Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bill Steinbrecher Field Campus Drive W. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Beacons website Bill Steinbrecher Field website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 Valpo Has a New Name for its Softball Field The Valparaiso University softball team plays on campus at what used to be called the Valpo Softball Complex. During our visit, the venue was announced as Bill Steinbrecher Field to recognize the impact and legacy of Director of Athletics emeritus Dr. Bill Steinbrecher. ​ The team has been playing at this site since 2003, but the current grandstand was constructed for the 2011 season. It included aluminum seating with chair-back seats in the middle section behind home plate, ADA ramp entrances, a press box, and a concession stand. A new scoreboard was added in 2017, along with revamped batting cages and bullpens beyond the dugouts. ​ The Beacons play a fall exhibition schedule of four games during the months of October and September. The games consist of doubleheaders on Saturday afternoons against regional and college opponents. It is a trend that is occurring at other college campuses across the Midwest. ​ The school is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, but played in the Horizon League before the 2018 season. They won tournament conference championships in 2012, 2013, and 2016. The program made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2012, losing to Kentucky. Food & Beverage 0 The concession stand was closed during our visit; perhaps this is the case with most fall games. However, a return trip for a spring game could result in a higher grade for the food and beverage category. Spectators are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the game. Atmosphere 3 A Valpo softball game is a laid-back affair with all of the action taking place on the field. The stadium features a grass outfield, an all-dirt infield, and bullpens down each baseline. ​ Spectators do their best to cheer the players on the field, and it is plausible to hear coaches’ directions and guidance from the dugouts. The stadium holds no more than 500 people, and the grandstand rises above the field for great views; however, a few poles block certain spots. ​ The stadium has a scoreboard painted in school colors behind left field; tennis courts and Beacon Hall reside behind the outfield walls. Trees line up certain areas of the complex to add a nice touch to the proceedings. Team uniforms for fall ball do not include numbers on the back, an unusual sight for any baseball/softball game. Neighborhood 5 Valparaiso is about 30 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. This charming city has a vibrant downtown with attractions, locally owned shops, and diverse dining options within walking distance of one another. ​The downtown square offers a collection of amazing eateries, shops, and great places to drink craft beer. The streets are packed with people, enjoying dinner and drinks on outside patios. There is a selection of retail shops that sell olive oil, wines, fresh cheese, meats, and homemade sauces. The colorful and pleasant main street is definitely worth walking to check out the many selections of restaurants. ​Don Quijote is legendary for its Spanish cuisine. Stack's Bar and Grill is a casual, library-inspired setting. 150-plus beers on tap, plus cocktails, wine, and shots. Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille is an American restaurant & bar serving burgers, pizzas & local brews in an airy, industrial setting. Serrano's Mexican Grill is a relaxed Mexican restaurant with burritos, tacos, fajitas, and drinks. During the fall season, visitors might be able to see other Valpo athletic contests at the Athletics-Recreation Center, Emory Bauer Field, or Brown Field. Fans 3 The fans are either friends, close relatives, or classmates of the players on the field. The small gathering enjoyed a warm, late-fall afternoon of softball. The loudest chants and cheers came from the players’ dugouts. Access 3 The structure is small and easy to walk around. Some ramps provide access and protective fencing for foul balls. There is a parking lot behind the stadium that provides ample space for cars. Return on Investment 3 There is no charge for tickets to Valpo softball games. The stadium does not offer concessions or merchandise; if you are looking for pure softball action, this will be your type of atmosphere. Extras 3 The stadium earns a point for its new name after Bill Steinbrecher. The second point is for the ability to watch a few innings during September and October. The final point is for the players’ chants from both dugouts during key moments of the game. Final Thoughts Final Thoughts Bill Steinbrecher Field is a nice, serviceable venue for college softball. Tucked away in a nice part of campus and surrounded by campus buildings, it is an ideal way to spend an afternoon enjoying collegiate athletics. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Tulane Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Yulman Stadium Ben Weiner Dr New Orleans, LA 70118 Tulane Green Wave website Yulman Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 30,000 Green Wave Roll Uptown Tulane University’s roots in New Orleans run almost as deep as the city itself. Founded in 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana, the school eventually became the University of Louisiana before taking the Tulane name in 1884. Football arrived not long after, with the Green Wave fielding its first team in 1893. Tulane played its first game against the Southern Athletic Club on November 18th before defeating LSU 34-0 one week later, in what is recognized as the first intercollegiate football game played in Louisiana. From those beginnings, Tulane developed into one of the South’s early football powers. The Green Wave went 10-1 and reached the Rose Bowl in its 1931 season, captured SEC championships in 1934, 1939, and 1949, and defeated Temple in the inaugural Sugar Bowl during the 1934 season. But one of the program’s greatest seasons came much later in 1998, when head coach Tommy Bowden and quarterback Shaun King led Tulane to a perfect 12-0 record, a Conference USA championship, and a Liberty Bowl victory over BYU. The Green Wave finished the season ranked No. 7, completing the first undefeated season in program history since 1929. Tulane football’s history is also closely tied to the history of sports venues in New Orleans. The first Tulane-LSU game was played at Sportsman’s Park, an early baseball ground in the city, before the program eventually settled into one of college football’s great old venues. Tulane Stadium opened on the Uptown campus in 1926 and soon grew from 35,000 seats to more than 80,000, earning the nickname “The Queen of the South.” There were three previous football venues on the site before the main Tulane Stadium was built in 1926. This stadium hosted the Sugar Bowl from 1935 through 1974 and also hosted three Super Bowls, the early years of the New Orleans Saints, and some of the largest crowds in New Orleans football history, including 86,598 fans for the Green Wave’s 14-0 victory over LSU in 1973. Tulane also played its final home game here in 1974, before moving into the newly opened Louisiana Superdome the following year. For the next 38 seasons, the Superdome served as Tulane’s home, with the exception of the nomadic 2005 season following Hurricane Katrina, when the Green Wave played designated home games throughout Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. As impressive as the Superdome was, the cavernous NFL stadium sat several miles from Tulane’s Uptown campus and rarely provided the intimate college atmosphere the program once enjoyed. The desire to bring football back to campus eventually produced Yulman Stadium, a $73 million facility that opened against Georgia Tech on September 6, 2014. For the first time since 1974, football was played on the Uptown campus. A decade later, that move looks even more significant. Tulane has experienced one of the strongest stretches in program history in recent years, highlighted by an American Athletic Conference championship and 12-win season in 2022, capped by a dramatic Cotton Bowl victory over USC. The success continued with 11 wins in 2023, nine in 2024, and another 11-win season in 2025, when the Green Wave captured another conference championship and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time. From the glory days of Tulane Stadium, to nearly four decades beneath the roof of the Superdome, and finally back Uptown, Tulane football has come full circle. Today, the center of that resurgence sits right in the middle of campus at Yulman Stadium. Food and Beverage 5 One thing Yulman Stadium gets right is that the concessions actually feel like they belong in New Orleans. You can still grab the normal stadium staples such as hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, and nachos, but also so much local flavor scattered around the concourse that there really isn’t much reason to settle for the basics. Tulane has made a noticeable effort to bring recognizable New Orleans restaurants and food brands inside the stadium, and the selection has continued to expand. Among the highlights are Dat Dog, Blue Oak BBQ, Reginelli’s Pizza, and Superior Grill, while Plum Street Snowballs provides one of the more appropriate options for a hot September afternoon in New Orleans. Dook’s, from New Orleans chef Dook Chase, serves burgers and locally caught seafood near Section 125, while other choices include Uptown Tenders, Rizzutos, Jus Tacos, Bayou Boba, Luca Eats, and the large Hullabaloo Market. The latter is especially convenient if you just want to grab a drink or snack without standing in a traditional concessions line. The drink selection at Yulman Stadium is just as extensive. Beer and seltzers are available throughout the stadium, along with craft beer, Guinness, frozen cocktails, margaritas, and even a Bloody Mary stand. Tulane also brought back its popular $3 beer promotion this season, with four locations around the concourse. For non-drinkers, bottled water and soft drinks are easy to find, while frozen coffee and boba give Yulman a couple of options you don't see at every college football stadium. Prices are about what you would expect at a modern college stadium – based on the menu boards during my most recent visit, Stadium Dogs run $6.15, cheeseburgers $8.25, pretzels with cheese $6.89, popcorn $6.35, bottled water $4.25, and a 20-ounce soda $5.49. Domestic beer is listed at $9.95, with premium beer at $11.35. It isn't cheap, but the variety helps make up for it, and the $3 beer locations are a welcome exception to normal stadium pricing. For a 30,000-seat college stadium, the sheer number of choices is impressive. More importantly, Tulane doesn't make the mistake of putting a stadium in New Orleans and filling it entirely with generic concessions. Between the local restaurants, Louisiana-inspired offerings, markets, bars, and standard fare, you could eat something different at every home game and probably still not get through everything. Atmosphere 5 For nearly four decades the Green Wave played its home games in the Superdome, an iconic stadium that made perfect sense for the Saints, but never quite fit a small private university playing several miles away from campus. The opening of 30,000-seat Yulman Stadium in 2014 changed everything. Football returned Uptown for the first time since 1974, and with it came an actual college football Saturday. Tulane itself emphasized that bringing tailgating and football back onto its beautiful campus was central to the new stadium experience. The setting is a huge part of it. Tulane's Uptown campus sits along St. Charles Avenue directly across from Audubon Park, with the streetcars rumbling past the front of campus. Walk through the gates and you will find historic architecture, shaded quads, and live oaks, but on game day the normally quiet lawns on campus turn into the tailgating scene. The main tailgate area near the Newcomb Quad opens four hours before kickoff, complete with tents, food, and live music, and shortly before the game the Tulane Marching Band makes its way through campus toward the stadium. Tulane doesn't have the massive seas of RVs and parking-lot tailgates you'll find at an SEC school, but that really isn't Tulane's personality anyway. This feels more like an Uptown New Orleans neighborhood party that happens to have a football game at the end of it. Once you are inside, getting around Yulman Stadium is straightforward. The facility is essentially one compact bowl wrapped tightly around Benson Field, named after Tom and Gayle Benson, with the Uptown Terrace sitting above the east sideline. With only 30,000 seats, there really isn't a bad seat in the place. You are close to the field from almost everywhere, and when Yulman fills up the sound stays trapped inside the little bowl much better than you would expect. The student section, green LED lighting, Angry Wave imagery, "Roll Wave" signage, and Tulane's olive green and blue give the building plenty of personality without trying to make it look bigger than it is. You'll also see Riptide, Tulane's pelican mascot, roaming the sidelines and interacting with fans throughout the game. Tulane has plenty of traditions as well, such as the Hullabaloo cheer and fight song, and even the Green Wave nickname has an interesting history, dating back to 1920 when a football song and poem titled "The Rolling Green Wave" appeared in the student newspaper, the Tulane Hullabaloo. The name caught on and eventually replaced the school's earlier nickname, the Olive and Blue. Tulane also doesn't forget what city it's in. References to Uptown are everywhere, New Orleans music runs through the game day soundtrack, and even the marching band gets into the city's musical personality with New Orleans-flavored selections, including bounce. You'll also hear music from local staples such as Galactic, Trombone Shorty, and even Lil Wayne mixed into the presentation, which gives Yulman a character that would be hard to reproduce anywhere outside New Orleans. Tulane doesn't need 70,000 seats or a giant upper deck to create an atmosphere; Yulman's 30,000 seats, tucked onto a beautiful Uptown campus beneath old oak trees within a stone’s throw of the St. Charles streetcar, fit the Green Wave better than the Superdome ever did. Neighborhood 5 Everybody knows there is plenty to do in New Orleans. The French Quarter and Bourbon Street are only a few miles away, and if you are coming into town for a Tulane game, chances are you’ll end up down there at some point during the weekend. But New Orleans is a lot more than Bourbon Street, and one of the best things about going to a game at Yulman Stadium is getting away from the tourist areas and spending some time Uptown. Just off campus on Broadway is The Boot, a longtime Tulane institution that has regularly received national attention among America's top college bars. On game day weekends you’ll find it packed with students and alumni within walking distance of Yulman Stadium. Maple Street is another popular student corridor with neighborhood restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. In addition, across St. Charles Avenue from campus is the old-fashioned Frostop, a New Orleans institution known for its burgers, frosted mugs of root beer, and giant rotating root beer mug sign. Nearby Oak Street is one of my favorite places to send visiting fans who want something that feels more like actual New Orleans. Its centerpiece is Maple Leaf Bar, a legendary New Orleans music club that has been around since 1974. If they have a show after the game, this would be near the top of my list for a visiting fan. The Oak Street area also includes restaurants, bars, and some of the quirky neighborhood businesses that make Uptown feel like a different world compared to Bourbon Street. Jacques-Imo's is one of the neighborhood's most popular restaurants, while Snake & Jake's Christmas Club Lounge is one of New Orleans' great late-night dive bars, tucked inside a tiny building and covered in Christmas decorations year-round. Or, if you're looking for more live music without venturing into the French Quarter, check out Tipitina's, the world-famous music venue on Napoleon Avenue that has been a New Orleans staple for decades. Another New Orleans tradition worth experiencing is the sno-ball, which was actually invented in New Orleans. One of the best places to try one is Plum Street Snoballs, located just a short distance from Tulane on Burdette Street. This little neighborhood stand has been serving sno-balls since 1945, and is a longtime favorite among Tulane students and Uptown residents. On the other side of campus is Audubon Park, whose live oaks, walking paths, and golf course sit directly across St. Charles Avenue from Tulane’s campus. Continue through the park toward the Mississippi River and you'll eventually reach Audubon Zoo and The Fly, a popular riverfront gathering spot behind the zoo. Magazine Street runs along this side of Uptown as well, stretching for roughly six miles through some of New Orleans' best neighborhoods. However, this area is filled with independent shops, vintage stores, bars, coffee shops, and restaurants rather than the souvenir shops you encounter downtown. In fact, you'll encounter a restaurant or small local shop on practically every block of Magazine Street. Then there is St. Charles Avenue itself, which runs directly in front of Tulane University and may be one of the prettiest approaches to any college campus in the country. Massive live oaks shade the neutral ground, stately old New Orleans mansions line the street, and the streetcars rumble right past campus on their way through Uptown and the Garden District toward downtown. You can legitimately attend a football game at Tulane without ever getting into an automobile; stay somewhere along the streetcar line, ride one of them Uptown, get off in front of campus, and walk over to Yulman Stadium. Fans 4 Tulane has a loyal fanbase, but it is a little different from what you'll find at most southern college football programs. This is a small private university in a city with an NFL team, and for years the Green Wave struggled to draw much of a crowd playing in the Superdome. Moving back to campus has helped bring some of that college football atmosphere back, especially with the program's recent success. Today’s football crowd is a mix of longtime Tulane supporters, alumni, students, and locals who have followed the Green Wave for decades. Tulane also has a large medical school, and plenty of its graduates, including doctors working around the New Orleans area, remain connected to the university. The student section occupies the south end zone and is one of the more noticeable parts of the Yulman experience. At kickoff this section is usually packed with students dressed in green and blue, many of whom have spent the afternoon tailgating around campus. The students stand throughout much of the game, get loud on third downs, and help give the small stadium some energy. One thing I noticed, however, is that this section tends to thin out considerably as the game goes on. By the second half, many students have already headed for the exits, even while the rest of the fans in the stadium remain engaged in the game. The most recognizable Tulane tradition is the Hullabaloo cheer, which dates back generations and is still heard throughout Yulman Stadium, particularly after Green Wave scores. Fans also join in the familiar "Roll Wave" chants, while the marching band plays the Tulane fight song and alma mater. Riptide, the school's pelican mascot, makes his way around the stadium interacting with fans, and the cheerleaders help keep the crowd involved. The atmosphere here is a nice mix of older traditions and the more modern New Orleans flavor that has become part of the Yulman game day experience. Tulane fans have stuck with this program through some pretty lean years, and the recent run of winning seasons has given them plenty to cheer about. The crowds are generally friendly so visiting fans shouldn't have any problems, and when the Green Wave is playing well, Yulman can get really loud for its size. Tulane has come a long way from the days of playing in front of scattered crowds inside the Superdome, and its fans finally have a stadium that feels like their own. Access 3 If there is one downside to attending a Tulane game, it might be getting to Yulman Stadium in the first place. New Orleans isn't exactly the easiest city to navigate, especially if you aren't familiar with the streets, and unlike the Superdome, which sits right off the interstate with several parking garages nearby, Yulman is tucked away in a residential neighborhood with limited parking and narrow streets. If you're coming from the French Quarter or downtown, your GPS may take you down Claiborne Avenue and through some of New Orleans' rougher neighborhoods before bringing you right up to the football stadium. This is generally the more direct route, but if you have extra time, I recommend taking St. Charles Avenue instead. It's a much prettier drive, passing through the Garden District and Uptown beneath massive live oaks, with historic mansions and the famous St. Charles streetcars running down the middle of the avenue. Another option is to take the St. Charles streetcar. The streetcars run from the French Quarter or CBD through the Garden District and Uptown before stopping directly in front of Tulane's campus. From there, it's about a 10 to 15-minute walk to Yulman Stadium. At $1.25 for a one-way ride, it's also an affordable way to avoid parking. Just keep in mind that the streetcars aren't particularly fast and can get crowded on game days. Parking is probably the biggest headache at Yulman Stadium. Tulane doesn't have the sprawling parking lots you'll find at most college stadiums, and much of the surrounding area is residential. There are two parking garages nearby, including the Loyola parking garage near the basketball arena, although football game day availability varies. Expect to do some walking, but fortunately, the walk through Tulane's beautiful campus, past historic buildings and towering live oaks, is one of the more enjoyable parts of the experience. One thing that may catch first-time visitors off guard is the entrance setup. If you're approaching from the south side of campus, the main security checkpoint is located roughly 100 yards outside the stadium near the campus recreation center. Bags are checked and tickets are scanned there, before fans continue toward Yulman. Once inside, getting around is fairly straightforward thanks to the stadium's small size. The only real issue is that some concourses are narrow, and concession lines can back up into the walkways, especially around halftime. Yulman Stadium is a great place to watch football once you get here, but getting in and out requires a little planning. Between the Uptown traffic, limited parking, and occasional concourse congestion, access is one of the stadium's weaker areas. My advice is to arrive early, take the scenic route down St. Charles Avenue, or better yet, hop on the streetcar and enjoy the walk through campus. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tulane games are generally affordable, with upper-level seats often available for around $20 to $30, although prices vary depending on the day’s opponent. Concession prices are a little on the high side, but the variety of local New Orleans food makes up for it. For the full New Orleans experience, hop on the St. Charles streetcar and ride it Uptown to Tulane. On your walk to Yulman Stadium, make sure to stop by the Mardi Gras Bead Tree, where thousands of colorful beads hang from the branches, left behind from years of Mardi Gras celebrations. Once inside, enjoy some Tulane football with the marching band playing New Orleans funk and bounce music throughout the game. Afterward, walk over to The Boot just off campus for a drink, then head down to Oak Street for a po-boy at Jacques-Imo's before catching some live New Orleans music next door at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar. Between the streetcar, Mardi Gras beads, local food, live music, and college football in the heart of Uptown, you really can't beat a Saturday at Tulane. Extras 4 An extra point goes to the history surrounding Yulman Stadium. The facility and surrounding grounds occupy part of the former site of Tulane Stadium, once known as the "Queen of Southern Stadiums." That historic 80,000-seat stadium hosted the Sugar Bowl, the Saints, and three Super Bowls in 1970, 1972, and 1975. It's pretty cool knowing you're walking on ground where some of the biggest games in football history took place. Another plus goes to Caesars Superdome, Tulane's former home from 1975 to 2013. From the upper deck at Yulman Stadium you can get some excellent views of the Superdome, as well as the New Orleans skyline in the distance. Inside Yulman, the concourse features historical murals celebrating Tulane football, including the undefeated 1998 team and the memorable 14-0 win over LSU in 1973. You'll also find remnants of old Tulane Stadium, the Tulane-Southern Miss rivalry bell, and the Green Wave's 2025 American Conference championship trophy. A final point goes to Tulane's beautiful Uptown campus. Between the historic architecture, shaded quads, massive live oaks, the Mardi Gras Bead Tree covered in colorful beads, and the St. Charles streetcars rolling past campus, there aren't many better settings for college football.

We turn our attention to the ballparks that shape the Low-A baseball experience in the California, Carolina, and Florida State leagues. Our 2026 rankings reflect a season of transition that included two new stadiums, several club rebrandings, and franchise relocations and affiliate shifts. Can you name the new stadiums or the team rebrandings? We congratulate the Lake Elsinore Storm (CAL), the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (CAR), and the Jupiter Hammerheads (FSL) for winning their respective league championships this season. Stadium Journey rankings are based on our patented FANFARE scale, which evaluates each venue across seven key categories: 🍔 Food & Beverage Options 🎉 Game Day Atmosphere 🏙️ Surrounding Neighborhood 🙌 Fan Support 🚗 Access (inside and outside the park) 💸 Return on Investment 🧩 Extras - Unique features that don’t fit neatly into the other categories or deserve additional acknowledgement When two or more ballparks earn the same score, the Stadium Journey Council of Elders steps in to break the tie with their seasoned insight. To dive deeper into each stadium’s review, just click the link associated with the team’s name. Enjoy the rankings - and see where your favorite ballpark lands! No two ballpark travelers see every venue the same way, so differences of opinion are part of the fun. Let us know where you agree or disagree with our rankings on any of Stadium Journey's social media platforms. How would your Top 30 look, and which parks deserve to move up or down the list? ** Be sure to stay through the end of the ranking, where we list the answers to the 2026 Low-A team and venue changes. 30. Valley Strong Ballpark - Visalia Rawhide – 2.57 (CAL) Meg Minard - Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’ so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts. 29. George M. Steinbrenner Field - Tampa Tarpons – 2.71 (FSL) Dennis Morrell - The complex is impeccable, the largest in Florida seating more than 11,000 fans, and looking great for 30 years old. In front of the main steps, you are greeted by the impressive statue of George Steinbrenner. To the right is Monument Park and further to the right is the 9/11 Memorial, all nice touches to the entrance. 28. Segra Stadium - Fayetteville Woodpeckers – 3.00 (CAR) Jared Goodman - With Fort Bragg in Fayetteville’s backyard, it’s hard to ignore the military tie-ins at Segra Stadium. Black and red are the predominant colors, featured in everything from the team’s logo to the chair backs in the seating bowl. Pixelated camouflage is also present in several different areas, sometimes even extending to the players’ uniforms. It’s undeniable that the military is the prevailing theme at Woodpeckers’ games. 27. San Manuel Stadium - Inland Empire 66ers – 3.00 (CAL) Andrei Ojeda - San Bernardino has been the starting point for several big leaguers, including Ken Griffey Jr. With the 66ers recently switching affiliations over to the Seattle Mariners, ahead lies a new chapter of 66ers history. Some usage of the navy blue and nautical green as well as the trident give nods to the parent club. When catching a game in the IE, one can expect an affordable and enjoyable family experience. 26. The Bank of the James Stadium - Hill City Howlers - 3.00 (CAR) Andrew Kulyk - The team might have a new name, a new moniker, a new logo and a new identity, but minor league baseball in Lynchburg, Virginia, has roots that go all the way back to 1894. In 1995, the team adopted the name “Lynchburg Hillcats”, which was just changed in 2026 to the "Hill City Howlers." 25. TD Ballpark - Dunedin Blue Jays – 3.14 (FSL) Eric Hasman - TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. 24. Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark - Salem RidgeYaks – 3.14 (CAR) David Welch - As fans initially enter Carilion Clinic Field, they are greeted by a wide-opening view of the field-level seating bowl, as well as the mountainous backdrop. A large bar sits just steps from the front gates to greet fans and quench their thirst as they initially survey the stadium. 23. Chukchansi Park - Fresno Grizzlies – 3.14 (CAL) Meg Minard - Although the team moved from a Triple-A to a Single-A affiliation a few years ago, attending a ballgame at Chukchansi Park is still an enjoyable day/evening out with good baseball. For those who live in Central California, I encourage you to visit Fresno and the ballpark. For those who haven’t been to the city in a while, you’ll be pleased with the resurgence of the downtown area. 22. Hammond Stadium - Ft Myers Mighty Mussels – 3.43 (FSL) Chris Green - Hammond Stadium is beautiful, and the entire main concourse level is walkable around the whole field, allowing fans to wander and watch the action from various vantage points during contests. The outfield boardwalk offers up close views too, as well as alternate seating and standing-room only areas for fans to watch the Mighty Mussels take the field. 21. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium - Palm Beach Cardinals – 3.43 (FSL) Meg Minard - Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees, other Florida foliage, and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 29th anniversary in 2026. 20. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium - Jupiter Hammerheads - 3.43 (FSL) Meg Minard - The fans attending a Hammerheads game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. There is a good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. 19. Wilson Ballpark – Wilson Warbirds - 3.43 (CAR) Gregory Koch - After over half a century, professional baseball is finally back in Wilson. The Warbirds have a fine new ballpark with a passionate fan base, and there is opportunity for the experience here to get even better over the next few years. 18. Clover Park - St. Lucie Mets – 3.43 (FSL) Meg Minard - As soon as you see the ballpark (even before entering the parking lot), you know you are in Mets territory. The vibrant shades of Mets orange and blue decorate the exterior of the building, Mets signage and championship years are displayed, and former Mets greats have billboard-sized posters on the outer walls. A palm tree-lined plaza contains plaques with a brief bio for many famous Mets players. 17. Jackie Robinson Ballpark - Daytona Tortugas – 3.43 (FSL) Chris Green - Jackie Robinson Ballpark is unique in MiLB. First, it sits literally on the edge of the intercostal waterway in Daytona Beach, FL. Second, it has historical significance – this is the site where Jackie Robinson played his first professional baseball game after signing with the Dodgers after other cities like Jacksonville refused to let him play because of the color of his skin. 16. Arthur W. Perdue Stadium - Delmarva Shorebirds – 3.71 (CAR) Richard Smith - Delmarva prides itself on offering a family atmosphere and a place where the entire family can enjoy baseball. The true fan can enjoy the quality play, while the kids can enjoy the carousel, bounce houses, and face painting offered. In-game promotions are also offered to keep the atmosphere fresh and fun. 15. L.P. Frans Stadium – Hickory Crawdads – 3.71 (CAR) Gregory Koch - A Hickory Crawdads game may be small town baseball in a remote location, but it is still a worthwhile experience. L.P. Frans Stadium is gorgeous architecturally, and the Crawdads do a good job with promotions and fan engagement. 14. Lake Elsinore Diamond - Lake Elsinore Storm – 3.71 (CAL) Andrei Ojeda - There’s a fun atmosphere to be found at The Diamond. Children can be seen playing in the designated play area along the right field side, shagging foul flies on the grass berm to rolling down the berm. Most seats are in a rather uniform seating bowl, with spacious seats and plenty of legroom. 13. Joker Marchant Stadium - Lakeland Flying Tigers – 3.71 (FSL) Chris Green - Nestled on the shores of Lake Parker and almost perfectly halfway between Orlando and Tampa sits perhaps the most beautiful stadium of Florida’s wide array of MiLB homes. The idyllic Central Florida city of Lakeland is the perfect location to feature minor league baseball without the hassles of Florida’s other distractions. 12. Banner Island Ballpark - Stockton Ports – 3.71 (CAL) Meg Minard - Banner Island Ballpark is an extremely fun ballpark. It provides a perfect minor league game day experience. Fans and staff are friendly and welcoming. It’s affordable and not overdone with extras. The ballgame takes center stage with clever, non-intrusive games and contests between innings. 11. SRP Park - Augusta GreenJackets – 3.86 (CAR) Lloyd Brown - SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low Class A level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River. 10. Virginia Credit Union Stadium - Fredericksburg Nationals – 4.00 (CAR) Joseph Oakes - The playing surface at Virginia Credit Union Stadium is a state-of-the-art synthetic grass from Shaw Sports Turf similar to what is used by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers. It is the first minor league ball to use such a surface. This allows the FredNats to host several events such as concerts and youth sports without the extra cost of maintaining a natural grass surface. 9. BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater Threshers 4.00 (FSL) David Welch - Among facilities in the Florida State League, BayCare Ballpark stands out as possibly having the most comprehensive minor league baseball experience. With its top-notch facility and typically the largest attendance in the league, it provides an exceptional game-day experience, where even a wayward bat dog would likely stop by to check out the facility. 8. Excite Ballpark - San Jose Giants – 4.00 (CAL) Chris Green - Take a historic stadium that oozes memories of the past greats with architecture that harkens back to baseball’s golden age. Mix in a loyal fanbase that is among the best in the Bay Area. Sprinkle in some stellar weather and add a pinch of minor league magic. This may well be the recipe that one would use to create the magic that is the San Jose Giants. 7. ONT Field - Ontario Tower Buzzers – 4.00 (CAL) Andrei Ojeda - The moment you set foot inside ONT Field a literal towering buzz is felt. With staff dressed as airport attendants and the nods to the aviation industry and nearby Ontario Airport paired with undoubtedly the most up to date Single A facility throughout the MiLB circuit, the game day atmosphere at ONT Field is lifted several levels above your usual Single-A experience. 6. LoanMart Field - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes – 4.14 (CAL) Andrei Ojeda - The tree-lined outfield wall and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance provide a truly perfect baseball setting. LoanMart Field is located in the Rancho Cucamonga Adult Sports Park and is surrounded by recreational baseball/softball diamonds. If any of the fields are empty, visiting fans can easily find some space to play a game or simply toss a baseball back and forth. 5. LECOM Park - Bradenton Marauders – 4.14 (FSL) Lloyd Brown - It is immediately apparent that you are at one of the most historic venues in baseball when you arrive at LECOM Ballpark. The exterior skin of the stadium is constructed in the Spanish Colonial style that is so classic in Florida. Most of the stands offer shade from the Florida sun under roofs or canopies. The steel girders of the stadium are exposed, showing you how the ballpark was built. 4. Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park - Charleston RiverDogs – 4.14 (CAR) Lloyd Brown - Baseball and the city of Charleston have shared a love affair for more than 100 years. Today their rendezvous spot is the Joseph P Riley, Jr. Ballpark on the banks of the Ashley River. The Joe combines up close seating with a huge concession menu and a history of sending players to the majors as its recipe for keeping this relationship alive and strong. 3. Segra Park - Columbia Fireflies – 4.14 (CAR) David Welch - The Columbia Fireflies have done a wonderful job building an experience that offers fans what they want from a stadium; those wanting a more traditional baseball game have plenty of seats to choose from in the grandstand, whereas fans wanting to use the game as more of a social backdrop to their evening have both a considerable number of field level table boxes or the Bowtie Bar in center field. 2. Atrium Health Ballpark – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers – 4.43 (CAR) Gregory Koch – The Cannon Ballers fans in attendance can get loud at times and are deeply familiar with the team. It is not uncommon to hear them commenting in great detail as to what is going on on the field, or even what the team did in a previous game and what the manager is doing right or wrong. This is a relatively small ballpark that is just the right size for the crowds the team draws. 1. TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark - Myrtle Beach Pelicans – 4.71 (CAR) Steve Ohnsman - ReturnTicket.com Park offers something for everyone: casual and intense baseball fans, families, groups, tourists, local residents; even “foodies.” The natural grass field is well maintained and many trees behind the outfield walls provide an excellent backdrop. ** The Salem Red Sox were renamed the Salem RidgeYaks. The Lynchburg Hillcats were renamed the Hill City Howlers. The Carolina Mudcats moved from Zebulon, NC, to Wilson and became the Wilson Warbirds in a brand-new park: Wilson Ballpark. The Dodgers ended their affiliation with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and started a new affiliation, the Ontario Tower Buzzers, in a brand-new park: ONT Field. Other notes: The Angels shifted their Single-A affiliation from Inland Empire to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The Mariners moved their Single-A affiliation from Modesto to Inland Empire (IE 66ers), and Modesto left the California League.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Johnny Unitas Stadium 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website Johnny Unitas Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 11,198 Johnny U Stadium at Towson U Johnny Unitas Stadium was known as both Towson Stadium and Minnegan Stadium from its opening in 1983 until a 2002 remodel, when it added 6,000 seats and was rebranded in honor of Baltimore Colts legend and Towson supporter Johnny Unitas. The field itself still honors the late Donald “Doc” Minnegan, former coach and athletic director at Towson. Towson University is the second-largest public university in Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of whom 18,000 are undergraduates. The university began as the Maryland State Normal School in 1866. The university has 60+ undergraduate majors, 30+ master’s degree programs, and a handful of doctoral programs. The Towson football team played for the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship in 2013, falling short against North Dakota State. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, the 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, the 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, the 15-time ECAC Champions, and the 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The lacrosse team also reached the finals of the 1991 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship and reached the semifinals of the 2001 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Towson has used the Tigers as its sports team name since 1961, replacing the Golden Knights, Indians, and Teachers as names used by various sports. There are four tiger statues around campus, one across the street in front of SECU Arena (where Towson gymnastics, basketball, and volleyball compete). All of the major athletic teams at Towson compete in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Technically, CAA Football is a legally distinct conference from the central CAA, but its offices are the same as those of CAA proper. Since joining the CAA in 2001-02, the Tigers have won 16 league championships. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has basic food offerings. Four main concession stands offer the usual variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings if they wish. Prices are okay, but not great. Beer is available around the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is split into two distinct sections. The main side is on the same side as the old Minnegan Stadium grandstands used to sit. That side also has a press box. A walkway around the top of the horseshoe hill takes fans to the opposite side grandstand, where the students, band, and most of the opposing fans sit. When popular CAA teams are the opponents, expect to see many of their fans throughout the complex. A track separates the grandstands from being too close to the action. The Towson Marching Band, Towson Dance Team, Pop Squad, and cheerleaders all do a good job entertaining the crowd. A tiger mascot, named Doc, roams the stadium. The team store located on the concourse has been closed as of late, which may be because the school recently switched to an outside bookstore vendor. Neighborhood 3 Besides SECU Arena and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the stadium. Even though you may have to drive to other places, Towson is a semi-urban area with a vast shopping mall and numerous restaurants. Some options are The Crease and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Fans 3 This is a work in progress. For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But over the last couple of decades, the number of residential students has increased. Students are starting to attend games in larger numbers, helped by a free, convenient shuttle service. Unitas Stadium, as well as the neighboring SECU Arena, are located at the far end of the campus, not near any of the residence halls, so they will not always be destinations for many students. It has improved over time in this regard. Access 4 Towson is located just off the Baltimore Beltway (I-695). The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads when getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. Parking is plentiful. But the best bet is to park in the central part of campus and walk over to beat the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Adult ticket prices start at around $25. For the high level of football, the prices are acceptable. Extras 3 The Towson Dance Team is nationally recognized and provides excellent entertainment during games. In addition, Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. There is a nice statue for former coach Phil Albert with some info about the perfect 1974 team. The Towson University Wall of Excellence displays the school’s accomplishments in a variety of sports. Final Thoughts Johnny Unitas Stadium is a well-designed stadium with many fan amenities. The significant separation between the sections of the stadium, along with the track, is the only thing keeping the facility from being a more intimate, louder stadium.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Kyle Field 756 Houston Street College Station, TX 77843 Texas A&M Aggies website Kyle Field website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 102,733 Home of the 12th Man Kyle Field, home of the Texas A&M Aggies’ football team, opened in 1905 and has a capacity of 102,733. The facility is the largest football stadium in the state of Texas and currently sits fifth largest in the FBS. A $485 million renovation from 2013 to 2015 lowered the field by about seven feet, allowing six more rows of premium seating at the bottom of the lower bowl, which pulled the stands right up to the sidelines. In addition, the field was moved 18 feet to the south, improving sightlines by centering the gridiron exactly between the seating sections. A cantilevered roof was added to increase the decibel level inside the venue, and additional premium seating was put in as well. Kyle Field is the original home of the 12th Man. Texas A&M has owned the trademark since 1990, but the tradition dates back to 1922. That year, Texas A&M played Centre College, the number 1-ranked team in the country. The Aggies suffered so many injuries during the game that Coach Bible feared he wouldn’t have enough players to finish the contest, so he called former player E. King Gill down to the sideline. Dressed in the uniform of an injured player, Gill didn’t end up having to play after all, but his willingness to serve inspired the Aggies to an upset victory. That 12th Man tradition continues today in several ways, including fans waving 12th Man towels during games, a deserving walk-on player being awarded the No. 12 jersey each year, and an average of 38,000 students standing for the entire game to symbolize their own willingness to take the field if needed. Food & Beverage 5 Kyle Field has all kinds of different food and beverage options on hand during football games here, and though the price of many items is on the high side, the university has done a great job trying to lower costs for fans. For example, a recent initiative dropped the price of core items such as hot dogs, nachos, and candy by $1 each, and a $6 popcorn option was also introduced. In addition, you can buy bottled water starting at $2 for 20 ounces. In terms of variety, the concessions here offer almost anything you can think of, ranging from Double Dave’s pizza and soft pretzels to chicken tenders and Slovacek sausage. You can also find barbecue and Tex-Mex offerings from several different local chains, and don’t forget to check out the Coors Light Beer Garden located on the east lawn; the beer garden is open to all regardless of what section you’re sitting in, and it opens four hours before kickoff. All that sounds great, but what is a football stadium without a few signature concessions? Well, Kyle Field has those too. The most impressive is undoubtedly the BTHO Dog – BTHO stands for “Beat the hell out of [this week’s opponent].” It includes not one but two footlong hot dogs covered with brisket, chile queso, pickled and fried onions, fried jalapeno chips, and pico de gallo. It costs a bit, but you won’t have to eat another thing all day. The venue also offers other big-as-Texas options, including mozzarella logs. Sure, you’ve heard of mozzarella sticks, but each of these logs is the size of a normal hot dog. They come in packs of five, and one person likely won’t be able to handle that much melty goodness. Atmosphere 5 Kyle Field’s atmosphere is second to none – you will see fans waving their 12th Man towels all game long, and there is a massive fireworks display after every Aggie score, as well as after an Aggie victory. You will also see flyovers by military planes and plenty of American flags waving in the breeze. Texas A&M has always been a patriotic school, but I don’t think I have ever been to a football stadium with this many flags on display, celebrating our nation. Adding to this wonderful atmosphere are two signature items you won’t find anywhere else on the college football landscape. The first of these is the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band with its precision military marching, and perhaps tighter formations than you will see at the United States military academies (pay attention to the corners when the band reverses direction). Most fans stay in their seats during halftime to watch the Aggies form their signature Block T, switching direction to display it proudly toward both end zones. If you get there early you can even watch the Corps of Cadets march into the stadium before the game. The second unique feature at Texas A&M football games at Kyle Field happens only twice: once just before kickoff and once at the end of the third quarter. This is the moment when over 100,000 proud Aggies put their arms around each other’s shoulders and sway side to side in unison while singing the Aggie War Hymn, an ode to defeating their hated rivals from “texas university” (also known to Aggies as teasips). First-time visitors in the press box have even been known to panic when this happens, fearing that an actual earthquake is causing the stands to move from side to side. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of restaurants and other attractions around Kyle Field, but as you might expect with a stadium holding over 100K fans, the immediate vicinity is mostly packed with parking lots. Except for some fast-food type eateries located inside the Memorial Student Center right across the street from the football stadium, it will be about a 10-minute walk to find any other options. The Northgate district in College Station is the place to be before or after an Aggies football game. Restaurants such as Fuego Tortilla Grill and The Sport on Northgate are great options, but the one place you must visit if you truly want to experience Aggieland is The Dixie Chicken. This legendary watering hole still claims to serve more beer per square foot than any other bar in the country, and is famous for a couple of Aggie traditions. One of the most well-known is the Aggie ring dunk, where you drop your Aggie ring into a 32-ounce pitcher of beer and must chug the whole thing before you can get the ring back. Another famous tradition is known as the Chicken Challenge, where you must stay inside the restaurant drinking beer, and maybe playing dominoes, from open until close (generally 11 am to midnight or later depending on the day of the week). If you are trying to avoid the college student scene, there are also a slew of restaurants just to the east of campus along Texas Highway 6, including Chuy’s, Chicken Express, and Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. In terms of attractions, the best option near Kyle Field is the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which houses the famous Union Pacific 4141 locomotive, painted in the old Air Force One white and baby blue color scheme. The museum is within sight of Kyle Field on Texas A&M’s campus, and the exhibits include a full-size Marine One helicopter, as well as a replica of the torpedo bomber President Bush flew during World War II. The Museum of the American GI, about 10 miles south of College Station, is also a wonderful place to visit; its collection includes over a dozen period tanks from World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and other conflicts. Fans 5 Texas A&M fans are second to none; the crowd is loud and seethes with energy. In addition to 38K students standing for the entire game, and the whole stadium waving their 12th Man towels in unison, especially during kickoffs and third downs, almost everyone you see will be sporting some form of Aggie gear, and sometimes from head to toe. In addition, you should expect every game to be a sellout – even for games against FCS opponents such as McNeese State, attendance at Kyle Field will top 105K, which is several thousand fans over capacity. Games against SEC rivals will draw even more. The key thing about the Aggie fanbase is its passion – there is nothing like joining 100K of your closest friends, all yelling your heads off to propel your team to victory. And at Kyle Field fans have to be engaged – it is almost a rule, because unlike at other schools where they have cheerleaders, at Texas A&M there are five Yell Leaders instead. The Yell Leaders use hand signals to tell fans what yell (Aggies don’t cheer, they only yell) will be done next, and fans in the front rows of each section must pass that hand signal to fans in the back. Each yell is then performed by everyone in the stadium at the same time. In fact, yelling in unison is so important to Aggie fans that the Yell Leaders hold Yell Practice the night before each game, even on the road, to make sure fans know what to do. And after any game when the Aggies are outscored (Aggies never lose, though they sometimes get outscored), the Yell Leaders hold an extra Yell Practice right after the game. Access 5 I was thoroughly impressed during my last visit to Kyle Field with how easy it was to get in and out of the stadium. First off, there are plenty of places to park, and there are also shuttle buses to take fans from the furthest parking lots to the field itself. The parking lots at other Texas A&M athletic facilities, such as Blue Bell Park (Aggie baseball) and Reed Arena (Aggie basketball), are also used for football, or you can park further out if you are willing to walk a little. I would not recommend riding the shuttle buses unless it is raining, as you can probably get there faster just by walking, since you wouldn’t have to wait through all the bus stops. Once you get to Kyle Field there are plenty of entrances around the facility, making it easy to get in and out, and there are also plenty of concession stands and bathrooms on every level. Be sure to pay attention to what seat you’re sitting in, so you can enter the correct gate. The most impressive part of the access was getting out after the game – the staff here does a fabulous job directing traffic in one direction, away from Kyle Field, so you can be on your way within minutes of getting into your car. This is not something I have always experienced at other football stadiums, so it was extremely welcome. Return on Investment 5 Attending a game at Kyle Field to see the Aggies is without a doubt worth every penny. Expect the game to be sold out months in advance, so the secondary ticket market will be your friend. Pro tip: wait until a few days before the game to buy your seats, as prices will tend to fall as the season goes on, based on the team’s record and what time the game ends up being held (the game time will likely not be announced until 1-2 weeks in advance). You should be able to find tickets for less than $100, perhaps even under $50 if you sit in the cheap seats. I would recommend sitting in sections such as AC or FB, which give you access to an indoor lounge in case of rain or hot weather. Also try to look for seats in the back of certain sections – while most of the seats at Kyle Field are out in the open, a few sections have covered seating in the last 5 to 10 rows. For parking, expect it to set you back at least $20 if you park further away. For example, you can park at the Bush library within sight of Kyle Field for $25 (no advance purchase required). Or for around $50 you could park someplace near Reed Arena and ride the shuttle bus to the football field if desired. Most of the parking closer to Kyle Field is owned by season ticket holders, so again the secondary ticket market is your best bet to find a parking pass. Extras 5 Other great traditions at Texas A&M include the Corps of Cadets “capturing” the Yell Leaders after an Aggie victory and carrying them across campus to toss them into the Fish Pond. There are also statues and banners galore around the stadium, showing the history and successes of Texas A&M football over the years. When the Aggies come onto the field before the game, they run through cones of fire just like at other big-time football programs. The team also sports different uniforms throughout the season, with matching paint décor on the field itself, such as for Military Appreciation Day. Final Thoughts Attending a football game at Kyle Field is one of those bucket list experiences every college football fan should have at least once in their lifetime, right up there with seeing Ralphie run around the stadium at Colorado, or seeing the Sooner Schooner at Oklahoma. You will never forget seeing the Aggies sway from side to side as they sing the Aggie War Hymn, and you will never forget the sight of all those 12th Man towels being waved furiously. The staff has done a fabulous job improving the access since the massive renovation, making it easy to get in and out and providing plenty of parking. There are also tons of different seating options, including a few that protect you from that volatile Texas weather, as well as some price cuts for some of the concessions that should make your wallet happy. Kyle Field isn’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you should sit on your haunches when it comes to visiting Aggieland – there is nothing like the spirit you will find here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fred P. Rullo Stadium 631 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens website Fred P. Rullo Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Fred's Turf in Newark When you travel down the busy I-95 corridor along the East Coast, you may have driven close to one of the most successful college sports programs in history without even knowing it. Stop by the University of Delaware, located in the small city of Newark, and experience some history in action. The Blue Hens used to be a member of the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA), but as of 2025, they have moved to Conference USA for most sports. The stadium is part of the David M. Nelson Athletic Complex, which includes the Bob Carpenter Center, Delaware Stadium, Bob Hannah Stadium, Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium, the Fred Rust Ice Arena, and the Delaware Field House. Food & Beverage 3 At Fred P. Rullo Stadium, the concession stand is located outside the venue, situated directly between the stadium and the adjacent softball field. The menu provides traditional stadium snacks and beverages. For food, patrons purchase a beef hot dog for $5, nachos for $5, or popcorn for $5. Smaller snack options include candy for $4, a soft pretzel for $3, and an extra cheese cup for $1. The beverage selection features bottled soda for $5 and standard bottled water for $4, alongside a one-liter bottle of water for $6. There are no permanent food or beverage concessions available inside the venue. Atmosphere 3 Fred P. Rullo Stadium provides a simple physical environment for watching college field hockey. The architecture consists of one main side of bleachers that accommodates roughly 1,500 spectators. Because the seating is concentrated entirely on one side, the crowd noise is directed squarely at the pitch. The sightlines from the bleachers are completely unobstructed, ensuring fans observe the action from all vantage points. Neighborhood 4 Newark (pronounced here as New-Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty low price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium. Around the corner from the arena, behind Rust Arena, is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must. Fans 4 The fans are very knowledgeable and can be quite loud. Student attendance at games will always be an issue as the stadium is located far from the student housing options on campus. Access 5 Rullo Stadium is easy to reach and is only a couple of miles off of Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Parking is free and plentiful in front of Delaware Stadium and the Bob Carpenter Center. Walk around the Bob Carpenter Center and the stadium to find the field. There is also parking in the lot behind the Bob Carpenter Center. Return on Investment 4 It used to be free to attend matches here, but they now have a $10 charge for adults, with some other prices for children. UD Students are free. Extras 3 A few specific elements define the experience at Fred P. Rullo Stadium. The first is the prominent banner displayed at the venue celebrating the team as the 2016 NCAA National Champions. Alongside this national title banner, fans observe banners honoring the team's various conference championships, including the ten Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) titles secured between 2013 and 2024. A second notable extra is the close proximity to the UDairy Creamery, a campus-operated ice cream shop located just around the corner behind the Fred Rust Ice Arena. Eating a cone of locally made ice cream before or after the game is an established campus tradition. Finally, the physical integration of the stadium within the larger athletic complex allows fans to easily walk between the field hockey pitch, the softball field, the Bob Carpenter Center, and Delaware Stadium. Final Thoughts Fred P. Rullo Stadium provides a highly functional, no-nonsense venue for field hockey. With its established history of athletic success and a good location, it presents a solid and direct environment for fans of the sport.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Paul E. Tsongas Center 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Lowell, MA 01852 Boston Fleet website Paul E. Tsongas Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,500 Finally, One League - Boston For many years, the women’s hockey world has been at war with itself. While the stated goal of all parties was the same – a single league where all the world’s best players could compete – the plans for achieving this goal diverged greatly, and the factions went their own separate ways, with the PWPHA Dream Gap Tour and the Premier Hockey Federation the results. For several years the groups operated in direct competition with each other. In the summer of 2023, a group of investors backed by the Mark Walter Group, who included such notable names as Los Angeles Dodgers owner Stan Kasten and Billie Jean King, purchased the PHF and effectively dismantled it, creating the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). They established six teams in the United States and Canada. The league began play in January of 2024. The league stated goals of playing in professional quality facilities and providing salaries that would allow players to work as professional hockey players, not needing part time jobs to supplement their hockey income. For season two the league rebranded all the teams, scrapping the generic “PWHL-city name” monikers used in season one. The Boston team was christened the Fleet to reflect the city’s maritime heritage and to evoke a sense of unified strength and resilience. The name also alludes to the concept of an armada, symbolizing the collective spirit of Bostonians, players and fans. The Boston team announced they would be playing the majority of their schedule at the Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. The arena, named for Lowell native and United States Senator Paul Tsongas, is located on the UMass Lowell campus on the banks of the Merrimack River. Senator Tsongas, who was instrumental in securing funding for the facility, died in 1997 just before the opening of the arena. Since opening, the Tsongas Center has served as the home for a pair of American Hockey League teams, the Lock Monsters and Devils, as well as the UMass Lowell Riverhawks hockey team. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions have traditionally not been the strength of the Tsongas Center game day experience. However, the facility continues to expand and improve the options, all of which are available for PWHL games. There are concession stands on either side of the facility which offer your basic arena fare. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken nuggets are sold at these stands, along with a wide variety of snacks. You can package your chosen item with some chips and a drink to save a few dollars. Sal’s Pizza operates a stand at the south end of the arena, where they sell oversized cheese, sausage and pepperoni slices. For the most unique concession items at Tsongas Center, head to the small BBQ stand at the north end of the arena, where brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches are sold. You can also top your fries or nachos with your choice of meat. Judging by the lines seen all game long at this stand, this is your best bet for a bite at a Fleet game. Pepsi products are featured at the Tsongas Center. The craft beer selection is strong, with a wide variety of beers sold at all concession stands. Among the brews featured are beers from Fiddlehead, Lord Hobo and Harpoon Brewing. Atmosphere 5 The PWHL has enjoyed incredible support and large crowds throughout its first two seasons. Let’s hope the trend continues, as the sporting landscape is littered with teams and leagues that started strong and faded into obscurity. With the financial support enjoyed by the PWHL, here’s betting the success will continue. The crowds that have come out to Lowell have been enthusiastic and vocal in support of the Boston squad. Like every other sport, women’s hockey has its share of dedicated and knowledgeable fans. The turnout from local youth squads is impressive and bodes well for the future of the league. Fans visiting the Tsongas Center can expect a professional game day presentation. There is a video board hanging at center ice that is put to good use with hype videos, replays and graphics. It’s a solid board but seems a bit small when compared to those in similarly sized buildings. There’s a good sound system which fills the arena with music during play stoppages, and contests held throughout the game to keep fans engaged. Judging by the noise created by the crowd, they don’t seem to need much help in this area. Neighborhood 3 The University of Massachusetts-Lowell campus straddles the Merrimack River near downtown Lowell. Located on the south bank of the river, Tsongas Center is a short distance from LeLacheur Park, home of UMass Lowell baseball. Other UMass Lowell athletic facilities, including Costello Athletic Center and Cushing Field, are located on the opposite side of the river. The city of Lowell was a major center for manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. As a result of this rich history, Lowell contains many buildings of historical significance, several of which have been preserved by the National Park Service and have been preserved as the Lowell National Historical Park. Fans arriving early to Tsongas Center can walk along the Riverwalk and observe some of the rapids that powered the old mills. Fans of American literature should be sure to check out the memorial for native son Jack Kerowac, located within the national park just a short distance from the arena. Fans looking for a place to gather before or after a game for a bite to eat or drink will have to travel into downtown Lowell or beyond. The area around Market Street, about a mile from the ballpark, has some good and varied options. Lowell suffers from a bad reputation that lingers from decades ago. As is the case with many cities, there are safe areas and areas to avoid. Statistically, Lowell is as safe or safer than most New England cities of similar size. You can feel safe visiting the area around the ballpark and the downtown area. Fans 4 The Fleet are averaging over 4,500 fans per game near the end of their second season. While this figure places them below the league average, the Fleet have garnered solid support, as evidenced by merchandise sales and growing crowds. Boston was arguably the home of the most successful teams in previous women’s professional leagues, supporting the PHF’s Pride and the CWHL’s Blades in strong numbers. The Boston area has always been a women’s hockey hotbed, and there should be no worries about support for professional hockey, as the region supports numerous college and youth programs. The teal held two games inside Boston city limits at Agganis Arena, which drew sellout crowds. Access 4 The Tsongas Center is located on the south bank of the Merrimack River a short distance from UMass Lowell’s baseball stadium, LeLacheur Park. Interstate 495 travels a few miles to the south of Lowell, meaning that to reach the Tsongas Center one has to drive through the city. Between the adjacent Ayotte Garage, several surface lots and some on-street spaces, there is plenty of parking nearby. Fans will enter Tsongas Arena into a large indoor lobby, which houses ticket booths and a merchandise stand. A pair of staircases bring fans up to the concourse, which runs along the top of the seating bowl. The former 360-degree concourse is now blocked at one end by the Durkin Pavilion. It is not possible to completely circle the rink, nor can you view the rink from all points on the concourse due to the presence of luxury boxes lining one side of the venue. All seats at the Tsongas Center consist of plastic folding stadium seats and offer excellent views of the action. Access around the facility is decent, although the concourses can get crowded and lines can get long at times. Restrooms at the Tsongas Center are plentiful and clean. There is ample handicapped seating along the top of the seating bowl. Fans should be aware that the stairs leading from the concourse to the seats are not of uniform size. If one is not paying attention, there exists the very real possibility of tripping or worse, spilling your beverage. The Tsongas Center has implemented a new clear bag policy as of March 2025. You can find the details here. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to PWHL Boston games are affordable, ranging in price from $22-$62 dollars. The majority of seats are priced at under $40. Parking in the Ayotte Garage adjacent to the arena will cost you an additional $25. There is on-street parking in the neighborhood around Tsongas Center, which will run you $20 during games. Concessions are similarly priced to other mid-sized arenas in the area. It is recommended that you take advantage of the combo meals offered at all the stands to save a few dollars. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for the next step in the evolution of women’s professional hockey and the great support it has received in its first two seasons. While the transition from the PHF to the PWHL has not been entirely smooth, the crowds and media attention received by the new league has been nothing short of amazing. While the initial reaction to the rebranding of the Fleet was mixed due to the similarity of the logo and colors to the Whalers, it’s kind of refreshing to see a Boston hockey team in colors different from the traditional black and gold. If you are a fan of local hockey, check out the displays of Lowell and UMass Lowell hockey located all around the arena. The lobby contains a tribute to Senator Paul Tsongas, who was instrumental in the building of the facility. If you visit Lowell on a day where the weather cooperates, do yourself a favor and take a walk behind the Tsongas Center and explore the Riverwalk. A stroll along the river to view the rapids and the historic mill buildings is highly recommended. Final Thoughts While the Tsongas Center has not been an ideal location for the Fleet due to its location far outside of Boston, it is a quality home for professional hockey. The PWHL has been an overwhelming success in its first two seasons, and the Boston market has proven to be worthy of inclusion in the league. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 MacLauchlan Arena @ Bell Aliant Centre University of Prince Edward Island 560 University Ave Charlottetown, PE C1A 9M8 UPEI Panthers website Bell Aliant Centre website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 1.160 Hockey Island One of the most unique provinces in Canada has to be Prince Edward Island. The entire island is only 224 km long and has a population of approximately 180,000 but is politically on equal footing with the other 9 provinces. The capital city of PEI is Charlottetown and it is the centre of commerce for the province. The city has a population of 38,000 which lends to its small town, friendly feel. It is definitely a summer tourist destination, but hockey is still present on the island. The University of Prince Edward Island is found in Charlottetown and boasts 5,500 students. UPEI was established in 1969 as the amalgamation of St. Dunstan’s University and Prince of Wales College, established in 1855 and 1860 respectively, which created the new institution designed to integrate the Catholic and Protestant communities of Charlottetown. The UPEI Panthers hockey team is currently part of the Atlantic University Sport conference in USports. Taking the ice in 1969 with the establishment of UPEI, the Panthers trace their history back to 1935 when St. Dunstan’s University Saints first took the ice. Home for the Panthers is MacLauchlan Arena @ Bell Aliant Centre. The on-campus sports complex houses the two ice rinks, which comprise the arena as well as a swimming pool and other community and athletic facilities. Although Bell Aliant Centre is located on the UPEI campus, it truly is an area facility. The arena is named after Harry MacLauchlan, a PEI businessman. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions options are fairly limited at MacLauchlan Arena. The Lone Oak Lounge is essentially the only concussion option that is within the arena. Lone Oak Brewing products are available. There are also a couple of vending machines in the arena. Outside the arena, in the greater Bell Aliant Centre, fans will be able to find a Subway as well as more vending machines in the lobby of the complex. Although it could be argued that a full service Subway does offer a set of options wider than a typical snack bar, the Subway is enclosed and services the entire centre, making lines long and slow. Atmosphere 3 The Bell Aliant Centre has an exterior that fits the rest of the UPEI campus. Brown brick and green roofs are found throughout the campus and the brown brick exterior of Bell Aliant Centre fits right in. The Bell Aliant Centre is a large, community complex that houses the two rinks of the MacLauchlan Arena as well as a pool and other community facilities while being attached to UPEI’s Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Inside the Bell Aliant Centre is a huge lobby which brings all of the facilities together. The ticket kiosk is at the southeast end of the arena. Just beyond that is a display of note highlighting the history of the Panthers’ predecessor, St. Dunstan’s Saints. Entry to MacLauchlan Arena is on the opposite side with a breezeway that connects the two ice rinks. Rink 1 is the bigger of the two and home to the Panthers. Inside the rink, the ice is oriented from northwest to southeast with seating only on the southwest side. Seating is separated into an upper and lower section with seven rows of plastic, arena seats each. MacLauchlan Arena is very cold, so selecting a seat in the lower level, under one of the gas heaters may be the best choice. Lower rows in the upper level may have partially obstructed views by railings. On the wall in the north corner hang the banners for the five conference championships that the Panthers have earned. There are also retired numbers from both the Panthers and Saints including Wilfred MacDonald, Mike Kelly, George Trainor, Dennis Clough, Mike O’Brien, Vince Mulligan, Billy Mulligan, Dave Shellington and former NHL player, Joel Ward. Closer to the eastern corner hangs a banner commemorating Hockey Day in Canada which was hosted from Prince Edward Island in 2012. There are simple scoreclocks on both ends of the rink and in the middle, on the northeast wall is a decent videoboard, also unique for USports hockey. The Lone Oak Lounge is a seating option in the southeast end and offers a place to consume alcoholic beverages and escape the cold of the arena. The gameday production at Panthers games is fairly simple. The sound system is good and the PA announcer does a good job. The 50/50 draw is the highlight of limited promotions. Neighbourhood 4 Bell Aliant Centre is located on the campus of the University of Prince Edward Island in the Spring Park neighbourhood of Charlottetown. It is fair to say that Charlottetown and PEI in general are summer destinations, however there are still things to see and do during hockey season. That being said, probably an early season matchup for the Panthers would be the best medicine. There are a number of spots for pre and post game food and beverage close by. Some choices included Fox & Crow, Living Grace Cafe, Smitty’s Family Restaurant, and PEI Brewing Company. There are a couple of other sports options in town. The Panthers also field other athletic teams including basketball at the attached Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. The main draw would be the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL. Red Shores Racetrack is right next door to the home of the Islanders and runs right through January before picking up again in May. Other tourist options should be researched based on the time in PEI as many are seasonal. PEI is the home of Anne of Green Gables, a Canadian literary classic, and there are a number of tourist options surrounding the character. The Confederation Centre for the Arts, and St. Dunstan’s Cathedral are also good tourist options. For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Holiday Inn is a good option. Fans 4 USports hockey fans can be a bit difficult to assess as the AUS, and other conferences, do not congregate attendance statistics. That being said, UPEI has a fairly strong following. For the 2024-25 season, the Panthers averaged over 500 fans per game, which ranked them 5th in the conference. The previous season they ranked 3rd and averaged over 700 fans per game. The game reviewed saw 350 fans in attendance, however, the 2024-25 season was not a strong one for the Panthers and the game reviewed was the final game of the season with no meaning to the standings. It was also the Friday night before classes were closed for Reading Week and many students were gone. The fans in attendance are supportive and decently loud. Access 5 The Bell Aliant Centre is located on the campus of the University of Prince Edward Island in the Spring Park neighbourhood of Charlottetown. Traversing Charlottetown is not difficult at all and Islanders are notoriously polite when it comes to motoring. Bell Aliant Centre is less than 2 km south of the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1), and getting to campus is very easy. There is plenty of parking on site that is free during game time. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are bus stops on University Avenue. Fans should consult the T3 Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. Inside Bell Aliant Centre, the atrium is huge and easy to get around. It is also not difficult to maneuver through MacLauchlan Arena. The washrooms are more than adequate to support the hockey crowd. Return on Investment 5 USports hockey offers tremendous value for the sporting dollar and the UPEI Panthers are no exception. Panthers tickets start at $15 for adults and there are discounts for seniors and youth. Kids 3 and under are free as well as UPEI students. Seating is reserved at MacLauchlan Arena which is not common for USports hockey, so pre purchasing tickets online might be the best option. Parking is free on site for games, and concession prices are decent. The environment for Panthers games is solid and they are supported well by the community, making a Panthers game a great experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the preservation of St. Dunstan’s Saints hockey history with retired numbers and a history display in the atrium. An extra mark for the Bell Aliant Centre as a community hub for Charlottetown. An extra mark for the attractive UPEI campus. Final Thoughts Hockey is probably not the first thing tourists think of when it comes to PEI, but the UPEI Panthers are a good experience and can definitely be part of a visit to the Island. Charlottetown is an excellent location for a vacation. MacLauchlan Arena is a good spot for university hockey and fans will definitely enjoy their time at the Panthers game. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Prince William Ice Center 5180 Dale Boulevard Woodbridge, VA 22193 George Mason Patriots hockey website Prince William Ice Center website Year Opened: 2011 Mason on the Ice The George Mason Patriots ice hockey team competes in Division I of the ACHA, the top level of intercollegiate club ice hockey in the United States. Play at this level is roughly comparable to Division III of the NCAA, but predominately features teams like Mason which do not sponsor the sport at a varsity level. The Patriots play their hockey at the Prince William Ice Center in Dale City Virginia, about a half hour drive from their campus in Fairfax. The original Prince William Ice Center opened in 1996 but collapsed in 2010 due to heavy snow. Thankfully, nobody was injured as they were able to get everyone out in time, but the building was completely destroyed. The current version opened in November 2011. In addition to Mason, several youth and adult teams of various levels play at the Prince William Ice Center, and many figure skaters and speed skaters train here as well. There are two rinks at the PWIC, an Olympic-sized one and an NHL-sized one. Mason always plays on the NHL-sized one. Food & Beverage 4 There is a snack bar located in the lobby of the Prince William Ice Center, to the left of the front doors to the building and directly across from the doors to the NHL-sized rink. There are some tables you can eat at and warm up during intermission, or you can bring in your food and eat it in the bleachers while watching the game. There is a good range of offerings here, including several all-day breakfast options, plus food like pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, and hot dogs which are more conducive to the time of day Mason usually plays. bottled water and a wide range of soft drinks and energy drinks are available, as are ice cream floats. Alcohol (beer, wine, and hard seltzer) is available to fans of legal drinking age, which is surprising for a municipal rink. Pries are reasonable - other than alcohol, everything is $7 or less, and most of it is much less. Atmosphere 3 Walking into the Prince William Ice Center will put you in a spacious lobby with display cases, banners, and trophies dedicated to the various teams who play here. The NHL rink is to the left of the entrance while the Olympic-sized rink is to the right. Mason always plays on the NHL rink, but if you want to confirm, you can ask at the front desk. Once inside the rink area, there are a few rows of bleachers on one side of the ice. Netting extends from the top of the glass to the ceiling, so you will be watching the game through it no matter how high you sit. That being said, all seats are pretty close to the action so you should have a good view. There is not much going on here besides the game itself. Music is played during breaks in the action, though it is not so loud as to become annoying. The PA announcer announces the starting lineups and will typically announce goal scorers, but often does not announce penalties. They do put the time remaining on the penalty up on the scoreboard, so you can at least see who it was called on and whether it was a major or a minor. Like most of the ACHA, this is a pretty basic experience in a standard municipal rink. Neighborhood 3 There is not much in the immediate vicinity of the Prince William Ice Center. There are a few fast food restaurants, gas stations, and the like, but this is a standard suburban area with not much going on. There are some shopping centers closer to I-95 which have some dining and other options, but nothing beyond the ordinary. The Dale City/Woodbridge area is a typical suburb of Washington, DC. Fans 3 By our estimation, there were between 100 and 200 fans in attendance when Stadium Journey visited the George Mason game, most of whom had some connection to the players on the ice. The crowd could be loud at times, while at other times it was quiet enough to hear the live stream commentator if you were sitting close by. This is a pretty standard crowd for ACHA, more than some people might expect for a team few know exists, but a far cry from what you'd see at an NCAA level. Since the Prince William ice Center is half an hour from Mason's campus with no transportation available, you will find few if any of their students in attendance. Access 2 The Prince William ice Center is located a few miles off I-95, and it is easy to get to, though we suggest using a GPS as it isn't clearly signed. Once you get in the lot, the ice arena is located behind the Boys' and Girls' club. Follow the road past that building to the Ice Center lot. Once you get there, you may have trouble finding a space as the lot is relatively small. Even if you get there early, you may struggle to find a space. This is a municipal rink, so other groups are usually using the ice before Mason's game. You may need to circle the lot a few times waiting for someone to leave. As mentioned, other groups often have the ice before George Mason does, so if you arrive early, you may have to wait for them to clear out before you go in the rink. This could be as late as 20-30 minutes before the game starts. That being said, you can eat something at the tables in the snack bar while you wait, or watch the TV which is often showing a hockey game or some other sporting event. Getting in and out of the stands can be difficult, as there is a small space between the bleachers and the entrance that may have a lot of people trying to crowd into it at once. It can get bad during intermission, but iis even worse before and after the game, as people will be coming for one event at the same time people are leaving the other. You shouldn't have too many issues, but it can be claustrophobic for a minute or two before you manage to get where you need to go. Restrooms are located in a walkway between the NHL and Olympic rinks, and you should have no issues here. There was water on the floor of the men's room when we went, but this is to be expected when people are trekking ice from the rink in there, and there is no reason to suspect it was anything but water. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to George Mason hockey games are $10 for students and $15 for adults (i.e. non-students.) This is on the high-end for ACHA hockey but certainly will not break the bank. Concessions are reasonably priced as well. Extras 3 Look for the banners in the rink and displays in the lobby honoring the myriad of teams and individual athletes that call or have called the Prince William Ice Center home. There is a large George Mason logo on one set of doors to the building, plus the team logo on center ice. Even though this is a municipal rink, it feels like the team's home, not just some rented place they play at. There is a merchandise table just inside the entrance to the link that sells GMU hockey gear. Final Thoughts While Prince William Ice Center is a municipal rink, don't let that fool you. A George Mason ACHA hockey game here is definitely a fun experience for college hockey fans in Northern Virginia. With no NCAA teams calling this area home, club hockey is basically the only way to check out the college level of the game. George Mason fans and college hockey fans in general will definitely want to make the trek down to Dale City to check out a Patriots game.

Photos by Ron Ford, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 LaHaye Ice Center 1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24502 Liberty Flames hockey website LaHaye Ice Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 4,000 Liberty, Liberty, Liberty...Hockey The American Collegiate Hockey Association covers most of the college hockey programs that have not been absorbed into the NCAA and usually organizes programs which would not have the budgets normally seen amongst their big brothers and sisters in the NCAA divisions. The ACHA represent 450 programs across the United States. Located on the campus of Liberty University the LaHaye Ice Center is the home of Liberty Universities Division 1 men's and women's ice hockey teams, as well as Virginia Military Institute and Lynchburg Colleges Division 2 schools. Built in 2006 with assistance of a $4.5 million dollar grant by Tim LaHaye, it has been renovated in 2008 and again in 2015. The arena also hosts public skating, broomball and recreational hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Basic arena food with a few extras. LaHaye offers all your basic stadium fare, from hot dogs to cheeseburgers to chicken tenders, all standard preparation with no real frills, fresh popcorn and cotton candy are a nice touch and there is a wide selection of chips and candy. Coke products are available along with some hot drinks. The surprises start in that they offer discounted combos at the main concession stand. Along with a nightly concession special such as $1 hot dogs it might make this the most affordable stadium food I have seen in ages. Exploring further, there are also local businesses offering specialized snacks along the concourse. While these were slightly more expensive they are still not outrageous and fill the void for those who are looking for more sophisticated eats. While limited to mostly snacks and desserts it's still nice to have some truly homemade ice cream or cookies. There does not seem to be any adult beverages on the premises. Atmosphere 4 LaHaye is clean, well lit with simple lines and surprisingly well furnished in terms of private concourse boxes. There are some odd uses of riot gate to separate the general admission from the premium seating. General admission has bench seating with no back, but also access to standing room and glass-side viewing. Premium seating are comfortable (even for larger folks) plastic mold form seating with cupholders. It has a central video scoreboard which allows for professionally rendered and produced video screen introductions, a simple light show during player introductions and also features an ample PA system with a decent selection of arena rock music. which brings me to my next point... Neighborhood 4 LaHaye is located in the Liberty sports complex. Its neighbors are Williams Stadium for football, Worthington field for baseball, Liberty Arena for basketball and various fitness centers. All of these are well lit and well integrated buildings with the lone exception being LaHaye which stands out slightly as a white cement and chrome structure in contrast to the red brick and brass of most of the other stadiums. There are plenty of restaurants including local and franchise names in the strip malls surrounding the sports complex. From Macados to Star Ginger and Crab Du Jour, you are sure to find something to match your pre-game tastes within mere blocks of the arena. Several hotels spot the area surely awaiting out of town parents visiting students. Fans 4 This place is loud. In the best way. In that babies the next town over cry when the hometown scores. The fans are knowledgeable, and dedicated, they have their favorite players, as a community. There are disparaging chants for the introduction of the opposing team, and individual cheers for the players with personalities. D1 men's finished the 2023 season with several consecutive sell outs, which most teams in any level of sport would hope for. Access 4 LaHey is located 2 blocks off 29 in Lynchburg Virginia. My direction app happened to take me on a backwoods adventure through the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Which was honestly a pleasant surprise. I occasionally forget why I moved out to the mountains. And my GPS reminded me. But getting to the arena is a fairly straightforward trip from most towns north and south. All sections of the arena are easily accessible, and there is an elevator for those with mobility issues. Parking is plentiful and free as long as you register for the free parking registration here: https://www.liberty.edu/police/parking/visitor-parking/ Return on Investment 4 There are so many positives here. I could treat a family of 4 to night out of exciting competitive sporting action for less than $ 100. I do recommend getting your tickets early as I was shut out of one game due to the building reaching capacity. There is a great souvenir / pro shop with a wide variety of Liberty University paraphernalia and some hockey and skating gear as well. Having seen hundreds of minor league games in dozens of arenas over the years the sports going experience here is one of the best I've ever had. Extras 0 If visiting LaHaye Ice Arena, keep in mind that Liberty University is owned and operated by the Fallwell family there is a heavy handed helping of religion and politics here. Should you find the presence of either overly intrusive, this might not be the venue for you.

Photos by Nolan Searl, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Baxter Arena 2425 S 67th St Omaha, NE 68106 Omaha Mavericks men’s hockey website Baxter Arena website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,898 A New Era for Omaha Hockey UNO hockey finally has a place of its own. Completed in 2015, Baxter Arena is UNO’s first on-campus arena. Since the program began in 1997, the Mavs have shared the Civic Auditorium and more recently the CenturyLink Center with Creighton men’s basketball. The $90-million arena lies just south of the school’s Pacific Campus and Aksarben Village. Food & Beverage 4 All of your basics are covered at Baxter Arena. For those looking for something a little different, take a walk around the concourse and you’ll find something that grabs your interest. Godfather’s Pizza, a popular Midwestern chain, offers pepperoni and hamburger pizza by the slice. At the 67th Street Kitchen, you can find fries topped with pulled pork and cheddar cheese, loaded tater tots with sour cream, bacon, and cheese, or even “taco tots.” And hockey fans need not worry, Baxter Arena has beer. Shock Top and Stella Artois have kiosks with a few different options to choose from. All of your domestics are available as well at $7.50 for a 20-ounce. Right next to Godfather’s Pizza on the south side of the arena is The Blue Line bar. The lines there get long, so plan for that if you’re looking for some wine or a cocktail. The Blue Line bar is also a local beer option from Infusion Brewing, which is based in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. Atmosphere 4 This is an arena that was built specifically for UNO hockey. The school’s colors are plastered all around the concourse. Even the concession stands have tied in some of the school’s history. You won’t find a bad seat in the house, either. All of the upper bowl seats have great sightlines and are very easy to access. The upper and lower bowls share the same concourse. It’s always easy getting to and from your seat, no matter where you are at. Throughout the game, there’s a multitude of giveaways and contests to keep everyone entertained. You’ll want to stick around for the Voodoo Taco taco cannon, for sure. Neighborhood 5 Baxter Arena is right across from Aksarben Village, which is a newly developed area of businesses, restaurants, shops, apartments, and student housing. For a pregame meal, Jimi D’s offers up the best food within walking distance. There’s also Dudley’s Pizza and Tavern (a popular place for UNO fans), and DJ’s Dugout, which has huge beers and more TVs than anyone else in town. There’s also Voodoo Taco, Ponzu Sushi, and a few other options. For a post-game drink, Pauli’s has become the go-to spot for Mav fans and visitors alike. It’s your standard neighborhood bar, but it’s always a good crowd after the game, win or lose. The arena is about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown and the Old Market, which is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Omaha. Fans 5 UNO hockey began in 1997, and they have had tremendous support ever since. Maverick fans always show up in large numbers, and they are consistently ranked in the top five nationally for attendance. Most Nebraskan’s are diehard Cornhusker football fans. However, the Mav fans still fill up the building even if the team down in Lincoln is playing at the same time. The “Mav Maniacs” and “The Red Army” are a couple of groups that are constantly coming up with chants and keeping the crowd energized throughout the game. With the arena being right next to campus, more students are going to the games as well. A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious. Access 4 The arena is a short drive north of I-80. The 60th and 72nd Street exits will get you to the arena in just a few minutes. Head north until you hit Center Street, and you will run into the arena at 67th. You can’t miss it. Parking in the arena lots is free, but they usually fill up. Luckily there is more parking available in surrounding neighborhoods. Return on Investment 4 The food and drink prices are pretty standard when compared to other arenas in the area. You won’t be charged an arm and a leg for anything. Free parking adds to the value. You can expect to pay $20-$30 for an upper bowl seat (unless North Dakota is coming to town) and an additional $20-$30 if you plan on eating and drinking at the game. Extras 4 Download the Mav Experience app to get prices, menus, a map of the arena, and game updates. Baxter Arena also has free wifi, which is a nice touch. Another extra point for the university for investing in this arena for its hockey team, and fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Compton Family Ice Arena 100 Compton Family Ice Arena Notre Dame, IN 46556 Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s hockey website Compton Family Ice Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 5,022 All in the Family There are many great college hockey facilities in the United States, some much better than others. The Compton Family Ice Area on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana might be in a league all by itself. It is a facility that is hard to describe unless you have been to a game, but once inside it is clear that this is truly a work of art in terms of experience. The facility is much more than a place to watch the Irish play hockey, but is a community facility. The state-of-the-art arena houses two ice rinks and was designed to support the Notre Dame hockey programs and those in the local community. The facility was made possible by a generous lead gift from Kevin and Gayla Compton at a total cost of $50 million. The 5,022-seat venue is separated into two sections featuring chair-back seating, bleacher seating, and standing-room-only sections. Construction began on March 15, 2010, and on October 21, 2011, Notre Dame hockey opened a new page in its history with a 5-2 victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At any given time, there can be something going on inside the arena since it is open 24 hours a day. In addition to intramural hockey and broomball, women's club hockey, figure skating, and public skating, high school, and youth hockey are also offered. There is a multi-purpose room that is also used for weekly Mass. Food & Beverage 5 There is almost everything imaginable at the Compton Family Ice Arena. There are four stands on the main concourse that offer different varieties of menu items. O’Brien’s is an exclusive club that has a capacity of 250 people. There are also portable stands that feature local South Bend vendors offering everything from chocolates to fish and chips. The four main concession booths offer bratwursts, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and Coca-Cola products. However, each of them has something a little different including pizza slices, cheesesteak sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tender baskets. The prices range from $4.50 for a hot dog to $9.50 for an Irish burger. A few reasonable options include the popcorn and soda combo for $5 and the chicken tender basket for $8. Portable stands are spread out throughout the concourse, and are also varied and feature fare from local proprietors. The South Bend Chocolate Company offers chocolate by the pound, Ben’s Soft Pretzels usually has a long line for the giant, sweet pretzels selling for $6, and Hawaiian Shaved Ice is a delight for children for $5. The kids can choose from a myriad of colors and flavors to top their ice. Atmosphere 4 College hockey is a very interesting sport and when you have a program that is revered like Notre Dame, it’s going to produce high-energy capacity crowds every night. After all, this is one of the best places in the country to view college hockey, and boy does the fans enjoy it. The atmosphere begins well before the opening faceoff and ends at the final buzzer of the third period. There is everything here from a rowdy student section, a pep band, and fans of all ages standing or sitting throughout the venue. Once you walk inside the arena some stairs take you up to the main concourse, which provides everyone the opportunity to check out the souvenir shop. For season ticket holders who have upgraded their tickets, then access to O’Brien’s exclusive club is here as well. If you happen to have a question, someone from the staff will gladly help you with any concerns you have at the game. The seating area ranges from up close to very up close and personal to the ice rink. The top-tier seats hover over the ice somewhat, creating a floating feeling for the game. You are also shouldering shoulders with fellow Irish supporters who will keep you up with the action in the play. Neighborhood 4 The Compton Family Ice Arena is located on campus, sharing a parking lot with Notre Dame Stadium and the Joyce Center. If you have the opportunity to tour campus, it is highly recommended. You are also within walking distance of the Eddy Street Commons which offers shopping, dining, and residential apartments. There are nine restaurants to choose from including Blaze Pizza, Bar Bici, The Mark, and Yats, specializing in inexpensive Cajun and Creole fare. However, South Bend offers more opportunities to many bonafide places including South Bend Brew Werks, and Barnaby’s. South Bend Brew Werks is open seven days a week, offering small-batch beers, locally sourced food, and a refreshing emphasis on the local community. Fifty cents of every pint sold at the pub is donated to a local charity. The table tops, chairs, and stools have been repurposed from area bowling alleys and high schools. Fans 5 College hockey fans are very similar to college football fans in South Bend. Then again the Irish faithful is strong, dominant, and spread out throughout the nation. Here the fans are glued to the action, cheer for goals and breakaways, and jeer when the opposing club scores. They are well-educated about the game and when the band is playing at its loudest, it is hard not to sing along and cheer. Access 5 From parking your car, waiting in line at the concession stand, and arriving at your seat, getting around the Compton Family Ice Arena is very simple and easy to navigate. Cars are directed to their spots by staff members and it is needed since games sell out and the lots fill to the brim with cars. There are eight public restrooms with parity for both men and women, while the main lobby is spacious and open. Return on Investment 4 Depending on the type of game, tickets can start at $11 and go up to $49. Parking is also free in the parking lots surrounding the facility and cars are guided by staff to avoid any hassle or confusion. The concession stand prices tend to be on the high side, but it’s not too uncommon when you compare it to other minor league or professional facilities. There are a lot of options ranging from low to high regarding almost everything at the Compton Family Ice Arena. The choice is simply yours based on what you find affordable or expensive. Some facilities do not give this choice, but here they do. Extras 4 The staff is incredibly friendly and will assist you with any questions or concerns that you have during the game. It can range anywhere from where you sit to more information about the arena itself. The arena is much more than just a college hockey venue. It serves the South Bend area quite well and the needs of Notre Dame students and beyond. It is a facility that is open around the clock and is of a source of entertainment. The staff does a great job assisting vehicles to their spot in the parking lot. The area can get very crowded, and the staff makes it quite easy to get in and get out. The arena itself is a true spectacle because it looks like an older facility on the outside, but once you’re inside you see it is truly a modern and state-of-the-art venue that offers everything a fan needs in terms of food, comfort, and entertainment. Final Thoughts The Compton Family Ice Arena is one of the better facilities in college hockey, and well worth a visit for any fan of the Irish, the sport, or for those who are following their favorite team on the road.

Big things are on the way in the Frontier League. Already the largest of the independent circuits in terms of total number of teams (18) and geography (the league's footprint stretches from the province of Quebec in the northeast to North Carolina in the southeast to Mississippi up to greater St. Louis), the league is looking at a rebrand for the 2027 season to the National Association of Professional Baseball. There are also rumors that two new teams will be joining the circuit for next year (Kane County Cougars and Cleburne Railroaders). Stadium Journey’s writers are frequent visitors to the ballparks in the Frontier League. We were able to update reviews for three of the league’s parks in 2026, and 14 of the 18 venues have been reviewed within the last four years. We even boast a PA announcer for one of the teams amongst our writers. It is safe to say we are well-versed in the ballparks in this circuit. The ballparks are ranked according to Stadium Journey’s patented FANFARE system, which ranks facilities according to their Food and beverage, gameday Atmosphere, surrounding Neighborhood, Fan support, Accessibility, Return on investment, and an Extra category for anything not covered by the other six categories. When two or more ballparks are tied, a StaWintrdium Journey Council of Elders is convened to break the deadlock. Without any further ado, we are proud to present, for the final time, Stadium Journey’s ranking of the ballparks of the Frontier League for the 2026 season. Hinchliffe Stadium - New Jersey Jackals 2.86 (2024) Paul Baker - While there was a great deal of criticism surrounding the efforts to preserve and restore this historic facility and the Jackals’ subsequent move there, it’s wonderful to be able to step back in time and experience a baseball game in an original Negro League ballpark. While some of the choices made in setting up the field may be questionable, this is a place that every baseball historian should endeavor to visit. Campanelli Stadium - Brockton Rox 2.86 (2026) Paul Baker - It’s been a frustrating three seasons back in pro ball here in the City of Champions, where every step forward seems to be followed by a step back. The Rox may be on the ropes, but can they go the distance? Ozinga Field - Windy City Thunderbolts 3.00 (2024) Eric Hasman - This ballpark is one of the best-kept secrets on the south side of the Chicagoland area. The design of the ballpark, the local fans who tailgate, the support of the club, and the affordable pricing should make Ozinga Field a can’t miss for any baseball traveler. Stade Quillorama - Trois Rivieres Aigles 3.14 (2023) Paul Baker - Trois Rivieres will not be a destination considered by many baseball fans when planning a road trip. However, a trip to Quebec to see Stade Quillorama is a worthwhile stadium journey for any fan. This old-timey facility is a cozy place to catch a game, and the small city of Trois Rivieres is a unique destination to include on a ballpark road trip. Wintrust Field - Schaumburg Boomers 3.29 (2024) Eric Hasman - The Schaumburg Boomers experience is noticeably better than the Schaumburg Flyers experience from many years ago. It seems the Boomers are keeping up their winning ways and are always upgrading the fan experience. Wintrust Field is worth checking out during any ballpark tours of the Chicagoland area. Skylands Stadium - Sussex County Miners 3.43 (2024) Gregory Koch - Skylands Stadium may be far away from everywhere everyone thinks of when they think of New Jersey, but it is still a great place to watch a baseball game. Between the unique and fitting architectural style and all the on-field and off-field ways the team promotes the fan experience, a Sussex County Miners game is a great way to spend a summer evening. EQT Park - Washington Wild Things 3.43 (2018) Stadium Journey - The city of Washington’s population is near 14,000, but it is only a 30-minute drive from Pittsburgh and Wheeling, West Virginia. Located adjacent to I-70 and near the Washington Crown Center shopping mall, the colorful ballpark offers various food options, between-inning promotions, and even cookies and milk. Grainger Stadium - Down East Bird Dawgs 3.43 (2026) Gregory Koch - Grainger Stadium is a historic ballpark in a small town. While it isn't the fanciest stadium by any means, it has the charm and history that many of the newer venues lack. Unfortunately, the crowds have not shown up in recent years, particularly with the move to Indy Ball, and a Bird Dawgs game can feel like a ghost town at times. Bosse Field - Evansville Otters 3.43 (2019) Marc Viquez - Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time, and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. Trustmark Park - Mississippi Mud Monsters 3.57 (2025) Matt Colville - The new team’s name pays tribute to the legendary catfish that lurk in the rivers and lakes of Central Mississippi, a region that proudly calls itself the “Catfish Capital of the World.” Now, an exciting new brand of baseball has taken over, and Trustmark Park didn’t just fade into silence – it just got a little muddier. Clover Stadium - New York Boulders 3.57 (2025) Paul Baker - Clover Stadium is one of the nicer ballparks you’ll come across in your ballpark travels. Unfortunately, its location serves to keep it a hidden secret to many baseball fans. If this ballpark was located in a downtown area, it may be listed among the best in all of independent baseball. Grizzlies Ballpark - Gateway Grizzlies 3.71 (2021) Marc Viquez - It is a marvelous, little ballpark that has become one of the better ones in independent baseball. The ticket prices are affordable, the food is creative and fun, and promotional nights should attract fans to the stadium. When in St. Louis, there is more than one option for a baseball game. Ottawa Stadium - Ottawa Titans 3.71 (2026) Dave Cottenie - Although the Ottawa baseball market is redeveloping after the phenomenon that was the rise and fall of the Ottawa Lynx, the Ottawa Titans are bringing in fans at a rate far superior to previous teams. A trip to see the Titans is a great way to spend a summer evening in Canada's capital, one of the best tourist cities in the country. ForeFront Field - Lake Erie Crushers 3.71 (2025) Marc Viquez - The Lake Erie Crushers are a refreshing reminder of community, tradition, and a love of the game. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball enthusiast or simply looking for a fun summer evening with the family, a trip to see the Crushers play offers an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful—and all just 30 minutes west of Cleveland. Stade Canac - Quebec les Capitales 3.71 (2023) Paul Baker - Quebec would never be considered a baseball city by most fans, but Les Capitales have been one of the more successful independent teams in any league, both on and off the field. A trip to historic Stade Canac is one worth taking for any ballpark chaser. Joseph L. Bruno Stadium - Tri-City ValleyCats 3.86 (2025) Paul Baker - Even though The Joe was a victim of Minor League Baseball’s downsizing, it remains a solid facility, and an excellent addition to the growing Frontier League. Here’s hoping that Capital District baseball fans realize that the ValleyCats remain as entertaining as ever, and that the baseball played on the field might actually be better than what they saw in their affiliated days. Thomas More Stadium - Florence Y'Alls 3.86 (2021) Marc Viquez - Thomas More Stadium is a small stadium that packs in a big punch. It is a simple facility that makes up for it by getting base hits with free parking, local food variety, affordable prices, and a positive attitude. The use of the water tower and the phrase "Florence Y'all" is awesomely fun. Duly Health and Care Field - Joliet Slammers 4.29 (2024) Eric Hasman - Duly Health and Care Field has a surprisingly lot of pros to make it one of the best ballparks in the Chicagoland area. It offers a wraparound concourse, creative food options, cheap prices, a healthy selection of craft beers, and an active surrounding neighborhood to make it well worth your while to visit.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Antler Stadium 1310 Sidney Baker St Kerrville, TX 78028 Schreiner Mountaineers website Antler Stadium website Year Opened: 1945 Capacity: 6,000 Schreiner University Mountaineers – Antler Stadium Tucked along the turbulent Guadalupe River lies the town of Kerrville, Texas. Long billed as the gateway to the famed Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is a town steeped in history and tradition. Much of that tradition is built around Schreiner University. Founded in 1923 by one of the city’s legendary patriarchs, Capt. Charles Schreiner, the university is embedded in the fabric of the community. This is especially true of Schreiner’s athletic programs. This season, the university brought back its long-dormant football program. Once the home of Pro Football Hall of Famer Raymond Berry, the Schreiner Mountaineers returned to Division III play in 2026 for the first time since the 1950s. The Mountaineers’ return to the gridiron takes place at historic Antler Stadium in Kerrville. The home field of the Tivy High School Antlers – the alma mater of one Johnny Manziel – the stadium is built in the classic style of Texas high school football and is the perfect venue for the Mountaineers in their return to football. Read all about it below. Food & Beverage 3 As Antler Stadium is primarily for high school football, the concessions available all fit the bill for what you’d find on a Friday night in the fall. There is one stand located on the north side of the stadium which offers up burgers (they grill ‘em right there on site), hot dogs, Frito pie, nachos, popcorn, and candy, as well as bottled soda, water, and sports drinks. Even though there is only one stand, things move pretty quickly. Atmosphere 3 Since the stadium is the home of Tivy High School, much of the signage in the stadium is geared towards Tivy. However, the Mountaineers are doing what they can to give their team a home-field advantage on Saturdays. The Schreiner ROTC has a cannon they fire off in the south end zone for every score and every change of quarter during the game. There is also a merchandise tent near the main entrance, with a surprising amount of Mountaineers gear for fans. These are early days in Kerrville, so the more seasons they get, the better the atmosphere will be over time. Neighborhood 4 Kerrville is around an hour from downtown San Antonio and is settled on the banks of the Guadalupe River. This gives you the best of both worlds if you’re visiting. For the big city vibe you can head down I-10 to the Alamo City, or for some small-town outdoorsy fun you can spend your time in Kerrville. There are no fewer than four city and state parks in the area for you to enjoy if the weather is right. For dining, I’d recommend Trail Boss Steak & Grill and Acapulco Mexican Restaurant. Both offer tastes of true Texas, and both are great options before or after a Mountaineers game. Other activities in the area include the Museum of Western Art – which, as its name implies, offers visitors glimpses of a wide array of classic western art – and Stonehenge II. The life-size replica of the ancient wonder draws visitors from all over the state. If you’re staying in town, there are plenty of chain options. However, you can’t beat YO Ranch Hotel & Conference Center. It’s one of the most famous hotels in the region and is just a few minutes from Antler Stadium. Fans 3 With the Mountaineers still in the midst of their return as a program, fan support is still in its infancy. The most recent game I attended saw a pretty robust crowd. The announced attendance of over 3,000 was very much into the game. Schreiner fans were decked out in maroon and white and were vocally supportive of their young team. The home stands were virtually full, which is great to see in a facility like Antler Stadium. Access 4 As mentioned, Kerrville is about an hour’s drive west on I-10 from San Antonio. Antler Stadium is easily visible from the road once you head into town from the highway. Once on-site, parking is plentiful all around the stadium. You can also easily get in and get out before and after games, which is much appreciated. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for Schreiner football games at Antler Stadium are a real bargain at just $10 per person for general admission seating. You can upgrade to the reserved section (which includes a seat cushion) for $20. Parking at Antler Stadium is going to set you back $10, but that’s still a bargain considering the state of most college football stadiums. The highest-priced concession item here is just $8. The only reason this section’s score isn’t higher is due to the level of competition found at the DIII level. Either way, you’re getting a great deal at Mountaineers games. Extras 3 The Schreiner Mountaineers have all the traditional pomp and circumstance you’ve come to expect from college sports. They have their own costumed mascot, Monty the Mountain Lion, prowling the sidelines and stands. The Schreiner Drum and Bugle Corps performs throughout the game from the stands and at halftime. Also, the cheer squad can be found down on the field cheering on the Mountaineers and tossing souvenirs into the stands after scores. Final Thoughts The Mountaineers are at an exciting time in their history. Relaunching a football program after so long – and one that has a stellar history behind it – is a rarity in sports. To do this in Kerrville, a truly special place in Texas, and at Antler Stadium – a palace of Friday night football – makes it that much more unique. If you’re a fan of college football, you should definitely add the Schreiner Mountaineers to your bucket list; it is football at its most pure. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 DCU Center 50 Foster St Worcester, MA 01608 Massachusetts Pirates website DCU Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 14,800 DCU’s Pirates Editor's Note: The Massachusetts Pirates relocated to Orlando and became the Orlando Pirates the end of the 2025 season. DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts is a dated facility, but the staff does a lot to make the experience fun for the fans. In addition to hosting the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL), DCU Center also hosts the Worcester Railers of minor league hockey’s ECHL. The facility opened in 1982 and holds 14,800 fans – however, the upper level is curtained off during Pirates games due to the lower attendance at those games. Food & Beverage 4 Not all the concession stands at DCU Center are open during Pirates games, but there are plenty of options available, and there are also several bars in the facility, some of which have views of the field (there is a bar behind each end zone with seating that looks out onto the field). You can find all the traditional fare at Massachusetts Pirates games – hot dogs, burgers, pizza, chicken sandwiches, cotton candy, chips, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, and packaged candy, although you will have to check different stands to find all these items, as none of the stands sell them all. While there is no food item that stands out as unique, really, the drink selection is very wide, with plenty of beer, wine, and mixed drink choices, plus alcohol seltzers, bottled water, tea, coffee, and soda. In fact, the drink selection is probably larger than the food selection. Prices are a little hit and miss in terms of cost – hot dogs are $5, for example, which seems reasonable, but burgers and chicken sandwiches are $10 each, which seems on the high side. Regardless, you should be able to find something within your budget if you look around. Atmosphere 3 As I mentioned above, the facility is a little dated, but the seats are all chairbacks and have padding, which is a nice touch. The seats are also all very close to the field, so you have a good view of the action. The staff has the traditional fan contests, as well as the ubiquitous dance team and mascot. They also bring in local flag football teams (young kids) to scrimmage at halftime. The field itself is a bold blue in the Pirates colors, similar to a well-known FBS stadium you may have heard of. There are no pyrotechnics when the team comes onto the field, but the inflatable tunnel is really cool – it looks like a wooden sailing ship with a pirate (complete with hook hand) piloting it. They also have inflatable play areas for the kiddos in the lobby, and a massive team gear section. Neighborhood 3 A few blocks from DCU Center there are numerous eateries, including mostly Asian and fast food restaurants, as well as a couple of hotels (Hilton, Holiday Inn, AC, and Homewood Suites). There is also a huge hospital on the east side of the arena. Worcester is about 45 minutes west of Boston, so if you want, you can easily go into the big city if you are looking for more to do (there are lots of historical sites in Boston as you probably know, but also the traffic is pretty heavy). Fans 2 There are not too many fans at Massachusetts Pirates games, but they are into the game and many of them show up in Pirates gear, or the gear of other local teams. Access 5 There is very little traffic around DCU Center during Massachusetts Pirates games, so getting in and out is easy, and you can literally park right across the street for $10 in the parking deck – I don’t always like parking decks at sometimes they take forever to get out of, but in this case I was able to get out in minutes, and the walk was very short to the arena. There are plenty of bathrooms inside, the concessions lines are not long at all, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. You can’t really see the field from the concourse as there are black curtains hung at every entrance, but on the plus side there are plenty of tables and seating areas scattered around the concourse, so you don’t have to eat your food at your seat. Return on Investment 4 Including Ticketmaster fees, tickets to Massachusetts Pirates games are less than $25 each, which is pretty normal as far as professional sports go nowadays. Parking and concessions are also reasonable, so I would say this is a good return on investment. Note also they only have digital programs (just scan the QR code from the posters on the walls all over the arena) – on the plus side this makes them free, but it also leaves you without a physical souvenir. In full disclosure I did not get one of the programs, so I don’t know if they are downloadable such that you can keep a copy, or if they only last as long as the game. Extras 2 The dance team actually does a costume change during the game, which is very unique; I have not seen it at any other indoor football game, or any other sporting event for that matter. The facility also looks great from the outside with its huge bay windows, which gives fans great views from the inside.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman and Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark 1251 21st Ave N Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Myrtle Beach Pelicans website TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,600 The Ticket to Success in Myrtle Beach The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have called TicketReturn.com Field their home since 1999 and it is an excellent minor league facility. Located across the street from a large entertainment/dining/shopping complex named Broadway at the Beach, anyone could make an entertaining day of the two properties. The City of Myrtle Beach is heavily oriented to tourists and families, offering many hotels/resorts/golf courses/restaurants, and the Pelicans staff appear to do a great job of attracting local residents and tourists. An unusually good amount of food and entertainment is available for children to make attending a game a great experience. The stadium offers 4,800 seats while there is room for a total of 6,599 including standing room. The Pelicans are the Advanced Class A team that have been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs since 2015. Food & Beverage 5 For a Class A ballpark, the Pelicans offer many choices and some unique food items. Start out at the Clark and Addison Grille in the right field corner which provides signature items such as the Chicago Double Play (beef and sausage) for $14.75, the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Burger for $12.75, Buckner’s Beef Sandwich for $10, Lee Arthur Grass Fed Burger for $9.75, and Santo’s Italian Sausage for $9. There are also homemade potato chips (often included with sandwiches) and fried pork rinds served on the side. Other food stands in the lower concourse offer Chick-fil-A sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, corn dogs, locally made crab cake sandwiches, assorted cheesesteaks, and chicken waffle bites. A Boar’s Head stand offers three wraps and pulled pork. Hand-dipped or soft-serve ice cream is available in multiple flavors and preparations. The Windy City Wieners assembles the traditional Chicago hot dog with all the fixings. One item recommended by a number of fans is The Mordecai – three large “Chicken Bog Balls” with a spicy sauce and chips for only $7. Other fun alternatives are Hawk’s Chips and Dip, Sosa’s Turkey Dog and a Grand Slam Veggie Burger. Pepsi fountain products are served here, just like Wrigley: $3.75 for 24 oz or $5.50 for 32 oz in a souvenir cup. A wide-ranging choice of beers are available: 16 oz premium draft for $7 and 24 oz domestic drafts for $7.50. A “Pelicans Beer Bat” is $15. One stand offers Tito’s Vodka mixed drinks for $8. Bottled water goes for $3.75. If all these options do not serve you well, you must have gone to a seafood buffet before the game! Atmosphere 4 ReturnTicket.com Park offers something for everyone: casual and intense baseball fans, families, groups, tourists, local residents; even “foodies.” The natural grass field is well maintained and many trees behind the outfield walls provide an excellent backdrop. Seating alternatives include comfortable traditional plastic seats (originally from Angels Stadium of Anaheim – they are starting to show some wear with chipped paint), metal bleacher seats with backs, and bench seating in left field. Nine luxury suites are on the upper level around the infield. One unique option is Tito’s Beach Party along the left field line, where the beach comes to the park as fans are encouraged to take off their shoes and dig their toes into the sand; groups of 50-125 can enjoy this beach for $10/person. For some games, fans can buy tickets for this area. One major improvement is new LED lighting for the entire field. It is programmed to do light shows between innings. Like many minor league parks, activities between innings on the field abound and entertain the fans. An enjoyable mix of music is played throughout the game. Games are played at night here, perhaps to allow fans to enjoy the beach or golf during the day and/or to have cooler temperatures. Neighborhood 5 The Broadway at the Beac h across the street from the field consists of a lake surrounded by a Fishing Village, Boardwalk, and Mediterranean Village with 33 restaurants, entertainment venues, lots of shopping, three hotels and many other things to do. When large crowds are expected for a game, some fans spend time here before the game, leave their car parked in Broadway’s lot, walk across the street to the stadium, and can then avoid backed up traffic after the game. Since the park is located about 1.5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean with its many beaches, it’s easy to spend a day there and then enjoy a Pelicans game. Myrtle Beach has an amazing number of high quality restaurants at all price levels. So many, in fact, that we recommend using your favorite dining app. Fans 4 Because of the unique combination of tourism (one estimate shows over 14 million people visiting the area annually) and local population of 32,000 plus residents, the Pelicans draw some devoted local fans, groups, and local/tourist families to the park. The tourist factor is somewhat unique for Myrtle Beach. Fans come to see some promising young ballplayers and to enjoy the great food and entertainment. In 2018, the Pelicans averaged 3,327 fans per game, good for fifth in the Carolina League. Team mascot Splash is a lively, entertaining character who interacts with the fans throughout the stadium. Slider the Bat Dog is featured in a story about Bat Dogs around the Minor Leagues. The Pelicans Pro Shop is behind first base and accessible from the concourse as well as the parking lot; it offers a wide range of items for the fans. One quibble: all fans are given a small program at the gate that contains limited information and other parks offer a lot more. Access 5 Even though the city attracts so many tourists, getting to TicketReturn.com Field is convenient as US-17 and US-501 intersect nearby. The parking entrance is off Grissom Parkway; paved lots are behind the stadium and the parking is free (a word Stadium Journey really likes). Physically challenged fans will enjoy seating near section 103. The concourse is reasonably wide at the seats. The concession stands are below the seats, so fans cannot see the field while grabbing a bite or drink; same is true for the bathrooms. Return on Investment 5 Lower level seats go for $13 and upper level are $11, while left field bleacher seats cost $9. The team offers combination tickets to the game plus popular local attractions as well as many specials each day of the week. Considering the quality of the food, specials, and free parking, along with typical seat prices, this is a great value. Extras 5 One point for the new LED lighting and another for the innovative beach area. Another point for the Clark and Addison Grille and its friendly, customer-focused staff. Slider the Bat Dog is great fun to watch as he retrieves the bats for all players – another point. A final point for the large, well-stocked Pelicans Pro Shop. Final Thoughts Great food; excellent choice of craft beers; free parking; nearby Broadway at the Beach; Splash and Slider; friendly welcoming staff; and Myrtle Beach combine to make TicketReturn.com Field an easy choice for your visit. It is one of the best in the minors.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 San Antionio Brahmas website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 72,000 San Antonio Brahmas – Alamodome Editor's Note: The San Antonio Brahmas ceased operations a in October 2025 after playing three seasons at the Alamodome. The early months of 2023 saw the second revival of the XFL, this time under the auspices of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his business partners. This third iteration (XFL 3.0?) brought with it a new franchise in the Alamo City with the San Antonio Brahmas. Virtually every startup/experimental/spring/minor league football league has set up camp in San Antonio over the years. Running the alphabet gamut, San Antonio has been home to the WFL (San Antonio Wings), USFL (San Antonio Gunslingers), WLAF (San Antonio Riders), CFL (San Antonio Texans), AAF (San Antonio Commanders), Arena Football League (San Antonio Force and San Antonio Talons), and the New Orleans Saints for a brief spell following Hurricane Katrina. Since the early ‘90s, all these fledgling teams have called the venerable Alamodome their home. The Riders, Texans, Saints, Talons, and Commanders all preceded the Brahmas at the Dome. As always, the pro football-starved citizens of San Antonio have whole-heartedly embraced their new team and are one of the highest-attended teams in the XFL (just behind the St. Louis club), once again making the Alamodome a must-visit spot on the pro football landscape. Food & Beverage 4 While most of the Alamodome’s concession stands are not open on XFL game days (as the lower bowl on the concourse level is all that is available for seating), what is offered is still pretty darn good. As I have mentioned in other reviews of the Dome, there recently was a great emphasis to expand the food and beverage fare at the stadium – this included brining in local and regional chains with pared down, specialty menus for fans. These recent additions include local faves Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant (street tacos), Earl Abel’s (fried chicken), Big Bib BBQ (brisket sandwiches), Lagniappe Today (cajun nachos and tots), Rebecca Creek Distillery (liquor and cocktails), and the Alamo Beer Company (beer, of course, including a signature XFL brew). Other national brands on site include Papa John’s Pizza, Johnny Rockets, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. There are also plenty of other non-branded stands on the main concourse offering up the standard hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, bottled sodas, waters, and beer. Speaking of beer, the new Te Amo Micheladas stand serves up the refreshing Mexican-style cocktail. Atmosphere 2 The XFL and the Brahmas will pretty much get a pass this inaugural season as this new iteration tries to get its footing on the sports landscape. With that said, there is still some work that needs to be done in terms of Atmosphere at the Alamodome for the Brahmas. When it comes to the stadium’s main tenants, the UTSA Roadrunners, there is signage, coloring, and banners aplenty. However, for the new team in town, there is not much if anything to be found. The team has converted the two merchandise areas to selling Brahmas gear, and the two emcees that host the games do their best to fire up the crowd (which does sport a surprising amount of Brahmas gear, both store bought and homemade) and get them to follow along with the “Horns Forward” chant. One pretty fun feature is the augmented reality that the team employs on the fan cam. Fans showing up on the jumbotron, through the magic of digital technology, suddenly have either their faces painted yellow and black or are sporting brahma horns. Neighborhood 5 The one thing that has continued to bring pro sports and big events continuously throughout the years to San Antonio and the Alamodome is its location. Situated near two major highways in the middle of the Alamo City’s popular and energetic downtown, the Dome is ideally suited for big-time sports. The Alamodome is within walking distance of the eponymous and legendary Alamo, famed San Antonio River Walk, lush Hemisfair Park, and awe-inspiring Tower of the Americas. All of these are must-see sites when visiting San Antonio, especially for the first time, and all can be seen either before or after (most) XFL games. When it comes to dining, this area of the city has an abundance of dining options, including some of the best in the region. The Historic Pearl has, in the past decade or so, become the go-to spot for those looking to sample some of the city’s finest food – some highlights include Bakery Lorraine, which is a classic French bakery and serves up delicious treats like house-made macarons and croissants. Another spot not to be missed is the award-winning Cured, which can be best described as a charcuterie forward restaurant. When it comes to places to stay, downtown San Antonio has you covered. There are dozens of options to suit everyone’s budget. There are also quite a few that are a short walk from the Alamodome; these include Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center and City View Inn & Suites. There are also vacation rentals aplenty in the area, as the Alamodome abuts a residential neighborhood – again, it all depends on your budget. Fans 4 As a lifelong resident I am still continually amazed at how much San Antonians flock to each and every one of these teams that come to town. Thus far in their infancy, the Brahmas have proven to be a hit with the fans. I attended what was only the second home game in team history, and I was blown away by the amount of Brahmas apparel that was seen in the crowd. Fans came dressed in luchador masks; fans came face-painted, some with horns, some without. I even saw someone in a full Captain America-style outfit, modified with the Brahmas’ colors. The fans were loud, tried to get a wave going numerous times, and did their best to participate in the emcees’ “Horns Forward” chant. This is a city all about loyalty, especially with its sports teams – if the Brahmas can stick around, crowds at the Alamodome will only get bigger. Access 4 The Alamodome is located directly off State Highway 281/37, between Interstates 10 and 35 and a 14-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport, which has flights from destinations far and wide at all hours of the day. San Antonio is an hour and a half south of Austin, three and a half hours west of Houston, and four and a half hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Parking is plentiful at the Alamodome with two paid lots ($20); parking is also available at houses and businesses around the stadium. If you would rather not drive yourself to the game or take a rideshare, San Antonio’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit, has park and ride options you can take that will run you less than $3 per person roundtrip. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Brahmas games start at $29 per person. The merchandise was a little on the pricey side, with the cheapest t-shirt option around $30. Concessions are what they are, cost wise – the closest comparison would be a high-end minor league ballpark in terms of dollars. The bargain is in the parking, especially if you use park and ride, rideshare, or one of the driveways in the area. To be quite honest, the football on the field is a little rough right now in the XFL. I think there is plenty of room for improvement in the presentation of the product, as well. However, if you’re a sports fan or a football junkie, this will tide you over ‘til the regular season starts in the Fall. Extras 1 There is not much in terms of Extras at XFL games; I can only assume this is being done to keep operating costs down. This includes no cheerleaders, mascots, nor other types of football trappings to engage fans. There was supposed to be a tailgate area/fan zone set up before the game I attended, but that was rescheduled due to the weather. The Brahmas do employ a DJ, so there is that if it’s something you’re interested in. The team also promotes its head coach, NFL great Hines Ward, quite a bit. There are also contests giving away signed swag sprinkled in during the breaks in the action. Final Thoughts I’m a football fan and a lifelong San Antonian – I’ve seen pretty much every one of the defunct teams that I mentioned above, and I supported all of them as well. I want this iteration of the XFL to succeed as a fan; I think it’s better for the sport if one of these spring leagues can sustain itself long-term. With that in mind, I think you have to be a true fan of the sport, or someone from this area, to want to come and see a Brahmas game at the Alamodome. With a little time, I’m hoping the experience will become more of a must see. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Choctaw Stadium 1000 Ballpark Way Arlington, TX 76011 Arlington Renegades website Choctaw Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 48,114 Arlington Renegades – Choctaw Stadium Editor's Note: In 2026, the Arlington Renegades rebranded as the Dallas Renegades and moved to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. In 2020, WWE Owner and Chairman Vince McMahon relaunched the XFL, bringing a team to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Then the pandemic happened and the XFL, like much of the rest of the world, shut down. In 2023, Dwayne Johnson and his business partners relaunched the league and returned a team to north Texas with the Arlington Renegades. The 2023 iteration of the Renegades will once again call Choctaw Stadium their home field. Formerly the home of MLB’s Texas Rangers until 2019, Choctaw Stadium (nee Globe Life Park, among other names) was retrofitted in 2020 for use for football and soccer. As the XFL finds its footing, it seems to have found one of its anchor franchises in Arlington. Choctaw Stadium has also adapted well to this new sports chapter of its existence. Read on to learn more about the Renegades in north Texas. Food & Beverage 4 When it comes to food and beverage choices, the options at Choctaw Stadium are above and beyond the norm. The stadium has carried over many of the options from its MLB days into its new existence, and this puts it on another level. You can always find your typical game day options such as hot dogs (although gourmet options are offered as well), burgers, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, etc. There are numerous stands along the main concourse for these. Fans can also opt for fish and chips, gussied up mac and cheese (Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, for example), barbecue sandwiches (chicken, brisket, and pulled pork), ice cream and milkshakes, and quesadillas. There are also lots of beer vendors and a couple of Irish pubs for those looking to imbibe some adult beverages. Atmosphere 2 When it comes to atmosphere at XFL games, at least the ones I’ve attended so far, there is quite a bit of room for improvement across the league. While the stadium was, as mentioned, retrofitted to accommodate football, there are still tons of vestiges from its former baseball life present. It is, honestly, a little awkward. There are team merchandise stands set out across the main concourse, and the Renegades have also taken advantage of using the physical team store. In addition they set up a DJ and video screen for fans in one of the end zones, but beyond that, there is not much else. Neighborhood 4 When it comes to the neighborhood, Choctaw Stadium is in a prime spot. It is literally next door to the new Globe Life Field and lies in the shadow of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. While (by design) the Cowboys season will be over by the time the Renegades begin play each season, the Rangers will be starting their season at the tail end of XFL play. So, there is a chance that you can double-dip on games when you visit Arlington. What really works in Choctaw Stadium’s favor is the new entertainment district surrounding all the stadiums called Texas Live! This mixed-use area features restaurants, shopping, hotels, and additional entertainment options. Dining options include numerous spots with local flare, including Troy’s, a high-end family eatery from Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. Also on-site is Pudge’s Pizza, a pizzeria from Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. There is also Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and the Lockhart Smokehouse among your dining choices. Texas Live! will also be home in the near future to the National Medal of Honor Museum, giving visitors one more option for things to do and see when they take in games at Choctaw Stadium. The museum will preserve and tell the stories of the select few service members to earn our nation’s highest military honor. It is under construction and is slated to open in the fall/winter of 2024. The compound around Choctaw Stadium is also the site of the largest theme park in the state and its sister water park, Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. For fans of roller coasters, wave pools, costumed characters, and inner tubes, you can get passes for the day when you visit Arlington to take in a Renegades game. For lodging, as mentioned, Texas Live! has options for that. The main option now is Live by Loews Arlington, which is on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of cost. On the lower end is Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Arlington/Entertainment District, which, while not within walking distance, is less than five minutes away. Fans 3 The Renegades are currently drawing around 12,000 fans per game at Choctaw Stadium. That’s a pretty good number, especially with all the other options entertainment-wise that the Metroplex has to offer. At the most recent game I attended there were a ton of fans sporting Renegades gear, both officially licensed and homemade varieties. The fans were engaged from the jump and were loud throughout the game (which honestly was a bit of a snooze fest). Despite the challenge of the on-field action, the fans never lost interest. They even got a wave going, which was honestly one of the better ones I’ve seen in recent years. Access 3 The city of Arlington is just over a 20-minute drive from both Dallas and Fort Worth. It’s also a three-hour drive from Austin and just about four from both San Antonio and Houston. Choctaw Stadium is right around 15 minutes away from DFW International Airport (one of the largest and busiest in the United States) and just over 20 minutes away from Love Field Airport. Once there, parking is plentiful. If you’re choosing not to drive to Renegades games, your options are a little limited outside of rideshare programs. There is a trolley service in the entertainment district that will shuttle you from spot to spot, including Choctaw Stadium. But however you choose to get there, Choctaw Stadium is easy to find. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium start at just $11 per person; this is the real bargain in the whole enterprise of attending a game. Parking, which again is plentiful, will run you between $20-$30 if you park in one of the designated lots around the stadium. Concessions, while not exactly cheap, aren’t on the same pricing scale as they were when the Rangers were in the building. I think, however, if you’re a football fan this is still going to be far more cost effective than going to a game at nearby AT&T Stadium. Extras 1 In terms of Extras there is not much offered up to fans at Renegades games – there are no cheerleaders nor mascots, and no effects like fireworks or pyro. The team has partnered with a local motorcycle club, and they do ride out before the team at the start of the game, though. The lack of extras is all probably an effort to keep costs down for the XFL as a whole, but more will need to be done going forward. Football games are events and need to be presented as such. Final Thoughts If you’re a football fan, like I am, you’re hoping that the XFL is able to make it stick this time around. There is plenty of room for growth, both with the league overall and with the Renegades at Choctaw Stadium. The product overall will hopefully get better, but if you’re a football fan, you’ll be able to find enjoyment in it. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Johnson Hagood Stadium 68 Hagood Ave Charleston, SC 29403 The Citadel Bulldogs website Johnson Hagood Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 11,500 Precision & Pageantry The Citadel serves as the Military College for the state of South Carolina. It was founded in 1842 and currently has a Corp of Cadets of 3,793. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Bulldogs, and they play at the NCAA Division 1-AA level (FCS) of competition. The Bulldogs compete in the Southern Conference. The football home of the Bulldogs is Johnson Hagood Stadium. The stadium is named for a former Brigadier General and Governor of South Carolina. Johnson Hagood graduated from The Citadel in 1847. The stadium has gone through numerous renovations over the last 80 years. These renovations included the construction of the Altman Athletic Center, which stands behind the South end zone. The lower level of the building houses both the home and visiting team locker rooms, while the upper level is devoted to a clubhouse for major athletic donor activities. The Altman Athletic Center’s architecture mimics the castle like structures found on The Citadel campus. Most of the seating at Johnson Hagood Stadium is on the west or home side of the field, which went through major renovations over the last few years. There are temporary bleachers on the east side of the field. The school has plans to expand the visitor’s side seating in the future. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions program at Johnson Hagood Stadium features both permanent stands, as well as a rotating set of food trucks. There are two permanent stands on the west side of the stadium, while the east stands are serviced by a food truck. The permanent stands mainly feature stadium standards, including chicken fingers ($12), burgers ($12), fries ($5), hot dogs ($5), popcorn ($7), peanuts ($10) candy ($3). Beverages include bottled water ($3) and Pepsi brand sodas ($4). Fans can order their food and beverages on their phones and will be notified when their order is ready. This minimizes the time away from watching the game and shortens the lines at the concession stands considerably. Atmosphere 4 There are several unique traditions linked to athletic programs at military institutions. Before each game, the Corp of Cadets marches from the campus to the stadium with the Regimental Band. They then form a corridor for the team to run though before the opening kickoff. Prior to the Homecoming and Parent’s Day games, the Corp of Cadets conducts a full Military Dress Parade on Summerall Field at 11am. The entire Charleston community turns out to watch this pageantry, even if they have no plans to attend the game. The Citadel has both a human mascot and a pair of live mascots to get the fans charged up. The costumed human Bulldog is known as Spike, and the pair of purebred English Bulldogs are named General and Boo. The Bulldogs have longstanding rivalries with three opponents... Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Furman University and Charleston Southern. These rivalry games date back to the 1920’s. The Citadel bookstore operates a spirit shop in the plaza outside Gate 1 during every home game. Neighborhood 4 Johnson Hagood Stadium is located just south of The Citadel campus in Downtown Charleston. This is a very walkable area located near the east bank of the Ashley River. The Charleston area is filled with several popular tourist attractions. These include the Battery, Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, the plantations along the river, and the USS Yorktown. There are several lodging options near the stadium. They include the Charleston Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Charleston Downtown. Restaurants nearby include Honeysuckle Rose and Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ, which is known for its Low Country style of barbeque. Johnson Hagood Stadium offers easy access to both Highway 17 and I-26. These thoroughfares lead to plantations along the Ashley River to the west, as well as the Charleston waterfront and the Battery, and Mt. Pleasant/ Patriot’s Point to the east. Fans 4 The crowds at The Citadel football games are a mix of the Cadet Corp, Citadel alumni, Charleston locals and fans from the visiting teams. As you would expect, it is a well-behaved, but enthusiastic crowd. You will not hear any trash talking from a member of the Cadet Corp, but some alums and Charleston locals are not restricted by the Cadet Code of Conduct. Tailgating is very popular at The Citadel. The area just outside of the stadium is filled with white and blue tents. Visitors from the opposite team are invited to join as a gesture of Southern hospitality. The stadium also features a Kids Zone, which opens 90 minutes prior to kickoff. It is called Spike’s Kidet Club Kids Zone. The stadium’s small capacity gives fans a very intimate feeling for the action on the field. You are much closer to the field, so you hear the hard hits and see the plays develop in a way that is not possible in a mega-sized stadium. Access 4 Gamedays provide easy access for fans of the Bulldogs. The parking areas open four hours prior to the kickoff, leaving plenty of time for alums and other fans to set up and enjoy tailgating activities. The Will Call window opens two hours prior to the start of the game. Stadium gates and the Altman Center open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. There is a short period prior to each game where Hagood Avenue and Congress Street are shut down. This is to accommodate the Corp of Cadets as they march from the campus into the stadium Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $36 for red zone seats (between the 20-yard lines), to $30 for goal line seats (20-yard line down through the end zone). Tickets on the east side of the stadium are general admission seats, and cost $22. Concessions are relatively expensive for the basic foods on the menu. Out-of-town fans will find that the hotels located near the Citadel are on the expensive side, as Charleston is a major tourist destination. Parking in one of the stadium’s lots ranges from $10-$20. Extras 4 Johnson Hagood Stadium hosted both the 1983 and 1984 FCS National Championship games. Like many other military institutions, The Citadel celebrates kickoffs, field goals and touchdowns with cannon fire. Be prepared… we would hate for you to spill your drink! There is a wonderful selfie opportunity in front of the Bulldog statue in the northwest corner of the stadium. The statue was a gift from The Citadel Class of 1968. A new multi-panel videoboard was installed in 2021 thanks to a gift from the Class of 1973. The largest panel measures 26 feet high X 51 feet wide, with the smaller panels measuring 15 feet high X 13 feet wide each. Final Thoughts The Citadel’s home games at Johnson Hagood Stadium are a unique blend of military pageantry, the charm of Charleston culture and the love for college football in the South. Win or lose, it is an experience you won’t forget.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Buccaneer Field 9200 University Blvd North Charleston, SC 29406 Charleston Southern Buccaneers website Buccaneer Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 4,000 The Buc's Play Here Charleston Southern University is a private university founded in 1964. It is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The school has a student body of 3,874 students. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Buccaneers, and they compete in the Big South Conference at the FCS level of Division I sports. The home of the Buccaneers football program is the on-campus Buccaneer Stadium. It has a capacity of 4,000. The stadium opened in 1970, but the school did not field a football team until 1991. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several improvements. In 2014 lighting was added to the field, as Charleston Southern does play a lot of night games. In 2015 Buccaneer Plaza was built, adding a new entryway, decorative ironwork fencing, ticket booths and landscaping. In 2021, a Field Turf playing surface was installed, as the field is heavily used by multiple sports. In 2024, new seating was installed for the season ticket holder’s section of the seating bowl. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is located on the home side of the stadium, and serves stadium standards, including burgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, sodas and water. Chick-fil-A sandwiches are also sold at the main stand. A second, smaller stand is located behind the south end zone. The food offerings at Buccaneers home games center around a combination of permanent food stands and a revolving set of food trucks/carts. Overall, the prices are very reasonable compared to most college venues. Atmosphere 4 Buccaneer Stadium offers an intimate experience for fans due to its smaller size. Most of the seating is in the grandstand on the west side of the field. This area includes the season ticket section, which includes brand new seats. The remainder of the grandstand features bench seating with seatbacks. The visitors’ section is located on the east side of the field, with a much smaller capacity of bleacher seating. The Field Turf field features the Bucky mascot logo at midfield and Charleston Southern Buccaneers lettering in the end zone, which is a nice touch. The Pride of the Low Country Marching band and the Buccaneer’s cheer squads do a great job keeping the fans energized. One of their signature songs is the spiritual “I’m So Glad”. This has the entire stands swaying in their seats and singing along. You’ll feel like you’re at a camp meeting! Neighborhood 3 North Charleston is a suburb of the Charleston, SC area. The immediate area around Charleston Southern is made up of medical facilities, office parks and small shopping centers. There are several fast-food restaurants (Wendy’s, Zaxby’s, Sonic, Arby’s and Cookout) in the immediate area around the school. However, we recommend Willy Jewell’s Old School BBQ, for its wonderful Low Country style offerings. There are several hotels located within a one-mile radius of Charleston Southern. These include the Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites Charleston North, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Charleston-North, and the Hampton Inn and Suites North Charleston. The Holiday Inn Express is within walking distance of Buccaneer Field, saving you the cost of parking. Downtown Charleston is a half hour drive via I-26 from the CSU campus. It is one of the top tourist destinations along the Atlantic Coast. It is known for its lovely homes along the Battery, historic Ft. Sumter, and wonderful cuisine in its many highly rated restaurants. Fans 4 CSU fans are big on tailgating prior to games. They set up their tents early and have great spreads of food. As the gametime draws closer they line up along the campus roads to welcome the team, the band and the spirit teams on their pregame walk to the stadium. The student body and the alumni turn out in large numbers for Buccaneers home games. They will be dressed in the blue and gold team colors and know many of the team’s players on a personal level, due to the school’s small size. As you would expect at a church-related school, you will not experience any foul language or trash talking in this crowd. They are very polite and welcoming to visiting fans. If the little fans get restless, there is a pirate-themed play area located at the south end of the stadium. Access 4 Charleston Southern University is located 18 miles northeast of downtown Charleston, SC. It can be easily accessed via exits 205A and B of I-26. From exit 205, head east on University Boulevard (Highway 78). The Charleston Southern campus and Buccaneer Stadium will be on your left. Parking is available on campus lot E, which is just across Buc Club Boulevard from the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The cost of attending a home game at Buccaneer Field is quite reasonable compared to the cost at most college stadiums. Tickets for Buccaneer home games are available at several price points. Blue seats at the 50-yard line are $36.50, Gold seats between the 20-yard lines are $26.50, general admission seats in the bleacher areas are $11.50. Military members pay only $5. CSU staff and students receive free admission. Parking in Lot E on Buc Club Boulevard is $5. Extras 4 The Buccaneer’s main rivals are The Citadel and Coastal Carolina. Instead of the foam fingers you usually find at a team store, the Buccaneer fans sport foam pirate sabers to create swashbuckling spirit for the home team. There is a small team store stand located at the stadium. Each Buccaneer home game has a theme. Games against Gardner Webb feature a North-South BBQ Bowl theme, the Citadel rivalry game is known as the Low Country Boil Bowl. The final home game of each season has a Salute to the Seniors theme. The Charleston Southern campus is quite lovely, with its academic buildings mirrored along a large reflecting pool. Be sure to tour the campus before or after a game. Final Thoughts Attending a home football game at Charleston Southern University allows you the unique opportunity to walk, talk and cheer like a pirate. You’ll have a swashbuckling time!

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Coyer Field 801 Grant Street Buffalo, NY 14213 Buffalo State Bengals website Coyer Field website Year Opened: 1960s Capacity: 3,000 Bengals R Us SUNY Buffalo State is one of two college football teams in the city of Buffalo, New York. The Bengals compete in the NCAA’s Division III and offer a solid atmosphere in a small stadium. The tailgating is great, and includes local groups and individuals selling food and drinks, in addition to concessions inside the stadium. The Bengals play at Coyer Field, which opened in the early 1960s and is named after a legendary coach and athletic director at the school, Hubert "Hube" Coyer. The facility holds 3,000 fans in stands on one side of the field, and boasts a stellar press box for a school at this level. The state-of-the-art press box was built in 2015, replacing the old one, and the venue received other upgrades in 2019, including FieldTurf Vertex. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions scene at Coyer Field is interesting; the only concessions inside the venue are a Chick-fil-A stand and a food truck from Rock Burger. Rock Burger, though, is an amazing option, with locally renowned stuffed burgers – the most interesting (and tasty!) option is probably the Oh My Oreo burger, a burger topped with Oreo pieces, frosting, and bacon. While that may sound weird, the taste is amazing; just enough sweetness not to overwhelm the flavor of the burger, and you can get it with spicy tots. Besides the two options inside the facility, local groups and individuals also sell food and drinks outside in the parking lots; I saw plenty of fans walking around with food like hot dogs and coleslaw, and I saw another setup in the parking lot behind the stadium selling smoked meats (with a smoker on site). Atmosphere 2 During my most recent visit it was homecoming, so that may have disrupted the normal routine. I did not see a mascot or a marching band, only cheerleaders, but I overheard this may have been due to the homecoming court happening during halftime, so the band wasn’t allowed to perform. There is a video board behind one end zone which showed fun graphics at different points in the game, such as buffaloes running through the snow after the Bengals scored. There is also plenty of bright orange and other Bengals-themed signage. All the seats are bleachers without backs. Neighborhood 4 Directly outside Coyer Field along Grant Street is Buffalo’s West Side, a mix of international communities. Here you will find a variety of different ethnic restaurants, everything from Italian pizza to Himalayan cuisine. Alternatively, if you head east you will find Elmwood Village, one of Buffalo’s most affluent neighborhoods, full of Victorian homes and boutiques. Elmwood Village also boasts many of Buffalo State’s favorite student hangouts, such as Coles Restaurant or Elmwood Taco & Subs (ETS). If you want to double up on your football weekend, you can also visit the Buffalo Bills’ new facility, Highmark Stadium, which opened in 2026. The NFL’s newest venue is ultra-modern, with about two-thirds of the seats under cover from the elements. Highmark also boasts some great concessions options, such as the Red & Blue burger, 3 varieties of skillet cookies, and even beer horns; a plastic horn you can wear around your neck and fill with your favorite brew. Fans 3 The stands were mostly full during my most recent visit to Coyer Field, and there was a lot of crowd noise in support of the Bengals. That said, this was also Homecoming, so I think the attendance would be a lot less during a typical game. I did see many fans sporting Buffalo State orange, which is great to see. Access 4 Coyer Field is easy to get to, only about 8 miles off I-90 along either NY-33 or I-190; either of these will take you to NY-198 (The Scajaquada Expressway). From there you will see the facility as soon as you take the Grant Street exit – you practically can’t miss it. There is free parking either behind the stadium (Lot L-1), if you veer left and go around the curve as you enter, or on the front side in lots G-24, G-22, or I-39. From any of these lots you are literally only a few steps from the stadium’s gates. The only potential issue is that the walkways around the grandstand itself are a little funky; some of the seeming entrances/exits are blocked off, so you can’t always come or go in places that look like access points from the outside. Return on Investment 3 There is not much going on at Coyer Field besides the football game itself, so I am not sure I would recommend it unless your team happens to be playing there, or if you have some other connection to Buffalo State. Tickets are only $7, parking is free, and concession prices are reasonable, so it won’t cost a lot if you decide to make the trip. Extras 2 The press box looks great, with its modern look and industrial coloration. The tailgating scene is also great; it is not often that a school has concessions outside the facility as well as inside. Final Thoughts If you are in the area and want to get your college football fix, Buffalo State offers a stress-free, low-cost way to see a game. The Bengals logo and orange color really pop, and you will be able to grab some great food while you watch the action.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Kentner Stadium 211 Manchester Athletic Center Winston-Salem, NC 27109 Wake Forest Demon Deacons website Kentner Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 4,000 Black and Gold at Kentner For over a century after its founding in 1834, Wake Forest University was located in its namesake suburb north of Raleigh. In 1946, after receiving financial support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, the school decided to move a hundred miles west to a new campus in Winston-Salem. Today, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has won three national championships, in 2002, 2003, and 2004. The Wake Forest field hockey team has called Kentner Stadium home since 1990. Originally known as Campus Stadium, the venue was renamed after athletic donor Jeff Kentner in 1997 and extensively renovated in 2004 to bring it up to elite standards. Food & Beverage 2 Kentner Stadium features a small concession cart located behind the press box. The stand features Italian Ice as well as assorted snacks such as candy, chips, bottled water, and soft drinks. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, but we recommend you eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 Kentner Stadium is located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by brick buildings with the steeple of Wait Chapel rising high in the air off to the right. The only downside is the running track surrounding the field, putting fans quite a distance from the action, hurting what is otherwise an outstanding atmosphere. Before the game starts, a pregame hype video plays on the large video board as "I'm a Survivor" plays over the PA system. A second hype video plays just before the start of the second half, featuring the mascot pumping up the crowd as the team takes the field. The PA announcer will lead the crowd in "Wake ... Forest" call-and-response chants at big moments such as penalty corners. Overall, the atmosphere at Kentner Stadium is very good and well above what you would expect for college field hockey. Neighborhood 3 As Kentner Stadium is located in the middle of the Wake Forest campus, there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity. However, downtown Winston-Salem is a ten minute drive away and features many more options. Foothills Brewing features many varieties of beer as well as a full-service restaurant. The Camel City BBQ Factory serves up exactly what you'd expect - good, old-fashioned, Carolina Barbecue. You can also find just about any other kind of food ranging from burgers, to Italian, to Thai. Fans 4 Wake Forest draws several hundred fans to a typical field hockey game, which is above average for the sport. The crowd features not just friends and family of the players, but many other Demon Deacons fans as well. They will join in with the PA announcer in the "Wake ... Forest" chant and are generally passionate and knowledgeable about their team. Although the bleachers are larger than they need to be for the crowds the team draws, you can still feel the energy here. Access 3 Free parking is available in a large lot across the street from Kentner Stadium. Once you get to the stadium, you will go through a security checkpoint, rare for the sport, before heading to your seat. Restrooms are located down a stairway at field level, which can take a few minutes to get to. There are also no signs for them, although if you ask, staff will direct you. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Wake Forest field hockey games is free, parking is also free, and concessions are reasonably priced, if limited. Overall, a game at Kentner Stadium is an outstanding value. Extras 3 Look for the signage throughout the stadium honoring Wake Forest's three straight national championships from 2002 through 2004 as well as its four ACC titles. There are flags at the bottom of the bleachers of all the countries Wake Forest players hail from. Field hockey is an international sport and the roster reflects it. Look for the promotional table at the top of the bleachers with roster cards, posters, and other giveaways. Final Thoughts Kentner Stadium is an outstanding place to watch a college field hockey game. The setting around the stadium is gorgeous, the crowds are passionate, and you can watch a program with a storied history completely free of charge. If you are a fan of field hockey, you will want to make the trip down to Winston-Salem to check out a Wake Forest game.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Gerald J. Ford Stadium 5800 Ownby Dr University Park, TX 75205 First Responder Bowl website Gerald J. Ford Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 32,000 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl In the landscape of college football bowl games, the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a relative newcomer - it began with the name Ticket City Bowl in 2011, changed its name to the Heart of Dallas bowl in 2013, before settling in with the current name in 2018. It was originally played in the venerable Cotton Bowl located in historic Fair Park before moving to its current location on the SMU campus, in the more upscale University Park neighborhood of Dallas. Gerald J. Ford Stadium opened on the SMU campus in 2000, on the site of former Ownby Stadium. Named after alum and donor Gerald J. Ford, the stadium was built in the collegiate-Georgian architectural style that is prevalent on campus. As part of its 32,000 seats, expandable if needed, there are over 2,100 club level seats plus 2,000 seats in 41 luxury suites. There is a giant HD video screen perched at each end of the stadium – all fans, regardless of their location, are able to see one of the scoreboards easily to view replays, advertisements, and up-close pictures of on field special recognitions. The sound system is clear, and can even be heard one block away at the parking garage. Seating for the stadium is in a horseshoe, with the south end zone open; this latter end zone houses the newest addition to Ford Stadium, the $100 million Garry Weber End Zone Complex and Armstrong Football Center. Built in 2022, largely through generous donations from donors Garry Weber, Bill Armstrong, and Liz Martin Armstrong, the three-story complex houses SMU’s football performance facilities, coach’s and administrative offices, hospitality and recruiting areas, and Letterman’s Lounge. In addition, there are 1,200 exclusive suite level seats inside. Food & Beverage 4 Concession stands and kiosks serving general foods are plentiful – there are 10 full-service concession stands plus at least 10 more drink only portable stands and walk-thru lines. Bagged snacks, such as chips and peanuts, are also available at the walk-thrus to take some of the traffic out of the full-service lines. Most foods you would expect are available in the general concession stands – the all-beef hot dogs and nachos are the heartiest items, costing $7 each. Giant pretzels ($7), giant popcorn ($8), peanuts ($6), cookies ($5), candy ($5), and chips ($4) are all options, while a couple of unique offerings include Takis ($5) or a cup of melted cheese ($1). In addition to regular snack bar items, there are some Dallas centric choices available; Mi Cocina offers MiCoRitas frozen margaritas, while Ferris Wheelers and Rudy’s both serve barbecue items, and Nutty Bavarian Nuts has a stand for their snacks. Coca-Cola products are offered in 32 ounce souvenir cups, which cost $7. Other drinks include Powerade ($6), Dasani water ($5), Smart water ($7), and domestic beers ($11). Beer options included Coors light, Miller light, Modelo, and Michelob Ultra, as well as a local brew, Pony Pils. Pony Pils is an American Golden Lager brewed by local brewer, Lakewood Brewing, specifically for SMU. Lakewood donates $1 per case to a scholarship fund to be used for a STEM scholarship given to future brewers. SMU has posted numerous concession maps on the walls in the concourse for fans to reference. For the First Responder Bowl, this map proved very helpful but not 100% accurate – there were some specialty offerings listed on the map that were unavailable during the bowl game. Atmosphere 5 The two teams playing in the game go a long way in determining the overall atmosphere. Since moving from the spacious Cotton Bowl, which seats well over 90,000, to Ford Stadium, the game atmosphere has been improved with crowds ranging from 10,000-28,000. The First Responder Bowl Committee strives to invite at least one team that is either a service academy or located in Texas to ensure local fan interest. Teams chosen to play since the move to SMU have included North Texas, Texas State, UTSA, Rice, and Air Force. Directly across Ownby Drive from the west side of the stadium, in the parking lot of the Meadows Museum, there is a free public tailgating area set up. Here, fans are offered free food and drink with donations being accepted for nonprofit agencies that are represented. In addition to the food and drinks, there are also children’s games and other giveaway items available for fans to take home as souvenirs. At the most recent game I attended, two Texas teams played and the crowd was electric, even though both teams had records that were barely above .500. Split almost evenly, half the crowd roared after each play while the remaining fans groaned. Both schools were able to bring full bands, dance teams, and cheer squads to support their team as well. With such large numbers of alumni in attendance, each school hosted large tailgates on The Boulevard, 50 yards apart from one another. This made for a great scene as the tree-lined street was filled with green and white on one end and maroon and gold on the other. Upbeat dance music pumped from both locations, and laughter and conversation could be heard between drum beats as the smell of the grills wafted through the oaks. Neighborhood 4 Ford Stadium is located on the campus of SMU, which is in the University Park neighborhood of Dallas. University Park is a stable, upper-middle class neighborhood with numerous restaurants and shopping areas along Interstate 75. There are also many food choices along Hillcrest Avenue, which forms the western edge of campus – restaurant options range from Jimmy John’s and Bubba’s Cooks Country to Kyoto Sushi, Torchy’s Tacos, Desperado’s Mexican, and Campisi’s Egyptian Italian; this list only represents a small number of the numerous options available within a short walk of the stadium. Hotel accommodations are plentiful within 2 miles of the SMU campus. There are several luxury choices including The Lumen and The Beeman. Other options that are less expensive but still highly rated include DoubleTree by Hilton-Campbell Centre, Hyatt House/Lincoln Park, and La Quinta Inn-Uptown. Fans 4 Crowds for the First Responder Bowl are dependent on the teams playing and the weather. Usually scheduled for the first week of January, Texas weather can be fickle. With average high temperatures in North Texas normally in the mid-50s and a 60% chance of sunshine on the typical winter afternoon, fans consider this ideal football weather. With good weather, regionally relevant schools, and the intimate setting that Gerald J. Ford Stadium provides, the crowd is typically engaged and involved in the game. The most recent game I was able to witness seemed more like a long-running rivalry game than a year end bowl experience, based on the fan reactions. Both fan bases were out in force and cheered their respective teams on as heartily as possible. Access 3 The Southern Methodist campus is easily accessible using the Mockingbird exit off I-75 (North Central Expressway). It is a short drive from either major airport, only 20 minutes from Dallas Love Field and 30 minutes from DFW International Airport. However, if taking public transportation is your preference, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail Red, Orange, and Blue lines all stop at SMU/Mockingbird Station, which is within an easy half mile walk of the stadium. Traffic flow is marked with signage, which assists fans to find parking and entrances to the stadium. Prepaid parking passes are available for $20, which is a normal parking charge for parking in the DFW metro area. The neighborhood around SMU’s campus is fairly flat and well-marked which is beneficial for walking. Once inside the stadium there are many signs posted and friendly ushers available to help direct you to your seat, or assist with other issues if needed. There are also QR codes posted throughout the concourse with emergency access contact information should additional help be needed. After dark, there is plenty of lighting in all public areas for safety. Return On Investment 3 Tickets to the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl range in price from $33 to $177, but first responders can get up to 4 free tickets in appreciation for their service to their communities. Concession prices here are average for high-level college games such as this – light snacks and a drink can be taken care of for between $10 and $15, while heartier choices will cost more. Parking passes cost $20 if paid online prior to game day, increasing to $25 or more on game day. There is free parking available if you are willing to walk a few minutes, however, and public transportation has a stop within a half mile of the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. I would consider the cost of attending this event to be average for NCAA FBS college football, especially considering this is a bowl game in a Power 5 football stadium. Extras 4 Thanks to generous sponsors, all first responders are eligible for up to four free general admission tickets to the game. During the game, first responders are also recognized and celebrated for their sacrifices and support of their communities. Special recognition, namely national honors, for individual first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty is an added bonus during the event. Having over twenty stations to purchase drinks and packaged snacks, including beer, water, and soft drinks is an extremely efficient usage of concourse space; this limits time in line and cuts down on time missing the action. The most recent SERVPRO First Responder Bowl I attended pitted two Texas Group of Five universities against one another – the battle that ensued created a rivalry-style game, which proved to be entertaining both on the scoreboard and for fans in the stands. Final Thoughts The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a great game to attend, even for the casual sports fan – it checks the box for sports travelers who want to experience different festivities in the sports landscape. Taking place in a newly renovated college stadium, Gerald J. Ford also presents an intimate venue for the action. With the express emphasis to recognize and celebrate first responders, this game’s mission is evident from the coin toss to the final whistle blowing. Community helpers who are in attendance feel appreciated by being personally being applauded, and many of their peers are recognized on the field with state and national honors. I believe the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a game that should be on your bucket list. With unlimited activities available in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area to add to a multiday trip, this game becomes a great destination for a January weekend.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Frank Jervey Gymnasium 310 Perimeter Rd Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website Jervey Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 Own Today Volleyball at Clemson University was part of the expansion of women’s sports at the school in Clemson, South Carolina, following the passage of Title IX in 1972. Named after prominent Clemson alumnus Frank Jervey, Jervey Gym opened in 1973 and has been home to Clemson Volleyball since 1979. It was also the temporary home of Clemson’s women’s basketball program while nearby Littlejohn Coliseum underwent a full renovation during the 2015-16 season. Originally built as a hub of Clemson athletics, Jervey Gym still houses many of the school’s athletic offices. Jervey Gym underwent a full upgrade that was completed in 2025. The renovations included raising the gym’s roof by 12 feet to better accommodate volleyball. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Clemson volleyball are extremely limited. Food choices consist of nachos with cheese sauce and popcorn. Chips and candy are also available, but anything of substance is noticeably missing from the menu. Atmosphere 3 Jervey Gymnasium is part of the newly renovated Watt Family Performance and Wellness Center. The renovations gave the facility a much more modern feel, along with premium seating and improved player amenities. A large video board on the far wall keeps track of the current match score, sets won, and timeouts. Its use, however, is somewhat limited throughout the match. Other than displaying graphics and promotional pieces, it doesn’t have much functional use during the match, given what it could do based on its size. Downtime between sets and other stoppages in play are typically filled by the in-house DJ, DJ Sha, playing music. There are also several fan engagement activities to fill breaks in the action. The most notable pause takes place following the second set, when a student attempts to win Clemson gear on the far side of the court by hitting it with a serve. When it comes to seating, the near-side bleachers consist of individual plastic seats with back support, while seating across the way consists of plastic bench seating without backs. Neighborhood 4 Clemson, South Carolina, is a quintessential college town where the university is the center of most activity in the area. College Avenue, the hub of activity on weekends and the scene of much of Clemson’s nightlife, is located just under a mile from Jervey Gym. Situated near the northern edge of campus, the area is heavily populated with an array of bars and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both pre- and post-match gatherings, especially during weekend contests. College Avenue buzzes with visitors exploring its shops, bars, and dining spots as summer turns to fall and temperatures become more tolerable. While College Avenue has the highest concentration of popular establishments, The Esso Club, a renowned Clemson watering hole, is just a short stroll from the arena. For barbecue connoisseurs, The Smoking Pig in neighboring Pendleton, on the way into Clemson, offers some of the best barbecue in South Carolina. The facility also has a large social area and miniature golf course. Beyond campus life, Clemson is home to Lake Hartwell, where visitors can enjoy miles of trails, water activities, and beaches. What Clemson does seem to lack, though, is much in the way of entertainment that is not directly connected to the university. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but options can feel somewhat limited when trying to fill a large portion of time. Fans 3 Clemson Volleyball has had periods when it hasn’t cracked the top 50 in NCAA Division I attendance. With that said, attendance numbers range from the high hundreds to a few instances of around 1,500 fans. The student section does a good job of setting the atmosphere, and the small nature of Jervey Gym helps amplify the energy inside the building. Weekend matches tend to bring out a crowd that fills Jervey Gym, while weekday matches can be lighter on fan support. Access 4 Located just about 20 minutes off I-85, Clemson’s campus is easily accessible for fans traveling from Charlotte or Atlanta, with a drive of about two to two and a half hours from either city. Once on campus, parking is readily available south of Jervey Gym, either in the lot adjacent to McWhorter Stadium or across the street in the parking lot at Memorial Stadium. The lone entrance along Perimeter Road leads into a main lobby area just outside the doors to the gymnasium, providing access to the near-side bleachers. A secondary hallway leads to seating on the opposite side of the gym. Since access to the seating areas is along the court, it may be necessary to wait until the ball is out of play before reaching a seat. It is not a major issue, but it can be a slight inconvenience. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost to attend Clemson volleyball matches, which goes a long way toward making them a family-friendly option. Concessions are priced as expected in comparison with most stadium events. With no charge for admission, the overall cost of attending a Clemson match remains reasonable. Extras 3 The walls of the exterior hallway display a history of Clemson Volleyball’s conference and NCAA Tournament successes. Each match also features some type of giveaway for the first designated number of fans through the doors. Following the tradition of Clemson’s other athletic programs, win or lose, the team gathers in front of the fans to sing the Clemson alma mater. Final Thoughts The newly renovated Jervey Gym provides a modern setting for volleyball, while the small venue allows the student section and other fans to have an impact on the atmosphere. Free admission also makes attending a match an easy option for families, students, or anyone looking for an inexpensive way to experience Clemson athletics. The biggest drawback is the lack of substantial food options, but Clemson’s college-town setting provides plenty of places to eat and spend time before or after a match. For fans already visiting Clemson or looking for an affordable college volleyball experience, a match at Jervey Gym provides an accessible way to take in Clemson athletics without the costs that larger volleyball programs elsewhere may charge.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Gies Memorial Stadium 1402 S 1st St Champaign, IL 61820 Illinois Fighting Illini website Gies Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 60,670 The Bigger & Better Illini Football Experience Gies Memorial Stadium has been the home of Illini football since 1923. The 60,670-seat venue opened on November 3, 1923, and has retained much of its original structure. The stadium is named to honor the servicemen who lost their lives in World War I and Larry Gies Sr., a U.S. Army veteran and father of university alumnus Larry Gies Jr., who donated a $100 million gift to the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics in September 2025. The stadium features a horseshoe shape with multiple stands on three sides. The east main stands hold close to 18,000, with a balcony for 10,000 more fans. The west main stand has a capacity of 13,000, with its balcony holding 5,000. The horseshoe end zone has close to 10,000 seats, and the north bleachers, reserved for students, have a capacity of 5,000. The stadium has been renovated multiple times, including the addition of the biggest videoboard in collegiate football in September 2026. It includes 16 LED displays, measuring approximately 69 feet high by 250 feet wide in the south endzone. The Illini football team has captured five national championships: 1914, 1919, 1923, 1927, and 1951. They also captured 15 Big 10 Championships; the last one in 2001. The school has had 313 players make it to the NFL, with Red Grange, George Hallas, Ray Nitschke, and Dick Butkus being its most prominent alumni. Food & Beverage 5 Two main food halls are enclosed and climate-controlled at the east and west ends of the stadium, plus additional kiosks in the back of the horseshoe south end and in a few areas on the ramps leading to balcony seats. The east end of the stadium also features multiple food trucks. The myriad of food options give fans at Illini games plenty to choose from. The main halls feature the U of I Grill Zone, pulled pork topped on mac and cheese, nachos, and jumbo hot dogs, or served between two buns. Watson’s Chicken offers fried chicken sliders and tender baskets, and the Smith Burger Company sells smashed burgers between brioche buns. Champaign Classics offers standard food options of hot dogs, fries, nachos, and brats. Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike’s, and a Crumbl Cookie stand add to the variety of options. The stadium serves Coca-Cola products. The east side food truck lineup includes Papa John's for made-to-order pizzas, Burrito King, JD's Smokehouse, and Juanita's Tacos. Nearby, the popular grab-and-go beer aisle stocks tall cans of Bud Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, and Yuengling, plus seltzers like High Noon, White Claw, and Surfside. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere begins several hours before kickoff with multiple tailgate tents and party zones set up in the lots surrounding the stadium. The grassy area on the west and southwest sides of the stadium is where you will find campers, mini-concert stages, and cookouts where, at one of them, anyone can donate a few dollars for a plate of food. Beyond Grange Grove, fans find additional tailgating spots, just steps from the stadium. The main street is closed to traffic, creating a car-free zone where golf carts can shuttle fans who need assistance. The result is a festive football village atmosphere before kickoff. Walking into the west side of the building is the giant statue of the Galloping Ghost himself, Red Grange. The Dick Butkus statue is on the east side of the stadium in front of the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center. Their numbers are the only two retired in the football program’s history. The 69-foot-tall video board dominates the south endzone and is used for more than scoring, stats, and player information, but also for a free chicken nugget promo for when an opponent misses a field goal. It is also designed to increase crowd noise and sing-alongs as well, including “Sweet Caroline” during the 4th quarter. The Marching Illini is the school band; their intricate formations and renditions of the school fight song are a spectacle unto themselves, both before kickoff and at halftime. Listen for the iconic ILL-INI chant echoing through the stadium as players take the field, and follow the cheerleaders' lead when they prompt the crowd to belt it out again during pivotal moments. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is on campus and about a mile from downtown Champaign, and students walk back to their dorms, fraternity, and sorority houses to begin their night of activities. The rest of the fans might hit up one of the many well-known establishments downtown along Green Street that have supported the Illini fanbase for decades. Joe’s Brewery is a beloved establishment with affordable prices and also a nightlife spot with live bands and a DJ. Joe’s also has a beer garden. Legends is a sports bar with its own outdoor beer garden. Murphy’s Pub is an Irish-themed restaurant with 25 beers on tap. Papa Del's Pizza serves deep dish, super stuff, and thin crust pizza with frozen options to take home. KAMS and Red Lion are popular student spots on the weekend. The Illini basketball team plays next door to the football stadium at the State Farm Center, the volleyball team calls Huff Hall home, and the club hockey team plays downtown at the Illinois Ice Arena during the same time as the football team. Fans 4 The stadium was a sellout during our visit, only the 84th time in its 100-plus-year history. However, it would be hard to imagine a better environment to be a part of before and during the game. The student section was packed for most of the game, and those who couldn’t make it to this section found themselves in the upper balcony of the east stand. The rest of the stadium was packed with fans in orange and blue gear, chanting ILL-INI when the opportunity arose, and enjoying a warm, fall day of college football. Access 3 Illinois Athletics uses a lot-specific traffic-routing system 3.5 hours before the game to manage congestion. There are multiple lots, labeled 31-49, around the stadium that are managed and guided by staff and local police officers before and after the game. The stadium was designed in 1923 and in many ways feels the same way over a century later. The seating in the east and west stands has obstructed views in the upper row by the balcony section. Moving around the stadium features an outer narrow concourse around the horseshoe south end section. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices vary based on the opponent and begin around $30 for the cheapest tickets. The price will fluctuate based on how the Illini are playing or when you purchase the ticket; the higher mark in price can reach close to $200 a game. Parking at the game is best served in the pre-paid lots for $30; find the coordinating color lot and show the attendant your pass on the phone. Merchandise is sold outside and inside the building at typical stadium pricing. There was no special merchandise for the game, and the player jersey was $165. Food options are also at stadium pricing. A hot dog is $6.49, a souvenir soda in a 32-ounce cup is $8.99, a domestic beer is $13.29, and pulled pork nachos are $12.49. However, you, as the stadium traveller, set your boundaries on how much or how little you want to pay for your ticket and food at the game. There are other options to arrive at the game for much less depending on your preferences. Extras 3 Attending a Fighting Illini game earns several points, including the centralized location of its tailgating areas, the giant video board in the south endzone, and its food options outside of the main food halls. Final Thoughts Attending an Illinois football game during homecoming weekend proved to be an unforgettable experience. Arriving three hours before kickoff allowed plenty of time to explore the numerous tailgating areas and circle the stadium grounds. Conversations with passionate fans, the rich history embedded in the venue, and the palpable school spirit combined to create a thoroughly enjoyable debut visit. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Michigan Stadium 1201 S Main St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Michigan Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 107,601 Welcome to The Big House Michigan Stadium is one of the truly legendary college football venues in the country. Built during the Great Depression, it provided jobs for thousands of locals who helped to build a stadium that would last for ages. It started big, with a capacity of 72,000, and has continued to grow to its present capacity of 107,601. This makes it the largest stadium by capacity in the United States, and the third largest stadium in the world. It truly deserves its nickname as “The Big House”. Despite its large capacity, Michigan Stadium does not appear that big from the exterior. This is because the playing surface and most of the seating is below ground level. The stadium’s exterior gates bring you in at the midway point of the seating bowl. Food & Beverage 3 Serving the food and beverage tastes and the needs of more than 100,000 fans is a tall order, but Michigan Stadium offers a wide variety of food categories through its concession stands to meet the demand. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. The Big House Bites stands have multiple locations throughout the stadium and offer the concession standards of hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. BBQ specialties are available at Slow’s BBQ stands, while burgers are available at Big House Burgers and Big Boy stands. State Fairs are popular in the Midwest, so fair fare is available at State Street Fair Food stands, while several types of pizza are available at Hungry Howie’s Other more specialized stands include Nacho Cantina (nachos), Flock (honey chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches), Carvel (ice cream treats), and Acai Superbowl (frozen Acai bowls). Michigan Stadium offers Coca-Cola branded soft drinks and water. Alcohol can be served at Michigan Stadium, making it one of the few college football stadiums to serve alcoholic beverages in all areas of the stadium. Stands offering alcoholic beverages include the Beverage Express outlets throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 5 Michigan excels in gameday atmosphere. It seems that everyone is decked out in maize and blue, the Michigan team colors. Tailgates are taking place on virtually every street corner. Once inside the stadium there are several traditions that take over the day. Many of these involve the Michigan Marching Band. The first of these is the creation of the Block “M” formation at the 50-yard line. The team then takes the field under the “Go Blue” banner, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Finally, the band begins playing one of the great fight songs of college football… “Hail to the Victors”. Everyone in maize and blue knows every word of the song. The experience literally sends chills down your spine. Neighborhood 5 Ann Arbor is a quintessential college town, and as you can imagine, the town is completely overtaken on Saturday gamedays. There are plenty of things to do in the area, before or after a game. There are several restaurants near Michigan Stadium. These include the Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Miss Kim Korean Restaurant, Zingerman’s Roadhouse, and York and Ricewood BBQ. If you are interested in craft brews, there are several breweries in the Greater Ann Arbor area. These include the Homes Brewery, Mothfire, and the Ann Arbor Distilling Company. It is a good idea to check out the beautiful University of Michigan campus while you are in town. The campus features well-maintained grounds, stunning architecture, and lots of historical interest for visitors to enjoy. The University of Michigan Museum of Art features both permanent and rotating exhibitions, and admission is free! Other interesting sites on the campus include The Diag (center of campus life), the Law Quadrangle, and the Michigan Union Building (the school store and lots of eating establishments. Despite having a 100,000-plus-seat venue down the street, the area immediately surrounding Michigan Stadium is surprisingly residential in nature. Many locals and area churches rent out parking in their driveways and parking lots. It is a very walkable environment and a safe area any day of the week. Others choose to park on the University of Michigan Golf Course, which is just across the street from the stadium. Free parking is also allowed on area streets at no charge. Hotel rooms are nearly impossible to book on game weekends. A second option is to stay at one of the many hotels located around the Metro Detroit Airport (DTW), which is located only 20 miles from the stadium and does not charge special event rates on Wolverines home game weekends. The campus is especially beautiful in early fall as the leaves are changing colors. Fans 4 The Michigan Wolverines are one of the most storied programs in college football. They have won 45 Big Ten Championships and 12 National Championships over the years. This has garnered them one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. The Wolverine fans have filled the stadium regularly for decades, no matter how much the temperatures drop, or how bad the winter storms are. It has drawn more than 100,000 fans for nearly 300 straight games, spanning several seasons. Wolverine Fans Fill Michigan Stadium, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Fan tailgates are located throughout the Michigan campus, including the University Golf Course across the street from the stadium. Your golf slice never tasted so good! The student body turns out in mass and works closely with the cheer squad to disrupt the visiting team’s on-field communications. Access 4 Typically, you would think getting to and around a facility seating 107,000 fans would be a nightmare, but the University of Michigan has the experience and resources to manage the huge crowds efficiently. The key is to arrive early with your plans of what you want to do firmly in place. The main route to Michigan Stadium starts with I-94. Fans will exit I-943 via Exit 175 (Ann Arbor-Saline Road). This quickly becomes Main Street as you head north towards Ann Arbor. Michigan Stadium is at the corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard. Once you draw close to the stadium, your task becomes where to park. The city of Ann Arbor and the university work together to provide adequate parking for the more than 100,000 fans descending on the city on football Saturdays. Game day parking is available at the University of Michigan Golf Course, Pioneer High School, and several University of Michigan athletic facilities (the Tennis Center, Soccer Complex, the Wrestling Center, the Track and Field Stadium and the Lacrosse Stadium). Free shuttles will ferry fans to the stadium. In addition, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (www.theride.org/services/event-service) offers FootballRide shuttle services from five different locations in the Ann Arbor area on game days. These shuttles run every 20 minutes beginning two hours before kickoff. Once at the stadium, there are ten gates into Michigan Stadium. Gates open two hours before kickoff. Once inside the stadium, access was improved through a widening of the concourses as part of a 2024 renovation. If you want to purchase some spirit items on the way to your seats, there are eight M Den stores spread around the stadium. Concession stands are also located throughout the stadium. Following games, the shuttles will return you to your parking spaces. The section of Main Street between the stadium and I-94 becomes a one-way street, with all lanes heading southbound towards I-94 to facilitate quicker returns to your home. Return on Investment 3 High demand means high ticket prices, and Michigan tickets are in very high demand, as they are always in the hunt for the Big 10 or NCAA Championships. Big 10 games cost between $150-$250, while games against major competition (i.e., Notre Dame, Miami, or SEC teams) can cost upwards of $300. Low-demand games against MAC foes or lesser competition cost $80-$100. Parking fees vary by location. The accessible lots near the stadium are $60. Parking at the University Golf Course is $55. The parking decks at the various sports facilities charge $25. The shuttles from these facilities to the stadium and back are free. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority buses charge $3 round trip, with seniors and youth able to ride for $1.50. If you don’t mind a short walk, free parking is available on neighborhood streets. Concession prices are very reasonable compared to ticket costs. Extras 5 Michigan Stadium is constantly evolving to better meet the needs and demands of the Wolverines fanbase. Renovations have occurred in 1928,1949,1956,1973,1992,1998, 2003, and 2010. In 2023, a pair of new videoboards were added atop the stadium behind each end zone. They measure 152 feet x 55 feet, making them the third-largest videoboards in college football. Michigan Stadium was also the first stadium in the country to feature electronic scoreboards back in the 1930’s. Michigan Stadium hosted the NHL Winter Classic Hockey Game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014 that drew 105,491 fans, setting a world record for the largest attendance ever for a hockey game. Fans should download the Michigan Athletics Mobile App before attending a Wolverines home game. It can make your visit much easier with ticketing, seating maps of the facility, parking information, game-day traffic info, and much more. While Michigan will always be associated with the anthem “Hail to the Victors”, one of the newer traditions at Michigan Stadium is the playing of “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers at the end of the third quarter. This drives the crowd into a frenzy, with the stands becoming a mosh pit and the fans singing the final verse acapella. Final Thoughts Any true college football fan needs to make a trip to Ann Arbor for a Michigan home game as it is a bucket list item. The color, pageantry, and traditions of Wolverine home games are hard to beat. The experience of watching a football game in the presence of 100,000-plus fans may seem overwhelming, but the crowds are Midwestern-friendly…. except to Michigan State Spartans/Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans… of course!

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TD Place Stadium 1015 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7 Canada Ottawa Redblacks website TD Place Stadium website Year Opened: 1908 Capacity: 24,000 The Rough Ride Football in Ottawa has definitely been a roller coaster. The Ottawa Rough Riders were one of the cornerstone franchises in the Canadian Football League. They took the field from 1876 to 1996 and collected nine Grey Cup Championships along the way. Their folding was a shock to the system, literally putting the CFL in an imbalance. The void was temporarily filled by the Ottawa Renegades, who played 7 generally poor seasons from 2002 to 2008 before folding. A large part of the failure of football in Ottawa was the physical failing of what was once known as Frank Clair Stadium. Located on the grounds of Lansdowne Park, the stadium opened all the way back in 1908 and is one of the most unique in the world. In 2007, the entire south grandstand was condemned. The stadium was named after the longtime coach of the Rough Riders who led the team through the glory years, from 1956 to 1969. The rebuilding of the south stand was the spark for the revitalization of football in Ottawa. The new Ottawa Redblacks took the field at the renamed TD Place Stadium in 2014. Embracing the bilingual nature of the city like never before, the Redblacks (or Rouge et Noir) enjoyed success not seen in the capital since the seventies, culminating in the 2016 Grey Cup. TD Place Stadium is once again in the spotlight as the north stand and TD Place Arena will be demolished and replaced with a new, separate arena and north side grandstand as part of the Lansdowne 2.0 plan. Food & Beverage 5 The concession experience at TD Place Stadium is among the elite in the CFL. All of the expected stadium staples are available, including hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, candy and poutine. What takes the concessions to the next level is the focus on local favourites. Gabriel Pizza has a strong presence at TD Place Stadium. Other local favourites include Lois & Frima’s Ice Cream and Maverick’s Donut Company. Some specialty items found at TD Place Stadium that should warrant consideration include the Sledgehammer Meatball Sub and the Pierogi Timber Pile Poutine. There are several alcoholic options available. The beer selection is decent, including Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, Mill Street Orange, and Goose Island IPA. The Firth’s Tavern stand offers a full bar selection. The soft drink of choice at TD Place Stadium is Pepsi products. Atmosphere 4 TD Place Stadium is one of the most unique in the world. It is located at Lansdowne Park, which has served as the exhibition grounds in Ottawa for over a century. It is embedded in the Glebe neighbourhood, which has a personality of its own. The main entry to TD Place Stadium is from the west, where a number of condominium buildings stand on Bank Street. The stadium consists of two separate grandstands on the north and south side of the east-west oriented field. The north grandstand is the older of the two and doubles as TD Place Arena, longtime home of the Ottawa 67’s and former home of the Ottawa Senators. The arena is under the seating of the north grandstands, and the field can be seen from the south concourse of the arena. Entry from the west brings fans to the hopefully temporary banner displays for the ten Grey Cup Championships won in Ottawa (1925, 26, 40, 51, 60, 68, 69, 73, 76 and 2016) and members of the Ottawa Wall of Honour (Ron Stewart, Russ Jackson, Whit Tucker, Bruno Bitowski, Jim Coode, Moe Racine, Bobby Simpson, Gerry Organ, Tony Golab, Tony Gabriel, Kaye Vaughan, Ken Lehmann, Soupy Campbell, Dave Thelen, Gene Gaines, Greg Marshall and Henry Burris). The south stand is the newer of the two and is a split level grandstand. A bronze statue of coach Frank Clair stands at the southwest corner opposite the northwest corner stage. The west endzone has the log cabin social area/club with rail stands above it. At the time of writing, during the 2026 season, construction of the new arena beyond the east endzone was visible. The video board is located on the west side, shading more to the north rather than south. It can be a bit difficult to see from the northeast. The game-day production at a Redblacks game is one of the best in the CFL. The team leans into the lumberjack and Buffalo plaid motif. At field level, in the southeast corner, a huge log sits ready for the Redblacks touchdown celebration, which involves a chainsaw and cutting a wooden “cookie” from the log and parading it around. The team's mascot, Big Joe, interacts with fans around the stadium and takes part in the pregame festivities. The Redblacks Dancers and Cheer Team meld aspects of both college cheerleaders and professional team dancers and perform during breaks and take up residence on the sidelines. One of the most unique aspects of Ottawa Redblacks culture has been muted the last few years due to poor performance on the field and lower attendance. As of this writing, the club was still in search of their first win of the season, setting a futility record in the process. At one time, the in-stadium rivalry between fans on the north side and fans on the south side was paramount. Both sides would chant at each other and taunt each other. All on-field promotions were notched up by choosing competitors from opposing sides to face off against each other. It seemed the only part that north and south siders would agree upon was their support of the Redblacks. Neighbourhood 5 TD Place Stadium is located on the grounds of Lansdowne Park in The Glebe neighbourhood in Ottawa. The Glebe is a unique neighbourhood that is south of Parliament, which would typically be viewed as Downtown Ottawa. There are a few spots for pre- or post-game food and drink. Some options include Craft Beer Market, Joey Lansdowne, Med Supper Club, and Irene’s Pub. There are quite a few other sports options in Ottawa. TD Place Stadium is also the home of Atletico Ottawa and the annual Panda Game between uOttawa and Carleton. TD Place Arena is directly under the north grandstand and is the home of the Ottawa 67’s and Ottawa BlackJacks, as well as other uOttawa and Carleton rivalry games. Kanata is the home of the Ottawa Senators and Ottawa Charge. The campuses of uOttawa and Carleton are not too far from The Glebe. The Gee-Gees host a number of athletic teams, including football, hockey, and basketball. The Ravens also host football and hockey and are well-known for their massively successful basketball team. Ottawa is one of the top tourist destinations and the capital of Canada. There are a ton of other tourist options for fans. Just some of the options include Parliament of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Canadian War Museum, the Supreme Court of Canada, the Rideau Canal and ByWard Market. There are a ton of options for fans who wish to stay in Ottawa. Heading north towards Parliament is the best option, where the Best Western, Hilton, and Hampton Inn are all reliable options. For fans who consider the hotel an integral part of the journey, staying at the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier may be of interest. Fans 3 The Ottawa Redblacks have fallen on hard times on the field and have suffered at the gates as a result. At the time of writing, the RedBlacks averaged over 14,00 fans per game. The previous season, 2025, the RedBlacks averaged over 18,000 per game, ranking them 8th in the 9 team CFL. RedBlack fans in attendance are hardy, and it was definitely louder than expected at the game that was reviewed. Hopefully the club can turn things around on the field and can reignite the fans and the north-south rivalry. Access 3 TD Place Stadium is located on the grounds of Lansdowne Park in the Glebe neighbourhood of Ottawa. It is found on the east side of Bank Street and Exhibition Way, just north of the Rideau Canal. Lansdowne Park is less than 1.5 km south of Trans-Canada Highway 417. However, traffic in Ottawa is quite significant, so getting to the stadium can be an issue. Parking at Lansdowne Park is extremely limited, and on-site parking is not sold for RedBlacks games. Also, parking in The Glebe is also very limited and street parking is strictly enforced. The best plan to get to TD Place Stadium is to take public transit or the shuttle. Ottawa has got transportation down to a science for CFL games. There are bus stops on Bank Street, and a RedBlacks ticket equals a free ride before and after. Shuttle buses travel between Lansdowne and a couple of spots where parking is available, Carleton University and Canada Post. Fans should consult the Ottawa Redblacks website and OC Transpo website for maps and schedules. Lansdowne Park and TD Place Stadium are active construction zones as of this writing, so getting around is a bit of a challenge. There was no 360 degree path at the game that was reviewed. Washrooms have always been a bit of an issue at TD Place Stadium, with several portable washrooms around the stadium, something that will most likely be addressed with the replacement of the north stand. Stadium Journey understands that security protocols are constantly changing for major sporting events. Before heading to TD Place Stadium, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the TD Place and Ottawa Redblacks websites for the most up-to-date security information, including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Ottawa Redblacks start at $25. Tickets in the middle, upper side of the grandstand are expensive at $75 to $100 and go up to around $140. Getting into the stadium offers the opportunity to take part in happy hour, with reduced price beer options. Concession options are priced as one would expect. The experience at a Redblacks game is a solid one, and fans will definitely enjoy the full atmosphere. Extras 3 An extra mark for Lansdowne 2.0 and the investment in new facilities for the Redblacks and replacement of the north stand. An extra mark for Lansdowne Park, an historic part of Ottawa. An extra mark for Ottawa as the capital of Canada and one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Final Thoughts Although the Ottawa Redblacks have had some issues on the field, taking in a game is a great option for part of an Ottawa vacation. The rebuilding of the north stand will cause some growing pains in the short term, but the long term investment in Ottawa football is a great sign for CFL fans everywhere. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Illustration byMarc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Pioneer League is a premier summer collegiate league with 10 teams spanning California, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. The league completed its 2026 season with the Billings Mustangs defeating the Long Beach Coast in the championship series. More than a million fans attended games this year, and Stadium Journey made it to all but one of the ballparks. We rank all of the stadiums based on FANFARE Food & Drink, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment, and Extra. It evaluates the complete fan experience across multiple categories: food and beverage options, overall atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan engagement, accessibility (including parking, traffic flow, restrooms, and concourses), value for money, and a bonus "extras" category that recognizes unique features and amenities. 🍔 Food & Beverage Options 🎉 Game Day Atmosphere 🏙️ Surrounding Neighborhood 🙌 Fan Support 🚗 Access (inside and outside the park) 💸 Return on Investment 🧩 Extras - Unique features that don’t fit neatly into the other categories or deserve additional acknowledgement The rankings do not include Glacier Range Ballpark, home of the Glacier Range Riders and Red Pocket Mobiles, who spent the season on the road. However, we will do our best to visit this ballpark for a complete review in 2027. Click the image below for an interview with the Mobiles manager, Dmitri Young. Our official ratings system determines rankings, with crowd reviews from our members serving as the primary tiebreaker. Below are our 2026 PBL ballpark rankings. Until then, see where your favorite team’s home stadium ranked in our list. 10. Centene Stadium - Great Falls Voyagers 2.86 Jason Karp - It’s summertime. It’s a beautiful evening. The beer is tasty and minor league baseball is being played. What a great way to relax and unwind from the day. There are Voyager fans who love their team, but no one gets too worked up about anything. 9. Memorial Stadium - Boise Hawks 3.00 Richard Smith - Boise's Memorial Stadium has seen better days and is far removed from how modern minor league stadiums are normally expected to be designed, but it remains a good place to watch a game. The team is expected to move to a downtown Boise stadium in a couple of years, pending various approvals. 8. Ogren Park at Allegiance Field - Missoula Paddleheads 3.29 Matt Finnigan - Ogren Park’s proximity to the Clark Fork River and the rest of Missoula can provide a unique baseball experience: pre- and post-game fly fishing, punctuated by a ball game. Or pre- and post-game eating and drinking, punctuated by a ball game, but without the need for a car. 7. Raimondi Park - Oakland Ballers 3.43 Meg Minard - Attending an Oakland Ballers game at Raimondi Park is an inclusive, community-oriented event, perfect for the entire family. Kudos to the owners and team for developing a much more fan-focused sports team to assist Oaklanders with the healing process of losing the Athletics. 6. Melaleuca Field - Idaho Falls Chukars 3.43 Sean MacDonald - Melaleuca Field to be an enjoyable evening, helped by the overflow crowd and excellent concession offerings. If you are thinking about a tour of Yellowstone or the northwest in general, try to stop in to Idaho Falls for an evening with the Chukars. 5. Modern Woodman Field - Modesto Roadsters 3.43 Meg Minard - The staff and fans alike are pleased to have the Roadsters in town, and it’s easy to understand why. A night at the ballpark is affordable, relaxed, and family‑friendly, the kind of outing that feels good. Modesto has embraced its new team, and the Roadsters have given the community something fun to rally around. 4. Bryant Field - Yuba-Sutter Freebirds 3.43 Meg Minard - If you’re a sports fan anywhere near California’s capital, it’s absolutely worth the short drive up to the Yuba–Sutter region for a Freebirds game. The kids will be entertained, the scoreboard is impressive, the seats are comfortable, and the prices are affordable. This is one ballpark experience that’s worth the extra drive. 3. Blair Field - Long Beach Coast - 4.00 Andrei Ojeda - It’s been a highly successful first season for the Long Beach club. The hip-hop vibe, influenced by co-owner Warren G, has certainly had a huge impact in creating a new, sizable following from and beyond the 562. 2. Lindquist Field - Ogden Raptors 4.00 Aaron S. Terry - Lindquist Field is recommended for an Ogden Raptors game. The views are great, the staff creates a fun atmosphere, and your experience won’t break the bank. A Raptors game in Ogden absolutely checks all the boxes on your ballpark travels. 1. Dehler Park - Billings Mustangs 4.14 Meg Minard - Dehler Park finished in first place this year. It is an excellent ballpark to visit, with a focus on the game while still offering modern conveniences, good food, and an engaging fan experience. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Buck Motorsports Park & Entertainment Complex 900 Lancaster Pike Quarryville, PA 17566 Buck Motorsports Park & Entertainment Complex website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 5,000 Enjoying "The Buck" The Buck Motorsports Park is a motorsports entertainment facility located in Quarryville (Buck), Pennsylvania. It was founded as a weekly tractor pull track in 1974; it has expanded into a prominent seasonal entertainment venue. "The Buck" as it is known, operates on Saturday nights from mid-April through mid-October. The venue hosts truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies, mud bogs, monster truck shows (such as the Renegade Monster Truck Tour), rodeos, and tuff trucks. We attended on of its rodeo nights, but you can be assured that generally the experience is pretty much the same at any of its events. The venue was purchased in 2021 by monster truck driver and promoter Zane Rettew (founder of Rettew Motorsports and the Renegade Monster Truck Tour). Food & Beverage 3 Food concessions stands are located throughout the park and feature “county fair type” food at family friendly prices: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, Bricker’s Famous Fries, cotton candy, snow cones, water, Pepsi products, milkshakes, hand-squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes and More. These are simple and not too exciting options but they deliver exactly what you would expect. There may also be some more food trucks and tents depending on the event. Atmosphere 4 Seating is on simple stands located the entire length on both sides of the track. There are some limited seat backs, which seem to be the only seats that are assigned as the rest is general admission. You can also bring lawn chairs and sit at ground level, but the view is pretty limited by fencing. Signage is posted where lawn chairs are not permitted. Limited handicap seating is available on the bottom row of the announcer side grandstands. The fans can get pretty hyped up depending on the event. Also expect some of the motorsports events to be quite loud. There is a nice videoboard along one side of the track. The PA system works well. Neighborhood 3 The Buck is situated in the unincorporated community of Buck, East Drumore Township, Lancaster County, along Pennsylvania Route 272. It is also referred to as being in Quarryville, which is the closest "real" town. There is one food option nearby the facility in Rosie's Pizza Restaurant. You can also venture into Quarryville where Two Cousins Pizza and Peking Chinese are also good options. The Willow Street area of Lancaster is only about seven miles north on 272. There are a few options there and you also can venture even further into Lancaster for many more choices. Fans 5 These are the kind of events that draw a pretty excited crowd. Fans tend to be really into the events that happen at The Buck. Access 4 The Buck is right off of Route 272, which is a simple 2-lane state highway. Traffic can back up but it goes faster than one would expect. Parking is grass lots surrounding the venue. The parking staff really knows how to get fans in and out as fast as one could expect from the limited options. It is one of the best prepared and professional parking staff that we have seen in quite some time. You still may want to have some patience as there will be a lot of fans trying to go in the same limited directions. Return on Investment 4 Prices will vary depending on the event. There are usually family options, as well as prices for vets, kids and seniors. Expect the larger national events to have higher prices than the normal week events. Extras 2 Depending on the event, there will likely be pre-event entertainment on a stage near the food booths. There is a really good store selling Buck merchandise. Final Thoughts "The Buck" offers fun, and sometimes loud, entertainment at a simple but effective venue in Southern Lancaster County.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bulldog Stadium Loop Road Bowie, MD 20715 Bowie State Bulldogs website Bulldog Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 2,964 Home Of The Bulldogs Bowie State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country, opening in 1865. In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named and in 1988 became a university. It is now a member of the University System of Maryland. The school has 22 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs, two doctoral programs. A few members of the singing family, the Braxtons, have attended Bowie State. Christa McAuliffe, one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, got a Master’s degree at Bowie. Sports teams at Bowie are called the Bulldogs. They compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, at the NCAA Division II level. Bulldog Stadium has a seating capacity of 2,964. A new field house was opened in 2015 within the stadium. Food & Beverage 3 The new field house in the end zone has a pretty nice concession stand located next to it. It is strangely hidden, but the food options and prices are all quite good. There are simple food options for a stadium but I was fairly impressed. I had eaten before the game, but I would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand. There is a lot of space around the stadium interior for other food options that seem to happen depending on the game and the expected crowd. I got the feeling that at the annual homecoming game there are plenty of additional food options. Atmosphere 3 As with every HBCU football game I have ever experienced, the atmosphere is always quite special. From the entrance of the small but loud band to the cheerleaders and majorettes, the crowd should be fired up from the experience. Even so, Bulldog Stadium does suffer from feeling a bit like a high school-type atmosphere. The stadium is not very big and it feels like that kind of stadium experience. This is not necessarily negative, but you can tell that it is not a Division I football game. There is one main grandstand on the home side and a small visitors’ grandstand on the other side. The visitors’ stand is tall but not very wide and looks kind of funny. Overall the seating seems far from the field and that is even with no track as part of the stadium. That is a bit of a negative. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the residential Bowie neighborhood near the university. Not too far away is a major highway (US Route 301) and is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC 18 miles away, and Annapolis 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the school. Poncho n’ Pepe’s Cantina at 1651 Maryland Route 3 in Crofton doesn’t have the most exciting food selection, but is a colorful restaurant with many foods and drink specials for pre and post-game gatherings. Rip’s Country Inn (3809 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD) is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn is at 4500 Crain Highway across US Route 301 from the stadium and offers some game package deals. Fans 3 Bowie State has pretty decent fan support. Unfortunately, it does have quite a few commuters and professional-level students who likely do not make it to that many games. Quite a decent number of alumni attend the games. There did not appear to be as many students attending the games as I expected. Access 3 Access is good at Bowie State. Sitting near US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games. Parking is all around campus and there is a charge when you get to the campus entrance. You will have to walk a bit to get to the stadium if you park in one of the main university lots. There are some lots nearer to the stadium. Ask at the gate when paying the parking cost for the best lot. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are not too bad starting at around $20. The parking seems a bit more expensive at $10. Parking and ticket prices will go up at Homecoming so be prepared. You can also pay $100 for tailgating for that game only. The tailgating prices will also include 2 tickets to the game. Extras 2 The Symphony Of Soul Marching Band, majorettes, and cheerleaders are pretty awesome to watch. The band puts on a great show and you should make sure you are at the game early enough to watch their entrance. The stadium has a tree-lined setting that is a nice little extra when watching a game in the busy Baltimore-Washington corridor. Final Thoughts Bulldogs Stadium is not fancy. But the good level of Division II football put on display here at this nice stadium is worth the small price of admission.