the stands, along the first base line. Among the 24 inductees are names like Josh Beckett, Kevin Millar, Adrian Gonzalez, Livan Hernandez, Hanley Ramirez, Edgar Renteria, and Anthony Rizzo, players who passed through Portland on their way to storied MLB careers. Just next door, the Portland Room honors the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame – anyone who grew up playing baseball in Maine is likely to recognize several names enshrined there. Slugger, the Sea Dogs beloved mascot, puts on a series of well-produced skits throughout the season. Slugger is not the only mascot, though; the stadium also has “Trash Monsters” who wander the stands during the game, encouraging fans to clean up after themselves, but in a creative way. Inside the stadium, jersey cutouts and banners highlight Sea Dogs alumni now playing in the majors, while other signage celebrates the team’s division and league championships. Since becoming a Red Sox affiliate in 2006, the stadium has attempted to take on some of the characteristics of Fenway Park . Most notably, in what has been dubbed “The Maine Monster”, a 37-foot-tall wall was built to replicate the Sox’ famed Green Monster. Perhaps the most uniquely Maine feature of all is the centerfield lighthouse; after Sea Dogs home runs, or following a win, it rises to the blast of a foghorn while shooting sparks into the air.   Final Thoughts Portland Sea Dogs baseball is quietly one of the best minor league experiences in the country, whether you are a baseball purist or a family looking for a fun, affordable outing. The experience is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on the game without losing its sense of fun for fans of all ages. Much of the franchise’s longevity can be traced back to the strong foundation laid in their inaugural season. Longtime president and general manager Charlie Eshbach deserves much of the credit for shaping the Sea Dogs’ identity; his influence on the team continues to be evident in their Portland ballpark experience today.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Flyers website Wells Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,173 A New Era Of Orange in Philadelphia Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. The Philadelphia Flyers, are in the second year of their A New Era of Orange campaign, and fortunes appear to be changing at Wells Fargo Center under veteran coach John Tortorella in his third season.  The Flyers fell just four points short of qualifying for the playoff last year for the first time since 2020 and their fortunes may be changing.  That’s not the only thing changing on Broad Street as the arena’s corporate sponsorship with Wells Fargo comes to an end in August.  The arena has been tied to Wells Fargo and its predecessors since it opened in 1996.  The arena was named Core States Center from 1996-1998, First Union from 1998-2003, Wachovia from 2003-2010, and Wells Fargo since. The team’s resurgence is being led by mainstays Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier. along with young Russian sensation Matvei Michkov and defenseman Travis Sandheim. The Philadelphia Flyers share the building with the NBA Philadelphia 76ers  and the National Lacrosse League Philadelphia Wings. The NBA franchise said it does not intend to stay at the arena beyond the end of its 2031 lease. The multi-purpose indoor arena is located at what is now known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes other venues like Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles), and Xfinity Live! The building seats 19,173 for hockey games, making it the 4th largest in the NHL. The arena, which is owned by Comcast Spectacor, which also owns the Flyers, replaced the Flyer's former home The Spectrum which debuted with the team’s NHL entry in 1967. Fans know who the landlord is as they glance upward and on each side are illuminated letters reading “Welcome To Comcast Country”. Food & Beverage 4 Wells Fargo has stepped up its food and beverage game over the past few years. Chickie’s and Pete’s (South Entrance and East Food Hall and 204, 210, 216, and 222 on the upper level) and Shake Shake (Section 116) are among the signature places to eat in the arena. Other choices include AC Subs (Section 110), Buena Onda (Section 112) offers unique varieties of tacos (chicken ropa, pork al pastore, and jumbo pacific shrimp to name a few), bowls, and burritos, Cuz’s Pizza, Beach Treats (120) with staple items from the Jersey Shore including fresh funnel cakes with toppings, Dippin' Dots, cotton candy, corn dogs, roasted nuts, fudge, and assorted chocolate treats. 9th Street Italian Sandwiches (Sections 104 and 117) offers a range of sandwiches: Italian pork, meatballs, roast beef, and roasted turkey hoagies. Of course, the traditional stadium fare of hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, nachos, pretzels, soda, and beer is available too. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice. AC Subs and Chickie’s and Pete’s are two places for cheesesteaks (remember when you’re in Philly no need to call them Philadelphia cheesesteaks). But the best move is to hit one of the legendary places nearby. John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s, and Jim’s South Street are three possible options not too far away. In the arena, sweet treats and desserts include Federal Donuts (Section 102 & 207), Insomnia Cookies (118 & 207), Rita’s Water Ice, and soft serve ice cream. Atmosphere 4 The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey. The atmosphere is first-rate as the public address announcer blares “Are….. you ready for some hockey” leading up to puck drop. Gritty energizes the crowd throughout by banging on his drum to lead the “Let’s Go Flyers” chants. Wells Fargo Center underwent renovations in 2020 as part of a $265 million "Transformation 2020" initiative. It debuted a new kinetic 4K-resolution scoreboard in September 2019. Flames shoot out of the scoreboard during player introductions when the Flyers take the ice. The scoreboard flashes a wide array of stats. The only negative is it does not show who is on the ice for each team during live action. Music was played at an acceptable level. Wells Fargo does have an organ but unfortunately, it was rarely used. The upper bowl is separated from the lower by a club and suite level. The upper level seems high but the views are still adequate. The one drawback is drink holders are on the armrests not the seats in front. Neighborhood 4 The good news is there is plenty to do in Philadelphia. The bad news is within walking distance of the arena not so much. The main attraction is Xfinity Live with a host of restaurants and bars highlighted by sports bar NBC Sports Arena. The other attractions are a short drive away. The National Constitution Center ($19) is a 15-minute drive and sits half a mile away from the Liberty Bell (free admission) and Independence Hall (free until 10:30 and then $1 per ticket). The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Art Museum, and Reading Terminal Market are a few other stops. Be sure to take a picture with the Rocky Statute and then race up the steps of the art museum to pay homage to the Italian Stallion. The Reading Terminal Market is known for the city's other iconic sandwich, the roast pork at DiNic’s, best topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The Market (which opened in 1893) also features Miller’s Twist Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, Beiler’s Bakery and Donuts, and an array of other great choices for food, flowers, and specialty items. Fans 4 While Flyers fans often get a bad reputation, losing has tamed the fans to an extent. The enthusiasm seems to be coming back and maybe the bravado will follow. A playoff appearance will lead to more Flyers fans and fewer out-of-towners invading their building. Attendance is up 1.5% over last season, but the Flyers have gotten off to a mediocre start at home. The fans are knowledgeable and passionate, but it takes performance to win them over. This will be a huge year as Tortorella is no longer in the honeymoon period. While most media types did not predict the Flyers to make the playoffs, it might be necessary to qualify to keep the fans on board with Torterella’s rebuild, who is signed through 2025-26. Access 4 The arena is located at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and is visible off I-95. Fans can park near the arena or choose public transit using the SEPTA bus or subway. The orange or Broad Street Line ends at NRG Station. The station’s naming rights were sold to NRG Energy in 2018. The fare is $2.50 one way and once fans arrive it is a quick jaunt across the parking lot into Wells Fargo. If driving, coming from the East, through New Jersey you can easily take the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and US-1. If in Pennsylvania you can take either Rt. 76 or Rt 95. There are four entrances and doors open 90 minutes prior to game time. The Will Call window at the Wells Fargo Center is located at the Box Office, located on the northwest corner of the building. Return on Investment 3 The Flyers were ranked just below the league average according to the Fan Cost Index ($408.40) which comprises the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. Fans can purchase upper-level seats for less than $50 on the secondary market for many weeknight games. Weekends and games against rivals will cost much more and well over $100 if looking for lower bowl seats. Despite not making the playoffs since 2020, Flyer fans usually sell out the building and averaged 18,438 per game in 2023-24 (up 4.6%). The cost to park at the Wells Fargo Arena is as low as $20 at one of the eight lots that encircle the arena. Food prices are typical for NHL venues. Chicken tenders and fries is $13.85, a pizza slice is $11.09, Soft Pretzel $6.35, 24 oz premium beer is $16.55, and $8.25 for a soda. Crab fries (old bay seasoned) from Chickie’s and Pete’s were tasty but not worth it at $17.27. Extras 3 One point goes to the Flyer's fabulous duo of Lou Nolan on the Public Address and Lauren Hart with a rousing rendition of the national anthem. Nolan had been a mainstay since 1972. Hart is the daughter of legendary Flyers broadcaster Gene Hart, who called the Flyers games for 25 years. One point goes to the Flyers’ game-day production. Flyers do it right by introducing the starting lineups for both teams not just the home team. They do not announce the arrival of the Flyers for warmups and no goal horn blares when Philadelphia hits the ice. Old-school production value is welcomed. A third point is for the Bubble Hockey and Pop-a-Shot machines on the upper level. Hockey is $2 per game and basketball is $1. The only place in this cashless venue where cash is an option. Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Wells Fargo is worthy of a Stadium Journey. The excitement level and fan support will only get better if the Flyers continue their upward trajectory. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Oklahoma City Comets website Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 9,000 Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is known nationally for its location as an anchor in the Midwest’s Tornado Alley, as well as the location of a horrific act of domestic terrorism, the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Despite being shrouded by such a dark history, the city offers much more for visitors than many people could imagine. This budding metropolis, ranking as the 20th largest city in the US according to the 2020 census, is a hidden gem in an area of the country that is often forgotten or underappreciated. Serving as a regional hub of commerce and entertainment, OKC is home to a varied mix of cultures, most notably Native American, Hispanic, Vietnamese, and more. Professional baseball in Oklahoma City is older than Oklahoma’s statehood (1907), dating back to the Metropolitans, who were formed in 1904. Other than a break in 1913 and a three-year hiatus during World War II, there was professional baseball in the city until 1957. During that time, in addition to the Mets, the team played under the monikers Indians, Senators, and Boosters at different times. The team enjoyed membership primarily in the Texas League and Western League during its history, but also participated in the Southwestern League and Oklahoma State League at times. The city gained affiliation with Major League teams beginning in 1941, playing under the Cleveland Indians , New York Giants, and Boston Red Sox  off and on until 1957, at which time the Indians left OKC for Corpus Christi when the Texas League restructured. In 1962, MLB added an expansion team in Houston, the Colt 45’s, predecessor to the Astros, and placed its Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City 89ers, named after 1889 and the land rush, began what has been a 63-year run of Double-A and Triple-A baseball in OKC. Other than the Astros, the team has been an affiliate of the Phillies , Rangers , Indians , and Dodgers , which is their current parent club. The team has also rebranded a few times, playing under the names of RedHawks, Dodgers, Oklahoma City Baseball Club, and, most recently, the Comets. The Comet name was announced in the fall of 2024 to honor OK native “Commerce Comet” Mickey Mantle, as well as being a nod to the state’s ties in the aerospace industry.   Food & Beverage   4 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark offers a solid selection of ballpark fare, ranging from one-third-pound burgers, nachos, Comet Dogs (hot dogs), and multiple snack items. There are regional and specialty items available as well, such as Pi Pizza and Foul Ball Chicken. Fans can also find tacos, cheesesteak, and barbecue in selected concession spots. Fans should also take advantage of the COOP Beer Garden where there is a selection of 4 locally branded beers on tap, as well as more local styles and domestics available in cans. For non-alcoholic beverages, flavored tea from HTeaO and Pepsi products are available throughout the park. Lastly, Boom Town Creamery lets you beat the heat during an Oklahoma summer evening with a scoop or two of OKC Comets Crunch ice cream, served in a souvenir helmet or waffle cone; it really hits the spot.   Atmosphere   4 Built in 1998 as a catalyst to spur downtown revitalization in OKC, Bricktown Ballpark became a popular venue ranking as high as number 2 in Baseball America’s 1998 minor league ballpark rankings, and remained in the top 10 as recently as 2013, courtesy of USA Today's Readers’ Choice Awards. Despite seating over 13,000 fans in double-decked stands on opening night, the current seating capacity is 9,000, with much of the upper deck closed to fans, due to seats being removed and bare concrete or advertising signage visible. Along with the mile-long man-made canal, constructed in 1999, the Bricktown Neighborhood has become a vibrant entertainment district and tourist attraction for thousands of people annually. The stadium facade is constructed of red brick , matching many of the historic buildings that were originally warehouses and industrial buildings nearby, which gave the neighborhood its moniker.   Neighborhood   5 Located in the heart of Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City, the ballpark is within walking distance of a plethora of food and drink options. Restaurants mere footsteps from the ballpark gates include Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Whiskey Chicks, The Melting Pot, Texadelphia, and Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, among others. For fans looking for activities other than Triple A baseball, options are plentiful in the area – within just a few minutes of Chickasaw Bricktown Stadium, you will find Riversport OKC, home of the US Olympic canoe, kayak, and rowing training centers. There are also multiple shopping options, not the least of which is Cabela’s.   Fans   4 Oklahoma City has averaged between 5,000 and 5,500 fans per game in most seasons since 2015, with a high of 6,713 per game in 2018. This means that most games have more than 50% capacity, which is enough to provide for an entertaining environment. At the game I last attended, though it was marred by inclement weather, the fans were engaged and provided a fun atmosphere for the home team.   Access   5 Located in Bricktown, merely blocks from Paycom Center, home of the NBA’s OKC Thunder , there is ample parking immediately across the street from the ballpark. There is one lot across Joe Carter Avenue that charges $10 to park, which is merely 100 yards from the first base gate entrance, but if you are willing to walk just a little, there is free parking in several large lots within an easy 5-to-10-minute walk. For overnight travelers, there are numerous hotels in the Bricktown area, some of which are behind the left field wall of the ballpark; these include Hilton Garden Inn ,   Hampton Inn & Suites , Homewood Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott. Most of these accommodations range in price from $125 to $200 per night and have positive reviews. For fans looking to spend less for their lodging, there are numerous options within a short drive of downtown. OKC’s Will Rogers International Airport is said to be easy to navigate – it is served by Delta, American, Southwest, and United Airlines, with multiple flights departing and arriving daily. If ground travel is preferred, however, Interstate 35, Interstate 40, and Interstate 44 all converge in the OKC metro area. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, mainly due to road construction (planning for area growth) and in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics.   Return on Investment   4 With the low cost of tickets and ample free parking in and around the stadium, the cost of attendance is well within the budget of any baseball fan. Add the fact that concessions are on the lower end of pricing for stadium for food and drinks, and attending Comets games is an economical entertainment option.   Extras   5 The Comet fans sing Oklahoma, the state song, after Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th inning stretch. This show of state pride is worthy of special recognition and adds a unique, regional touch to the experience. The number of downtown attractions, including the river, museums, restaurants, and bars, is worth noting as well. One special attraction is the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, which is located on the northwest corner of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, near the third base gate of the venue. An extra point is also given for the sports history attached to the park; the street names surrounding Chickasaw Bricktown Park carry the names of some of Oklahoma’s baseball and entertainment stars of the past. These names include Joe Carter Avenue, Mickey Mantle Drive, and Flaming Lips Alley. In addition, the statues and plaques honoring all the major leaguers with ties to Oklahoma also garner an extra point. More value is also provided here due to the welcoming and friendly nature of the staff and fans of the team – the way the staff make visitors feel comfortable as they enter the stadium is worthy of note. One final point is also awarded for the organization and quality of the team store, where there are multiple items available from all the past and present team identities, including logos from previous parent clubs.   Final Thoughts Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, even though it’s the second-oldest ballpark in the Pacific League, presents a great setting for Triple-A baseball. Free parking and reasonably priced concessions allow families to attend games without busting the monthly budget. In addition to high-level minor league baseball, Oklahoma’s capital city provides plenty of entertainment and dining options for fans of all ages. OKC, sitting in the center of the country and home to a little over 700,000 residents, is underrated by most travel experts. As a hidden gem, planning a visit to Bricktown Ballpark should be on all baseball fans’ bucket lists.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Yankee Stadium 1 E 161st St Bronx, NY 10451 New York Yankees website Yankee Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 46,537 Rep The Bx 2008 marked the end of an era when Mariano Rivera induced a groundout from Oriole Brian Roberts to first baseman Cody Ransom, who stepped on the bag unassisted for the final out in the history of the original Yankee Stadium. Known as “The House That Ruth Built,” it was the site of countless iconic baseball moments and legends. As longtime Yankees PA announcer Bob Sheppard once called it, it was a true “cathedral of sports.” In 2009 the Yankees opened a new chapter in a brand-new stadium, continuing their legacy in the Bronx. No longer would the history of the stadium be authored by Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Ford, Mantel, Jackson, and Rivera; it would now be written by the new guard of Yankee legends, including such names as Jeter, Judge, and Sabathia.   Food & Beverage   5 Yankee Stadium features a diverse food lineup that goes well beyond standard ballpark fare; many high-profile chefs and brands have lent their names to offerings around the concourse. Lobel’s not only offers fans a look at the butcher as they carve slabs of meat, but the menu is also just as captivating. Steak and pastrami sandwiches, steak topped fries, filet topped tots, and a USDA prime burger round out an impressive menu. Meanwhile, Benihana offers hibachi and yakisoba bowls with steak, chicken, or shrimp, alongside maki rolls and poke bowls. One of the most intriguing menu items is simply bacon on a stick, which might not sound all that special, until you lay eyes on that half inch slab of bacon-y goodness. Concessions here also offer a bit of a specialized touch with Mighty Quinn’s smoky barbecue, as well as The Halal Guys’ Middle Eastern street cart favorites with signature white sauce. Mac Truck adds loaded mac and cheese to the mix, while Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Jamaican meat pies, and empanadas contribute even more variety. Celebrity chefs also make their mark on the menu at Yankee Stadium. Bobby Flay’s Bobby’s Burgers focuses on elevated classic burgers, sweet potato fries, enormous onion rings, and thick shakes, while Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird serves up southern-style chicken fingers, chicken and waffles, and a spicy chicken sandwich. In addition, Christian Petroni features cheesy garlic bread, fried meatballs, and his mother’s tiramisu served in a miniature Yankee helmet, and David Chang’s Fuku offers the “OG Spicy Chicken Sando”. Beyond the stadium concessions, Hard Rock Cafe and NYY Steak offer full-service meals. Reservations are needed for NYY Steak, but keep in mind neither venue provides a view of the field. The beer selection at Yankee Stadium seems to be somewhat underwhelming, mostly comprised of typical macro-brewed beers. Goose Island’s New York Legendary Ale does seem to stand out as a Yankees branded beer, however, and there are also several full-service bars around the stadium which offer a wide variety of specialty and mixed drinks. If looking to grab food or drink, the best bet is to go early because the lines tend to swell once the game has started.   Atmosphere   4 The Yankees take a traditional approach to the game presentation; they are one of the few MLB teams without an in-game host, allowing the action on the field to be the primary focus. Fan cams, Yankee trivia, and the Subway Race on the video board offer some entertainment, but overall the in-game experience is refreshingly minimal. One polarizing feature is the “Death Star” alarm that plays when the count reaches two strikes, in anticipation of a punch out. Social spaces are subtly integrated into the stadium’s layout here – the most visible is the Mastercard Batter’s Eye Deck, which is especially popular among young adults. Other premium and social areas are enclosed, however, such as the Legends Suite, Delta 360 Suite, and the Audi Yankees Club, making them blend seamlessly into the stadium. Seating varies, with some sections offering padded or plastic seats, while the upper outfield levels are made up of aluminum bleachers. Sightlines can be an issue in the outfield seats. Many seats in these sections come with partial obstructions along the foul lines and outfield walls, so when possible, opt for infield seating to avoid these blind spots.   Neighborhood   4 Yankee Stadium sits in the South Bronx, Concourse neighborhood. When the original Yankee Stadium was built, most stadiums of that era were built surrounded by urban housing, meaning there was not a lot in the way of tourist attractions nearby. With new Yankee Stadium being built directly across from its historic predecessor, much of that lack of additional attractions remains true today. However, River Avenue, which runs along the east side of the stadium, is lined largely with apparel shops and sports bars. Also within this area is The Bronx Museum of Art, but the area is otherwise rather void of attractions. The Hip-Hop Museum is slated to open at Bronx Point in the summer of 2026, and just across the Harlem River is legendary Rucker Park, known for its elite playground basketball games, as well as a historical marker commemorating home plate of the Polo Grounds, at the northernmost building of the Polo Grounds Towers. Further north in the Bronx visitors can find the Bronx Zoo, Hall of Great Americans, and campus of Fordham University. In addition, if a visit to Yankee Stadium is part of a larger visit to New York City, the Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan might be of interest. What is disappointing about the area around Yankee Stadium is that, given the stadium’s prominence as such a point of pride in the Bronx, the streets outside of the main entry points are extremely littered.   Fans   4 Yankee fans are typically known as some of the most passionate in all professional sports; they can be found in all corners of the globe. Section 203 in right field is home to the Yankees “Bleacher Creatures.” – this group of fans are the most passionate concentration of fans in the facility. Beyond the passion the Bleacher Creatures bring to the stadium’s atmosphere, since the mid-1990s they have also routinely held the “Yankee Roll Call”, where each name of the starting 9 is chanted syllable-by-syllable, followed by a rhythmic series of claps. From 2013 to 2023 the Yankees missed the playoffs three times, lost three Wild Card games, and were eliminated in the Division Series three times. During this stretch they dropped as low as 8th in league attendance and averaged under 40,000 fans per game in three separate seasons. However, their return to the World Series in 2024 brought a resurgence in enthusiasm and turnout.   Access   4 The ease of getting to Yankee Stadium depends on your mode of travel. Driving can be stressful due to traffic and limited parking, but public transit can get you to Bronx Terminal Market, a short walk from the stadium and offering easy access before the game, as well as a quick exit. The most direct and convenient option is the subway; the 4, B, and D lines stop at 161st Street right outside the main gate. For those coming from north of the city, the Metro-North Railroad’s East 153rd Street station is also nearby, just past Elston Howard Field on the old stadium site. Trains and subways can get very crowded, so planning to arrive early can help avoid the largest crowds and a big push to get through the gates. Arriving early is also important if you want to visit Monument Park, which closes 45 minutes before first pitch. The concourse does become pretty congested, and concession lines stretch once the game begins. The stadium is easy to navigate overall, but much of the lower seating bowl is restricted by a moat of sorts, and is never accessible without a field-level ticket.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets in the upper deck seats in the outfield can go for under $15, and the Pinstripe Pass, a standing room ticket that includes a drink worth up to $12, starts around $24 - prices climb steeply from there, however. Once moving away from the outfield or upper levels, tickets jump to around $30 and quickly into the triple digits in the 300 level and lower bowl. If you are hoping for a comfortable view of the full field, expect to pay a premium. Parking costs are what you would expect for New York City; Bronx Terminal Market remains the best value at about $20, while lots closer to the stadium can run $35 to $50. Using the Yankees preferred parking partner, Whiz Parking, does provide discounted rates. Food pricing is about average for MLB parks when it comes to hot dogs and domestic beer, but costs begin to show when opting for the more specialized menu items.   Extras   5 One of the most notable features of the old stadium has found its way into the new, namely Monument Park, which honors Yankee legends with monuments, plaques, and retired numbers. Monument Park is a popular place to visit, and the line quickly gets long. It is also only accessible until 45 minutes before first pitch, so try to get there early. The New York Yankees Museum, near Section 210, is another popular place which draws large crowds. This museum features exhibits covering the history of Yankee Stadium from 1923 to 2008, the Yankees long line of power-hitters, a tribute to Derek Jeter, statues of Don Larsen and Yogi Berra, a look at Thurman Munson’s locker, a collection of World Series trophies from 1977 to 2009, and World Series rings from 1923 on. The use of a live organist is a great way to keep the down time in games entertaining, while keeping with many of the traditions of the game gone by. Several historic touches from the old stadium have been preserved in the new facility. Softball fields have formed Elston Howard Field where the old stadium stood, and the 138-foot Louisville Slugger chimney that stood outside the main entrance of the old stadium has also been preserved. In addition, a  piece of the original facility’s iconic roofline frieze has been incorporated into the venue, and there are also several viewfinders around the ballpark that display vintage images of Yankee Stadium. Lastly, inscribed benches remember big games, while special pavers throughout the facility commemorate notable milestones that occurred at old Yankee Stadium.   Final Thoughts While the aura and mystique that came with the previous Yankee Stadium can never be duplicated, the current version does well to give fans a bit of a taste of the old, while providing modern comforts its predecessor could not. Yankee Stadium is also one of the few Major League Baseball experiences that allows the game to remain the focus of the day, with a minimum of the distractions that have become the norm across baseball today.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Wrigley Field 1060 W Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613 Chicago Cubs website Wrigley Field website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 41,649 The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field Very few major league ballparks can be described as “classic”. Wrigley Field certainly does fill that description. Wrigley Field opened as Weeghman Park in 1914, making it the second oldest ballpark still in use, trailing only Boston’s Fenway Park, which opened in 1912. While the ballpark has gone through several renovations over the years, it has retained many elements of the stadium's original design. It has a capacity of 41,649 within its very tight seating layout. Food & Beverage 4 The Cubs have realized the importance of food and beverages ever since Wrigley Field was built. In the early days, a cart carrying these items was pushed through the stands throughout the game. These carts also were topped with an umbrella to keep the food from spoiling in the sun. While convenient, these carts blocked the fan's view of the game action. Mr. Wrigley noted this issue and began to build permanent concession stands away from the action along these concourses. Today, fans do not even need to leave their seats to place a food and beverage order. They can use the MLB app to check out the menu and place an order with the concession stand nearest their seat location to pick up and pay for their items. Wrigley Field has a very broad menu that will satisfy every fan’s taste. While it includes items that are found at every MLB ballpark, Wrigley Field tries to include items that are unique to Chicago. This includes Chicago-style hot dogs, pizzas, and Garrett’s popcorn. While having a large and diversified menu is great for the fans, the concession prices at Wrigley Park are higher than most other MLB ballparks. Hot dogs are priced at $10 and higher; pizza slices are $14; pretzels are $8 and local craft beers are $16 for a 16 oz. cup. The Cubs sell Coca-Cola Brand sodas, and they offer a wide variety of both branded and craft beers. Brands include Budweiser, Pabst, Miller, and Coors. Fans are allowed to bring a limited amount of food and water into the stadium. You can bring an individual amount of food in a clear bag no larger than one gallon. Water can be brought in in a factory-sealed clear plastic bottle. Atmosphere 4 Attending a game at Wrigley Field is partially going to a sports event and partially visiting a history museum. In addition to hosting the ballgames, Wrigley Field is also a salute to the Cub's long history in baseball. Several Cubs have had their numbers retired by the team. Each of these retired numbers appears on the two foul poles in the ballpark, with a pinstriped pennant emblazoned with the number atop the foul pole. Players honored in this way are Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams, Ryne Sandberg, Greg Maddux, and Jackie Robinson. The Cubs have also preserved the tradition of changing the scores on the center field scoreboard by hand. The scoreboard dates to 1937. There are several statues saluting Cubs players around the exterior of the stadium. They include statues of the Cubs’ longtime announcer Harry Caray, Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo. One last tradition that is still present in the ballpark is the ivy-covered walls in the outfield. They were installed in 1937 to give a more parklike feel to the ballpark by Bill Veeck. They also serve to protect the outfielders against the brick walls that are under the ivy. As a result, Wrigley is the only ballpark in the MLB that is not required to affix padding to its outfield walls. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field is known as “Wrigleyville”. While many of the businesses around the ballpark cater to the baseball crowds, most of the blocks around the ballpark are devoted to the day-to-day needs of the residents who live in the area. The Cubs have been protective of the neighborhood, as they did not install lights in the ballpark until 1988, as they were afraid it would be disruptive to the residents in the area. The Cubs still play several day games during the week to minimize any harm to the neighborhood. The exception to this rule is the rooftop seats (www.wrigleyrooftops.com) across the street from the ballpark along Waveland Avenue. These bleachers are heavily regulated as far as number of participants and how much noise they can create by the Cubs. On gamedays, the neighborhood transitions to serve the needs of the fans attending the game. Several stores carry a full line of Cubs memorabilia, and the restaurants are filled with fans getting a bite to eat before the games. Several bars provide liquid entertainment for Cubs fans. Probably the most famous of these is Murphy’s Bleachers, which is located just beyond the outfield walls of Wrigley Field. Another area fans like to meet up with friends and enjoy before the games is the greenspace known as Gallagher Way located along the third base side of the stadium. There are a few games that fans can join in and enjoy, as well as musical entertainment. This is a ticketed area of Wrigley Field. Fans 5 The Cubs fanbase is more national in scale than most clubs in the MLB. This is due to the long history of its team, as well as the many stars who have worn its’ pinstripes over the years. A large portion of this fanbase has only been to Wrigley Field via the televising of its games over the years by superstation WGN. The fans who are at games in person have stayed loyal through thick and thin seasons for the team. Their loyalty was rewarded when the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016 after a 106-year drought. Probably the most boisterous fans of the Cubs are the Bleacher Bums who sit in the general admission bleachers in the outfield. They never let their support of the team waver. A long-standing tradition is to throw back any home run balls hit by the opposition, as a sign of their disgust and hatred for the opposition. The fans in this section of the stands are so legendary that they even had a Broadway play written then about them. Access 3 In our neighborhoods section, we spoke about Wrigleyville and its presence as both a residential area and an area where small businesses are located to serve the day-to-day needs of the residents. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to drive to a game at Wrigley Park. Unlike most MLB ballparks, Wrigley does not have acres of parking just outside of the venue. Street parking is not allowed in Wrigleyville and the little parking at the stadium is reserved for players and season ticket holders. There is one large lot (3900 North Rockwell Street) available for night games and weekend games only. It is 2.2 miles from Wrigley Field, but it is served by shuttle buses to and from the stadium. We strongly encourage fans to utilize either public transportation or Uber/Lyft to get to Wrigley Field. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has rail service through its Addison Street station on the Red Line. The other CTA rail lines all intersect with the Red Line somewhere in the system. The Addison Station is a block from the ballpark. CTA bus routes 152 and 22 both have stops within a block of the stadium. Rideshare pickup/delivery is available on Addison Street between Broadway and Hals and at Irving Park Road between Clark and Seminary. Once at the ballpark, there are six gates into the venue. These gates open 90 minutes before the games, or two hours before the weekend games. The concourses are narrow and difficult to navigate, so it is best to enter at the gate that is closest to your seat location. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Cubs game can be an expensive proposition. The seating bowl is relatively small as the ballpark has a relatively small capacity in comparison to other MLB venues. A large portion of the seats are taken up by season ticket holders. This means the remaining seats are in high demand, driving up the average ticket price. Add to that cost is the Cub's use of a dynamic pricing system. This means that games involving Central Division games such as games with their greatest rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals or the Milwaukee Brewers, will be higher priced than for other opponents. Interleague games involving the Yankees, the Red Sox, and the White Sox will command a higher price. Visitors will typically have to go to the secondary market for tickets, which also features a higher face value price for tickets. Another area of high cost is for parking near Wrigley Field. The ballpark is surrounded by a residential/ small business neighborhood rather than a large parking lot. Finding a nearby parking spot can prove to be an expensive proposition. This cost can be avoided by using the excellent public transportation options to get to the ballgames. Rideshares can be another affordable option to reduce the cost of going to a game. Wrigley Field operates on a cashless basis. Extras 4 Wrigley Field has been the site of several of baseball’s greatest moments. They include Babe Ruth’s “called shot” during the 1932 World Series, Ernie Banks hitting his 500th home run, Pete Rose tying Ty Cobb for most career hits, and Kerry Wood’s 20-strikeout performance in 1998. The Cubs ballpark also figures into one term that is frequently used in baseball still today. Mr. Wrigley included flags representing every team in the league on the large scoreboard in center field. The flags, or pennants, were arranged by divisions and were placed in the order of where that team was in the standings for their division. Mr. Wrigley was also a sailor who competed in nautical races on nearby Lake Michigan. This is the origin of the term “pennant race” when referring to the baseball standings. The flags are kept in the correct position each day during the season. While the Cubs do everything possible to keep Wrigley’s charm and historic elements, they have made some needed updates in recent years. The 1060 Project (Wrigley’s street number) has made several improvements to the stadium. These include several structural improvements to the 110-year-old facility, a remodel of both the home and visiting clubhouses, the addition of two videoboards, the addition of a food court to service the upper-level seating bowl, a widening of the concourses and the addition of Wi-Fi service within the park. One of the highlights of any Cubs game is the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch. For many years Harry Caray led this tradition from his announcing booth. Since his passing this honor has been passed on to celebrities from movies, Broadway, television, and the sports world. Final Thoughts Going to a baseball game at Wrigley Field is a bucket list item for any true baseball fan.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Gregory Kock, and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 FirstEnergy Stadium 1900 Centre Ave Reading, PA 19605 Reading Fightin Phils website FirstEnergy Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity : 10,000 The Carnival at Baseballtown Reading is just different.  Baseball in Reading, Pennsylvania dates back to 1858 with the Reading Athletic Club playing other local teams.  The organization of baseball in 1874 saw the birth of the Reading Actives.  Baseball continued in Reading over the years as the monikers changed.  In 1933, Reading joined the Eastern League as the Reading Red Sox, which was short-lived.  In 1952 Reading returned to the Eastern League as the Reading Indians, which was significant in the minor league careers of such stars as Rocky Colavito and Roger Maris.  The current iteration of Reading baseball launched in 1967 as they began an affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Reading Phillies have been a cornerstone Double-A franchise ever since.  They officially became known as the Fightin Phils in 2012. Home for the Fightins, as they are sometimes locally known, is the historic and unique FirstEnergy Stadium.  Opened in 1951 as Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium and dedicated to military personnel who died while serving, FirstEnergy Stadium provides one of the most unique experiences in Minor League Baseball.  It is referred to as “America’s Classic Ballpark” borrows from the Detroit Red Wings and refers to itself as “Baseballtown.”  The mix is truly unique with the experience having three distinct parts: one part baseball; one part museum; and one part carnival. Food & Beverage 5 The culinary experience at FirstEnergy Stadium is the cornerstone of the carnival atmosphere at the game.  The Diamond Credit Union Plaza, informally the Boardwalk, opens before the seating area at FirstEnergy Stadium and the plaza offers carnival food for fans to enjoy before the game begins.  Big Straw Milkshakes with their cookie sandwiches, ice cream, and funnel cakes Plaza Favourites with their varieties of chicken and hot dogs and mac and cheese, and Grand Slam Grill with their burgers, and hot dogs offer fans a top-notch culinary listing before fans are even able to get to their seats.  Yuengling products, Suburban Brewing, and Miller Lite headline the beer options.  Hard slushies and seltzers are also available. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice.  Once the concourse opens, there are another set of concession options including Manny’s Fries and The Lil’ O’s Pizza.  Overall, there is not much a fan could be wanting for at FirstEnergy Stadium. Atmosphere 5 FirstEnergy Stadium offers one of the most unique atmospheres in baseball.  The exterior of the park is smart with brown brick, blue accents, and embedded concrete “Reading Phillies” name.    Right away, it is apparent that the stadium is hiding its true age.  Although classic, the exterior does not look like a seventy-plus-year-old facility.  A nod back to the original Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium is in the giant military dog tag sculpture in front of the stadium, dedicated to the veterans of the community.  When getting closer to the ballpark, fans will find that the Fightins waste almost no space and celebrate their history perhaps more than any other team.  It begins with the bricks on the main exterior plaza behind the home plate.  Fans will find marble bricks in the ground for each year of the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame and the retired numbers of Ryne Sandberg, Mike Schmidt, Robin Roberts, Scott Rolen, and Jim Bunning. The gates to the Plaza on the first base side open earlier than the rest of the stadium.  The Diamond Credit Union Plaza creates that carnival atmosphere with some concession stands, an open plaza with picnic tables, and a stage for live, pregame music.  Pregame activities such as mini golf, inflatable slide, speed pitch, mascot photos, and autographs are great options for some pregame fun.  The plaza is protected by overhead netting making it viable for use during the game also.  The plaza also has huge murals of former Reading greats and a full accounting of the Baseballtown Hall of Fame.  Two murals of the group stand out.  First the large picture of Max Patkin, the “Clown Prince of Baseball” gives the area an old-time feel.  Secondly, a large mural in honor of Taylor Swift from nearby Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, depicts the megastar’s long and significant relationship with the Phils and FirstEnergy Stadium.  Once the concourses open, fans are again taken back in time as there is practically no space on the walls.  A trip through Reading baseball history removes the claustrophobic nature of the concourses.  Murals and trophy cases could keep a treasure hunter occupied for the duration of the game.  Special attention is given to those Phillies who came through Reading on their way to winning the 2008 World Series. The main grandstand runs between first and third bases with some overhead coverage.  Fixed plastic and metal seats are not the most comfortable and fans are reminded of the age of the facility.   Disjointed stands on both the third base and first base sides help bring the capacity up.  New to the park is the Redner’s Event Center, which offers a variety of group seating options and houses events during and after the baseball season.  On the facade, along with some local, static ads, are the five retired numbers for the Phils.  An underused train motif can be found in right centerfield with a smoking train sign with flashing lights that fire up on Fightin home runs.  Right field also features a very popular Pool Pavilion, perfect for hot days. The gameday atmosphere at Reading is quintessential Minor League Baseball with activities and promotions happening at a near-constant pace.  The Phils feature a full band of mascots and the ingame host is constantly busy.  To sum up the atmosphere, the Phils do everything within their power to make fans forget that the ballpark is not the greatest structure when fans are sitting in their seats, a significant task that the team does to perfection. Neighborhood 2 FirstEnergy Stadium is located at the north end of Reading.  It is not the greatest neighborhood and taking the car somewhere is probably going to be necessary.  There are several spots available for pre or post-game fare.  These include Mike’s Tavern, B2 Bistro Bar, and The Farmhouse Kitchen.  Reading is perfectly located to facilitate a baseball road trip being pretty much equidistant from Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.  Other sporting options in Reading include the ECHL’s Reading Royals .  Other tourist options include the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum and Reading Public Museum.  The SureStay and Red Roof Inns are available for fans who wish to stay near the ballpark. Fans 5 The Fightins enjoy solid fan support.  In the 2023 season, the Fightin Phils welcomed an average of over 5,900 fans per game.  This ranks as a respectable 21st in Minor League Baseball and 4th in the Eastern League and Double-A.  The fans in attendance of the game that was reviewed were into the game and supportive of the Phils.   Access 4 FirstEnergy Stadium is located at the north end of the City of Reading.  It is just south of Highway 12 and west of Highway 61, or Centre Street.  Getting to FirstEnergy Stadium is not too difficult and there are parking lots to the west of the stadium, some of which are free.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, some buses travel both Centre Street and 5th St.  Fans should consult the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority  for fares, schedules, and maps.  Getting around FirstEnergy Stadium can be a bit of a challenge as would be expected for a stadium built in the fifties.  Concourses can be crowded and this stadium would be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. Return on Investment 5 There is tremendous value in a Reading Fightin Phils game.  Box seats run $18 apiece while General Admission tickets, which are for the left field or right field grandstands, are only $12 each.  Parking can be free with a little luck but reserved parking is only $9.  Concession prices are about what one would expect for a Minor League Baseball game. The gameday atmosphere in Reading is amongst the best in MiLB and it is truly a unique experience.  Overall this equates to an experience that is affordable and perfect for the entire family. Extras 4 An extra mark for the fresh and unique approach to baseball that the Fightins take making FirstEnergy Stadium unlike anything else in MiLB. An extra mark for the long history of baseball in Reading. An extra mark for the brilliance of opening the Plaza early before games for fans to congregate and enjoy, and truly taking that unique experience to the next level. An extra mark for the massive and thorough Baseballtown Hall of Fame Final Thoughts Baseball fans who feel that they have experienced it all and have not been to see the Reading Fightin Phils are fooling themselves.  The atmosphere at FirstEnergy Stadium is truly unique and a trip to see the Fightins will not disappoint.  One part museum, one part ballpark, and one part carnival.  Does it get better than this? Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Citizens Bank Park One Citizens Bank Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Phillies website Citizens Bank Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 42,901 Ring The Bell A staple in the City of Brotherly Love are the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.  The Phillies were founded in 1883, one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball.  They have the distinction of being the oldest, continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports.  The Phillies were first coined in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1883 in the coverage of an early exhibition game.  Relatively unsuccessful on the field, the Phillies would wait until 1980 to earn their first of two World Series titles, after appearing twice previously.  The Phillies would earn their second in 2008.  The current owner, John Middleton, gained full control of the team in 2016. The Phillies call Citizens Bank Park home.  Part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Citizens Bank Park replaced the venerable Veterans Stadium, one of the infamous multipurpose donuts, in 2004.  Philadelphia is one of the premier sports destinations in the country, offering a population of over 1.6 million, 6th largest in the USA.  Citizens Bank Park offers a solid baseball experience for fans, especially if the Phillies can ring the bell after a victory. Food & Beverage 5 Philadelphia is famous for its distinct cuisine with a number of famous restaurants, many of which can be found inside Citizens Bank Park.  Philly staples like Chickie’s and Pete’s, Tony Luke’s, Campo’s, Manco & Manco’s Pizza, Shake Shack, Uncle Charlie’s Steaks and Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken are all found in the ballpark.  Former Phillies first baseman, Greg Luzinski, has the increasingly popular celebrity athlete concession, with Bull’s BBQ.  It is a little surprising that the famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak is offered by at least three different organizations in the ballpark.  All of the other expected ballpark favorites are found as well including hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice in Citizens Bank Park.  There is also a decent beer selection featuring products from Yuengling, Stella Artois, and Blue Moon. Atmosphere 5 The exterior of Citizens Bank Park is an attractive mix of brown brick with green accents and brown support beams.  Before entering the park, a trip around the perimeter is worth it and there are plenty of photo opportunities with the numerous bronze statues including Robin Roberts, Steve Carleton, Connie Mack, and Robin Roberts.  Entering the third base gate by the aptly located Mike Schmidt logo may be the best idea.  The first base gate is where Carleton’s statue is as well as the retired numbers.  Also, the Liberty Bell from Veterans Stadium is by third base and offers a terrific photo op.  If entering through the rightfield gate, fans are welcomed by two giant replica World Series trophies representing the 2008 and 1980 championships. This is also where the fans will find the display of the Phillies Hall of Fame, which is worth a look to get a sense of Phillies history.  The concourses are full of banners and accents that let everyone know that this is the home of the Phillies.  Heading past centerfield, fans will be met by the bronze statue of Richie Ashburn and Ashburn Alley.  Bricks for All-Star starters can be found on the ground, but fans should be careful as this is a very busy area and some of the most popular concessions like Tony Luke’s are found out here.  It may not be the best idea to stop and look at the ground for too long.  As fans head to the leftfield corner from Ashburn Alley they are met with The Yard, the interactive and kids area of the park.  Unlike any other in pro sports, The Yard offers a mini wiffleball stadium complete with a real videoboard, other baseball activities, and a Phanatic-themed rock climbing wall. Inside the seating area, the ballpark is divided into three main seating levels, with a lower level and split upper deck.  The angles of the seating area are very much squared off giving Citizens Bank Park a sharp-angled look.  Blue stadium seats are found throughout the park, a refreshing change from the seemingly requisite green.  One of the best views is from behind the plate in the upper deck where fans can see the skyline of Downtown Philadelphia in the distance.  Above Ashburn Alley in centerfield, the retired numbers of Richie Ashburn, Jim Bunning, Dick Allen, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carleton, Roy Halladay, Robin Roberts, Grover Cleveland Alexander and Chuck Klein are painted on the brick.  Championship flags also fly from the Alley.  Behind leftfield is a massive, neon Liberty Bell which swings and rings on Phillies home runs and victories.  Beyond rightfield is the videoboard, which is state of the art. The gameday production is not overly unique for Major League Baseball, however, special notice must be given to the Philly Phanatic, who is one of the most iconic mascots in professional sports.  Before the first pitch the Phantic comes flying out of the outfield gates on a four-wheeler, riling up the crowd. Neighborhood 4 Citizens Bank Park is located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood.  It is not the most spectacular neighborhood in the city as it is well removed from downtown, however, there are a number of spots for nearby food and drink.  Chickie’s and Pete’s and DiNics are not too far from the park.  However, the best bet for food in Philly is to head downtown to the Reading Terminal Market, which provides a plethora of different food options and cuisines.  An absolute MUST stop when in the city. Philadelphia is one of the best sports cities in the country with a ton of other options.  The Philadelphia Eagles , Flyers , 76ers  and Wings  all share spots in the sports complex.  Philly is also one of the best spots for college sports.  Football is played by the Temple Owls , Villanova Wildcats  and Penn Quakers  but it really is basketball that makes Philadelphia tick.  Temple , LaSalle , St. Joseph’s , Villanova  and Penn  make up the “Big 5” and Drexel  is also an option.  There are also a ton of tourist options in the city including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Museum of American Revolution and the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the famous “Rocky” steps, complete with statue.  There are a few hotels near the ballpark including the Courtyard Philadelphia South at the Navy Yard. Fans 4 The Phillies are generally well-supported and their current success on the field is reflected at the turnstile.  The Phillies have averaged more than 41,000 fans per game in the 2024 season which ranks 2nd in MLB.  The previous season they averaged over 37,000 fans per game and ranked 6th.  Philly fans have a reputation for being some of the toughest and rowdiest in sports.  It is debatable whether or not that reputation has been earned or not, however, it may be safe to say that of the four major sports, the baseball fans are among the most welcoming and friendly.  Attendance in Philly also correlates to the number of victories that the team puts up.   Access 3 Citizens Bank Park is located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex in the neighborhood of South Philadelphia East.  The complex encompasses the ballpark as well as Lincoln Financial Field and Wells Fargo Center along with Xfinity Live.  The venues all share parking, which is convenient, yet can provide some transportation issues.  The complex is north of I-95 and south of I-76 so there are major arteries that lead to the park.  However, traffic can be an issue.  Getting out of the parking lot can be an even bigger issue.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is a SEPTA Metro stop at Broad Street and Pattison.  Fans should consult the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Inside the ballpark, it can definitely get crowded in Ashburn Alley and slow to get around.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey recognizes that security at major events is constantly in a state of flux.  It is encouraged for fans to consult the Phillies or Citizens Bank Park  website before heading to the game and have a full understanding of the security protocols including bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Phillies begin at $25 and can go up to $104 for the Home Run Club.  The upper deck behind the plate can be purchased for around $35.  However, the Phillies are a major sport, and ticket prices can fluctuate based on the success of the team, promotion, or day of the week. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking is on the expensive side at $35.  The experience at a Phillies game is excellent and the ballpark offers plenty to see as well.  In the end, the Phillies is a great experience and may not be as expensive as an Eagles game, but is not cheap either. Extras 3 An extra mark for the history of the Phillies and how well it is displayed at Citizens Bank Park An extra mark for the Philly Phanatic, one of the most iconic mascots in sport. An extra mark for the Liberty Bell as a symbol of Philadelphia, fully embraced by the Phillies. Final Thoughts With a deep history as one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies offer an excellent experience that all baseball fans should put as a must-do.  Citizens Bank Park is an attractive and fun facility, especially if the Phillies are winning and at the end of the game they ring the bell! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 FNB Field 245 Champion Way Harrisburg, PA 17101 Harrisburg Senators website FNB Field website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,187 Island Baseball Sensylvania The idea of island baseball leads one to think of some exotic locale such as Hawaii or Puerto Rico.  However, in this case, island baseball refers to Central Pennsylvania.  In 1907 baseball in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania took up residence on City Island in the middle of the Susquehanna River.  Baseball was played here until 1952.  In the eighties, once again the push for baseball on City Island was loud and the City of Harrisburg built Riverside Stadium to attract Minor League Baseball.  In 1987 the Harrisburg Senators moved in.  In 1991 the team would change affiliates from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Montreal Expos and remain with the franchise even after its move to Washington to become the Nationals .  The stadium changed names numerous times with various banks holding naming rights.  In 2015 the naming rights were acquired by FNB Financial and the upgraded ballpark was rechristened FNB Field.  Upgrades to the ballpark were necessary to keep the team in the Pennsylvania Capital.  Ownership of the franchise has bounced around from a city-owned team to Michael Reinsdorf to Mark Butler of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, eventually, becoming part of the massive Diamond Baseball Holdings conglomerate. Known as Sensylvania, the experience is one for all baseball fans. Food & Beverage 4 FNB Field offers a solid lineup of concession options.  There are a few concession spots in different areas of the ballpark. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, fries, pizza, and other simple snacks are on the menu.  Spots fans will want to check out start with the Backstop BBQ and Arooga’s Wing Shack, located on the first base side at ground level.  Backstop BBQ offers brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage, while hand-tossed chicken wings and burgers along with fries and funnel cake are found at the wing shack.  The pretzels here are pretty massive and worth considering also.  Later, a stop at the Sweet Spot for some Hershey’s hard or soft ice cream can finish the culinary experience.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at FNB Field and a variety of domestic beer can also be found. Atmosphere 4 FNB Field is a unique facility starting with the entry.  Fans enter the ballpark from the leftfield side as opposed to the traditional home plate entry.  This makes the exterior of the ballpark a bit different.   The team store is immediately in view and features several Senators markings, along with Washington Nationals markings.  The championship seasons of 1987, 1993, 1996, 19997, 1998, and 1999 are marked on the outside.  Temporary banners of former Senators who have gone on to the big leagues welcome fans as they enter the ballpark under the protection of a large overhang at the left field plaza.  Fans may want to check out the City Island Carousel, which is further to the left of the entrance and not part of the ballpark.  The Senators continue their nod to the history of the franchise with the life-size bobbleheads that make up the 25th Anniversary all-time team.  They can be found under the grandstand closer to the first base side and include well-known names from the Expos and Nationals including Matt Stairs, Stephen Strasburg, Cliff Floyd, Michael Barrett, Ryan Zimmerman, Brandon Phillips, Bryce Harper, and the favorite son of the Senators, Vladimir Guerrero.  Guerrero’s number 27 is also retired and hangs on the left field fence beside the number 42 of Jackie Robinson.  FNB Field offers a wide variety of seating options.  The main grandstand is fairly steep and offers a split seating bowl with an open walkway between the two levels.  Some seats in the main grandstand are protected from the elements by an overhang.  Down both baselines, there are more seats some in right field and more in leftfield.  A set of bleachers is found on the right field side of the stadium and a picnic area is in right field also.  Picnic tables with umbrellas, perfect for large groups, are along the third base side of the park at the concourse level.  FNB Field is a 360-degree park and there are spots to hang out just about everywhere.  Of note, in the left field cheap seats, the section in the corner is open to all.  A lifeguard chair sits behind the section and on hot days, there is an attendant who sprays the crowd with water in that section from the chair. The gameday production at a Senators game is about what one would expect at a Minor League Baseball game.  There are plenty of promotions throughout the game between innings. A moment of note during the game that was reviewed was the Senators mascot, Rascal, dancing on the field with a few kids, dressed just like him.  They were known as the Little Rascals. Neighborhood 4 FNB Field is located on City Island,  in the middle of the Susquehanna River, adjacent to Downtown Harrisburg.  There are several spots for pre or post-game fare downtown, which can also be accessed by the pedestrian bridge from the island.  McGrath’s Pub, Federal Taphouse, Bacco’s Pizzeria, and Palumbo’s are all good options. There isn’t much in the way of other sporting options in Harrisburg, but the Hershey Bears  of the AHL are right next door.  In addition to other Hershey entertainment options, fans should consider the National Civil War Museum and Pennsylvania State Capital as other tourist options.  City Island Beach, mini golf, and the Skyline Sports Complex can be found on the island.  For fans wishing to stay near the park, the Quality Inn and Hilton are close. Fans 3 The Harrisburg Senators enjoy decent support at the turnstile.  In the 2023 season, the Senators averaged over 4,200 fans per game.  They rank 53rd in Minor League Baseball and 7th in the Eastern League.  The game that was reviewed was a mid-week, afternoon game with plenty of kids in attendance.  The fans at the game reviewed were pretty reserved, and not overly boisterous.   Access 3 FNB Field is located on City Island, which can make getting to the ballpark a bit of a challenge.  The island is south of Downtown Harrisburg.  Downtown is north of I-85 and there is not too much of downtown that requires traversing.  That being said, getting to the island on the Market Street Bridge can be slow.  There is parking on the south end of the island and finding a spot should not be a big issue.  Finding parking in Downtown Harrisburg and walking across the bridge may be a better option.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the train station at Market and Aberdeen.  Fans should check the Capital Area Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Inside FNB Field, there are plenty of stairs that will require traversing.  The concession stands on ground level become a bit more of a challenge, with stairs to get there and back up to the grandstand level.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey recommends checking the Harrisburg Senators  website for the most up-to-date security info, including prohibited items, gate opening times, and security protocols. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Harrisburg Senators can be found for a decent price.  Dugout boxes go for $25.  Most seats can be had for $21 and the cheapest seats are $19.  Parking on the island is $5 and concession prices are what one would expect.  The experience at FNB Field is solid and fans will have a good time.  In the end, it all adds up to a good MiLB experience at a price that will not require a meeting with a banker. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique island setting. An extra mark for the success the Senators have enjoyed on the field, winning the Eastern League Championship four seasons in a row. An extra mark for being the only game in town. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to City Island for some Harrisburg Senators baseball is a great plan for some summer entertainment.  FNB Field is truly a unique facility and the team puts together a good experience.  Sensylvania is the place to be. ---- Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

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

Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 loanDepot park 501 Marlins Way Miami, FL 33125 Miami Marlins website loanDepot park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 36,742 Fish Depot The Miami Marlins are a Major League Baseball team that plays in Miami, Florida, in loanDepot Park (yes, that is the official stylization of the name). The Marlins began as an expansion team in the 1993 season as the Florida Marlins. From 1993 to 2011, they played in the stadium now known as Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Joe Robbie Stadium. In 2012, the team moved to loanDepot Park (then known as Marlins Park), their first exclusive home and the first to be designed as a baseball park. As part of an agreement with park owner Miami-Dade County to use the stadium, the franchise also changed its name to the Miami Marlins before the 2012 season. loanDepot Park is a retractable roof stadium located on the site of the former Miami Orange Bowl in Little Havana, about 2 miles west of Downtown Miami. It is the third-smallest stadium in Major League Baseball by official capacity. It often seems even smaller because the upper deck is only used occasionally for big games. The facility hosted a second-round pool of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, a first-round pool of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and the championship game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The park also hosts soccer matches, fundraising galas, and other events during the winter. It also hosted the Miami Beach Bowl from 2014 through 2016. The stadium will also be a host for the finals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions offerings at loanDepot Park have a good amount of Latin food, as well as kosher food for the many Jewish fans who live in the South Florida area. Traditional ballpark fare is available at Top Dogs, the Fowl Pole, Fat Tuesdays, and Magic City BBQ. Latin-inspired foods are available at El Mercadito, PINCHO, Bites de la Calle, and Street Taco. If you are open to trying new foods, check out the Change Up STAND. This stand offers a test kitchen menu of possible future food offerings at loanDepot Park. The menu is always being rotated, so it is a good place to check out every time you attend a Marlins game. The Family Fav’s Stand has some cheaper, albeit smaller, options as part of its 305 menu. The Biscayne Brew Hall is located between sections 15/16 and features the Marlin’s lager, as well as an assortment of craft beers. Atmosphere 4 loanDepot Park has a different look and feel from pretty much any other MLB stadium. It feels like a Miami stadium. and doesn't follow the trends of others. Some may not like that, but we find it sort of refreshing. When the stadium opened, a large art installation in center field was certainly discussed by many people. It included all sorts of elements that are suggestive of South Florida. The art installation has now been relocated to the exterior of the ballpark. The stadium has a glass wall that gives you a stunning view of the Downtown Miami skyline. loanDepot park Glass Panels, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Marlins have several special event nights, including various ethnic heritage nights. The team also has a great Marlins Museum located on the upper level. Neighborhood 3 loanDepot Park is on the edge of the Little Havana section of Miami. There are not many choices in the way of restaurants or entertainment right by the stadium. Of course, Little Havana has many great options to choose from. We are big fans of trying the Mojitos at Old's Havana AND the Ball & Chain. It is always great to compare...The heart of Little Havana may be a bit far to walk, so you may have to drive between the areas. For many other options, you will need to get far away from the stadium area. Fans 2 The Marlins don't draw that well. Often, the majority of the fans are of the visiting team. It is a very relaxed time at a Marlins game and not a typical baseball environment. Access 3 I-95 South and I-75 South are relatively nearby, but traffic is likely to be a problem accessing the stadium. The old Orange Bowl location is just not a perfect location for a large number of fans converging on a location. loanDepot Park has four parking decks and six surface lots near the stadium. You can prepay for parking, but it is easier to just pay by app once parked. It may feel weird not stopping and paying before entering the parking area, but it is a very smooth process. All parking areas offer a full complement of ADA-accessible spaces. You could walk from Little Havana to a game, but that might not solve parking issues, as that area has parking issues of its own. loanDepot park is served by two Miami-Dade Metrorail stops within a mile of the ballpark (Culmer and Civic Center), the Tri-Rail Connection via the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre Station to MiamiCentral Station, eight other Metrobus routes, and the City of Miami Trolley Route. Another great option is Brightline, which offers free shuttles from its downtown Miami station to and from the game. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are generally on the lower end of MLB stadiums. The secondary market will be a great place to find even cheaper prices. Parking costs are variable, so a weeknight game against a non-traditional opponent may be cheaper than a divisional rival on a weekend. Concession prices are reasonable compared to most MLB ballparks. Extras 5 loanDepot Park has hosted a few unique events, like the World Baseball Classic and even an NCAA college football bowl game. loanDepot Park is built on the site of the former Orange Bowl Stadium. There are numerous signs mentioning the history of the stadium. The Bobblehead Museum, on the concourse, has more than 600 baseball-related statues in a cool display case that keeps the heads bobbling away. Bobblehead Museum, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Billy’s Boathouse has a foam-surface playground that is very safe for the kids to play on. Billy the Marlin is the team's mascot. The team has bands and cheer squads keeping them engaged in the action. There are often post-game concerts and events, so check the team's website before coming to the game. Final Thoughts loanDepot Park may never make the top of MLB baseball stadium lists, but it is still an enjoyable place to watch a game in an environment that feels very true to its environment.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Blaik Field at Michie Stadium 700 Mills Rd West Point, NY 10996 Army Black Knights website Blaik Field at Michie Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 38,000 The Greatest Gameday in America Virtually every sports fan has a bucket list of venues they would like to visit. Chances are there are some legendary names on these lists, such as Fenway Park, Lambeau Field, St. Andrews or Wimbledon. Some venues that should be on any sports fan’s bucket list lie further off the beaten path. In quaint West Point, New York, a town of only 6,763 people, is a venue that should be on any sports fan’s short list of places to go as you explore the planet. The people who work at Sports Illustrated agree, and they have been to a few places. In 1999 the magazine published a list of their top twenty sports venues of the 20th Century. In third place, behind only the old Yankee Stadium and Augusta National Golf Course, is Blaik Field at Michie Stadium, a small football stadium that seats only 38,000 people, and lacks many modern amenities present in other stadia around the world. In 2007 Sports Illustrated ranked their top college venues for all sports, and again Michie Stadium made the cut, coming in seventh place on this list. How does Michie Stadium find itself in such heady company? Simply put, this is the greatest game day experience in America. Watching an Army football game at Michie Stadium is more than just a game. It is part history lesson, part sporting event, part Fourth of July. Michie Stadium was named after Dennis Michie, class of 1892, who organized, coached, and managed the first football team at West Point in 1890. He was killed in action in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Yes, that is how far back Army football goes, it predates the Spanish-American War. The 2015 season will mark the 125th year that football has been played at West Point. In 1999 the field was named after Earl “Red” Blaik, who coached Army to 3 consecutive national titles from 1944-46. Blaik Field at Michie Stadium celebrated its 100th season in 2014. Only 15 FBS stadiums in the nation, and only six east of the Mississippi, are older than Michie Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Michie Stadium do not stray very far from the basics. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the concessions is that every stand in the stadium is staffed by cadets, who work the stands to raise money for their various extracurricular groups Virtually every concession stand at Michie Stadium has the same menu, featuring hot dogs, nachos, and various snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, and cracker jacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at Michie Stadium, and can be purchased in popular souvenir mugs which feature free refills throughout the game. Fans looking for a little variety can find unique items at temporary stands located in the southeast entry plaza, where cheesesteaks, pizza, and sausage sandwiches can be purchased. Concessions stands tucked in behind the north end zone feature chicken nuggets, pulled pork sandwiches, French fries, and onion rings. Overall, the quality of the food at Michie Stadium is good, and the prices are comparable to other venues in the area. Atmosphere 5 The gameday atmosphere here at the Army academy takes a back seat to no other venue in the nation. It all starts six hours before kickoff, when the parking lots open for fans. Many fans do indeed arrive as early as six a.m. to set up their tailgates and begin the day’s festivities. While the tailgating scene at West Point is an active one, the experience is not the party atmosphere that you may experience at other schools in the country. This is a military base, after all. Many fans arrive early to watch the Cadet Review on “The Plain.” A full-dress cadet parade takes place three hours before every home game, weather permitting. Other fans opt to explore areas of the campus such as Fort Putnam, one of a series of forts and redoubts which date all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Another pregame option for Army football fans is Black Knights Alley, a fan fest which runs along Mills Road between Michie Stadium and Lusk Reservoir. Black Knights Alley features live music, an inflatable park, food and beer tents, the Army Football Tailgate Show, and other vendors. It’s a popular gathering spot for fans before the game, and watching the Army band and football team enter the stadium through a gauntlet of cadets is a highlight of the festivities. Things really get going about a half hour before kickoff. If visiting Michie Stadium for the first time, you will definitely want to be in your seat to witness the pregame show the Army puts on. To begin, the Cadet Regiment marches onto the field. Over 1,000 cadets take the field in formation to accompany the Cadet Glee Club and Army Band in the playing of the national anthem. The highlight for many fans comes next, as several Cadet Paratroopers jump from a helicopter, delivering the game ball and flags to Michie Stadium. Once the parachuters arrive, the Army football team takes the field, accompanied by the Army Rabble Rousers, mascots, American flag, and the week’s unit flag. Every week the team honors a different unit by wearing their patch on the game jerseys. As the team takes the field, they head over to the cadet seating section, where the team and fans salute each other before the game begins. The energy level does not wane throughout the game, thanks in large part to the efforts of the cadets who pack the east stands dressed in fatigues. The sight of 4,000 cadets standing throughout the game is a sight to behold. Every score by the Army team sets off a celebration, which includes the firing of the cannon located on the far shore of Lusk Reservoir, and the cheerleading squad taking the field to do push-ups. The greater the score of the game, the more push-ups the squad must perform. Neighborhood 4 The town of West Point is a small, quaint town of under 7,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north of New York City, the town of West Point is dominated by the Military Academy. Fans traveling from out of town will find no shortage of places to stay in the towns surrounding the Academy. Beyond the Military Academy, the Hudson Valley area surrounding West Point is a favorite spot in the fall to take in some incredible foliage. Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, and tours of the West Point campus are popular with sports fans and history buffs alike. Fans 5 Fans at Army football games are a mix of cadets, families, veterans, and football fans. Visiting fans travel from across the country to take in an Army football game, and it’s not unusual to find yourself sitting among families of cadets featuring generations of army vets from all over the country. Even if there was not a single civilian football fan in attendance, Michie Stadium would still rate well in this category due solely to the outstanding presence of the student body. The cadets, over 4,000 strong, pack the east stands and bring constant noise and energy to the stadium. The cadets stand throughout the game, taking a break only at halftime. The cadet section is so entertaining that at times it is easy to be so distracted as to forget all about the action taking place on the field. Access 4 With West Point’s rural location and necessary security measures, expect entering the Academy to take a little extra time. All things considered, the security measures in place can hardly be considered intrusive. Parking lots are scattered throughout the campus, some of which are located some distance from Michie Stadium. Lots are color coded, with different roads providing access to the different colored lots. Detailed directions can be found here . Numerous shuttles roam the campus taking fans from their respective lots to Michie Stadium. With the West Point campus located only 50 miles from New York City, there are no shortage of methods to arrive at the Army Academy. If driving, the campus is near I-87 and the Palisades Parkway. Bus service is available from the New York City Port Authority to the West Point Visitors Center, and rail service is available from Grand Central Station to Garrison, NY, right across the Hudson River from the campus. For fans looking for a unique method of transportation to an Army football game, ferries depart from greater New York to the West Point campus every game day. The seating area at Michie Stadium consists entirely of bleacher seating without backs. Seat cushions and chairbacks are available for rental. While walking around the stadium it is clear to see that it was expanded in a piecemeal fashion, as the different sections do not flow seamlessly. There are concourses underneath the stands in parts of the stadium, but to get around one must navigate a walkway located at the front of the seating bowl. If sitting in the first few rows, expect your view to be blocked by a steady stream of pedestrians. Opt for seats a little higher up for a better view. There are many concession stands and restrooms located throughout the stadium, and dare I say that lines move with military precision throughout the game, even at halftime. Still, many fans try and avoid these areas during these peak times. Unfortunately, getting back to your vehicle after the game can be most problematic. There are marked areas around the stadium at which fans can take shuttle buses back to their respective parking lots. With the limited roads around the stadium and the crush of fans all trying to get out simultaneously, the system bogs down easily. With the age of Michie Stadium and the organized nature of the Army, one might think the system would work more smoothly. With only a few ways off the base, departing your parking lot may also take a little while. Be sure to give yourself enough time to leave West Point after the game. Return on Investment 4 Army football utilizes variable pricing for their home games, with prices ranging from $35 to $50 for upper level or corner seats. Lower level seats range in price from $45 to $55. Parking in the various lots around campus costs $15 when purchased in advance, and $20 on game day. Purchasing in advance increases your odds of parking in a lot closer to Michie Stadium. Extras 5 Few, if any, sports venues in the country can match the history and pageantry that go along with a football game at West Point. First time visitors to Michie Stadium should be sure to set aside enough time to tour some of the campus, and to be sure to be inside the stadium in time to catch the pregame festivities. Visiting this area during the fall when the leaves are changing color makes for a most breathtaking view, and it’s no wonder that the area is a popular destination this time of year. From the pregame paratroopers dropping from the sky to deliver the game ball to the finale, where both teams gather in front of their respective fan bases to sing their fight songs, an Army football game is full of traditions that just cannot be found elsewhere. It is truly a special place in the world of college football. Final Thoughts “There is nothing like being at Michie Stadium on the banks of the Hudson River with the leaves changing during the third weekend in October. The scenery is incredible. And how about the inspiration drawn from being at such a historic landmark? You see the statues of MacArthur, Patton and Eisenhower. Then on game day morning, you have the pleasure of witnessing the Cadet Parade. And how about when the cadets sing ‘On Brave Old Army Team’? That is an unbelievable moment.” –Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com “West Point is all about chills, goosebumps and sentimentality. When you enter one of the Academy’s four gates, be prepared for a battle of the senses that is sure to be fought on several emotional levels. Army is power and strength, patriotism and pride, sad memories and hope-presented in a pastoral masterpiece.” –The Sporting News It’s almost surreal how the two disparate worlds of the military and typical college life intersect here at Michie Stadium. Take away the military fatigues and the historic surroundings, and those cadets dancing in the Black Knights Alley could be just another group of 18-22 year old students at State U. That group of cadets cheering on a young boy trying to reach the summit of the inflatable rock wall are just trying to enjoy a day of harmless distractions away from the responsibilities of the classroom. The difference here is that these young men and women have signed up to defend our nation and are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Win or lose, one is sure to leave Michie Stadium with a renewed sense of pride and confidence in the future of America. “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” –Gen. George C. Marshall Follow Paul Baker’s Stadium Journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Day Air Ballpark 220 N Patterson St. Dayton, OH 45402 Dayton Dragons website Day Air Ballpark website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 7,230 25 Years of The Streak   When local leaders make their case to build a new sporting facility in a city, they often make the claim that a ballpark, stadium or arena can be the impetus for economic development and growth in a neighborhood. We won’t engage in a debate of the merits or flaws in this argument, but in one case, there is no denying that a new ballpark has been a runaway success in revitalizing a city’s underdeveloped downtown area. That city is Dayton, Ohio, and that ballpark is Day Air Ballpark.   The Dragons franchise relocated from Rockford, Illinois, where they were known as the Expos, Royals, Cubbies and Reds over the years. Since moving to Ohio, the team has enjoyed a consistent affiliation with the nearby Cincinnati Reds. The Dragons have shattered all sorts of attendance records in Dayton. As of the writing of this review (mid-July 2025), the team has sold out every game they have ever played at Day Air Ballpark. That’s a total of 1,612 games and counting. Let’s put that in perspective. The previous record for consecutive sellouts was 814, set by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers from 1977-1985. The Dragons have led all of Class-A in attendance in each of their 24 seasons, and have had the highest attendance of all teams below AAA since 2006. It is estimated that Day Air Ballpark has triggered over $3.5 billion in development in downtown Dayton since its construction in 2000.   Food & Beverage 4    Day Air Ballpark has an impressive variety of concessions for a ballpark at the single-A level.   Several concession stands line the outer edge of the concourse, offering up your typical ballpark fare (hot dogs, bratwursts, Donato’s pizzas) as well as a variety of ballpark snacks, including nachos, pretzels, popcorn and the like. Fans looking for something a little different can select a pulled pork or brisket sandwich. Augmenting the menus at the permanent stands are a variety of portable carts, serving up mac and cheese, coney dogs, sausages, cheesesteaks and other grilled items.   Pepsi products are featured at Day Air Ballpark. A good selection of beers are available throughout the ballpark, including at the Samuel Adams Pub along the first base side of the facility. Craft beers from local favorite Yellow Springs Brewery are sold at a dedicated location near the right field entrance.   Atmosphere 5   As you would expect in a ballpark that is packed to the gills night after night, there’s a ton of energy at Day Air Ballpark. The festivities begin before the gates open in Don Crawford Plaza, where vendors give away swag, music plays, and fans get psyched up for the game. Once the gates open up, fans are greeted by statues of Heater and Gem, the Dragons’ mascots.   There is plenty going on throughout the game that will feel familiar to veteran minor league baseball fans. The video scoreboard in left field is put to good use with graphics, stats and game information. Music plays over a good sound system, and the Dragons’ emcee keeps things going between innings without being too over the top. The PA announcer goes about his business without being too intrusive. It’s a nice departure from other parks, where there is noise between each pitch and the volume is turned up to eleven.   Dayton’s game day staff coordinate some of your standard promotions, but there are some unique aspects to the game day presentation. All the interns and mascots climb atop the dugouts late in the game for a choreographed dance – and we’re not talking about the Cotton Eye Joe or the YMCA – it’s a real dance routine. Also, the conga lines led by the mascots across the field during an inning break are pretty entertaining.   Neighborhood 4   Day Air Ballpark is located in the Water Street District in Downtown Dayton. The ballpark has become the anchor for development in the area, and there is no shortage of dining, lodging and sightseeing options in the area.   The AC Hotel Dayton and the Fairfield Inn and Suites are located right across the street from the Ballpark. Fans looking for a pre or postgame bite to eat will find no shortage of options within a few blocks of the ballpark. Brixx Ice Company, The Southern Belle Tavern, Local Cantina and Mudlick Tap House are just a few of the local eateries. For a unique setting, check out The Foundry, a rooftop restaurant located right across the street on the top floor of the AC Hotel Dayton. The view is almost worth slipping out of the game a few innings early. Almost.   Fans looking for other things to do in Dayton flock to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The museum welcomes over a million visitors annually. For a different way to look at our aviatory past, check out the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park, which houses the infamous Wright Flyer III, which lifted off in 1905 courtesy of the Wright Brothers.   Fans 5   What can you say about a fanbase that has filled a stadium for every game for 25 seasons? Dragons fans have to be considered to be among the most passionate and dedicated in all the minor leagues. Having their Major League affiliate located just down the road in Cincinnati ensures that the fans will have a rooting interest and a lot of knowledge about the players on the field.   Of course, this is minor league baseball. Mixed in with some die-hard fans, you’ll find a bunch of families, groups and locals taking advantage of an affordable night of entertainment in a thriving downtown district.   Access 3   Day Air Ballpark is located in the Water Street District in Downtown Dayton, Ohio. Situated just a stone’s throw from where the Miami and Mad Rivers converge, the ballpark is easily accessible from Interstate 75 and State Route 35. There is ample parking in surface lots surrounding the ballpark, and several bus routes from the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority stop near the ballpark.   Most fans will enter the ballpark at the main entrance behind home plate via the Don Crawford Plaza. This area is a hub of activity before the game, with vendors setting up shop, music and free swag for fans. Other entrances are located in deep right field and along the first base side of the stadium. All entrances lead onto a 360-degree concourse which contains views of the field from most points. The concourse is not the widest, and can get quite congested at points, but is generally passable.   The seating bowl is split into two levels, evoking comparisons to triple-A ballparks from some fans. Berms and social gathering areas in the outfield give fans some room to spread out when a big crowd is in attendance (which is most nights). Construction of the Diamond Club Event Center, which will allow the ballpark to host events year round, has affected accessibility in parts of the ballpark on the third base side. Rest rooms are large enough to handle a typical Dragons crowd, although lines do form at times.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Dragons games begin at $13 for general admission lawn seating and top out at $25 for seats in the 100 sections. This is not something said often in a minor league baseball review, but it is advised that you check the Dragons’ website in advance for ticket availability before your visit to Dayton.   Parking in the lots surrounding Day Air Ballpark costs an additional $20. Concessions are priced in line with other venues in the area. Overall, a night at a Dragons game is an affordable entertainment option for southwestern Ohio sports fans, and a cheaper alternative to the big-league club in Cincinnati.   Extras 3   Although the legitimacy of the sellout streak in recent years may be questioned, it’s still worth another mention and an extra point. At over 1,600 games and 24 seasons, this is the baseball record that will never be touched.   An extra point is awarded for the Don Crawford Plaza, the main entry point to the ballpark. Mr. Crawford was a civil rights leader in the Dayton African-American community throughout his 29-year career, and the naming of the ballpark’s plaza is a most fitting honor.   Fans who are having a meal across the street from the ballpark at the Foundry, located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel Dayton have a great view right into the ballpark. These seats evoke visions of Wrigley Field rooftop seats.   Final Thoughts   Even if you consider the streak to be over, support for the Dragons in Dayton remains strong. Often cited as an example of a ballpark that spurred economic growth in an urban neighborhood, Day Air Park continues to be the center of activity in downtown Dayton. Recent and planned improvements will ensure the ballpark’s viability for another quarter century and beyond.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camp Randall Stadium 1440 Monroe St Madison, WI 53711 Wisconsin Badgers website Camp Randall Stadium website Year Opened: 1917 Capacity: 80,321 How Wisconsin does College Football College football possesses a pride and nostalgia unrivaled by many other sports featuring venues that have stood the test of time and serve as cathedrals to the game. One of those venues can be found at the University of Wisconsin. Camp Randall Stadium began its life of historical relevance during the Civil War as a training camp for Union soldiers. In 1895 the Badgers began to call the location home for football games and through expansions and renovations it has remained that way ever since. Today the stadium possesses a campus feel within an urban setting and as an 80,000+ seat facility it is one of the gems of the Big Ten. Food & Beverage 4 The usual concession stands selections can be found throughout many sections of the stadium with favorites including pizza slices $7.50, hot dog $4.50, and brats $5.75. Snacks include popcorn $4, nachos $5, and jumbo pretzels with cheese for $6.50. Pepsi products are also available for $5.75 with bottled water for $4. Some of the specialty food stands placed around the stadium provide expanded choices such as beef sandwiches $9.50, cheese curds for $8.75, Cousins Subs combos for $9, and a Buckingham Burgers for $11 which provide a build your own option of sauces and toppings. If you need some extra caffeine, check out the Just Coffee Cooperative stand which provides all of your coffee shop essentials. Atmosphere 4 When a college football program has the support of the surrounding community, a lively student section, and success on the field the atmosphere is sure to be top notch. Fans of all ages are interested in the game and knowledgeable of the action on the field. The location of the stadium adds to the atmosphere; the urban setting and involvement of the Madison community add a sense of importance and seriousness to the product on the field. You can’t address the atmosphere at Camp Randall without bringing up the wonderful “jump around” tradition which began in 1998. Between the 3rd and 4th quarters all of the fans in the stadium yell, dance, and sing along to the House of Pain song “Jump Around.” Neighborhood 5 Madison epitomizes a college football town, it rivals the best experiences in college football around the country. When the Badgers have a home game everybody in town becomes a part of it; it can be seen in the local bars and restaurants as well as the mixture of students and families proudly wearing their team colors. Fraternity houses are located on the west side of the stadium and they tend to add to the pregame atmosphere. Jordan’s Big 10 Pub on Regent Street offers a huge lot for tailgaters and a massive Badgers scoreboard over the lot. Lucky’s Bar is another Regent Street venue that turns its parking lot into a makeshift beer garden for tailgaters. State Street Brats is known for one of the best places on earth for a brat and is located on the pedestrian-only State Street. They also are known for a wide variety of daily specials. A bit further down the road, near the Wisconsin State Capitol Square, you’ll find a couple of great spots. The Coopers Tavern has 28 beers on tap as well as good food. Try the Sconnie egg, essentially a scotch egg covered in bratwurst. Capital Brewery and Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company are two fine examples of locally made beer. Fans 5 The way in which the people and families of Madison embrace the Badger football team is wonderful. They are knowledgeable, passionate and involved in the game. And, as is the case in much of Wisconsin, they are friendly. It is routine for them to ask where you are from and offer postgame suggestions once they find out you aren’t a local. The symbiotic relationship between the fans and the student section is wonderful. Expect friendliness, camaraderie, and passion as you take in the sites at Camp Randall Access 3 Arriving at your chosen parking spot early is essential for Badgers game day. This isn’t meant to be conveyed as a negative, just a necessity. As is the case with many college towns through the south, the normal population of the town is drastically increased on game day by those taking in the festivities. Patience is required during egress as many of the surrounding roads are two or at most four lanes wide. As long as you aren’t in a hurry and are open to enjoying the environment a bit longer it really isn’t that big of a deal. Local police will direct traffic however with so many intersections and parking lots emptying at the same time patience and hospitality are needed. Moving around the stadium itself is pretty easy. Stairways can get a bit clogged, but overall the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. Restrooms are hit and miss, as they’ve added the portable kind to the stadium to supplement the existing restrooms. And game day apparel or souvenir needs can be addressed at Bucky’s Locker Room on the concourse as well. Return on Investment 5 As is becoming commonplace across college and professional sports the ticket prices vary based upon the opponent. For the current 2018 season, the lowest single-game ticket price of $57 applies to Western Kentucky and New Mexico games while the highest single-game ticket prices of $100 apply to the Nebraska game. Of course, you should plan to buy your tickets early, because Camp Randall tends to sell out. Tickets can be found in the secondary market as well, just do your research and prepare in advance. Extras 2 Madison alone warrants extra points. As a college football traditionalist, the feel of nostalgic football settings mixed with modern passion, and Wisconsin is wonderful. For a student experience, it doesn’t get better than living next to the stadium in older student housing and going to the game as a part of the massive and organized student section. Points also get awarded for the outstanding traditions on the field and in the stands. The marching band, Jump Around, and the 5th Quarter is all worthy of special recognition. Final Thoughts Overall, Madison on game day definitely makes the list of great college football experiences and I would strongly recommend paying a visit. I think you will find it rivals the atmosphere found anywhere.

Photos by James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Werner Park 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE 68046 Omaha Storm Chasers website Werner Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 9,023 Good Times in Omaha Opened on April 11, 2011, Werner Park is home to the Omaha Storm Chasers, a Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. At an initial cost of $36 million, the ballpark replaced Rosenblatt Stadium as the home of the then-Omaha Royals. With a capacity of 9,023, it offers plenty of seating for fans to enjoy a game. The ballpark is located in unincorporated Sarpy County, southeast of Omaha. In 2015, Werner Park hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game. Slight renovations have occurred since its opening, largely to host other sports. Among the renovations are a retractable pitching mound and a new building in left field to house equipment and staff. The NCAA Omaha Mavericks played some of their home games at Werner Park and its most recent addition is that of Union Omaha, a member of the United Soccer League, League 1. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark is only accepting card payments and no cash. Concession stands run throughout the open concourse with plenty of different food options for all tastes. The basics are covered quite well. Among the highlights are some great BBQ (behind first base). I’d recommend the pulled pork sandwich, but there are a few options to choose from, including brisket. Hot Dog Nation sits behind home plate and serves up numerous types of hot dogs. In the left field corner, you can pick up some Valentino’s Pizza, which is a local staple. Behind third base is the Papillion taco guy. Chicken, pork, or brisket tacos are all available and all great. The entrees at all the stands will cost from about $8-14, with snacks being $3-$5. Pepsi products are the soda choice with prices ranging from $3-$6 depending on size. Water, Gatorade, and hot chocolate are also available. A good assortment of local craft brews along with your typical domestics is readily available throughout the park. 25 oz cans of Bud and Busch Light run $11, with 12 oz cans being $6. For local flavor, give the Ale Storm beer a try. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot to like around Werner Park. Wide concourses and an open look greet you when walking through the gates. Concessions and restrooms largely run from foul pole to foul pole. The Storm Front, the team store, sits behind home plate and carries both Storm Chasers gear along with Union Omaha items. Despite the recent proclivity of teams to extend netting, Werner Park’s netting runs from dugout to dugout, so pay attention when sitting in the outfield areas. The Centris Family Fun Zone sits in the left-field corner. There is a litany of different things for kids to do and the cost is $6 per child. Grass berm seating encompasses a large amount of the outfield with the only break being in center field. In addition to the batter’s eye, the bullpens sit above the center field wall. A neat aspect of the ballpark allows you to walk all the way around and have a great view of the field from anywhere. A couple of final features worth noting sit behind the outfield walkway in the center field. There is a half-court basketball court along with a whiffle ball field for those who want to take a few innings away from the game. Also, directly behind the bullpens and batter’s eye in the Autism Action Quiet Zone. Folks who need a break from the noise and bustle of the game can go there and the noise and distractions are very minimal. One final and important note for all you taller fans out there. The writer of this review is 6’4” and my brother is 6’5”. We had no issue with legroom and could move our knees back and forth freely without banging them into the seats in the next row. What a welcome surprise! Neighborhood 2 The area around the ballpark has changed a bit since Werner Park was built. Most of the recent development has been residential, which doesn’t leave much in the way of bars and restaurants to relax before or after the game. About a mile away, Phoenix Food and Spirits serves up more than typical bar food and is a really good choice for both food and drinks. The other options are all upwards of 3-4 miles east, with numerous sit-down and fast food options, including Runza, a Nebraska staple, in that area. It’s also worth noting that Omaha boasts Charles Schwab Field , which hosts the College World Series annually along with Creighton Bluejays baseball. So, if you plan on attending a Storm Chasers game in June, check the schedule, you may be able to take in this fantastic event as well. Fans 3 Like much of minor league baseball, Omaha has the traditional mix of hardcore fans and those out for more of a social experience. The majority of fans were into the game and having a good time. Access 4 The ballpark sits off Highway 370, east of I-80. There is plenty of parking close to the stadium. Once inside, wide concourses are evident and welcome. Restrooms are spaced very well around the ballpark as are concessions. As with most ballparks, there is a clear bag policy here. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest tickets are berm seating along with the Sunbelt Bakery Home Run Porch, which runs for $10 and $11 respectively. The baseline box seats (outfield reserved) are $16, while the priority boxes (infield reserved) are $20. Club seating (behind home plate) is $25. Parking is $5. With what is a standard concession cost range, you get a good value when taking in a game at Werner Park. Extras 5 An extra point for the great statue of Omaha native and Hall of Famer, Bob Gibson. Gibson’s statue greets you as you walk in the entrance gate behind home plate. Wide concourses get an extra point. Getting caught in a walking traffic jam is never any fun. Even on nights with big crowds, that isn’t likely here. Along the sections on the first base, side isareRoyal” heroes displays. Former Royals are honored with their uniform displayed on one side and their achievements on the other. Some unique landscaping is evident throughout the ballpark. It is very well done and makes the scenery off the field more pleasing. A quiet zone for folks who need some time in a quiet area is often overlooked. This is a very welcome area for those with sensory issues. I can't give a sixth point, but the legroom for taller fans is a very welcome and appreciated perk. Final Thoughts When baseball fans hear Omaha, they usually think College World Series, but don’t sleep on Werner Park and the Omaha Storm Chasers. The ballpark has a lot to offer. From some great food and drink to a relaxed and fun baseball atmosphere, Werner Park is definitely worth a look. ---- Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bright-Landry Hockey Center 65 N Harvard St Allston, MA 02134 Harvard Crimson hockey website Bright-Landry Hockey Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,095 Bright-Landry, Big City   Hockey has been played at Harvard University since 1898. With Harvard’s long athletic history, it’s no surprise that the Crimson sponsor one of the oldest squads in college hockey. Harvard’s first ever hockey game was played on January 19, 1898 on a frozen pond in Franklin Field. The Crimson lost to Brown that day 6-0, but their rivalry continues today, making it the oldest continuing series in the country.   Harvard has played on the site of the Bright-Landry Hockey Center since 1956. The Donald C. Watson Rink was the original on-campus home of Harvard hockey. In 1978 the decision was made to renovate the facility, which offered little in the way of amenities for fans or players. The original roof was retained, and the arena was installed underneath. The “new” arena opened on November 19, 1979, with a game between the Crimson and the 1980 United States Olympic Team.   The rink was renamed the Bright-Landry Hockey Center in 2013 to honor Harvard hockey player Alec Bright, class of 1919, and alumnus C. Kevin Landry, class of 1966 and family, whose donations helped to fund the arena’s 2014 renovations.   Hockey has been played at Harvard since 1898. The Crimson have qualified for 27 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four 13 times. Harvard won the national title in 1989. Harvard has won the Beanpot Tournament, Boston’s unofficial college hockey championship, 11 times. 57 Harvard alumni have played in the National Hockey League. In addition, Harvard’s women’s team, which also plays at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center, has qualified for 12 NCAA tournaments, reached 6 Frozen Fours, won 15 Beanpot Tournaments, and won a national title in 1999. 24 Harvard alumni have gone on to play professional hockey.    Food & Beverage 2    The menu at Bright-Landry Hockey Center sticks to the basics. There is a concession stand near the entrance, along with a smaller stand on the south end of the arena that opens when there’s a big crowd present. This is just a place for snacking. Hot dogs and nachos anchor the menu, along with snack items.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Bright-Landry. Fans looking for an adult beverage should wander over to the adjoining Watson Track and Field Center, where the Crimson Pub sets up shop. Thirsty fans can purchase Sam Adams, Coors Light, Corona, White Claw and wine here. It’s not the same as in the old days, when fans would have to dash over to Dillon Hall next door to grab a beer during intermission, but it’s much more convenient.   Atmosphere 3   The game day experience at the Bright-Landry Center is typical of most college hockey rinks around the country. The first thing fans will notice are the large murals adorning the walls of the arena. These murals honor Harvard championships, titles, All-Americans and award winners. There’s a clear video board hanging at center ice that is put to good use, but which is partially obstructed from many points by the banners hanging throughout the arena. The promotions table near the main entrance hands out free roster sheets, posters, raffles and the nightly silent auction.   One notable aspect missing during Stadium Journey’s visit was the lack of a pep band. Stadium Journey visited during Harvard’s opening game of the 2024-25 season, so the lack of the band was surprising. Another disappointing aspect was the sub-par sound system. It can be hard to understand announcements made throughout the game. One more thing that was noticed by the author and confirmed by many students and frequent visitors to Bright-Landry: the WiFi in the building is terrible. Your Instagram posts may have to wait until after the game.   With New England being the home of a great number of Division One hockey teams (21, to be exact), and many of them within easy driving distance, it’s not unusual to see a great turnout by visiting fans here at Bright-Landry. Unless you’re wearing a Yale sweater, you’ve got nothing to worry about. This is a very family-friendly place to catch a game.   Neighborhood 4   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located in the school’s athletic complex alongside its other sporting facilities, including Harvard Stadium , Lavietes Pavilion , O’Donnell Field and Jordan Field . The complex is not located in Cambridge with the academic buildings, but on the other side of the Charles River in neighboring Allston.   While there is little in the way of attractions on the Allston side of the Charles, Harvard Yard is less than a mile away across the Anderson Memorial Bridge and up John F. Kennedy Street. Harvard Square, lined with shops and restaurants, is right here, too. This is hardly the bohemian center that it was in the days of yore, but there is no shortage of dining choices in the area. Stadium Journey recommends trying a burger and a shake at Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage.   The Harvard campus is one of Boston’s top attractions in its own right. Take a walking tour of the campus if you are so inclined, and take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as thousands of others have done. Remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck.   If you’re visiting Harvard from out of town and would rather explore the city of Boston, downtown is just a few miles away. Visitors looking to enjoy the working class charm of Allston and Brighton will find no shortage of bars and restaurants a short drive from the arena.   Fans 3   Harvard lags behind Boston’s other four Beanpot schools in terms of attendance. The Crimson draw around 2,400 fans per game, which puts them in the middle of the pack nationwide. Fans who come to the Bright-Landry Center are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team, even if they’re not the most vocal fans out there (would you expect any different at an Ivy League school?).   The dedicated student section, dubbed the “Crim-Zone,” is rarely filled with Harvard students, as most tend to spread out around the arena. A rowdy student section just wouldn’t feel right here, anyway. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, the Crim-Zone was filled with random fans rather than students, who do turn out in decent numbers.   Access 4   While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA, the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located across the Charles River, in the Allston section of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities.   Even on its best days, the city of Boston is a difficult city to drive in. The best way to get to the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is to take Storrow Drive to the Soldier’s Field Athletic Complex. If you must drive to a Harvard hockey game, bring along someone who knows the crooked streets of Boston well.   The recommended method of travel to Harvard is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. The 66 and 86 busses stop directly in front of the athletic complex. For more information, fares and schedules check out the MBTA website . Parking is available throughout the athletic complex, but with only one way in and one way out, be prepared to take some time to leave after the game.   The Bright Center features a concourse which completely circles the rink. Seating consists of individual plastic crimson seats throughout the seating bowl. The small size of the Bright Landry Hockey Center ensures great views throughout the facility. Standing room areas line most of the seating bowl, and are popular spots from which to catch the action. While lines can get long at the concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, they move quickly.   Return on Investment 3   All tickets to Harvard hockey are priced at $20. Parking in the athletic complex will cost an additional $10. Concessions are priced a bit on the high side, but not outrageously so. Harvard is a bit more expensive than other college hockey rinks in the area, but still offers an affordable entertainment option for local fans.   Extras 5                                                                                                 Harvard showcases its lengthy hockey history throughout the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Floor to ceiling murals line the arena walls as you enter the rink. Award winners, Olympians, past arenas, coaches and championship teams are all highlighted. On the far wall are photos of all men’s and women’s hockey teams to ever represent the school. Banners honoring the school’s conference championships, tournament appearances, and national titles hang from the rafters.   Notable among the banners is a crimson number 4, retired in honor of former Harvard player, hockey coach, and athletic director Bill Cleary. It is the only number that has been taken out of circulation in any of Harvard’s 42 varsity sports. No Division One school in the nation can boast more varsity sports than Harvard. Trivial Fact: Bill Cleary was Ryan O’Neil’s stand-in during filming of the 1970 movie Love Story.   The fact that the first game ever played at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center featured the 1980 United States Olympic team is worth a final extra point.   Final Thoughts   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center, while a fine facility in its own right, comes up short when compared to the other Beanpot arenas around Boston. It doesn’t have the history of Matthews Arena, the size of Conte Forum or the modern amenities of Agganis Arena. Still, the Bright-Landry Center is a nice place to catch a hockey game and a worthy Stadium Journey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 KeyBank Center One Seymour H Knox III Plaza Buffalo, NY 14203 Buffalo Sabres Website KeyBank Center Website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,070 Welcome to the Sabrehood One of the longest-running futility streaks in professional sports belongs to the Buffalo Sabres.  As of this writing, they are currently tied with the New York Jets for most consecutive seasons missing the playoffs.  However, this was not always the case.  The Sabres were established in 1970 as an expansion team along with the Vancouver Canucks.  The famed French Connection line of Richard Martin, Rene Robert, and Gilbert Perrault almost immediately brought success to Buffalo, and they were a bit of a plucky and scrappy team early on.  Over time, the Sabres would reach the Stanley Cup Final on two occasions, falling to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975 and the Dallas Stars in 1990.  They would also earn the President's Trophy in 2007.  Founded by Seymour and Northrup Knox, the Sabres would end up in bankruptcy and eventually end up under the control of the current owner and Buffalo sports magnate, Terry Pegula. The Sabres began their tenure in the venerable Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.  In 1996, they moved just up the street to the brand-new Marine Midland Arena, which would change names over time as a result of numerous bank mergers and settle in as KeyBank Center in 2016.  Sabres owner Seymour Knox passed away just one month after the final game at the Auditorium.  KeyBank Center is a solid NHL facility, and a trip to the Sabrehood is worthwhile. Food & Beverage 4 Buffalo definitely has a cuisine that is unique, and much of that is reflected at KeyBank Center.  On both the lower and upper concourses, there are a number of different options for food and drink. A full accounting of the concession options at KeyBank Center is found on the arena website.  Some options include: Sahlen’s (hot dogs), Walking Taco, Greek Out, Tim Hortons, Soultowns BBQ, Perry’s Ice Cream, Center Ice Cantina (bowls), Let’s Dough (fried dough and floats), and La Nova (pizza).  Trying the uniquely Buffalo “Beef on Weck” may be the best choice.  There are also a number of different bars that are available.  The Labatt Blue Zone is the largest and overlooks the atrium.  In the concourse, finding a “Beer Sabre”, a huge, long, sword-shaped beer container, may help fit in with the locals.  Otherwise, getting a beer from local legend “Conehead,” who is found in the main concourse, may be the best plan. Atmosphere 3 Opened in 1996, KeyBank Center is probably due for a bit of a renovation, it is still a solid NHL venue.  The exterior is a bit curious with a rounded, white roof, making it look like a UFO from the highway.  The north side of the arena is where the atrium is found, which is mainly glass with brick.  The northeast corner of the block is Alumni Plaza, a good meeting spot if the weather cooperates.  A large mural featuring a number of Sabre greats is found on the bridge that joins the KeyBank Center with the neighboring parking garage.  Beneath the mural is an excellent bronze statue immortalizing the French Connection line of Rene Robert, Rick Martin, and Gilbert Perrault.  North of the neighboring LECOM HarborCenter is a bronze statue of Tim Horton. The main entry to KeyBank Center is through the atrium, where the ticket windows are still found on the east end, unless fans are taking the convenient bridge from the parking garage.  The atrium has ceilings that are a couple of stories high and gives the building a grand entrance feel with banners and a view of the Labatt Blue Zone bar.  The Sabres Store is found at the west end of the atrium and is worth a visit before passing by the ticket takers.  After scanning tickets, fans will ascend the escalator to the main concourse, which is dotted with many posters featuring Sabres of the past.  Inside the seating bowl, the ice is basically north-south oriented, in which the best spot for a centre ice logo picture is from the west.  Banners memorializing the accomplishments of the Sabres are found at the southeast corner, which include Division banners and Conference Championship banners from 1975, 1980, and 1999, as well as the 2007 Presidents' Trophy.  The retired numbers of Danny Gare, Tim Horton, Pat LaFontaine, Dominik Hasek, Ryan Miller, and the French Connection hang in the northeast corner, along with a banner honoring broadcaster Rick Jeanneret.  In the northwest corner, there are banners honoring owners Northrup and Seymour Knox, and on the west side, the media box is named after former broadcaster Ted Darling.  Unfortunately, the Sabres feel the need to hang banners on the west side that honor various sponsors, which seems a bit tacky.  A new four-sided videoboard that is just the right size and not overpowering hangs above center ice. The gameday production at a Sabres game is solid.  A pair of crossed sabres descends from the ceiling on the east side and is part of the pregame entrances.  In the northwest corner is where the organ is found, and the organist is basically out in the crowd.  For the game that was reviewed, a live band also played in this corner.  The mascot, Sabretooth, takes part in the promotions and interacts with the in-game host.  A local celebrity signals the start of the game by banging a large drum and leading a “Let’s Go Buff-A-Lo” chant.  Overall, it is plenty of fun for fans. Neighborhood 5 KeyBank Center is located in Downtown Buffalo.  There is no shortage of places within walking distance of the arena for pre and post-game food and drink.  The Draft Room, The Brick, Cobble Stone, Southern Tier Brewery, Pearl Street Grill, Buffalo Ironworks and Washington Square are just a few.  The Sabres share KeyBank Center with the Buffalo Bandits  of the NLL.  Just across the road from KeyBank Center is LECOM HarborCenter, which is the home of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and Canisius Golden Griffins .  Other sporting options in the city include Canisius basketball , the Buffalo Bisons , Buffalo Bulls football  and basketball  and, of course, the Buffalo Bills .  Other tourist options fans should consider include Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum and Buffalo Naval Park.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, Buffalo Marriott and Courtyard Marriott Buffalo are just steps from KeyBank Center Fans 4 In general, Buffalo Sabres fans are loyal and supportive.  However, the attendance over the last couple of years has taken a dip as the Sabres are in the midst of a horrible playoff drought.  At the time of writing, the Sabres were averaging 16,700 fans per game, ranking them 24th of the 32 NHL teams.  For the 2024-25 season the Sabres averaged under 16,000 fans and ranked 27th.  However, the game that was reviewed was a full 19,070 sellout and the Sabres are showing a bit of life and are making a run towards a playoff spot.  Fans in attendance are pretty loud and the chant of “Let’s Go Buff-A-Lo” can be heard often.   Access 4 The KeyBank Center is located in Downtown Buffalo, on the northeast corner of Main and South Park Ave, bordered by Perry Street and Illinois Ave.  It is immediately south of I-190 which provides easy access from the highway.  There are a number of surface lots within steps of the arena as well as a few parking garages.  Prepurchasing parking is still a good idea for people not familiar with the area, however, it is not critical.  For those fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are bus stops on Scott Street and Michigan Ave.  Light rail is just northwest of KeyBank Center.  Fans should consult the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for maps, schedules and fares.  Inside the KeyBank Center, concourses are on the narrow side in spots and getting around, especially at the conclusion of a game, can be a slow process.  The washrooms are good for the facility.  Fans should be wary of some of the seating at the ends in the lower bowl which lack any sort of leg room.  Seats are also narrow in general. Return on Investment 4 According to the 2025 NHL Fan Cost Index, the Sabres were the cheapest NHL experience at $457, far below the league average of $761.  Sabres tickets begin at $37 and go up to $200.  Lower bowl end seats can be had for under $100.  Parking can be found for $25 or under and concession prices are what one would expect for an NHL game.  The Sabres do a good job providing a fun atmosphere and fans will definitely enjoy their time in KeyBank Center. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Sabres embracing their Canadian neighbors to the north.  The Canadian National Anthem is played at all Sabres games regardless of who the opponent is. An extra mark for the signature Sabres song, “Sabre Dance” which is not original to the team but is recognizable and peppered throughout the gameday production. An extra mark for Buffalo icon “Conehead.” Tom Girot has been selling beer at Buffalo venues since 1972 and is immediately recognizable with his Conehead head gear, akin to the classic SNL skit.  When purchasing a beer from Conehead, make sure to listen for the “Conehead Guarantee.” Final Thoughts Regardless of the futility the Buffalo Sabres have shown in the past, taking in a Sabres game is a great experience and KeyBank Center is a solid NHL facility.  There is a glimmer of hope in the Sabrehood and a return to playoff hockey in Buffalo is hopefully not too far away. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 7 17 Credit Union Park 300 S Main St Akron, OH 44308 Akron RubberDucks website 7 17 Credit Union Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 9,097 Ducks in the Canal Editor's Note: At the conclusion of the 2025 season the Akron RubberDucks announced they were entering a naming rights agreement with local financial institution 7 17 Credit Union that will run through the end of the 2031 season. The city-owned Canal Park takes its name from the Ohio and Erie Canal that runs beyond the outfield of the ballpark. The ballpark opened in 1997 and was designed by Populous, the same architectural firm that designed the Indians’ Jacobs Field. The ballpark holds 9,097. Currently, the Akron RubberDucks, changed their name in 2013 from the Aeros to reflect the history of Akron’s rubber industry. The RubberDucks have been the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Cleveland Indians since 1989 when they were located in nearby Canton, Ohio at Thurman Munson Field. The ballpark is asymmetrical with the following dimensions: Left Field: 331 feet, Left Center: 376 feet, Center Field: 400 feet, Right Center: 375 feet, Right Field: 337 feet. The hi-definition scoreboard in right center field gives information on the game and a sideboard in left center provides additional information. There are ball-and-strike ribbon boards at the ends of the luxury boxes. Canal Park has a large concourse, which makes it easy to walk around the park when crowded, an area that runs from left field to right field that allows access to all the regular seating areas. In addition, the seats are angled toward home plate. The gift shop is big with a nice selection of jerseys, shirts and hats. It is low on key chains, magnets and other small trinkets. One huge seller is the Duck Bubble Gun which sells for $6. This is a bubble gun in the image of a Rubber Ducks head and blows bubbles. The kids love this. Food & Beverage 5 The ballpark has themed concessions located along the concourse. Godfather’s Kitchen has hot dogs ($2 or $3.75), Italian sausage ($5.50), Papa John’s pizza ($5). Tater’s dishes has your standard ballpark food (hot dogs, chicken for $5, hamburgers for $6 and pulled pork nachos for $9). The Dog Pound specializes in hot dogs, bratwurst ($5.50), kielbasa ($7.50) and Italian sausage ($5.50). The Biergarten sells sausages and dogs. The Sock Hop is all about ice cream which including floats ($5 or $8). The Nice to Meat U Grill has monster hamburgers and some “extreme” items. Big portions of food are not a problem here because there are some “extreme dining” options at the ballpark. Some examples are the “Nice 2 Meat U Burger” (three steakhouse seasoned Certified Angus Beef burgers-1.75 lbs, two beef franks, crispy bacon, grilled onions and American cheese on a toasted Kaiser bun for $15), the “Three Dog Night” (Kielbasa split in half with a bratwurst inside, split in half with a hot dog inside of it topped with sauerkraut and served on a sub bun for $12), “Pineapple TerriyAKRON” (a half pineapple hollowed out and filled with a mixture of white rice, grilled chicken, diced pineapple and Thai chili garlic sauce topped with a teriyaki glaze for $12), “Not Your Routine Poutine” (a 10 oz portion of French fries topped with gravy, cheese curds, pulled pork, green onions and bacon bits for $12) and the “Screamer” (21 scoops of a premium ice cream on top of a brownie base and finished off with chocolate syrup, bananas, whip cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries served in a souvenir helmet for $25). There are more extreme items too. Besides the usual foods there some unusual items you don’t find at other parks. For example: build your own Steak sandwich ($9.50), pierogies ($6.50), turkey legs ($7.50), veggie burger / bratwurst ($7 / $6.75), corn dogs ($3.75), sauerkraut balls ($5), wedge salad/assorted vegetables/ hummus & pretzels and fruit cup (all $5), cannolis ($2.50), mini donuts ($7) and apple pie ($3.50). Beer prices at the park are $4.50 / $7.75 / $11 for a 12oz / 20oz / 32oz domestic draft (Budwieser). Premium drafts (Yuengling, Shocktop and Leinenkugel’s) are $5 / $8.75 / $12.50 for a 12oz / 20oz / 32oz. Of course, there are local “Craft” beers on tap too from the Canton Brewing Co., Ignite Brewing Co., Lock 15 Brewing Co., Hop Tree Brewing, R. Shea Brewing which are all $8. In addition, there are some other local craft beers in bottles / cans – Mucky Duck and Rhinegeist Brewery for $7. The Tiki Bar in right field in addition to beer serves hard liquor and wine. A bottle of soda / Powerade is $.4.25 and Iced tea is $4.75. Fountain drinks are $2.75 / $4 / $7.50 for a 16oz / 24oz / 32oz. Bottled water is $3.50 and a slushie is $4.50. Coffee/cappuccino/hot chocolate is $2.50. In addition, to the concessions there is the “Game Grill & Bar” located in the right field corner. You can sit out on the patio on the right field walkway to watch batting practice while you eat, but you won’t be allowed into the park before the gates open outside. The “Game” delivers standard bar & grill fare, with most entrees under $12. The restaurant is also home of the extreme item the “Squealer” which is a foot-long Five Star Meats hot dog, stuffed with pulled pork and wrapped in bacon that is deep fried and topped it with shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. Atmosphere 3 The concourse at Canal Park runs from right-center to left field and the main seating bowl is below street level. Suites are above the seating bowl from about first to third base. There is nowhere in the park besides in the Tiki Bar, in the restaurant or under the suites to get out of the sun. The “kids” zone consists of a blow-up slide near the Tiki Bar in right field and a small concourse section behind home plate that has some minor games like racing cars and “fish for a rubberduck” and win a prize. There are three entrances that open about an hour before game time (for those not in luxury boxes or season ticket holders): Buchtel Avenue, Canal Entrance, and State Street. Lines can get extensive on promotional days. The Diamond Boardwalk is open before game time to take you beyond third base to the actual Canal Park beyond the outfield, but the gate to the boardwalk gets closed before game time. Autograph seekers will want to be by the home first base dugout before and after the game. Between-inning entertainment includes the mascots, regular minor league contests, races, and quizzes, post-game includes toss-a-ball, fireworks (special nights), and kids running the bases (on scheduled days). Neighborhood 3 Canal Park is located in the heart of downtown Akron across the street from the University of Akron. The old canal area is being renovated into parks and performance spaces, but there are closed factories and manufacturing buildings in the area. Right outside of left field is the Ohio & Erie Walkway Trail / Locke 2 Park (one of 19 locks once used to move canal boats) and the Akron Children’s Hospital. In addition, the Richard Howe House (and canal museum) and Locke 3 Park (a small park that hosts bands in the summer) are all around the ballpark. Being downtown there are many restaurants, fast food restaurants and bars in the area too. Within a couple of miles is the Akron Zoo, the Akron Art Museum, the E.J. Thomas Hall of Performing Arts Hall and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. About a half hour from Akron is the Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio. Fans 3 Like most of the minor leagues, the RubberDucks cater to locals and families. Many fans here seem to be interested and knowledgeable about their players and the Cleveland Indians who are their parent club. Of course, there are people just there to hang out and socialize. Cleveland is about 40 minutes away from Akron and that helps draw some Indians fans to this park. The RubberDucks are averaging over 4,500 per game this season (2019) and for the past five years. The people and workers at the game are very friendly and willing to talk about the park, team and area, if you should choose. Access 4 Access to the ballpark is easy. The ballpark is located in downtown Akron located at the intersection of S. Main and State St and is accessible by car or bus. The park is approximately 10 minutes north of intersection of I-76 & I-77. It is also about 12 miles south of the intersection of I-80 and Route 8. Canal Park is about a 40-minute drive to Cleveland and Canton, two hours to Columbus and Pittsburgh and two hours to Toledo. There are several municipal and private lots within walking distance of the park which costs $5 to $10. In addition, there is limited meter parking which is free on the weekend, if you get there early enough you may get lucky and not have to pay for parking. The Akron METRO buses will get you to the ballpark (routes 1, 4, 9, 10, 14, and 34) for $1.75 per ride or $2.50 for a day pass. In addition, Greyhound buses are available and the Akron station is just down the street from the park If you are flying in to or out of Akron, the Akron-Canton Airport is down I-77 about 30 minutes to the south of the ballpark. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are relatively cheap here. Reserve Seats on game day are $13 for adults ($12 for Juniors & Seniors), with General Admission at $7. The “Duck Row” just beyond third base in left field, delivers swivel seats and in-seat food and drink service for $17 and “Homerville in right field with two rows of 11 swivel-seats with drink rails in front of the Tiki Bar is $25 but you receive either two (2) 16-ounce beers or four (4) 24-ounce sodas. In addition, you can rent out the “Park Fowl Territory” Picnic-style seating starting at one table of eight people, with options for up to 400 (50 tables). Minimum 24 people for a picnic outing and a two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet-style picnic, beginning one hour before the game. Lastly there is the Tiki Terrace in right field. Groups as small as 24 guests can reserve this area, however if no groups have rented the area anyone can sit here. Included in this area is a two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet-style picnic, beginning one hour before the game. As with all teams if you get season tickets or group seats in advance you will receive a discount. Extras 5 The RubberDucks receive an extra point each for the following: Giving out a 1st game certificate and button at the Guest Services booth if you say this is your first game. They also have scorecards and programs for free. Lastly, if you feel like participating in the in-between inning contests you sign up there for a chance to do so. The Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame (free admission) that honors both the players, teams and umpires from the Akron area is located just north of the Rubber Duck’s Team Shop with an outside entrance at the park. The two main team mascots, “Rubberta” the duck or “Webster” the duck walk the concourse and are available for pictures and autographs. The RubberDucks also have “Orbit” the space cat, “Homer” the inflatable pigeon but apparently they are not there every game. The POW/MIA seat on the first base side and LeBron James number is retired too. The “Duck Mug” which is a 16oz plastic mug (for soda) resembling the logo the sells for $12.50 but refills are only $1. Final Thoughts Canal Park is a comfortable, clean and well-maintained ballpark and is definitely worth the trip based upon the food alone but the people definitely make this park a must see.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Classic Park 35300 Vine St Eastlake, OH 44095 Lake County Captains website Classic Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,157 Baseball Fun East of Cleveland Classic Park is the home of the Lake County Captains, High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians in the Midwest League. The Captains are only 18 miles from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, making them one of the closest affiliates to the parent club in Minor League Baseball. Classic Automotive Group, a Cleveland-area auto dealership, purchased the Classic Park name. The stadium debuted at $22 million in 2003 and features 6,500 seats, a wraparound concourse, lawn seating, 17 luxury suites, and two outdoor party decks. The ballpark also offers a few other features that have made national news, including a trio of mascots and a row of toilet seating. The Captains arrived in town after playing as the Columbus, Ga, RedStixx in 2003, while members of the South Atlantic League before moving to the Midwest League in 2010. The ball club has captured two MWL championships in 2010 and 2024. Food & Beverage 3 Classic Park has quite a few options for fans attending the game, from local favorites to an array of alcoholic beverages. They can be purchased at regular stands and kiosks, through the grab-and-go system, and always through electronic payment. The Galley serves up a wide variety of items, including several hot dog options like the Jumbo Dawg, the 10-Inch Dawg, and the Sloppy Dawg (cheese and bacon). There are more options available that feature the Captain’s brat and the Italian sausage. Cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, tenders and fries, and fish sandwiches are also available. There is a giant batting helmet stuffed with tortilla chips, cheese, pulled pork, and jalapenos.   Lake Effect Ice Cream on the 3rd base side offers one, two, and the brain freeze, a five-scoop ice cream served in a batting helmet and topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. The alcoholic beverages include domestics and craft beer cans from Budweiser, Modelo, Corona, Yuengling, and local favorites Collision Bend and Schnitz Ale Brewery. Surfside Vodka, Fresca Mixed, White Claw Hard Seltzer, and Long Drink wrap up the non-beer choices at Classic Park. Atmosphere 3 Classic Park features a nautical theme, evident throughout the concourse with mini-boats, concession stands named Castaway’s Bar and The Galley. The stadium is one mile from Lake Erie, where many ships lie shipwrecked underneath its deep waters. However, there are a few quirks that make it stand out from the average ballpark around the league. The stadium features wide open concourses, plenty of grass seating from foul pole to foul pole in the outfield, and a row of seats that are toilet bowls. The Roto-Rooter Toilet Row has 8 sets of seats available for purchase and comes with comfortable padding and a prime view of the diamond. The seating has gained fame around the country and is surprisingly comfortable to watch from behind the backstop. There are more comfortable seats a few rows above, called the rocking chairs, that sit two people. The area includes a wooden-deck platform that makes the fan feel as if they are on their back porch, enjoying the game underneath the patio lights. The rest of the seating bowl stretches from foul pole to foul pole and includes cup holders. A large covered outfield seating section is located behind the left field wall. The video board features a few glitches and was originally installed in an indoor facility in Japan. The stadium’s scoreboard is original from when the stadium opened in 2003. The Cargo Hold is a larger retail shop that includes various selections of team gear. The Captains introduced a bold new logo with colorful jerseys in 2025, modeled after Cleveland’s “caveman” uniforms of 1974-1977. There is even a powder blue pullover that feels more like a Milwaukee Brewers away set from 1982. Neighborhood 4 Historic Downtown Willoughby is less than 2 miles from the ballpark and offers a wide array of bars and restaurants. Ballantine is a gastropub with live DJ music on Friday and Saturday nights. Sol serves vibrant fusion food in a spacious restaurant dating back to the 1930s. The Garage Bar is a playground for adults featuring arcade games and drinks. The Yard on 3rd is open late with local food trucks, bench seating, and yard games for entertainment. There are plenty of small places for domestic, imports, and craft beers, including Mullarkey’s Irish Pub, The 1899 Pub, and the Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company, which is housed in an old trolley repair car depot that dates back to the late 19th century. The space offers live music, food, and trivia nights. The parking is free on the street, and weekend nights are buzzing with more traffic and people. Check hours of operation during the weekdays, as a few restaurants and bars close much earlier than expected.  Fans 2 The fans are very tame and involved with the game. Nothing is discerning or alarming about their behavior to think they do not enjoy themselves. Would I have liked to see a little more energy? Perhaps, but they are enjoying being out at the ballpark with friends and family. That is all that should matter most of the time at minor league ballparks. Isn’t that what the promotions are for? Access 4 Classic Park is located two miles north of I-90 with plenty of signs directing you off the interstate. A straight road takes you to friendly people who direct you to your car. If you park across the street, a pedestrian bridge takes you over for convenience.  Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is $16, $22.50, and $28 for most games. Parking on the first base side of the ballpark is $10. The price of a domestic beer is $8, and a basic hot dog is $4.50. A team jersey is just under $100 and is not your cheaply made brand. The team charges $10 for parking on the first base side of the stadium and across the street in the larger lot. Extras 3 The team employs three mascots: Skipper, Horatio, and the Baseball Bug, who originally debuted for the Cleveland Indians in 1980 and returned after a long hiatus in 2023. However, none of the mascots were present during the game when we visited.  The Roto-Rooter Toilet Row is fun and a unique way to enjoy a baseball game. How many ballparks have row seats quite like this? The team jerseys are not your regular run-of-the-mill team jerseys that you will find at most minor league gift shops. The wording, numbers, and patches are sewn on and appear to be the exact ones worn by the players on the field. Final Thoughts Classic Park is a ballpark design that was popular in the early 20th century. It offers a wide-open concourse, a massive lawn area of seating, and easy access to concessions and team merchandise. However, with today’s baseball fans, there is the opportunity to create more excitement at the ballpark. There are signs already, and hopefully more in the future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com