Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ingalls Rink 73 Sachem St New Haven, CT 06511 Yale Bulldogs men's hockey website Ingalls Rink website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,500 Yale Whale Scores An Upgrade Ingalls Rink, better known as The Whale, is known for its consistency and tradition. But this season, Ingalls received a much-needed update. Yale Athletics poured $3 million worth of upgrades into the historic relic, highlighted by the installation of a state-of-the-art, center-hung videoboard. The new videoboard features a four-sided LED display that will showcase live game action, team introductions, and fan engagement content. In addition to the videoboard, the project included two new scoreboards on either end of the rink to display game time, shots, and penalties, a fully upgraded speaker and sound system for improved audio quality throughout the rink, renovated, modernized broadcast control room to support high-quality video production and live streaming and upgraded communications systems to enhance game day operations and venue functionality. All of these were much needed to keep up with the ever-changing game-day experiences in college sports. And the best part is that the alteration did not affect the basic feel and atmosphere of a hockey game at Yale. The Yale Bulldogs, who play in New Haven, Connecticut, are members of the Ivy League. The building was designed by the famous Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, who designed the Gateway Arch in St. Louis in 1947. Ingalls Rink, named after David S. Ingalls (‘20) and David S. Ingalls Jr. (‘56), was completed in 1958 and renovated in 2009 fits all the cliches: old school, old-time hockey, and turn back the clock. But the building has charm, sort of the way the Old Boston Garden did. The seats are close to the action, and the glass sounds like it’s going to crack when hit by a shot or run into by the players. Other distinctive features are the cold interior and the occasional smell of the locker room. There are no luxury boxes or high-end food choices. Yale University boasts the oldest collegiate hockey program in the United States. Yale played its first game in 1896, a 2-2 tie versus Johns Hopkins. The Bulldogs are members of the 12-team ECAC (Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference) and have qualified for eight NCAA Tournaments, a pair of Frozen Fours, culminating with a national championship in 2013. Food & Beverage 2 Viewing a game at Ingalls is a great experience, but eating there is not so much. There is one concession stand at the back of the arena and another underneath the main entrance, which offers identical fare. To access the lower concession stand, team store, and additional bathrooms, fans need to hit the stairs. There are bathrooms on both levels. The limited menu includes hot dogs, pizza, and pretzels for $5 each, candy for $3, and $2 for chips. The drinks include Coca-Cola products, water, hot chocolate, and coffee. A bar, toward the back of the arena and next to the concession stand, was introduced two years ago and seems to be a popular addition. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere can be electric, but on this visit, the students were on winter brea,k and there was no band or Bulldog in attendance. The new video board is a welcome addition, but more replays should be shown. The board curiously seems to only show goals scored by the home team. The ceiling, which looks like the bottom of an old ship, is quite captivating. Fans are often looking up to check out the surroundings. The arena has a number of display cases to showcase great moments in Yale men’s and women’s hockey. Banners hang from the rafters to commemorate conference champions, NCAA tournament appearances, and the 2013 National Championship. There are also 12 large flags, six each on each side, containing the logos of all 12 ECAC member schools. On the lower level, there is a timeline of Yale hockey containing pictures and memorabilia that was erected following a renovation of the building. Neighborhood 4 Ingalls Rink is situated on the northern edge of a charming campus with beautiful architecture. It is an open campus and easily walkable. Less than a mile away are a host of restaurants, including Bar for classic pizza (not coal or wood-fired), Louis Lunch (opened 1895), which claims it invented the hamburger sandwich, and Rubamba, a small, unassuming Latin American restaurant on 25 High Street. New Haven, referred to as the pizza capital of the United States by Barstool Sports and Governor Ned Lamont, boasts a small but hearty Italian section that includes legendary pizza places, Frank Pepe’s, and Sally’s Apizza (both coal-fired) on Wooster Street. A newcomer to the pizza scene is Zeneli (138 Wooster Street), which opened in August 2019. There is also Modern Apizza (brick oven), less than 1 mile from Yale. Fans can’t go wrong with a pie from any of these establishments, but be prepared to wait for a table at Pepe’s and Sally’s, especially on weekends. New Haven also offers an array of entertainment. The Schubert Theater (247 College Street) and the College Street Music Hall feature plays, shows, concerts, and comedy acts. The only concern for fans is not to wander too far off campus, as New Haven has issues with crime and homelessness. The bars on Temple and Crown Streets are hopping on weekend nights and are a great place for post-gaming. Fans 3 Fan support had been staunch at Ingalls, but losing seasons have taken a bit of starch out of the fan base. Tickets were readily available the last few seasons. Yale has not posted a winning season since 2018-19. The Bulldogs averaged 2076 per contest in 2024-25, up from 1884 per contest in 2023-24, but averaged over 3000 per game from 2009-10 to 2018-19. Many locals attend games, and many enjoy standing and watching from above, which might be the best view at Ingalls. The bowl has an interesting configuration with walkways on each side of the ice that go up and then back down, and afford great views of the ice. Access 4 There is adequate access to the campus coming from I-91 or I-95 into downtown New Haven. The campus is about 90 minutes from New York City and 45 minutes from Hartford to the North and Stamford to the south. There is the four-level Prospect-Sachem parking garage next to the rink, and there is another garage on 55 Lock Street. There is also street parking, but remember that most meters are in effect until 9 pm. New Haven is the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad, and the station on State Street is situated just over one mile from Ingalls. The seating area consists of wooden benches with backs, and the sightlines do vary based on the irregular configuration of the seating area. Most of the views are great. There are no chairbacks in the facility. Return on Investment 5 A center ice seat runs $25 and $35 for premium games versus Harvard and Quinnipiac. Seating behind the net is $20 for non-premium games, and standing room is only $10 ($15 for premium). Seniors (62 and up) can get seats for $20 on the sides and $10 behind the goals for all non-premium games, and an additional $5 for premium. Extras 3 The display and trophy cases in the lobby and downstairs are a nice touch and include the 2013 NCAA trophy. Downstairs, there are tributes to past Yale teams, including the history and construction of Ingalls. Ingalls Rink is about as extra as a rink can get. Great design and the classic feel make it reminiscent of the old Boston Garden on a much smaller scale. The building was included on America’s Favorite Architecture list of 2007 by the American Institute of Architects. The Schley Room, located downstairs, is a hidden gem, featuring team photos from every season and individual accolades players received over the years in the rink. The room is used by the Yale Hockey Association to host receptions or hang out pre-game and during intermissions. It is named for the Schley family, benefactors of Yale athletics. Final Thoughts The Yale Whale is clearly a bucket list destination and worthy of inclusion with other classic hockey arenas like Hobey Baker Rink in Princeton, New Jersey, home of the Princeton Tigers, and Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, both opened in 1923. Once a ticket is purchased, a treat is in store for all sports fans. Just bring some warm clothing if attending on a cold winter’s night. Hopefully, it stays the same for years to come. ----- Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Ignite website  Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 The Indy Ignite Ready to Ignite Indianapolis The Indy Ignite are members of Major League Volleyball and play at the Fishers Event Center. The club began play in 2024 and attracted a crowd of 6,089 for its inaugural game.  The 8-team league provides a livable wage to women's volleyball players with salaries. The Indy Ignite name was announced a year before its first game and pays tribute to the burning passion of the volleyball community, the fierce deterioration of its athletes, and the league’s effort to spark a new interest in women’s pro sports. The golden torch logo is inspired by the state flag and the bronze statue of Victory atop the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis. The Ignite posted a 13-15 record in its inagural season in the  Pro Volleyball Federation. It was good enough to earn a playoff birth and eventually a championship apperance against the Orlando Valkyries. In August 2025, the PVF and Major League Volleyball merged for the 2026 season under the MLV name. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.  Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken sandwiches in front of customers for its sandwiches: regular, Buffalo, and Nashville hot. In 2006, the stand introduced chicken parmesan sandwiches. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The city's historic railyard inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Black Dog Indy Fuel Ale. All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators. However, King Jugg does have a kiosk with two varieties on tap, along with a couple mixed cocktails also on tap. Atmosphere 4 Professional volleyball is new to the Indianapolis market, and fans have taken an interest in the Ignite. The first game attracted a sell-out crowd of 7,000 people, while the second game filled the arena to 75 percent capacity. Fans line up for merchandise and then after the game for post-game autographs. The court is set up in the middle of the floor with additional private seating on each side. One of these areas is filled with a group of supporters banging inflatable thundersticks and a mini-bar area for easy access for fans sitting courtside. The team’s mascot, Pepper, walks around this area for pictures. Fans are concentrated on the action on the court, which could be as short as 90 minutes to 2 and a half hours. There are plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” during long sets where the players make acrobatic and diving moves to keep the ball alive. Music is played briefly after each scoring and during breaks between sets. There are moments of entertainment during breaks, including the Firestarter Dance Team, on-court gimmicks for kids, and a giant volleyball game with an inflatable ball in the stands.  Only clear bags are permitted. Non-clear bags must be smaller than 4.5” x 6.5”, and the arena is a cashless venue. All concessions and merchandise must be made through credit card, debit card, or mobile payment. There are no programs offered at the game. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within walking distance of   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill.  The 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and the Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 4 The fanbase for Ignite games is a mix of die-hard volleyball and casual fans.  They enjoy watching a professional volleyball match and cheer with attacks and kills on the court. When it is a match point, the crowd stands until the game is over. After the match, fans line up in the lower concourse to secure an autograph or photo with their favorite players. A healthly crowd braved the start of a snowstorm that dumped close to 10 inches of snow in the Indianapolis market. Access 5 Fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around during volleyball games. A few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse have slightly obstructed views. Return on Investment 3 There is a demand for Ignite tickets. The costs start at $29 on secondary sites such as TickPick . However, prices can fluncate depending on the demand and opponent.  Check dates, times, and weather for prices. Parking is hassle-free, with 2,000 spaces around the FEC. Fans can pre-pay for the game or scan to pay upon arrival. The cost to park in the general admission lot is $10, while the VIP lot is $20. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of options for the Ignite at-home games in the Fuel Shop. There is the Merch of the Night, an exclusive offer of 25% on select items each night. Extras 3 Players sign autographs after every game on the lower concourse; based on the number of fans waiting in line, there is a huge demand to meet the new stars of the city. The arena offers grab-and-go items from drinks to food for easy access to and from your seats. After every Ignite home victory, fans can grab a free appetizer with an entree item at the Parks Place Pub. Final Thoughts The Indy Ignite impacted the sports scene in town during its inaugural season. Management has done proper marketing and research, creating an interesting niche for fans in the area. It is an exciting time to be a fan of women's sports, and the MLV is among the many options to choose from here in the United States. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena 1000 Hilltop Cir Baltimore, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,654 Retriever’s Home The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is most commonly referred to as UMBC. Located about 15 minutes west of Baltimore between the suburbs of Arbutus and Catonsville, the university has just under 15,000 students. Sciences and Engineering are among the highest-profile programs at UMBC, with over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate programs in total. The university was established in 1966 and is a sister institution to The University of Maryland, College Park, as well as Towson University and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Lacrosse and soccer are the biggest sports, along with the amazing chess team. Chess has won the Pan American Chess Tournament 9 times between 1996 and 2009. Former team captain Alexander Onischuk went on to become the United States Champion in 2006. Lacrosse is a usual fixture on the scene and is a common sight in the NCAA tournament. Men’s soccer made the Final Four of college soccer, the College Cup, in 2015, eventually losing on the biggest stage around. Basketball came behind a few other sports on campus. But on March 16, 2018, the Retriever team became the first 16th seed to knock off a number 1 seed, Virginia, in the NCAA tournament’s history. Now UMBC and the Retriever name are well known to many sports fans. The UMBC Event Center was opened just a couple of months before that historic win, and it replaced the Retriever Athletic Center (RAC). Food & Beverage 2 The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena has extremely average food offerings. There are a couple of concession stands offering a small variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings. Atmosphere 3 The arena seems to be designed for concerts and events just as much as for being a sports venue. The seats are designed in a horseshoe shape with a wall on the east end. UMBC has a video board on that end, but no scoreboard over the court. That seems weird to see, but is obviously a nod to the concerts and events also held here. The college is often known as a commuter college. They have had more students living on campus in recent years, but students still do not show up in large numbers. The upper deck is often not used, except for bigger games. Neighborhood 2 There is no neighborhood around UMBC. The campus is located between the Arbutus and Catonsville neighborhoods of Baltimore County. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Fans may want to stop into some of the shops and restaurants that line Frederick Road in Catonsville for pre-game activities. Taneytown Deli (807 Frederick Rd) has limited hours, but it is the best bet for stopping before afternoon games. For adults, Jennings Cafe (808 Frederick Road) is a nice neighborhood bar. We also like Sorrento's of Arbutus as a nice option. That quick drive to Baltimore opens up a world of activities and dining options. Fans 3 The crowds are pretty loud for the medium-sized numbers that they draw. Over time, the arena and the fans have become a good boost to the team. Access 4 The UMBC campus is easy to access, as it is located off of Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. You will be routed directly onto the campus without even going onto any surface streets. Weekday games, while school is in session, may involve looking a bit harder for parking spaces, although it is doubtful this will be much of an issue. If you venture around through the nearby towns of Arbutus and Catonsville, you will use area roads like Wilkens Avenue, Frederick Road, and Rolling Road. You may need a GPS, as these roads tend to ramble a bit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are generally under $20 and have good value. Extras 2 Free lineups are a nice extra.  The best extra is the signage celebrating their historic win over Virginia. Final Thoughts The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena is a major improvement over the old RAC and is a good home for this mid-major program.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Map It Tucson Roadrunners website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 6,521 Hockey in Arizona The Tucson Roadrunners are celebrating their tenth season (2025–26) in the American Hockey League (AHL). Formerly affiliated with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, the Roadrunners shifted their partnership to the Utah Mammoth following the Coyotes’ relocation to Salt Lake City. The franchise traces its roots to the Springfield Falcons of Massachusetts before moving to Tucson ahead of the 2016–17 season. Since then, the Roadrunners have called the historic Tucson Arena home. Opened in 1971, Tucson Arena is part of the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), which earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. A $22 million renovation in 2014 modernized the venue with new seating, upgraded lighting, refreshed restrooms, a revamped sound system, a new kitchen, and a video scoreboard. Today, the Roadrunners share the arena with the University of Arizona Wildcats hockey team and the Tucson Sugar Skulls of the Indoor Football League. Beyond sports, Tucson Arena also hosts major entertainment events, including Monster Jam and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) competitions, making it a versatile hub for the community. Food & Beverage 3 Tucson Arena provides a tempting offering of food choices during Roadrunners games.  Two permanent concession stands are to the left and right after entering the rink.  Several stand-alone food carts line the upper rim of the concourse. Permanent concessions offer macho nachos, street tacos (3/$12), a foot long desert dogs, double bacon cheeseburgers, southwest chicken Caesar wraps, a turkey cheddar bacon ranch salad, and a Sonoran salad, with prices ranging from $12 - $15. Traditional stadium food and snacks like hot dogs, soft sourdough pretzels, chips, candy, and the like are for sale.  Several concession specials include Two for Tuesdays, offering $2 hot dogs and $2 sodas, and Cool Willey’s Frosty Friday ($5 draft beers and $5 hot dogs). Stand-alone food carts along the concourse include Jerimiah’s Italian Ice (Italian ice, Jelati, and soft ice cream), a Maui Wowi cart provides smoothies. Chick-fil-A, cotton candy, popcorn, Dippin’ Dots, Thrifty Brand ice cream, and Express Yourself coffee also sell their fare. Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($6/$7), and beer is ($12 - $15).  Fans can purchase a single cocktail or wine for $10 - $20.  It’s a pretty familiar lineup—nothing that steals the spotlight, but there’s plenty to enjoy. Atmosphere 3 The seating bowl forms a U-shape, with rows on three sides and the concourse running above them. You can see the action the entire time while walking the concourse. Sideline seats offer the best perspective; the second level provides an excellent full-ice view. Seats are on the tighter side, with cupholders on the armrests and average legroom. Sections are clearly marked, and ushers stationed at the top of each aisle are consistently helpful. The arena lacks a center-hung scoreboard; instead, a video board sits at the top of the U, with a traditional stat board mounted on the opposite end. Short ribbon boards flank the video screen with sponsor messages, and additional video panels on the back of the camera wells run a loop of upcoming TCC events. The temperature is generally fine, though those who run cold may want an extra layer—jacket, sweatshirt, gloves, or a hat. Music is played loudly but not to the point of discomfort. Game-day promotions are plentiful, including chuck-a-puck, a 50/50 raffle, fan contests like musical chairs, pee wee hockey, t-shirt tosses, and even pizza delivery. The Roadrunners also host themed nights and giveaways throughout the season. One highlight is Winning Wednesdays: attend a Wednesday home game, and if the team wins, you receive a free ticket to the next Wednesday home game. Other theme nights include Glow Night, Teddy Bear Toss, Peanuts Night, and U of A College Night. Fans can pick up a roster sheet at the customer service table in front of Section 214 on the inner concourse, which also includes the current AHL standings. A pleasant surprise is that the arena keeps the lights on between periods, dimming them only slightly before puck drop. Two Zambonis handle ice maintenance—one of which is cleverly designed to look like a mouse, courtesy of a critter-control sponsor. Tucson Roadrunner Zamboni Cleaning the Ice, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Visiting Tucson is a treat.  It is not as commercialized as the Phoenix area, and i t maintains much of its natural beauty by not building and destroying its land, natural settings, and landscape. The arena is downtown near El Presidio Park, the old county courthouse, and the Pima County courthouse.  Several museums are within walking distance, including the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Or, if it’s a pleasant fall day, walk the Turquoise Trail, a historical walking tour of downtown Tucson.  A good place for a pregame dinner within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the arena is the El Charro Café .  Other places include The HUB (ice cream, food, and drinks), Miss Saigon Downtown (Vietnamese), or Empire Pizza & Pub (New York-style pizza). Tucson offers several breweries near the arena.  Crooked Tooth, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, and Iron John’s are  worth a visit if craft breweries are your thing. N ot within w alking distance but worth visiting when in the Tucson area are the Mission San Xavier del Bac (founded in 1692), the Saguaro National Park (home to the nation’s largest and most abundant cacti), and taking a drive up to the top of A Mountain (Sentinel Peak) for a beautiful view.   The biggest event in Tucson is the Gem and Mineral show at the end of Jan / beginning of February each year. One hotel, Double Tree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, is right next to the hot el, but it’s pricey.  We recommend Hotel McCoy , about 2.5 miles from the arena.  It is a reasonably priced hotel and has all sorts of nifty items. Other sports to see during hockey season include the Arizona Wildcats (University of Arizona) football , hockey , basketball , and baseball teams.  Fans 3 The Roadrunners have a strong base of diehard fans. Fans are few but hardy.  Quite a few bring their cowbells and ring them fiercely at appropriate times.     The Roadrunners have averaged over 4,000 per game the last two years, placing them toward the lower end of the AHL attendance numbers. They, of course, do the traditional ‘It’s All Your Fault’ chanting to the opposing goaltender when he gives up a goal. Access 4 Parking sits right next to the arena and costs $15, with payment handled through Premium Parking. Fans willing to walk a bit can find additional lots and garages for around $5. A full parking map is available here . Tucson’s Sun Link streetcar offers an easy alternative to driving, dropping fans just a few blocks from the arena. Tucson International Airport is about eight miles south, and the city itself is roughly a two‑hour drive from Phoenix. All guests pass through metal detectors and a security check upon entry. Backpacks and large bags aren’t permitted, but standard clear sports bags (14” x 16”) are allowed. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop. Fans first step into a wide outer concourse that includes the merchandise table, then enter through glass doors into the inner concourse.  The concourse sits at the top of the seating bowl, with stairs leading down to the seats. Handrails run down the center of the aisles, and wheelchair‑accessible seating is available along the top row with strong sightlines to the ice. The concourse can feel tight between periods when the building is full. Tucson Roadrunners Social Nest, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, located at both ends of the U‑shaped layout. Return on Investment 4 Single‑game tickets run from $25 to $102. Around $48 places you near center ice on the second level, though the $25 seats offer a surprisingly comparable view. Good options include Sections 203 and 205, which face the penalty box, or Sections 221 and 223, which look toward the benches. Avoid rows A and B—they sit too close to the glass to comfortably follow the action. Fans can also take advantage of group deals, flex plans, and 12‑game packages that bring the overall cost down. Concession prices are fairly reasonable by AHL standards. While prices have risen since the team’s inaugural season, attending a Roadrunners game remains a solid value for a night of sports entertainment. Extras 4 The merchandise area on the outer concourse is worth a mention.  There’s plenty of room to walk around and shop.  Spin the wheel at the promotions table and win tchotchkes like stickers, sunglasses, keychains, etc. The TCC Plaza outside the arena was recently refurbished with new fountains, trees, flowers, and a garden. A unique feature not that  common in hockey rinks is that the players' benches are not long enough to fit the backup goalie.  They sit on a stool behind the glass where the players enter the rink. Within the same structure of the Tucson Arena is the Tucson Musicians Museum (free), and across the plaza is the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. Tucson Musicians Museum, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Visiting Tucson, AZ and watching an AHL Roadrunners game is an enjoyable experience and one worth checking out.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pauley Pavilion 650 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90095 UCLA Bruins website Pauley Pavilion website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 12,829 The House The Wizard Built Originally opened in 1965, Pauley Pavilion was named for the primary donor, Regent Edwin W. Pauley. The original cost of the facility exceeded $5 million, with contributions from the state, the student body, and the alumni. On December 20, 2003, former coach Wooden and his wife, Nell, were honored as the court was named "Nell & John Wooden Court."  Upon its opening, Pauley Pavilion was designed to accommodate various athletic events. Before the renovation, the baseline seats behind the 2nd half-visiting team's basket were a great distance from the floor. Legend has it that Coach Wooden, the gentleman he is, wanted it that way to prevent his teams from having an “unfair advantage.”  Though it has been 31 years since their last run to glory, the UCLA Bruins basketball team is still the college National Champions leader, with 11 banners hanging in the rafters, 10 of which Coach John Wooden is responsible for.  Food & Beverage 4 Along the south concourse, fans are permitted to an outdoor patio to soak in the Southern California weather.  Food trucks occupy the space and are along the outdoor patio, offering additional concessions for fans. In addition, this area also functions as an extended concourse for fans to roam, as well as dining tables for those wanting to dine outside. It provides fans more room to dine, stretch out, and roam while creating the opportunity to soak in the outdoor elements.  Food truck vendors vary throughout the season, and offerings may include a Korean BBQ truck serving tofu soup, stir-fried kimchi with chicken or shrimp, or even premium plates of ribeye steak & shrimp/lobster. Other food truck options may include shrimp/lobster/fish tacos, fish and chips, or poke bowls. One food truck that seems to be a staple is the Creamy Boys Ice Cream, serving up real fruit New Zealand-style ice cream. Flavors include your basic banana, strawberry, and vanilla, mixed berry, and the Hokey Pokey, a vanilla ice cream with crunchy honeycomb toffee blended and sprinkled on top. The inner concourse offers your usual arena fare: Bruin Dogs, nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jack, an assortment of candies, and Coke products. Other dining options include Fresh Brothers Pizza and Jersey Mike’s, offering their share of specialty pizza and sandwiches. Beer and wine are also now available at the San Pedro Brewing Co. stand. Selections include Coors Light and Dos Equis as well as themed brews Brew ‘n Blonde and Pauley Pale Ale. Atmosphere 5 The moment you approach Pauley Pavilion, you feel a heavy sense of tradition. If it is your first time coming to a UCLA basketball game, you will want to enter through the north entrance. Outside the north entrance is a statue of the late great John Wooden, the man responsible for 10 of the 11 National Championship banners that hang in the rafters.  John Wooden Statue, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Like with any historic venue that undergoes a renovation, fans at first can be resistant to change, as many of the Bruin faithful were. But even the most storied venues get an occasional facelift, and Pauley is no different. When the facelift was complete, Bruin fans quickly warmed to her new look as the renovations not only provided wider concourses but countless displays throughout that pay homage not only to UCLA basketball’s storied history but also to its other athletic programs, over 100 total national championships. UCLA Honoring Past Glories, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The popular area just outside of campus is known as Westwood Village, and there are certainly options for everyone.   If you're in the mood for a drink, Barney's is the main watering hole for thirsty fans. Diddy Riese has been serving ice cream and cookies to Westwood since 1983. Lines can be pretty long for this popular vendor, especially on weekends. Not your same old chocolate wafers with vanilla ice cream between them, you can choose from 12 flavors of ice cream as your filling and from 10 types of freshly baked cookies as your "bread."    Fat Sal's is also another local favorite that serves up huge sandwiches. The one I always get is the Fat Bruin, served on extra-wide hero bread with cheeseburgers, chili, bacon, onion rings, fries, ketchup, and garlic aioli. Fans 3 UCLA Game Time, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey With the Big Ten season now underway and school back in session, the Bruins are hopeful that attendance will pick up. You can expect close to and up to capacity crowds against long-time rival USC, as when big-name schools such as Purdue, Indiana, Michigan State, and Michigan are in town.   With 11 National Championship banners hanging in the rafters, an annual trip to the postseason tournament is never enough to satisfy. To the majority of Bruins fans, a trip to March Madness should be a given, so yes, expectations will always be high. When things are going great for the Sons of Westwood, Pauley is rocking, where even the Hollywood types can be seen. Otherwise, don’t be shocked to see noticeable less than capacity crowds. Access 3 The UCLA campus is located in Westwood, and as a result, fans are likely to face some frustrating traffic on the way to the game. To get to Pauley Pavilion, you'll likely take either the 10 Freeway from east or west and connect to the 405 Freeway toward the Wilshire or Sunset Blvd exit. If using the 10 to connect to the 405 north or arriving via the 405 south from the valley, you may want to use the Sunset exit and head west toward campus due to the light rail construction on Wilshire that’s adding additional traffic to the already usual. If coming from the 10, I can’t guarantee it will be much faster. After all, this is L.A., and all those stories you’ve heard about our notorious traffic are no joke.  Once you approach the arena, take note of the many signs directing fans to the parking. Most spots go for approximately $11 and are in a secure garage. If staying on LA's west side, several of Santa Monica Big Blue Buses  operate inside the campus and will drop you off a short walk from the venue. Given Pauley Pavilion’s location, like with most any venue in LA, give yourself plenty of preparation time, and bring plenty of patience. Return on Investment 4 For most games, advance ticket planning is not necessary. With most games not selling out, particularly early-season games when the schedule includes the least attractive opponents, tickets can be found below face value, as low as $5 on various third-party sites. Box office ticket prices can be pricey, particularly against high-profile opponents, with prices starting at $50 into the high triple digits, one of several factors contributing to the program's attendance struggles . However, you may get lucky and see prices drop days and moments toward your desired game regardless of the opponent quality, such as on an evening when UCLA is playing the 4th-ranked team in the country and giving away bobbleheads of coach John Wooden, and box office prices dropped as low as $25! Extras 5 Located right next to Pauley is the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. Open up until tip-off before most games, the HOF features many of the school’s athletic accomplishments. Also on display at the HOF is a replica display of John Wooden’s den, displaying many memorabilia items dedicated to The Wizard. Welcome to Wooden’s Den, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey A popular meeting spot for fans is the John Wooden statue outside the arena. This life-sized statue lists his years with the program and one of his more memorable quotes on a plaque below. The statue is located outside the north entrance of the arena. The statue of Mr. Wooden is not only a focal meeting point for fans, but it’s also one of the more popular photo-op spots among the faithful.  Inside the arena, fans may also note an empty seat behind the Bruins' bench. This seat was where Wooden would sit once his coaching days ended, so the school keeps it open as a tribute to him. Fans are allowed to take pictures of the seats after the game. Out of respect for The Wizard, most fans will not sit in his seat.  Also inside the arena, fans will spot many "Incredible Moments" signs on pillars throughout the concourse. Difficult to miss with their UCLA blue and gold color scheme, these signs honor many of the great achievements in Bruin sports history. No other NCAA men's program has as many NCAA Championship banners as the UCLA program has on display at Pauley. Eleven in total, the first of the championships came in 1964, and the most recent occurred in 1995. Each of the banners has a navy blue background with gold print showing the year and the phrase "National Champions."  While most programs will also acknowledge their conference titles and Final Four appearances, only National Champion banners are raised here. Before the renovation, the banners were located along the rim of the court. With the banners currently hanging above the court, the 11 banners give Pauley that special, imposing presence.  Only Natty’s hung here, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Beginning in 1990, UCLA began retiring the jerseys of several of its notable players. The first two inductees to be named were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (#33, who played as Lew Alcindor) and Bill Walton (#32). In 1996, four additional players retired: Walt Hazzard (#42), Sidney Wicks (#35), Marques Johnson (#54), and Ed O'Bannon (#31). In 2004, a seventh member was added as Gail Goodrich (#25) also had his number retired during the game that commemorated the 40th anniversary of UCLA's first championship. Lastly, it's required that first-time visitors take a stroll down Wooden Way along the east concourse, where they will find one of the more interesting collections of college basketball memorabilia dedicated to The Wizard and the rich history of UCLA Basketball. There is John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, hardwood from previous UCLA home courts, a list of All-Americans, the wall of champions, signed basketballs, and much more.  Let’s take a stroll down Wooden Way, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts UCLA Royce Hall, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Thanks to some much-needed renovations from 2010-2012, Pauley Pavilion hardly looks her age of 60. If you appreciate a deep history, give yourself plenty of time before or after the game to check out the numerous displays throughout the concourse, particularly those along Wooden Way. If you’re fortunate, you may even come across a former Bruin, especially on a night when a particular team of past glory is being honored.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pan American Center 1810 University Ave Las Cruces, NM 88003 New Mexico State Aggies website Pan American Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 12,572 This is NM State New Mexico State men’s basketball has participated in eight different affiliations , mostly in the West and Southwest, with its longest modern run in the WAC (18 years)  before joining Conference USA  in 2023.  The team has reached 4 Sweet Sixteens, 23 NCAA Tournaments, and 5 NIT Tournaments.  The 1969-70 New Mexico State men’s basketball team to date is the only squad in program history to reach the NCAA Final Four. On Nov. 30, 1968 the Pan American Center opened its doors for the first New Mexico State men’s basketball game.  Pan American Center is also home to New Mexico State women’s Aggie basketball and volleyball. The arena hosts various other events throughout the year.  The building is celebrating 58 years; it has had several renovations since it first opened. It sits proudly on the New Mexico State University campus in Las Cruces, NM. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll find your no-frills, basic stadium fare at Pan American Center.   Personal pizza, hot dogs, nachos cost $6 - $10.  A Pete’s Combo  (hot dog, popcorn, and soda) sells at $10.  Candy, churros, and pretzels are available for a snack.   Pepsi products run $6 for a 32 oz drink.  Modelo, Coors Light, Michelob Light, and Kona Big Wave cost $8/can, while Nutrl and Hoop Tea sells for $6.  Atmosphere 4 Aggies men’s basketball delivers a safe, lively, and genuinely welcoming game-day atmosphere. Fans enter the seating bowl and either head down to the first level—25 rows deep—or up to a second tier, separated by a central walkway. During my visit, the upper level was closed. Seating consists of red plastic fold‑down chairs without cup holders, wrapping all four sides of the court. Two tiers line each sideline, while a single level sits behind each basket. The Jag and Linda Cheema Suites occupy a section behind one end zone, adding a premium touch to the layout. A crisp, center‑hung scoreboard anchors the arena, displaying live video, score, possession, quarter time, and other essentials. Additional score displays sit above both end zones. Pan American Center Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Entertainment extends well beyond the action on the court. A spirited pep band plays frequently, and the team makes a memorable entrance by descending the arena stairs before introductions and again at halftime. Fans enjoy t‑shirt tosses, dance cams on the main board, and appearances from the Spirit Squad—Sun Dancers, cheerleaders, and Pistol Pete, the cowboy‑themed mascot. The public‑address announcer is outstanding, delivering substitutions, scoring updates, fouls, and play descriptions with clarity and energy—never competing with unnecessary background music. Sound levels are spot‑on, allowing easy conversation, and the audio crew consistently cuts the music when the pep band performs. A fun in‑arena tradition comes when the announcer calls, ‘Out of bounds—Aggie ball!’ and the crowd echoes back, ‘ Aggie ball! ’ The arena temperature is comfortable; a long‑sleeve shirt is plenty. Championship banners, NCAA tournament markers, and retired numbers hang proudly from the rafters, while photos of standout Aggie athletes line the outer concourse, celebrating the program’s history. Neighborhood 4 The Pan Am Center is near the other on-campus NM State Athletic fields in Las Cruces, NM.  Plenty of restaurants and hotels are within 1 – 2 miles of the arena.  Ten or more restaurants (including fast food) are along University Ave from I-10 to the arena:  I-Hop, Burger King, Panda Express, and Chick-fil-A.  The Game Sports Bar and Grill  is a decent pregame place to visit for a beer and a bite.  Weck’s, an NM breakfast/lunch chain, is a worthwhile visit before an afternoon game.  Other things to see and do when visiting Las Cruces include the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum  about three miles from Pan Am Center.  The Museum of Science and Nature or the Las Cruces Railroad Museum may also be worth a visit, depending on your interests.  Of course, a visit to see the world’s largest chile pepper  may be in order, too! Plenty of hotels are near the university.  The closest are the Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces, Comfort Suites University, and Sleep Inn University.   A whole slew more is within two–three miles of Pan Am Center. Other sports in the area are the Aggies baseball  team and the women’s basketball team.  A trip to El Paso, TX (a 45-minute drive) will take you to the El Paso Chihuahuas , AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres.  Fans 3 Aggie fans appreciate their basketball team.   They cheer and encourage the players and all stand until the team score its first basket.  During free-throws, many position their fingers into a pistol shape.  The student section, the Panamaniacs , attend in full force, while the band and spirit squad keep the energy up during breaks in play. Panamaniac Student Section and Band, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey In 2025, the program drew an average of 5,600 fans a game and held the highest attendance record in the Conference USA. Access 3 Getting to the Pan Am Center is an easy drive off I-10.  Plenty of free parking surrounds the east and south sides of the arena.  Handicapped parking is available, as are accessible seats.  Check here for more information on accessible features at the arena. Las Cruces does have a bus stop (Aggie Green), but it looks as if it’s operational only Monday-Friday, 7 am – 6 pm, so it may not be suitable for use when attending a game.  Las Cruces Airport is 12+ miles from the university. The venue has a little plaza area with benches outside the ticket office.  It’s a nice place to wait for friends.  The ticket office is a separate building with polite staff manning the booths. Clear bags 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as are small clutches. Pan Am Center has plenty of clean restrooms on the concourse level. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $15 to $30, with premium matchups against UTEP and UNM running $20 to $50. Parking is free, and concessions are priced fairly. It’s an enjoyable game‑day experience and a solid value for your sports‑entertainment dollar. Extras 4 During the game covered in this review, the Aggies recognized the NM State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 —a touching and memorable moment. All the NM State banners and photos displayed provide visitors with the vast athletic accomplishments the university has produced.  The staff are genuinely eager to assist and make visiting fans feel truly welcome. It’s also refreshing attending a sporting event where the music volume is kept at a comfortable level. Final Thoughts The New Mexico State Aggies men’s basketball program has completed 119 seasons since its start in 1904. The team has called the Pan American Center home since 1968, giving fans nearly six decades of memories in the venue. Though the arena is among the older facilities in Division I, the game‑day atmosphere remains lively and makes for an enjoyable outing.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Ice World 1300 Governors Ct Abingdon, MD 21009 Towson Tigers website Ice World website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 300 Tigers On The Ice Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of 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 and is starting to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The university has 64 undergraduate majors, 37 master’s degree programs, and 4 doctoral programs. Tigers have been the sports team's name at Towson since 196,1 replacing The Golden Knights, Indians, and the team's and teachers' names that were used by various sports. The Tigers men’s play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) in the highest division, Men’s Division 1. The Tigers also compete in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA) for league play against Drexel, George Mason, Lehigh, NYU, Navy, Penn State Berks, Rhode Island, Temple, Villanova, and West Chester. Ice World is a twin rink complex located in Harford County, Maryland, about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Numerous youth and adult hockey leagues and teams play at the complex, which also offers many open ice skating times. Food & Beverage 2 Ice World has a snack bar that serves both rinks. The food is a basic snack bar variety, but the pricing is fair, and the overall variety is pretty good. You may want to eat a larger meal before or after attending a game here, but the snack bar will provide basic nourishment. Atmosphere 3 For an arena with such a small seating capacity, Ice World still provides a decent environment for the atmosphere for the Towson team. There is an announcer and good use of music during games. It is not a pro or NCAA Division I atmosphere, but it is pretty good. There are just two small rows of seats, and many people will stand and watch directly at the glass along the corners of the rink. Towson usually plays only on Rink A. Neighborhood 2 Ice World is located in an industrial park off of Maryland Route 7 (Philadelphia Road). There is not much around the area except for the facility. If you want options before or after games, it is best to head either to the Route 24/Interstate 95 interchange or further north on Route 24 towards the larger Abingdon area. The Boulevard at Box Hill is a shopping center with quite a few food options. I would recommend Baccos Italian. Wegman’s Grocery Store is also located here and offers another option for stocking up for the game. Fans 3 Fans who attend hockey tend to be friends or family of the game participants. There will be virtually no students in attendance unless they are friends or family. Ice World is too far from campus for students to attend games. The fans are very knowledgeable about the games and take things very seriously. Access 4 Ice World is located not far off Interstate 95 at the Route 24 exit. Go south from the interchange, make a left (east) onto Route 7 (Philadelphia Road), and then a right onto either Continental Drive or Governor Court. The facility is at the rear of the business park. There is plenty of free parking, although depending on the event occurring on the other ice rink, the lot may get busier. Harford County is located about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are a $5 donation to attendthe Towson game. That price seems very reasonable in that the club sports do not get much money to keep their program operating. Students will only have to donate $2 to attend the games. There is no cost for parking. Towson plays on one of the higher levels of club sports hockey, so the return on investment is fair. Extras 2 Check out the many banners for youth, adult, and college teams that also call Ice World home. There are also many pictures and plaques detailing the successes of the ice skating participants who also call the facility home. You may also want to check on events that are occurring on the other rink. Final Thoughts The Towson Tigers hockey team does a good job of providing a good game environment for their fans, even if they do play quite a bit off campus.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Merkert Gymnasium Chapel of Mary South Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks men’s basketball website Merkert Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 No Stone Unturned   On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division One level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division Two. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference.   The home of Stonehill’s basketball and volleyball teams is Merkert Gymnasium. The gym is located in the center of the school’s campus. The building is named in honor of Stonehill student James A. Merkert, who passed away while enrolled in 1978. He was the son of long-time university benefactor Eugene Merkert. The basketball court is named the Paula Sullivan Court, in honor of the school’s longtime women’s basketball coach, who led the squad from 1971-1996.   Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2005 the school officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks. This name has no connection to a bird but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995.   While in Division II, the Skyhawks appeared in 15 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four twice (2006 and 2012). The women’s team appeared in 26 NCAA D-II Tournaments, advancing to the Elite Eight three times. On May 28, 2025, Stonehill College announced that due to a record $15-million donation from Tom (class of ’72) and Kathleen Bogan, planning has begun on a new basketball and hockey arena on campus. In recognition of their philanthropy, the arena will be named the Tom and Kathleen Bogan Arena. There is currently no timeline for construction of the arena. Merkert Gymnasium Exterior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small snack bar in the Merkert Gymnasium lobby. This is the most basic of concession experiences you’ll ever find in a Division One facility. Popcorn, assorted candies and chips are sold here, along with bottles of Coca-Cola products. That’s it. If you’re coming to a Skyhawks game hungry, you’re going to be out of luck.   Atmosphere 3   When you consider that Merkert Gymnasium is basically a gym located in the basement of a classroom building, you wouldn’t expect this to be a fancy facility with a lot of modern bells and whistles available to the Stonehill game day staff. And you’d be absolutely correct. Still, a bandbox of a gym like this can be the type of place that provides a great home court advantage when it’s filled with rowdy students making noise. Unfortunately, that’s not likely to be your experience at Merkert.   The Skyhawk athletic department does the best they can with the tools at hand. The band, dance and cheer teams are in attendance doing their thing. The student section can be hit or miss. Stonehill’s overall enrollment is only 2,400 students, so even if a good percentage of the student body shows up, it’s not a lot of people. But again, in a small gym like Merkert, a little can go a long way. The school’s mascot, Ace, can be found roaming the stands interacting with fans, and the sound system is put to good use during play stoppages, filling this tiny gym with sound. The PA announcer does a good job filling the gym with energy and keeping the crowd involved while providing game information.   Perhaps the most interesting part of the game day experience at Stonehill is the scoreboard at the far side of the gym. And not because it is ultra-modern or because it features a giant, high-definition video board, because it has none of those features. It provides only basic game information (score, time, fouls, time outs, individual stats for players on the floor). What is interesting here is that the numbers change colors like a Christmas tree. Take the clock, for instance. When the clock is counting down, the numbers are green. When the clock is stopped, they are red. During the final minute, they are yellow. The score of the team that is ahead is green. Seriously, you need an instruction manual to read this thing. But it’s kind of fun at the same time. Merkert Gymnasium Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Stonehill College’s sprawling campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, and state routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls and plenty of dining and lodging options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options close to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott located just off Route 24.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here .   Fans 3   The 2025-26 season is the fourth season in Division One for the Skyhawks, so trends are starting to emerge. Attendance has remained steady over the past couple of seasons, with Stonehill averaging just under 800 fans per game. This places them just under the average for their conference, the NEC. Stonehill seems to have filled a void in southeastern Massachusetts, where local fans previously had to venture into either Boston or Providence for their big-time college sports fix.   Generally, Stonehill fans are pretty reserved, but it’s easy to see how this bandbox of a gym would get really loud if the Skyhawks were competing for a conference title and the bleachers were packed with students and crazed fans. This would be a tough place to come play for sure. For now, it’s a place you can feel comfortable visiting and taking in some quality basketball up close. Stonehill Band Plays at Skyhawk Basketball. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4    Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible by car, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from Merkert Gymnasium.   Merkert Gymnasium is located in the middle of campus, not far from some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including W.B Mason Stadium , Lou Gorman Field and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex.   Fans will find ample parking in the Chapel of Mary parking lot located about a tenth of a mile from the gym. Walkways from the parking lot to the gym are wide and well-manicured, although not as well-lit as you might expect.   Fans will enter Merkert Gymnasium into a small lobby adorned with murals from the school’s various athletic programs. The ticket table, snack bar and tiny rest rooms are all located here. Fans will take a flight of stairs down to the gym floor. There are molded purple bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of this cozy gym.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Skyhawks basketball games are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youths aged 5-17. Parking is free in any of the lots located just a short walk from Merkert Gymnasium. With inexpensive snacks available at the snack bar, a Skyhawks basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Game Action at Merkert Gymnasium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1   Banners hang on the walls of Merkert Gymnasium honoring championship programs from the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team. Stonehill had quite the successful resume while playing in Division Two.   Final Thoughts   Now that Stonehill has had a few years to settle into their new surroundings in Division One, it’s clear to see that they’ve made some upgrades to the game day experience at Merkert Gymnasium. With a recent announcement that a new facility is on the way for the basketball and hockey teams, this is a program that is poised for a big jump in the near future.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 McKale Memorial Center 1 National Championship Dr Tucson, AZ 85721 McKale Center website Arizona Wildcats website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 14,655 Bear Down at McKale The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team is a nationally prominent program that calls the McKale Center home. Technically the McKale Memorial Center, the venue hosts men’s and women’s basketball for the University of Arizona, as well as volleyball and gymnastics. There are also many offices located throughout the venue for various Wildcats athletics. McKale Center opened in 1973 as a replacement for the Bear Down Gymnasium. Bear Down is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the “Adams College” gym in the 1984 blockbuster film Revenge of the Nerds. McKale Center was named after J. F. “Pop” McKale, who was the Arizona athletic director from 1914 to 1957. The court itself at McKale Center bears the name “Lute and Bobbi Olson Court” after the legendary Arizona head coach and his late wife. There was a recent renovation to McKale that included the installation of the center-court scoreboard, two LED banners along each sideline, new seating and concessions areas, and relocation of bathrooms to the exterior concourse. McKale Center is the second-largest arena in the Pac-12 conference after Utah's Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. Arizona gets larger attendance than the Utah venue and has a long streak of leading its conference in attendance in conference history. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage score is higher than one would initially think. There are not much food stands in the renovated venue, but the ones that are there off a great variety of food options, including many alcoholic options. Owing to its southwest location, McKale Center has many options such as Burros and Sonoran Dogs. Prices are fairly good, especially for the high caliber of the venue. Atmosphere 5 The University of Arizona is serious about basketball. No matter the successes (or downfalls) of other sports, basketball is the king at this Tucson school. McKale Center is packed with students and local fans for all games. The ZonaZoo is the boisterous student section along the north baseline. Students line up before the game for a good spot in this section. There will be many chants and screams from this section during the game. There is also a good pep band and cheerleaders to enhance the noise. The fans do stand at the start of each half until a basket is made. Although the venue is not the newest one out there, the renovations have made sure that the McKale Center is a perfect, modern venue for high-end basketball. The scoreboard and other displays are what this level of play should have. The venue is pretty interesting in terms of accessing the seating bowl. There is not one main entrance but a series of tunnels and hallways, often through office areas, to get you inside the venue. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area over one million people live. McKale Center is located on the southeastern corner of the campus near Arizona Stadium, home of the university’s football team. There are many restaurant options near the venue. You can’t go wrong with places such as Frog & Firkin, No Anchovies, Gentle Ben’s Brewing, or Dirtbags. If you want to venture away from campus we also recommend Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex. In that area, Seis Kitchen is a great Mexican restaurant and Beaut Burger is a great Vegan burger restaurant. Burgers at Beaut are so good, you may not even realize it is not real meat. The Aloft Tucson University is a hotel very close to the McKale Center. We can also recommend the Loews Ventana Canyon resort if you want to go a bit higher end. Fans 4 McKale Center is filled for every game. Basketball is a big deal in Tucson. The student section will be loud and crazy, while the older fans will more likely cheer in a more orderly manner. Access 3 Being located on a crowded urban college campus, parking will be a bit difficult. There are many lots and garages, all at varying price levels. Please plan and either buy parking ahead of time or be very aware of your parking options before heading to the game. There is a good public transportation option in Tucson's Sun Link Streetcar system that stops very close to campus. A good option is to park at the Mercado San Agustin mentioned above and take that option to the game. Return on Investment 3 With the basketball team being such a big deal, prices will tend to be high. Dynamic pricing is used, so you will have to research carefully the particular game you wish to attend. . Extras 4 The unique and varied entrances to the seating bowl are an extra all on their own, but it also offers a fan a way to check out the various displays of past team successes for all the programs that play in the McKale Center. Try to check out Arizona’s Hall of Champions and the Lute Olson statue and display. The varied food offerings, especially southwestern items, are a nice touch. The external concourse, added during recent renovations, allows a nice meeting spot for fans. Final Thoughts The University of Arizona Wildcats is a well-known basketball program and the McKale Center is a great venue for a high level of play.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St SW Wilson, NC 27893 Wilson Tobs website Fleming Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,000 Where the Tobs are in Wilson Historic Fleming Stadium has been home to baseball in Wilson, North Carolina since 1939. The stadium has hosted many teams in several different leagues over the years, with the affiliated Wilson Tobs playing there until 1973. "Tobs" was short for "Tobacconists' in homage to the local crop of North Carolina, although the team occasionally went by other names, such as the Bugs and Pennants. After 1973, Fleming Stadium went without a full-time tenant until 1997, when a new team, also known as the Wilson Tobs, joined the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league with teams in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The team mostly draws players from the southeast United States, many of whom go on to play professionally. The future of Tobs baseball in Wilson beyond 2025 is uncertain, as the Carolina Mudcats are relocating to a new stadium in Wilson from nearby Zebulon. It remains to be seen if Wilson can support both an affiliated minor league franchise and a summer collegiate franchise, although, as they will not play at the same stadium, there is not necessarily a conflict. Ironically, the Mudcats briefly played at Fleming Stadium while their current home, Five County Stadium, was being built. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different concession stands fans can choose from at Fleming Stadium. Behind home plate, right by the entrance, a stand offers typical options such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Directly across from that, right by the ramp to the grandstand, the sweet shop offers ice cream, both hard-serve and Dippin' Dots. If you head up the right field foul line, there is a food truck with a more expansive and fancy selection, including a pulled pork sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich (buffalo sauce and ranch optional for an extra dollar), and freshly grilled burgers. You can smell the smoke from the grill throughout the stadium. Prices are reasonable, with everything under $6 or so. On Tuesdays, hot dogs and peanuts are discounted to just $2 each. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 4 Fleming Stadium is a simple ballpark typical of the pre-World War II era with a covered grandstand located behind home plate. The lower half of the grandstand is reserved for chairbacks, while the upper half is general admission bleachers. Overhead fans ensure the fans stay cool no matter how hot it is outside. Despite the simple structure, the team has made some improvements to amenities over the years. Further down the lines, there are group and picnic areas with tables and overhead lights on strings, which can be a fun place to hang out on a summer's night. As the Tobs are introduced and after each run they score, smoke billows from a smoke machine near the Wilson dugout. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, this can make the field slightly hazy for a little while, although you should still be able to see the action. The Tobs have between-inning contests on the field, and these may be linked to the theme of the night (e.g., dogs get to participate in contests for Bark in the Park) or may just be the usual contests. The team mascot is a tobacco worm named Slugger, who will interact with fans throughout the game. Smoke billows from near the Wilson dugout as the Tobs are introduced before a game. Neighborhood 3 Fleming Stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood not too far away from the I-95 and I-795 exits. There are a few retail shopping centers near the I-95 exit and a few great places to eat in town as well that should not be overlooked. Parker's Barbecue is wildly popular and has been in business for many years, serving classic Carolina barbecue. Like many joints in the area, they are known for their long lines and may sell out of the popular foods before closing, so get there early if you want to eat there. Be warned, they are a cash-only business. Fans 3 Fleming Stadium is not a large stadium, but the Tobs do draw good crowds most nights. While the games will seldom sell out, the fans in attendance are loud and passionate about their team. They cheer, clap, and even wave noisemakers to make the atmosphere even louder. They know a lot about their team and the players on the field and love cheering the Tobs on to victory. This is a community crowd, as is typical of these small-town venues, but by no means are they quiet. Access 2 Wilson is located about 10 minutes from both I-95 and I-795, as well as a short distance from US 264/I-587. It is in a residential neighborhood with parking available in a grass lot. Staff will helpfully direct you to a space when you get there. There is some street parking available down the left field line as well, but it was full before we arrived, well before the game, so it is best to park in the grass lot like you are told. A lot of the street parking is in foul ball territory as well, while the grass lot generally avoids this and is closer. Restrooms are available on the concourse behind the grandstand and are generally of a sufficient size for the small crowds. When in the grandstand itself, the first step up the stairs to the seats is a bit high up compared to the bottom of the grandstand, so be careful. After that, you should be fine. The numbering scheme for reserved seats is also a bit weird, as numbers do not repeat across rows as you would expect, so the seats in higher rows will number in the hundreds. It is still easy to find your seat if you pay attention, as they go sequentially. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $9 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. When buying online, the general admission bleachers cost the same as the reserved chairbacks, so we recommend going for the latter. On Tuesdays, tickets are just $2 each. Concessions are very affordable as well - you can easily get a meal and drink for around $10. Parking is free. Overall, a Tobs game is an excellent value. Extras 3 The North Carolina Baseball Museum is located down the third baseline of the ballpark and offers a collection of material that includes jerseys, photographs, equipment, and other memorabilia. The museum highlights some of the players from the state who are enshrined in Cooperstown, including Catfish Hunter, Jim Perry, and Hoyt Wilhelm. Admission is free with your game ticket. There are free programs available at a tent by the entrance. A team store is located behind home plate as well, selling Tobs merchandise. Final Thoughts Fleming Stadium is a historic, old-fashioned baseball stadium that is a fine place to spend a summer night watching the Wilson Tobs. With an old covered grandstand and a small-town community feel, this is baseball as it used to be played. While Fleming doesn't have all the amenities of more modern stadiums, it is still a great place to watch a game.

I thought I was attending an IU Indianapolis Jaguars basketball game this weekend, but the moment I stepped through the gymnasium doors, it became clear I was watching a different team. There was no last-minute cancellation or mix-up—only a surprise throwback. The familiar Jaguars name was gone, replaced on the jerseys by a nod to the past - the Metros. ​ It was the second time the team played in the throwback uniforms and the first time this season. They are exact replicas of what was worn for at least two years in the mid 1980s. However, why did the school replace the unique name with the ordinary Jaguars moniker? ​ That happened at the start of the 1998-1999 academic year. This was the year the school transitioned from Division II to Division I. At the time, the school sought a more distinctive nickname and logo as it transitioned to the Mid-Continent Conference. The Metro's name was not going to be the name moving ahead. ​ The school had been known as the Metros when it began operations in 1969. The name reflected its urban location in downtown Indianapolis. The basketball program launched as an independent varsity sport in 1972, joined the NAIA in 1978, recorded its first winning season in 1980, and by 1993 had become a Division II program. ​ The colors were borrowed from Indiana’s crimson and Purdue’s gold. There was a logo that depicted the city’s skyline. However, over time, the name was a source of ridicule and ambiguity. What exactly is a Metro? ​ “Students didn’t know if it was a bus or whether it was a city,” said student Jacob Manaloor to The Indianapolis Star at the time of the school’s announcement of the new Jaguars name. “It’s catchy. It’s eye appealing.” ​ Manaloor was part of a student panel chosen to pick the new name and logo. The Metro name was considered for retention by the university, incorporating an urban-city theme with a cat. However, all concepts created “conjured images of a house cat”. The jaguar's name conjured up images of a confident, beautiful, and wild cat that is known to be the best swimmer of 37 cats in the feline family. The Indy Hawks and Riverhawks were two other finalists. ​ “Jaguars are powerful, swift, and confident, an appropriate symbol for a campus rapidly moving to the forefront of urban higher education,” said school chancellor Gerald L. Bepko. ​The Jaguars name was among 14 other colleges at the time using the name, along with countless high schools across the country. However, the fierce new logo was deemed more appropriate for competing against other schools' athletic teams, and it was mentioned that the jaguar. ​ Fast forward almost thirty years, and the school once known as IUPUI is now known as IU Indianapolis. The school, with an enrollment of approximately 30,000, has embraced its past with fans sporting the old Metros name on t-shirts and caps at the game. What was deemed vague and monotonous in 1998 is now considered cool, fashionable, and hip to today’s fan and sports enthusiast. “They’ve been incredibly well received, both from the players and fans,” said Ed Holdaway, Senior Associate AD. “Obviously, the yellow/gold really pops and provides a nostalgic look at one of the most successful teams in program history.” Holdaway suspects that the uniform sets will be in the mix for at least one game next season at the new buildings, but there are no guarantees, and that conversations will be up for discussion during the off-season. It was a nice surprise to see the old Metros uniforms in action, and based on old photographs, the basketball program has had its share of an interesting set of designs in its 50-plus-year history. There could be a varied collection of designs in the future, but check your calendars for next year, because the throwback night could be back on campus. The school wore throwback uniforms for a game in January 2010. They were gold but featured a script Metros logo. The UI-Indianapolis teams have worn some interesting looks while known as the Metros ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders hockey website Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,600 The Hart of Holy Cross Hockey   The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “WUH-stuh” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross hockey rink, but a 3,600-seat basketball arena , a six-lane swimming pool with a separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, soccer field , and a lighted turf field , which serves numerous varsity sports and intramural programs. Hockey has been played at Holy Cross since 1966. Today, the Crusaders compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association, where they have won three conference championships. Holy Cross has qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, most recently in 2006. That year, the Crusaders pulled off what is considered to be one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by beating Minnesota 4-3 in overtime. It was the first time a number 15 or 16 seed had beaten a number one or two seed. Two Holy Cross alumni (Pat Rissmiller and Jim Stewart) played in the NHL. The Holy Cross women’s hockey team, which began play as a varsity program in 1999, has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The women’s team is a member of the Hockey East Conference.   National Anthem at Holy Cross Hockey Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food and Beverage 4 A pair of concession stands, christened “Crucessions ‘Sader Kitchen” are located in the Hart Center lobby. One window focuses mainly on food, one on beverages.   The menu has undergone an upgrade in recent years. In addition to arena standards such as hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices, fries, and nachos, premium sandwiches such as steak and cheese and grilled chicken bacon ranch on naan are available. Enjoy a cup of hot chili, or add some to your dog, fries, or nachos for an upcharge. A selection of snacks can be purchased at either stand, including soft serve ice cream (Stadium Journey is lobbying hard for Holy Cross ice cream helmets). If you’re looking for a healthier item to eat, a variety of wraps and salads are sold here, too. It’s quite a selection for such small stands.   Pepsi products are featured at the Hart Center. Hot drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lattes are popular choices on cold Worcester winter nights. Fans looking for adult beverages will be pleased to find a nice selection of beer, including Sam Adams and Holy Cross Lazy IPA, brewed by local favorite Harpoon.   Here’s a Stadium Journey insider’s tip: there are some vending machines located in an alcove just past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of soda can be found here for a lower price than at the concession stands. This can be our secret.   Atmosphere 2   If you haven’t visited the Hart Center recently, the pair of large video boards that were installed at the rink in 2021 will certainly catch your attention. These boards, one at each end of the ice surface, are put to great use with replays, graphics, and game information. It can be hard to keep your attention on the ice with these huge boards hovering right over the ice.   The Hart Center Rink enjoys a nice sound system, which is put to good use throughout the game. Music blares during play stoppages, and the PA announcer leans into his work, adding some energy to the proceedings. The pep band is in attendance at selected games, and that’s always an element that adds a little something to a gameday atmosphere, even though there’s no dedicated student section at the Hart Center Rink. There’s generally not a big turnout at Holy Cross from the student body, anyway.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester, about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops, and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside the city limits. Scoreboard at One End of the Hart Center Rink. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 2     Holy Cross annually ranks near the bottom of the nationwide attendance rankings for Division One hockey teams. With Holy Cross enjoying some success over the past couple of seasons, the Crusaders have seen a tremendous increase at the turnstiles, with average attendance doubling from 2023-24 to 2024-25. Still, their average attendance of about 900 places Holy Cross in the bottom ten nationally.   A Crusader hockey crowd will look familiar to many college hockey fans. Consisting mainly of family members, close friends, and die-hard Holy Cross fans, Crusader crowds are generally enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. Unfortunately, there is generally not a big turnout from the student body, even though this is the only Division One program in Central Massachusetts.   Access 3    The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. The Luth Complex is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’s location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby, which houses the ticket booths. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, restrooms, and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the ’70s-style carpeting, trophy cases, and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center.   The hockey rink is located to your right as you enter the facility. Fans enter the rink at the Hart Center on the near side of the rink, and all the seating is located on the far side of the ice. All seating is metal bleachers, with center sections containing cushioned seating. Standing room is available atop the seating area as well as at ice level. The steeply pitched seating area ensures excellent views of the action from virtually all points. There is minimal netting here to obstruct views. Dress warmly, as it’s very cold in this rink.   With the small crowds present at the Hart Center, lines at the concession stand or restrooms are not an issue. Banners Hang at the Hart Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Holy Cross hockey games are affordable, priced at $18 for reserved center ice sections and $13 for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the facility. Concessions are prices are comparable to other facilities in the area. Be aware that the Hart Center is a cashless facility.   Extras 2   Holy Cross honors its athletic past at the Luth Complex. The Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the building’s lobby. Several notable names can be found among the honorees, including Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. Speaking of Cousy, there’s a statue of him just outside the entrance to the Luth Center.   Plaques in the Hart Rink commemorate significant individuals in Crusader hockey history, and banners hang in the rink honoring conference titles and tournament appearances. Displays honor every player to play for the Crusaders and all the program’s 100-point scorers. Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame at the Hart Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Final Thoughts   Several smaller schools in the NCAA’s Division One have built shiny new arenas for their hockey teams recently. Meanwhile, the Crusaders soldier on at the Hart Center. While not as flashy or modern as many area rinks, it’s a solid place for the Crusaders to call home.     Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 UCSB Events Center El Colegio Rd. near Ocean Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93117 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos website UCSB Events Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 5,600 Mid-Major Mayhem on the Pacific Nestled between the mountains and ocean, with one of the best climates found anywhere on Earth, Santa Barbara, Calif., beckons outdoor exploration. But for true college basketball sickos, two hours of bliss can be found indoors at The Thunderdome, home court of the area’s only NCAA Division I institution, UC Santa Barbara. Officially, the venue is simply the UCSB Events Center. The Thunderdome nickname—and its reputation as one of the fiercest mid-major home courts—was born on Feb. 19, 1987. With the Gauchos clinging to a 53–52 lead over San Jose State and the Spartans shooting late free throws, students flooded behind the visitors’ basket and whipped the building into a deafening frenzy. When a local TV reporter called for a score update, sports information director Bill Mahoney replied, “I can’t hear you—it’s like the Thunderdome in here!”   That reference to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome  starring Mel Gibson made it into the evening news, and the rest was history. Approaching 50 years of use, the home of the Gauchos has undergone several recent upgrades to bring it into the 21st century, without losing the quirky charm that allows the thunder to still roar along the California shore. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are not going to be the highlight of a visit to the Thunderdome. Aside from the usual hot dog ($7.25), nachos ($7.50), giant pretzel ($6), popcorn ($7-9), chips, candy, and ice cream ($3.50-5), and sodas ($4.25), the lone curveball being a corn dog ($5.50). The main snack bar, tucked into the west lobby, can develop long lines during well-attended games, so plan ahead. There is an auxiliary concession stand with pared-down offerings on the second level above the northeast corner lobby. Atmosphere 4 There’s not a bad seat in the very symmetrical Thunderdome. Sideline seating is split into two levels separated by a walkway in the middle, while baseline seats are in a single section, the same on each end. What was once all-wood bleacher seating has been incrementally upgraded to theater seats over the years, reducing the Thunderdome’s original capacity of 6,000 to 5,000. Across from the team benches and flanking the press table are sections of padded chairs dubbed “Thunder Row.” Numerous celebrities call Santa Barbara home, and among those spotted courtside in recent years are Michael Douglas, Don Johnson, and Trevor Noah. While the same center-court scoreboard has been in place for decades, 2022 saw the addition of a massive 4K video board along the southwest baseline. Across the court are banners honoring “Legends of the Dome” from UCSB’s basketball and volleyball history, including Brian Shaw, who should be well-known to NBA fans. The Thunderdome - Legends of the Dome, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey The exterior is made of tan-painted corrugated metal, and frankly, looks like a massive industrial barn. Neighborhood 5 Whether adjacent to campus or about 10 miles south in Santa Barbara proper, you won’t lack for non-basketball activities. UCSB is the only D1 school located directly on the Pacific Ocean, and beach weather is possible even in mid-winter. Next to campus is Isla Vista, home to a majority of UCSB’s student body and the most densely-populated square mile west of the Mississippi. Grab pregame pizza, burgers, or burritos and beer on a patio in IV’s compact business district as tanned co-eds whiz by on bikes and skateboards.   Those older than their early 20s will want to focus their time on Downtown Santa Barbara’s pedestrianized State Street, or the adjacent Funk Zone. Boutiques, bars and wine tasting rooms, and both casual and fine dining options abound.   At the foot of State Street is Stearn’s Wharf, from which miles of beaches and bike paths fan out. Santa Barbara is also a golfer’s mecca, while within an hour north are the wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley, made famous by the movie Sideways . Fans 3 If this review were written in the early 1990s, this ranking would be a solid five. That’s when the Gauchos were a perennial national contender and routinely sold out the Thunderdome with rabid fans in front of ESPN audiences. Alas, despite numerous 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances under current Head Coach Joe Pasternack, the spectator energy is closer to a low rumble these days. That’s likely due to a confluence of factors: The local season ticket base is comprised mainly of AARP members, the high-achieving student body cares more about biology than basketball, and the new chairback seating doesn’t produce the same kind of echo that the old wood bleachers did. That said, the Surge, a student booster group standing behind press row, brings the energy with blue body suit-clad cheer leaders, and invites new members through a variety of promotions. The quirky UCSB Pep Band sets up shop to the right in their trademark floral-print shirts. The athletic department does a nice job of engaging local teams and youth organizations, who bring some high-pitched cheering to the T-dome. Access 4 Getting to the Thunderdome is rather straightforward. U.S. Highway 101, which runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles, cuts through the length of Santa Barbara. If coming from the south, take the Highway 217 off-ramp, which ends at campus. From the north, exit at Los Carneros Rd., and let GPS do the rest. Note that UCSB’s on-campus speed limit is 20 MPH, and campus police lurk at blind spots, so take it easy on the gas.   The closest parking to the Thunderdome is either the open-air Lot 22 or multi-level Lot 27; you’ll need to enter your license plate number at a kiosk ( more info here ). Assuming you’ll be attending either a night or weekend event, the rate is a reasonable $4.   Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route services Santa Barbara, including a stop in Goleta about three miles from campus. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are readily available. Flying in for the game? You’re in luck, because the tiny Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located adjacent to campus. Time it right and you could get from tarmac to hardwood in under 20 minutes.   Things get a bit more congested once inside the Thunderdome. The main entrance lobby, in the northeast corner, also houses men’s and women’s restrooms and the team shop. The only other option to relieve yourself is in the opposite lobby, adjacent to concessions, which creates a similar bottleneck. Tip: make use of the stairwells in each of the four corners and navigate the Thunderdome from above, rather than floor level. Return on Investment 4 In today’s era of premium ticket pricing, UCSB basketball remains a relative bargain. For the 2025-26 season, single-game sideline seats, located in the upper level, are $20. Want to sit closer to the action? Baseline seats are $15. For Gaucho women’s basketball, those same sections are priced at $16 and $14, respectively. Both the ticket booth and doors open an hour before tipoff. The Thunderdome Interior, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey  With parking also a bargain, the only ROI blemish is the inflated concession prices on a lackluster menu. Extras 3 Gaucho fans prefer both unofficial arena names and homespun mascots. While UCSB is officially represented by an Argentine cowboy, two superfans organically emerged from the bleachers to fire up their fellow students during the late 1980s and early 1990s heyday. Wearing a Batman t-shirt, “Gaucho Joe” O’Brien led cheers with his bellowing voice and later became the school’s water polo coach. He passed the baton to the Fantom of the Dome, a mysterious masked man who danced spastically and teased referees during timeouts. If you visit the Thunderdome in the early season, you may be able to catch a Gaucho soccer match at Harder Stadium. The men’s program won the 2006 NCAA title and draws some of the largest college soccer crowds in the country, helping UCSB earn the moniker “Soccer Heaven.” The Old Santa Barbara Mission dates to 1786 and is called the “Queen of the California Missions” thanks to its striking masonry and pink domes. A stop to tour the cathedral and sprawling grounds north of downtown is worthwhile. Final Thoughts Full disclosure: I’m both a UCSB alumnus and former employee. During my time on campus, I jokingly referred to the aging arena as the Thunderdump  or Blunderdome . However, the venue has been firmly brought in the modern era, with a quality basketball product offered at good value to fans. Here’s hoping the decibel levels someday return to their former, bone-rattling heights inside the Thunderdome.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hart Center Arena at Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders men’s basketball website Hart Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,536 The Hart of New England Basketball   The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “WUH-stuh” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross basketball arena, but a 1,400-seat hockey rink , a six-lane swimming pool with separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, soccer field   and a lighted turf field  which service numerous varsity sports and intramural programs. Holy Cross has a long and storied basketball history, hosting teams since 1900. The Crusaders won the national championship in 1947 and made it to the Final Four in 1948. Two additional Elite Eight appearances followed in 1950 and 1953. In 1954 the team won the National Invitational Tournament. Overall, the Crusaders have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 13 times, most recently in 2016. Ten Crusader alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. The Crusaders’ women’s team has appeared in 14 NCAA tournaments themselves. Holy Cross basketball was so highly regarded that they could have joined the Big East Conference when it formed in 1980. The school vetoed the move for academic reasons. Today, Holy Cross competes in the Patriot League, a mid-major conference made up of northeastern schools with high academic standards.   Food & Beverage 4   A pair of concession stands, christened “Crucessions ‘Sader Kitchen” are located in the Hart Center lobby. One window focuses mainly on food, one on beverages. Be aware that cash is not accepted at the Hart Center.   The menu has undergone an upgrade in recent years. In addition to arena standards such as hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices, fries and nachos, premium sandwiches such as steak and cheese and grilled chicken bacon ranch on naan are available. Enjoy a cup of hot chili, or add some to your dog, fries or nachos for an upcharge. A selection of snacks can be purchased at either stand, including soft serve ice cream (Stadium Journey is lobbying hard for Holy Cross ice cream helmets). If you’re looking for a healthier item to eat, a variety of wraps and salads are sold here too. It’s quite a selection for such small stands.   Pepsi products are featured at the Hart Center. Hot drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lattes are popular choices on cold Worcester winter nights. Fans looking for adult beverages will be pleased to find a nice selection of beer, including Sam Adams and Holy Cross Lazy IPA brewed by local favorite Harpoon.   Here’s a Stadium Journey insider’s tip: there are some vending machines located in an alcove just past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of soda can be found here for a cheaper price than at the concession stands. This can be our secret. Fans line up at the 'Sader Kitchen. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 3   Any seasoned college basketball fan will tell you that the small gyms across the country contain some of the most rabid fans and the best game day atmospheres in the country. While the Hart Center doesn’t draw large enough crowds to measure up to the legendary gyms in the nation, there’s no doubt that if this place filled up, it would be a great place to experience a game.   Holy Cross does have all the elements needed to produce an elite game day atmosphere. The student sections are behind the baskets, just waiting to be filled with rowdy students. The dance and cheer teams are present most nights to perform during timeouts, and when the pep band is in attendance, it adds a lot to the atmosphere in such a cozy gym. A large video board is located on the far side of the gym, along with two smaller boards on the near side. They are put to good use with game information, videos, graphics, and promos. The PA announcer adds energy to the proceedings without being too over the top.   Younger fans and students take part in contests during time outs. Youth teams take the court during halftime, and fans are right on top of the action. The Crusaders would have an incredible home court advantage if the Hart Center were packed. But since it isn’t, you can hear the sneakers squeak on the court and the coaches barking out instructions to their teams. It’s a great place to visit for basketball purists.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by Polar Park , is rapidly growing and also worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside of city limits   Fans 2   For the 2024-25 season, Holy Cross averaged about 1,250 fans per game. This put them just above the attendance average for the Patriot League. This figure marks a slight increase over previous seasons. Thus far in 2025-26 (this review was written over the semester break) Holy Cross is averaging about 800 fans per game, but hoops attendance traditionally picks up after the new year.   One thing that you may notice about the crowd at a Holy Cross basketball game is that the crowd tends to skew older. You’ll find plenty of seniors in the stands here, some of whom have been following the Crusaders faithfully for decades. There are plenty of families and locals to be found here too, as this is certainly a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. Cheerleaders at Holy Cross. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4     The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Hart Recreation Center is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby which houses the ticket booths and restrooms. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame.   The basketball arena is located to your left as you enter the Hart Center. Fans holding lower-level seats will enter the arena at floor level, while fans holding reserved or upper-level seats will head to the staircases. Lower-level seats consist of molded plastic bleachers. There are three rows of individual plastic stadium seats at the top of the lower level, and metal bleachers make up the balcony seating. All seats at the Hart Center are painted purple and enjoy great views of the court.   There is a concourse inside the arena that circles the entire court. At points, the concourse overlooks the Hart Center’s meeting rooms and practice court. Standing room is available on this concourse at either end of the court.   Be sure to time your visit to the concession stand and/or restrooms carefully, as lines can form at halftime.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Crusader basketball games start at $17 for bleacher seats, with chairback seats priced at $24 and floor seats available for only $30. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the Hart Center, and concessions are reasonably priced. A Crusader basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 2   Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Hart Center. While the glory days of Holy Cross hoops did not occur here (the Crusaders used to play at the old Boston Garden regularly), there are reminders of the school’s success everywhere. A statue of Bob Cousy greets visitors outside, and the Athletic Hall of Fame is filled with names of Crusader greats. Banners commemorating Crusader tournament appearances and retired numbers hang from the Hart Center rafters.   Final Thoughts   The Hart Center is one of the nicer small basketball facilities in this part of the country. Watching a Crusaders game is an affordable experience in an intimate setting. While Holy Cross no longer competes among the giants in the sport, college basketball historians will enjoy looking around the Hart Center at the reminders of the Crusaders’ glory days.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey, and Steve Allen State Farm Arena FANFARE Score: 3.86 State Farm Arena 1 State Farm Dr Atlanta, GA 30303 Atlanta Hawks website State Farm Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 16,888 Where The Hawks Fly High The Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise relocated to Atlanta from St. Louis in 1968. Since that time the team has called several venues home. They began play at Alexander Memorial Coliseum at Georgia Tech (1968-1972), before moving into the brand-new Omni Coliseum (1972-1997). They then played in the Georgia Dome for two years (1997-1999) while the Omni was torn down and replaced by Phillips Arena (1999-2018). In 2018, the arena was rebranded as State Farm Arena (2018-present). There’s never been any doubt of what city State Farm Arena is in, as the exterior features the word “ATLANTA” spelled out using steel columns along the east side of the arena. Food & Beverage 4 State Farm Arena has an extensive food and beverage program featuring both local restaurants and several stands with Southern favorites on their menus. The 200 level of the arena features the Scofflaw Beer Barn, the A-Town Eats neighborhood, and the Chick-fil-A Fan Zone. One of the premier spots in the venue is Zac Brown’s Social Club, a gourmet restaurant that offers Pit BBQ, glazed salmon, peach pies, and other Southern delicacies. Other locally based restaurants located in the arena include Chick-fil-A, J.R. Crickets, Hot Chicken Tenders, Dolo’s Pizza, and the Westside Grill. The Hawk Walk neighborhood on the 100-level main concourse is home to the more generic stands you would expect to find at a sports venue. As you would expect in Atlanta, Coca-Cola brand soft drinks are served at all vendors’ locations. Atmosphere 4 The Hawks have several entertainment squads keeping the energy level high throughout their games. These include Harry the Hawk (team mascot), the ATL Dancers (dance team), the Flight Crew (break dancers), and the Sky Squad (dunk squad). State Farm Arena also offers a top-notch experience in terms of in-house technology. The center-hung videoboard offers 4,500 square feet of video display with a screen that stretches 81 feet around and 28 feet tall. Xfinity Wi-Fi is also available throughout the arena. Neighborhood 5 State Farm Arena is in the Centennial Park neighborhood in downtown Atlanta. This neighborhood is the epicenter of the top visitor attractions in the city. The arena is located next door to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. Centennial Olympic Park is located a block away and is home to both the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. The College Football Hall of Fame is two blocks down the street. There is several dining establishments located within an easy walk from State Farm Arena. These include the Hudson Grille, Paschal’s Restaurant and Bar, No Mas’ Cantina, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Der Biergarten. Out-of-town fans can stay at the Omni Hotel Atlanta, the Embassy Suites by Hilton at Centennial Park, and the Peachtree Plaza Hotel, which are all within walking distance of the arena. Fans 4 The Hawks fanbase is very diverse, as it features longtime locals who have been coming since the Pete Maravich era, transplants who have moved to Atlanta from cities throughout the country with their jobs, and youth who have been attracted by the Hawks school-related outreach programs. The Hawks reach out to each segment of their fanbase through an extensive social media presence. Hawks’ games also draw both local and national celebrities regularly, as the city is the home base for many hip-hop stars. The Hawks draw very well, with an average attendance of 16,500. Fans can pick up their Hawks gear at the main Hawks Shop at Gate 1, or at one of the several satellite locations located around the arena. Fans may want to get a selfie with two of Atlanta’s top athletes before entering the arena. There are statues of Evander Holyfield and Dominique Wilkins just outside the arena on the eastern side of the building.   Access 3 Driving directions from the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85): Southbound: Take Exit 248-C. Follow signs to Mercedes-Benz Stadium/State Farm Arena. Turn right at Andrew Young International Blvd. Continue straight onto State Farm Drive. Northbound: Take exit 248D International Boulevard. Follow signs for State Farm Arena /CNN Center. Head west at State Farm Drive. Driving directions from I-20: Eastbound: Take exit 56B. Head north on Spring Street. Turn left at MLK, Jr Drive to the arena. Westbound: Take Exit 58A. Turn right at Capitol Avenue, which becomes Pryor Street. Head north towards downtown Atlanta and follow signs to State Farm Arena /CNN Center.   The most cost-efficient way to reach State Farm Arena is via the MARTA rapid light rail system. The SEC (Sports, Entertainment and Convention) station is located mere feet from an arena entrance. The system charges $2.50 per person per ride, and the system extends out to the northern, eastern, and western suburbs, as well as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. We did find some access issues related to the upper level of seating in the arena. There is a very steep pitch on the 200-level seating. This may make it difficult for some people to navigate the steps down to their seats. The concourses on the 200 level are also much narrower than the lower level, and they become quite congested during breaks in the action. The main way to reach the 200 level is via one of the escalators. These escalators are quite narrow and have space for one person at a time. This resulted in lengthy details at the end of the game. There are six gates of entry into State Farm Arena. Return on Investment 2 A night out on the town at a Hawks game can be a very expensive proposition. Parking in lots surrounding the State Farm Arena begins at $30 and up. It is best to check the ParkMobile app to find the most reasonable places to park near the arena. Ticket prices are flex-priced based on opponent, day of the week, and ticket demand. Low-demand games in the middle of the week start as low as $30. Premium opponents on a weekend can begin at $50-$140 as a starting price. The concession prices at State Farm Arena also tend to be on the high side. A sampling of arena favorites finds hot dogs ($7.50), popcorn ($8.75), French fries ($6.25), Coca-Cola brand sodas ($8.75), and bottled water ($5.50). Beers start at $8.00, with craft beers and imports going for $16.25. Extras 5 Artists that have performed at State Farm Arena include Lady Gaga, Usher, Eric Church, New Edition, Earth, Wind and Fire, Pearl Jam, Paul McCarney and Blake Shelton. The Hawks have honored several Hawks players and management with their numbers being retired and their jerseys being hung in the rafters of the arena. These stars include Bob Pettit, Lou Hudson, Pete Maravich, Dikembe Mutombo, and former owner Ted Turner. State Farm Arena is one of the most energy-efficient. The sports and concert venues in the country. It is TRUE Platinum-certified for zero waste and has also achieved LEED Gold certification. 2025 Billboard Boxscore has named State Farm Arena as the #3 Domestic Top Venue and the #3 Worldwide Top Venue for its role as a concert venue. There are two unusual services located inside State Farm Arena. Killer Mike’s Swag Shop is a four-chair barber shop and shaving emporium owned by local hip hop artist Killer Mike.  The arena is also home to a Topgolf Swing Suite indoor driving range. Final Thoughts State Farm Arena is well worth a visit, as it provides a wonderful place to experience NBA basketball. The arena is also located close to Atlanta’s most visited tourist attractions.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Dan Will, and Matt Brennan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 United Center 1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Blackhawks Website United Center Website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 19,717 Blackhawks Centennial Celebrations The United Center is the home of the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s Original Six teams. The club began play in 1926 and is celebrating its centennial season in Chicago at the time of this writing. During this time, the Hawks have captured six Stanley Cups, several Hall of Fame players, and countless memories. The United Center cost $175 million and features elements from the team's former home, Chicago Stadium. The biggest influence is the angled steel panels around the top level that reflect noise to the seating bowl to replicate “The Roard” from the old arena.  The Art-Deco signage and aesthetics evoke more memories from the old venue. The building is the largest in the United States by square footage, with a capacity of 19,717 and room for approximately 3,000 additional standing-room spectators. The arena includes 167 executive suites, 34 club boxes, and five super suites. The rafters are filled with banners of past championship accomplishments, along with those of the Chicago Bulls, who jointly own the United Center with the Blackhawks. Besides the six Stanley Cup banners, there are multiple retired Hawks legends, Bobby Hull, Denis Savard, Glen Hall, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito, to name a few. There are also statues of Hull and Mikita. The United Center is now into its fourth decade of service as the home of the Blackhawks. How does it measure up with some of the rest in the league, in terms of game day atmosphere, comforts, food and beverage, and everything else? Food & Beverage 5 The United Center has 27 concession areas and several upscale dining areas to enhance the game-day experience for fans. The arena offers a wide selection of food and beverage options on the main concourse. These range from regular stands to fancier sections with additional seating, and many have their own social areas. Chicago staples and favorites from around the country are available at the United Center. The main concession stands are labeled Madison Street Eats, Chicago Sausage Shop, Chicago Dish, and Vienna Beef. Customers can order Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polishes, chicken tenders and fries, as well as crinkle-cut fries. A few specialty areas include the Honey Butter Chicken stand, which sells chicken sandwiches, biscuits, and fries with pimento cheese. Lillie’s Q is home to pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches. This Little Goat Went to the Market fuses Mexican and Korean flavors. Short rib and Korean-style tacos are recommended. Legacy Burgers offers steak and plant-based burgers. A few more Chicago specialties include Giordano’s, which offers thin- and deep-crust pizzas, and the Goose Island Pub, a stand-alone bar that serves turkey, corned beef, and roast beef sandwiches. Many stands also feature Garrett’s Chicago Mix (cheddar and caramel popcorn) to conclude the city’s culinary tour. A few upscale areas on the main concourse include three interesting places to enjoy a drink and socialize with friends. Queenie’s Supperclub draws inspiration from nearby Wisconsin's popular eateries and offers a modern interpretation of a classic Midwestern eatery. Rocky’s Club is named after the former Hawks owner and offers a throwback aesthetic for a timeless cocktail with friends. The FanDuel Lounge is a two-story space that offers state-of-the-art viewing, ensuring no fan misses out on the action. ​ The Blackhawks introduced a  Centennial lineup  for the 2025-2026 season. The highlights included the loaded fries with jalapeno cheese sauce, bacon, tomato, sour cream, and chopped scallions; the steakhouse ribeye sandwich topped with bacon, bleu cheese dressing, and chives; and the Banner Years Hot Dog that features cheddar jalapeno whipped cream cheese, bacon, and chopped scallion. There is also a thin-crust pizza with meatballs, banana peppers, giardiniera, and black olives. Atmosphere 4 Attending a Chicago Blackhawks game feels less like going to a sporting event and more like stepping into a long-standing NHL tradition. From the moment you approach the United Center, there’s an unmistakable buzz in the air. Fans dressed in red, black, and white fill the surrounding streets, moving with a shared sense of anticipation towards the arena’s entrances. Once inside, the atmosphere is evident to all five senses. The building is loud, energetic, and unapologetically proud of its hockey heritage. Long before the game begins, the concourses are alive with activity—fans grabbing classic arena food, browsing merchandise, and debating line combinations like seasoned analysts. Even if you’re new to hockey, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. Then comes the moment every first-time visitor remembers: the national anthem. As the lights dim and the singer begins, the crowd erupts, cheering loudly from the first note to the last. It’s not disrespect—it’s tradition. The roar builds, echoing through the arena and sending chills down your spine. By the time the puck drops, you already feel like part of something bigger. During the game, the Blackhawks crowd is engaged on every shift. Big hits are met with thunderous approval, scoring chances bring fans to their feet, and goals trigger an explosion of sound and movement. Even during stoppages, the energy never fully fades, with music, video features, and fan interactions keeping the building alive. What makes a Blackhawks game especially memorable for travelers is the balance between intensity and hospitality. Longtime fans are passionate but welcoming, happy to explain a chant, a rule, or a bit of team history to newcomers. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or attending your first-ever NHL game, you’ll feel included. By the time the final horn sounds, you’ll understand why hockey holds such a special place in Chicago. Attending a Blackhawks game isn’t just about watching a team play—it’s about experiencing the city’s spirit, pride, and love for the game, all packed into one unforgettable night at the United Center. Neighborhood 3 When there is an event at the United Center, the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Bulls game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side, where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games. Hawkeye’s  is known for its homemade chili and hamburger specials. There is also an array of wines, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game.  Park Tavern   serves draft specials before every game, a huge savings off the price of beer at the arena, and  The Kaiser Tiger  and  WestEnd  offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat-screen TVs. The Kaiser Tiger offers free shuttle service to Blackhawks and Bulls games. If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago,  The Billy Goat on Madison  is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular from Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. The neighborhood is in the beginning phases of a transformation called  Project 1901   that will transform the surrounding parking lots into a new mixed-use neighborhood that will connect it to the rest of the city and its people. The $7 billion private investment will include a 6,000-seat music hall, a hotel, retail space, housing, an elevated community park, and plenty of green space all around the United Center. ​ Fans 5 Blackhawks fans are among the most passionate and loyal in the NHL. Despite the lack of success on the ice the past decade, the arena sells close to 100% capacity. The fanbase even travels well throughout the Midwest. Access  4 CTA buses, including the  #20  Madison and  #19  United Center Express, offer direct public transportation. After the game, a fleet of #20 buses returns to the Loop, connecting with CTA trains and Ogilvie Metra rail for easy suburban access. For north-south travel, use the #9 Ashland or #50 Damen buses. The Ashland/Lake station (Green/Pink Lines) is also within walking distance of CTA train connections. Once inside, the seating areas are divided evenly to make for easy access to all sections of the seating area. The upper and lower concourses are somewhat narrow in certain parts but large enough to keep traffic flowing smoothly. ​ Neighborhood 3 When there is an event at the United Center, the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Hawks game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side, where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games. ​ Hawkeye’s  is known for its homemade chili and $1.50 hamburger specials. There is also an array of wines, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game.  Park Tavern   serves $3 drafts before every Bulls game, a savings of 70% off the price of beer at the arena, and  The Ogden  and  WestEnd  offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat screen TV’s. ​ If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers”, made popular by Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. ​ Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Hawks games are  among the highest in the NHL ; however, it can be like playing the stock market, at least on the secondary market. The further out you plan for the game, the more likely you are to find an affordable price. The cheapest ticket as of this writing is $50 for a Wednesday night game against the New York Rangers; however, that price more than doubles when the Detroit Red Wings come to town on Saturday night. It depends on the night, the opposing club, or if there is a special promotion at the game. The  website TickPick   offers prices without additional fees. The cost of concessions is along the lines of other venues in the league. An Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dog, or Polish sausage costs between $8.75 and $9.50. They are among the cheapest items in the building, which also include top-end concessions from local eateries. The price of a draft beer tends to be on the higher side. A domestic draft is $16.50, and a premium draft is $18. However, we are in an era where you plan your dining options before the game if you want to save money. Extras 4 The Blackhawks goal song, “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis, has been a welcome sight after every goal since the 2008-2009 season. It is also played after every home victory and can be found at other hockey arenas, including Hawks   ECHL Indy Fuel game s. The United Center features a unique look compared to buildings of its era. The narrow concourse offers Art-Deco signs and other wordmarks that harken back to the 1930s era Chicago. A favorite stop for both Blackhawks fans and visitors is the Madhouse Store, a 10,000-square-foot retail space co-branded with Bulls and Blackhawks merchandise. The store features interactive technology that lets fans customize their own jerseys or hats and is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fans have a tradition to cheer throughout The Star Bangle Banner. It began before Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in 1985 when the fans erupted in a loud, sustained cheer that lasted the entire song in an effort to create a hostile environment and rally their team against the heavily-favored Edmonton Oilers. Forty-plus years later, it has become a signature part of the Blackhawks home game experience. Final Thoughts The United Center furnishes an excellent setting to experience NHL hockey, highlighted by a passionate and knowledgeable fanbase. With multiple areas dedicated to entertainment, food, and drinks, the arena offers an abundance to enjoy beyond the action on the ice. While there are many places to watch a hockey game, doing so in Chicago delivers a distinctly different—and memorable—experience. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Doghouse 1850 S 900 W. Lapel, IN 46051 Lapel High School Bulldogs The Doghouse Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,051 Welcome to Lapel's Doghouse The Lapel High School Bulldogs play at The Doghouse. A giant and modern gymnasium that has a capacity of 3,051 and offers well-lit exteriors, plenty of leg room, wide concourses, and plenty of room between the seating and court. Lapel High School has been playing basketball for well over a century since 1905. In 1912, the first gymnasium was constructed for the basketball team. In 1924, a new gymnasium was built. The Bulldogs would call the venue home until November 1954, when the school opened a 2,600-capacity gymnasium that featured a stage and lighted parking for 1,000 vehicles. They would play here until the new school and gym officially opened on January 7, 2008. The old Lapel gym is now the home to the middle school, and people tell me it is almost identical to Frankton High School's The Eagle Nest. The Bulldogs have had a successful program throughout the years, capturing six sectional, three regional, and two state championships. The state championships were won in 2005 (that also snapped a 62-year sectional drought) and 2016 on the 2A level. The 1940 Bulldogs team made a Cinderella run to the state finals before losing in the semi-final game against Hammond Tech. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand items are what you would expect from a high school basketball gymnasium; however, the school has implemented a system of moving traffic in and out during busy times of the game. The concession stand sells hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and candy. Fans can also purchase loaded nachos with meat.  Chick-fil-A sandwiches are available as a fundraiser program and served until sold-out. Pepsi products are served by the bottle and pulled from the refrigerator cases by the customers. Local favorite Glover’s Ice Cream is served at games in ten varieties. Fans can choose from the basic chocolate and vanilla, but also peppermint candy, blue moon, and cookies and cream.  Atmosphere 3 The Doghouse is very spacious, modern, clean, and well-lit. It serves as the home of the Lapel PE program during the school day, and because of this, it feels a bit vapid aesthetically. There is a single section of beige plastic seats that rises 25 rows. There is also a small section of seating behind each baseline for the pep band and student cheer blocks. It is a nice setup, placing students almost underneath the basket. The walls are decorated with multiple banners celebrating athletic team accomplishments, including a wraparound banner around the perimeter of the gymnasium. There are also championship banners from the basketball program hovering above the baseline bleacher seating. There is about a 20-foot distance between the last row of seats and the end lines of the court. This is great for moving around effortlessly during the game. In other schools, fans are much closer to the action, but in Lapel, they are further away from all points of seating. The top sections make one feel they might be sitting on the upper deck or at Rate Field in Chicago. The restrooms and concession stand are outside in the school’s hallway, and there appear to be a couple of entrances into the gymnasium. Traffic moves freely, and there are championship accolades in the glass trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 Lapel has a population of 1,800 plus and offers easy access from I-69. The small town seems far away from the big city life of Indianapolis and its surrounding communities, providing a nice escape from the mainstream on a weekend night. The town offers several curious eateries to try before the basketball game. Smoky’s Concession Stand is a family-friendly restaurant in town offering barbecue, pizza, and pub food. Besides ribs and pulled pork, customers can order Italian beef and Reubens, along with fried bologna sandwiches, smoked wings, and chicken parmesan. The place has something for everyone. Pax Verum Brewing Company is an interesting part of town. The old 20th-century building offers 15 drafts plus 6 cans for pouring at the location. If you enjoy a variety of craft beers, Pax Verum makes it an imperative stop in Lapel. A few other places eat in town are Woody’s and Azul Agave. Fans 3 The Lapel fans show a wealth of support for the home team. They show up in droves during the JV game just to secure an ideal spot for the varsity game. The place can turn on huge crowds during rival games against the Frankton Eagles, but expect a decent-sized crowd for most winter nights. Access 3 The Doghouse is a giant superstore of a high school basketball gym, making it easy to. get around. There is plenty of room to move around between the court and the first rows of seating, and all concession areas are outside in the main building. The seating is spread out, and the top rows seem a bit further than they should be for a high school gymnasium of this kind. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $6 plus fees at the game if paying online. A great value in an age where other high school basketball tickets have gone up in price. The concession items are also inexpensive, with hot dogs costing $3.50. Extras 3 The Doghouse is well-lit and provides enough space to move around during a game. The championship banners hang from behind one end of the floor behind the nets, providing a nice aesthetic to the building. There is an interactive touch screen visual board in the lobby that allows fans to view different championship-winning teams from Lapel's history. Final Thoughts The Doghouse is a spatial, giant building for high school basketball. It serves its purpose as a vessel for hoops, but lacks the charm and ambiance of its predecessor. However, when the place is filled, the building is quite entertaining and an ideal place to be during the cold winter nights in Indiana.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 The Jungle 901 W. New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 IUPUI basketball website The Jungle website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 1,215 The Swan Song at The Jungle ​ The IU-Indy Jaguars returned home full-time to The Jungle for the 2024-2025 season after playing ten years several miles north at the   Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds . The basketball team will remain here until a new facility opens on campus for the 2026-2027 season. ​ The on-campus building is a 1,215-seat gymnasium that served as home to the Jags from 1982 to 2014. Located on the main concourse of the IU Natatorium, the facility provides the Jaguars' teams a distinct home-court advantage. It is the smallest venue for men’s basketball on the NCAA Division I level. ​ The 2025-2026 season will be the final season at The Jungle for the Jaguars basketball program. The $10 million James T. Morris Arena will open a few yards away on campus. The state-of-the-art arena will have a capacity of 4,000, a sunken bowl, and multiple large windows providing natural lighting. The 134,500-square-foot arena will be home to the school's women’s volleyball programs, as well as university athletic offices and USA Track & Field. ​ The basketball program was launched as an independent varsity sport in 1972, when the school competed under the name IUPUI Metros. The club went 8-4, but by the following season played a 22-game schedule with home games held at Bishop Chatard High School. The next few seasons saw the basketball program bounce from venue to venue, which included the Naval Armory, Market Square Arena, and the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The Metros joined the NAIA in 1978, recorded their first winning season in 1980, and made their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament in 1985. In 1993, the program transitioned to Division II before moving to Division III in 1998—the same year the school adopted the “powerful, swift, and confident” Jaguars nickname (passing on the names Indy Hawks and Riverhawks). ​ Food & Beverage 3 ​ The Jungle features a small concession stand in the lobby, offering a simple menu of favorites and alcoholic beverages. The options are similar to what one would find at a high school gymnasium, minus the alcohol. The prices are low and can be paid through cashless means or in person. Visitors can grab a hot dog, a box of popcorn, nachos, soft pretzels, candy, bags of chips, and Coca-Cola products. The alcoholic beverages include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Modelo, PBR, High Noon Hard Seltzer, and local favorite ciders from Ash & Elm and Taxman Brewing Company. ​ Atmosphere 3 ​ The Jungle is a tiny building, even smaller than many of the high school basketball gyms in the vicinity of Indianapolis. The arena feels more like an exhibition space in a four-star hotel or convention center, but it holds its own, even slightly filled with spectators. ​ The court is set up with 15 rows of chair back and bleacher seating that offer up close views of the action on the court. There is also court-side seating for VIP members. The rest of the setup is rather simple, with two electronic scoreboards on each side of the gym walls. There is also signage, multiple banners, and retired numbers on the walls. ​ The IU Indy band provides the music, and the Jags cheerleaders entertain from one side of the court and at half-court during breaks in the action. This is college basketball at its most intimate setting, and all of the action and interest takes place on the court. There are no masters of ceremonies, mascots, on-court gimmicks, promotions, or t-shirt tosses. ​ Neighborhood 3 ​ The Jungle is located on campus near the center of downtown. It is a short taxi, or Uber ride to Mass Ave or Fountain Square sections of Indianapolis. However, there are a few places nearby within a short walk after the game to visit, including a slew of regional chain restaurants. ​ The Mass Ave. The neighborhood is highly recommended after the game, and it’s where you will find the official meeting headquarters for supporters, The Chatham Tap Restaurant & Pub. The soccer-friendly atmosphere provides food, drinks, and lively conversations. Try their wings, bangers, mash, or Scotch eggs. ​ A few more spots to check out for food on the avenue would be Goodfella’s Pizza, which offers giant New York-style slices, and the Speakeasy Bar in the back. Bakersfield offers tequila and tacos for affordable prices, Union 50 features live music in a very hip atmosphere, and The Eagle has some of the best fried chicken in town. ​ Fans 3 ​ There is a diverse range of fans, from the young to the old, at The Jungle. They provide a nice mix of die-hards who have no concerns voicing their opinions towards the officials and players, and younger fans who cheer on their hometown heroes. ​ Access 3 ​ The gym is small, and getting around from your seat to the lobby is quick. The concourses are wide enough to allow for efficient movement in both small and large crowds. The line for the concession stands can become a little long during halftime, but once seated, fans enjoy quick and easy access to amenities in the building. ​ Return on Investment 2 ​ Game-day ticket prices vary by opponent. For basketball games, general admission tickets are $15 to $20, and reserved tickets are $20 to $25. Tickets for games against closer opponents, Northern Kentucky and Purdue Fort Wayne, will be priced higher. Prices on the school’s website are somewhat lower than those on secondary ticket sites such as TickPick. ​ The menu prices for concessions range from $3 to $4 for items such as nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and hot dogs. Beer prices range from $9 to $12 per can. There is no merchandise table for team gear during the game. ​ There is a parking deck connected to The Jungle that charges $7 for 2 to 4 hours. However, there is no charge to park in Lot 86 at New York and Blake Street on the east side of the gymnasium. ​ Extras 3 ​ Fans have the option to grab a drink or snack from their seat from roving vendors during the game. The Jungle also shares the building with the school’s natatorium. The pool where many Olympians trained is visible through the lobby's windows. A third point is for the throwback Metros gold and crimson jerseys worn by the team. The gold color pops inside the gymnasium. ​ Final Thoughts There are only a handful of remaining games left at The Jungle. The basketball and volleyball programs will relocate to the new James T. Morgan Arena next year, marking the beginning of a new era in basketball for the school and the city of Indianapolis. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 State Farm Stadium One Cardinals Drive Glendale, AZ 85305 Fiesta Bowl website State Farm Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 63,400 Desert Fiesta Of the “New Year's Six” Bowl games that currently make up the College Football Playoff, the Fiesta Bowl is by far the youngest.  One of the two Bowl games currently run by the Fiesta Sports Foundation, the Rate Bowl being the other, the Fiesta Bowl is of humble beginnings.  The first Fiesta Bowl was played in 1971 at Sun Devil Stadium and featured the champion of the Western Athletic Conference.  The Fiesta Bowl would get an upgrade with the formation of the Big XII Conference, which would send its champion beginning in 1997.  The Fiesta Bowl became part of the Bowl Coalition, Bowl Alliance, BCS, and eventually the “New Year's Six,” bringing them amongst the highest profile bowl games.  The Fiesta Bowl currently rotates among the six as a quarter or semi-final game in the College Football Playoff.  It is also among the rotations for the National Championship game, in addition to the playoff game. The Fiesta Bowl was played on the campus of Arizona State University until 2006.  The opening of what is currently known as State Farm Stadium brought the bowl game into a professional atmosphere.  State Farm Stadium was built as the home of the Arizona Cardinals  of the NFL and has brought the biggest events to the desert, including the NCAA Final Four, WrestleMania, and the biggest concerts, including The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift.  It is located in Glendale, Arizona, northwest of Phoenix, and owned by the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority. Food & Beverage 5 The concession selection at State Farm Stadium is pretty huge and what would be expected at a modern NFL stadium.  A healthy mix of stadium staples and unique, local options is found at State Farm Stadium, and the website does a great job of detailing everything.  Some of the local options that can be found at the stadium include AZ Nuts, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, Honey Bear’s BBQ, Maui Wowi, Sonneburros, Spinato’s Pizza, and Chicago Dawg House.  Some items of interest that should be considered include the Chicken & Waffles, Donut Ice Cream Sandwich, Mexican Street Corn Dog, and Birria Disco Fries.  There are a number of “Grab and Go” points that keep the flow of traffic moving.  Fans will definitely be satisfied with the options. Atmosphere 5 State Farm Stadium has one of the most unique exterior looks of any stadium in the United States.  The rounded silver exterior has huge, distinct panels and was designed to mimic a snake curled around a barrel cactus.  Upon closer inspection, State Farm is essentially an interior stadium with a giant, silver exoskeleton.  If there is a main entrance, it is probably at the north end.  Fans should definitely check out the Pat Tillman bronze statue at the north corner.  Tillman was an Arizona State defensive back who went on to play for the Cardinals.  He famously left his NFL contract to join the Army Rangers and fight in Afghanistan.  He was, unfortunately, killed by friendly fire.  On the east side of the northeast side of the stadium, between State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena, is the Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest.  The outdoor area, free to all fans, features a variety of food trucks, promotion tents, some games, a stage, and a large replica of the Fiesta Bowl Trophy.  At the 2026 Fiesta Bowl, which was reviewed, the Fan Fest had Dirks Bentley performing on the stage.  There are large screens for fans in the back to also be able to see the performance.  A ticketed Club ‘71 Pregame Party is also in the general vicinity.  There is a Fiesta Bowl Parade, which, curiously, took place five days before the game. Inside State Farm Stadium, there are a number of pop-up merchandise stands with Fiesta Bowl-specific items, including the teams that are participating.  Several murals that are locally focused or feature the Arizona Cardinals are also found in the concourse.  Inside the seating bowl, the field is north-south oriented with the best view of the 50-yard line logo from the west.  Seating in the lower bowl is centric to each school, with one school dominating the east side and another, the west side.  The upper bowl is a bit more mixed.  A large, open social area is in the upper bowl at the north end, with open seating at the end as well.  To host the Fiesta Bowl, State Farm Stadium must add extra seating to meet the minimum capacity.  This is found at the field level at the south end.  Both university bands set up at the south end.  State Farm Stadium has retractable roof panels, which are normally closed.  The panels are translucent and do let in a fair bit of natural light.  A pair of videoboards is found at the north and south ends, with the larger of the two at the south. The gameday atmosphere at the Fiesta Bowl is typical of a college bowl game.  Both school bands perform before kickoff and during halftime.  The Fiesta Bowl mascot, Spirit, takes part in promotions and interacts with fans, as well as the school mascots if applicable. Neighborhood 3 State Farm Stadium is located 9 miles northwest of Phoenix in the Glendale Sports and Entertainment District.  There has been plenty written about the location of sports properties so far from Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale.  There is no argument that location aided in the demise of the Arizona Coyotes  of the NHL.  That being said, there are some spots for pre and post-game food and drink that are not too far.  Some of these include Yard House, Dave & Busters, Olive Garden and other chain restaurants.  State Farm Stadium is the regular home of the Arizona Cardinals .  The former home of the Coyotes, Desert Diamond Arena is home to Professional Bull Riding and also schedules a number of concerts.  Camelback Ranch is in Glendale is home to the Glendale Desert Dogs , Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training  and Chicago White Sox Spring Training .  There are also a number of other sporting options in Phoenix and Tempe.  Other tourist items near Glendale include Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuaro Ranch Park and Tanger Outlets.  For fans wishing to stay near State Farm Stadium, Renaissance Phoenix Glendale, Hampton Inn and Homes 2 Suites are all close options. Fans 4 As with any Bowl game, the fans are dependent on the schools that are participating.  The Fiesta Bowl regularly welcomes over 65,000 for the game.  However, an added hiccup to the fan experience has been the expansion of the playoff.  When the Fiesta Bowl is a semi-final, as it was in 2026, fans are expected to travel to their second or third site of the College Football Playoff.  The quarterfinals are also “New Years Six” bowl games at neutral sites.  The Fiesta Bowl is required to expand its capacity for the game, but rarely reaches that capacity.  The behavior and engagement of the fans is completely dependent on the schools participating and will change from year to year.  However, it cannot be denied that the Fiesta Bowl is a major sporting experience with consistently strong crowds.   Access 4 State Farm Stadium is located in the Glendale Sports & Entertainment District on the north side of Cardinals, between AZ-101, 91st Street and Maryland Avenue.  It is also 8 ½ miles west of !-17 and 5 miles north of I-10.  The stadium is surrounded by parking.  Getting there is not going to be too difficult.  Pre-paying for parking is advisable.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are bus stops along Glendale Ave.  Fans should consult the Valley Metro website for fares, schedules and maps.  With the pregame fan fest bringing people in very early, getting to the stadium is not that difficult.  However, getting out of Glendale is a different story.  It can take quite a while to get moving out of the parking garage or parking lots.  Getting around the stadium is not too difficult and the washroom facilities at State Farm Stadium are solid.  State Farm Stadium is a cashless facility. The Fiesta Bowl is very clear about their clear bag policies.  However, it is important to ensure that resources are consulted before heading out to the game to get the most up to date security information.  Stadium Journey strongly recommends consulting the Fiesta Bowl  and State Farm Stadium  websites for the most up to date security protocols, bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Fiesta Bowl tickets start at $60 and go up into the hundreds and thousands on the secondary market.  It is a major event as a semi-final or quarter-final for the College Football Playoff.  Most of the tickets for the 2026 game were in the $200 range.  As with most bowl games, it is advised to wait to purchase tickets until the teams are secured.  Often, a high number of tickets will hit the secondary market at this point.  Parking can be found for $25-$35 and concession prices are what one would expect for an NFL facility.  The return for the investment is quite high.  The game has the potential to be very good and the stakes are higher than a normal bowl game.  The bands and fans charge up the atmosphere and help provide a great time. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Fiesta Bowl Museum which is found in Old Scottsdale and provides a history of the game that is worth checking out. An extra mark for the revolutionary sliding field, which travels out the south end on an intricate track system so that it can be maintained in the sun. Final Thoughts Being amongst the most significant bowl games as a member of the “New Years Six,” the Fiesta Bowl is a major sporting event in Arizona annually.  State Farm Stadium provides a professional atmosphere with plenty of big event feel.  This is a long way from the inception of the Fiesta Bowl back in 1971. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo courtesy of FIFA The 2026 FIFA World Cup  is fast approaching, and dozens of sites across North America are going to be the focus of diehard fans looking to take in the best football on the planet. With the U.S. as the host nation, expectations for the home team are higher than ever. As the World Cup has gotten bigger and bigger, so too has the cost of tickets. This year’s event looks to break the record for costs across the board, putting fans in a bit of a financial bind as they attempt to follow their team across the multi-week, multi-stage event. Recently, Doc’s Sports Service , an online odds-making site, completed a study to determine which fans would have to pay the most to support their team during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (the first three matches for each country's team) - the cost for tickets, hotel stays, and travel were all factored into the rankings. Coming in at number one, which is no real shock, was the United States at a total cost of $3,117. Fans of the three host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – had an average cost of $2,875, with Canadian fans paying $2,947, while fans of Mexico faced costs of $2,462. Of the international teams, South African fans pay the most at $2,480, while fans of South Korea would face the lowest costs at $1,341. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 with a match between Mexico and South Africa at historic Mexico City Stadium ( nee Estadio Azteca). The World Cup Finals are set for June 19. ------ Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Horst Athletic Center 901 Eden Rd Lancaster, PA 17601 Lancaster Bible Chargers website Horst Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 655 Bible Chargers Lancaster Bible College is a private Bible college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that is also home to the Capital Seminary and Graduate School. The college was founded in 1933 as the Lancaster School of the Bible. The school became a college in 1973 and started offering Bachelor of Science in Bible degrees in 1981. The college now grants six bachelor's degrees, one associate degree, and two one-year certificates in addition to six master's degrees, nine graduate certificates, and three doctorate programs in Leadership, Biblical Studies, and Ministry. Lancaster Bible College teams are a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. In the NCAA, The Chargers are a member of the NCAA's United East Conference. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. In 2018 the Chargers basketball team won the NCCAA Division II National Championship. with a 78-65 win over Hillsdale Baptist. It seems that the men's basketball team mainly participates in NCAA action now instead of the NCCAA. The Horst Athletic Center is home to the Lancaster Bible College Men's & Women's Basketball programs, as well as the Men's & Women's Volleyball programs. The gymnasium was built in 1975 and renovated prior to the 2015-16 academic year. Food & Beverage 2 There is a very simple concession stand located inside the gym itself. Although it has a simple menu the food choices were good and the product of good quality and cheap. Atmosphere 4 The Horst Athletic Center has chairback seating on one side and bleachers on the other. It is a small gym but the atmosphere is top-notch. The gym is loud and fans seem to be very involved in the action. There are only simple scoreboards and no cheerleaders or mascots seen. The lack of these does not lower the atmosphere score. Neighborhood 3 The college is located in a suburban area of Lancaster. You may want to venture to downtown Lancaster for interesting options pre- and post-game. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlets area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Nearby Lititz is also a good option as it has numerous food and shopping options. Fans 4 The fans are loud and engaged in the action. Everyone is close to the action and fans seem to really enjoy games here at this small gym. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad.  Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 The cost of the game is a mere $5 and the food prices were also very fair. It may not be the highest level of college basketball but the return on investment is quite good. Extras 2 The college is an interesting visit on its own. There is a nice soccer stadium and other sports facilities nearby. There is a nice little disc golf course right near the Horst Athletic Center. Final Thoughts Lancaster Bible College plays at one of the lower levels of college basketball, but the games presented here are fun and it is certainly an experience that a true sports fan should experience if in the area.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Amon G. Carter Stadium 2850 Stadium Dr Fort Worth, TX 76129 Armed Forces Bowl website Amon G. Carter Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 45,000 Saluting the Armed Forces The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl began in 2003 as the PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl. There have been a couple of title sponsors since then; the current sponsorship by Lockheed Martin has been attached to the game since 2014. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is played on the campus of Texas Christian University at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the years, the Armed Forces Bowl has aligned with different conferences – there have been 10 different conferences represented at the Armed Forces Bowl. However, the Armed Forces Bowl committee prefers a US military service school if possible, and over the last 12 years, the service academies have been represented in 9 games, with Air Force , Army , and Navy  each playing in 3 games.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stands are serviced by TCU catering at Amon G. Carter Stadium, which means the same concessions are open for the bowl game as the stadium’s main tenant, TCU football. In addition, besides the basic TCU concessions, TCU catering decided to bring local food vendors to the bowl game to give fans more of a selection – Chicken Express, Chick-fil-A, Bobby’s Fajitas, Railhead BBQ, Pardon My Steak, and the popular pizza near campus, Buffalo Bros, all serve food items inside Amon G. Carter Stadium. Chicken Express has a combo meal (4 tender rolls and a 44-oz drink), while Pardon My Steak provides a cheesesteak. However, my favorite two vendors are Bobby’s Fajitas and Buffalo Bros – Bobby’s Fajitas has beef and chicken fajita nachos, quesadillas, tacos, and tamales, while Buffalo Bros has pizza and wings, which are reasonably priced for a sporting event. Amon G. Carter Stadium serves Pepsi products, with the best value being their 44-oz soda. There is also Gatorade, water, and alcohol available besides soda. The alcohol selection is decent, with typical sports venue prices depending on your selection. Wine is served throughout the facility, but hard liquor is not available outside the club areas. The concession stands and bars at all TCU venues are cashless; TCU Athletics will accept all major credit cards, Visa gift cards, and all forms of non-contact payment, including Apple & Google Pay. Overall, the food and beverages here are above average for a bowl game.   Atmosphere   4 The college bowling scene can be different throughout the country. The bowl games provide fans with untraditional teams, stadiums, and cities, and it is up to the bowl committee to deliver the pageantry of the bowl game. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl delivers on every level since its original game in 2001; the bowl is solely a tribute to the armed forces. A few hours before kickoff, outside the stadium, there is an area called Tailgate Outpost. Here you can visit food trucks, pick up military service-related items for veterans and their families, and interact with military hardware, either by taking photos or experiencing what it is like to sit inside.  Pre-game has the typical parachute teams landing on the field, with a fly-over shortly after the National Anthem, and before the rolling up of the oversized American Flag. During each quarter, fans who served are asked to stand and be recognized when their service song is played. In addition, every year during halftime, a new crop of recruits from different services takes their oath of enlistment at the 50-yard line. The bowl also provides two merchandise tables in the concourse for fans to get gear supporting their trip to the game. There is also the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Wall of Heroes behind the south end zone; the wall is a tribute to all United States military personnel, where fans submit photos through the Armed Forces Bowl website before the following year’s game. The game itself is usually entertaining, and the fans try to be loud and engaged to bring out the best from their teams, in the hope of winning the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl trophy.   Neighborhood   4 Amon G. Carter Stadium is just 4 miles away from downtown Fort Worth, located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There are a few dining and lodging options near the stadium – two popular spots on gameday and within walking distance are Buffalo Bros and Dutch’s Burgers. Buffalo Bros serves pizza and wings, while next-door Dutch’s covers the hamburgers. Both places will fill up quickly on gameday. There are plenty of restaurants around Fort Worth; however, Heim BBQ and Joe T. Garcia’s are among the most visited by out-of-towners, and both provide great food. There are also various choices when it comes to lodging, from downtown hotels to the hotel at the Fort Worth Stockyards; the closest hotels are Hyatt Place Fort Worth and the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth. There are plenty of other things to do as well while spending your time in Fort Worth. The closest to TCU’s campus is Fort Worth Zoo; the zoo is home to over 7,000 unique species and is located on University Drive across from Colonial Country Club, which holds a PGA event every May. The Fort Worth Stockyards is another fun destination, where you can see cattle run during the day, replicating the end of the Chisholm Trail. There are also plenty of shops, but the most famous attraction is the world-famous Billy Bob’s Texas, proclaimed as the world’s largest honkytonk, famous for its live music and indoor rodeo and bull riding contests. Downtown Fort Worth also has the Water Gardens, or you can visit the hotel where John F. Kennedy spent his last night before he visited Dallas. Fort Worth has a lot to offer, but if you want more, Dallas is only a 45-minute drive away.   Fans   4 The college football bowl scene has taken a hard hit when it comes to fans; the wave of teams and players opting out has the college football fan on a quest to see if these bowl games are worth the investment. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, however, has been an exception to the low attendance around bowl games. In fact, last year’s game set the Armed Forces Bowl record at 50,754, a game between Oklahoma  and Navy . Although that game had an extremely high fan turnout, the Armed Forces Bowl still seems to average over 30,000 every year. The years when Army , Navy, or Air Force  is a participant are when the crowds are especially large. These teams also provide a better atmosphere, as the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces centers around the country’s military.   Access   4 Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth is about a half-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and 4 miles from downtown Fort Worth. There is public transit from downtown Fort Worth, but the schedule could be limited, so driving or a ride-share would be the best alternative. The bowl game being played during the holiday season is also a blessing, as the gridlock traffic around Fort Worth is minimal. Driving to the stadium, the exit for TCU is clearly marked off Interstate 20 using S. University Dr, or the Berry Street exit off Interstate 35. Parking near the stadium is easy and plentiful. Most parking can be purchased ahead of the game on the bowl website. There is free parking throughout the neighborhood if you get there a few hours before kickoff. However, if you aren’t familiar with the area, stay with the parking provided by TCU and the Armed Forces Bowl.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for the Armed Forces Bowl are anywhere from $25-$75 depending on the seat location. And if you happen to get a military service academy participating in the game, then the price will be well worth the cost. Parking is usually around $25, but if you get to the stadium early, you’ll be able to find free parking around campus. Concession prices are what you’d expect when it comes to sporting events, although TCU doesn’t break your wallet, so you'll be able to enjoy the traditional food fare. Overall, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl could be the best ROI of all the college bowl games.   Extras   4 The extras that make the Armed Forces Bowl special begin with the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl trophy; the trophy is unique as it is forged of metal and steel taken from all five branches of the military. The bowl also offers complimentary tickets for veterans and active-duty military members who are available for the game; this is done because the game is a commitment to honor the Armed Forces. Texas Christian University and the City of Fort Worth also support the college football landscape by hosting this bowl game.   Final Thoughts The Armed Forces Bowl is one of four bowl games played across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but it is the only one in Fort Worth. The combination of a top-tier college stadium, along with a bowl committee that focuses on bringing a military service academy as a participant, creates a wonderful experience for any football fan. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl may not be a top-tier bowl for college fans outside of the DFW area, but it certainly can hold its own against any bowl game in the country.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Memorial Stadium 701 E 17th St Bloomington, IN 47408 Indiana Hoosiers website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 52,626 Never Daunted In the history of Indiana University athletics, football has been not much more than what people did until basketball season started – it might be “the other football” (men's soccer) and their eight national championships that many of those in south central Indiana were more gravitated toward. Though Indiana football has seen pockets of success, it has been difficult for the program to build on it and keep that momentum going. The football Hoosiers enjoyed the bulk of their success under Bill Mallory, who guided Indiana to six bowl games in nine seasons during his thirteen-year tenure in Bloomington. The historic futility of Indiana football has impacted the overall support the program has seen, which in-turn impacts the game experience. The winds of success do seem to be shifting in Bloomington, however – the hiring of Curt Cignetti as the Hoosier’s head coach has seen a nearly immediate 180-degree turn in the program’s trajectory. The recent success on the field has energized the Indiana University community, as well as supporters near and far.   Food & Beverage   5 Heading into this season, improving food options at Memorial Stadium was a priority for enhancing the fan experience. A new concessions vender expanded options and brought in no less than four local Bloomington restaurants, including Social Cantina which offers walking nachos and ground beef tacos, as well as Aver’s Pizza. In addition, Yogi’s Bar and Grill serves smash burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches, while Buffa Louie’s, a Bloomington favorite since 1987, brings its signature wings in three flavors, along with a vegetarian version, along with their Italian beef sandwich, mozzarella sticks, and breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Beyond these local favorites, food trucks provide additional variety, ranging from Latin dishes and BBQ to Mediterranean fare and classic American plates. Dessert options include Bloomington’s beloved Chocolate Moose ice cream and fresh cookies from Baked!, a late-night favorite. Everbowl also offers healthier choices like açaí bowls. With Coca-Cola soft drinks on offer, along with the typical assortment from Coors’ line of beers, there is also a solid selection of Bloomington craft beers from Upland Brewery, with their Dragonfly IPA, Wheat Ale, and Indiana University branded Hoosier Game Day lager. Vizzy hard seltzers and Happy Tuesdays spiked fruit drinks are also on hand. Concessions at Memorial Stadium are an example of fans asking for improvements and the powers that be listening to what the fans were asking for.   Atmosphere   3 A common mantra of Indiana football fans has been, “we may have lost the game, but we won the tailgate.” And while the success of the Hoosiers on the field appears to be turning, and the tailgate is no longer the only highlight of the day, the lots on the northern side of campus do provide a top tier tailgating experience that rivals many of those at larger, more traditional football powers. The paved lots around the football stadium and neighboring Simon-Skjodt (pronounced: Scott) Assembly Hall  are typically home to more sophisticated alumni gatherings, while students and more festive visitors populate the fields along 17th Street. Indiana Hoosiers Football Tailgating, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Three hours before kickoff, fans gather west of Simon-Skjodt Assembly Hall  for a pep rally featuring the IU cheer squads, the Red Steppers dance team, and members of the Indiana University Marching Hundred, in anticipation of the arrival of the Hoosiers team buses for the “Walk to the Rock.” Architecturally, Memorial Stadium has a striking resemblance to Wake Forest’s Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium   and Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium . Since 2005, Memorial Stadium has seen significant improvements that enclosed the stadium, starting with weight training and staff facilities at the north end of the stadium, followed on the south end in 2018 with the completion of The Excellence Academy. However, the east and west stands still feel a bit bare, with exposed walkways on both sides. Like many other schools at this level, the Hoosiers have a well-orchestrated pregame show featuring the Marching Hundred, a slew of Indiana Hoosier flags waved by the Indiana cheer squad, pyrotechnics, and an occasional flyover. Throughout the game, timeout entertainment has shifted toward more modern features, such as scoreboard ads, an in-house DJ, on-field contests, and giveaways. The Marching Hundred still provides musical highlights throughout the game, and there are also t raditions such as the playing of “National Emblem” on 1st downs, as well as snippets of the beloved fight song, “Indiana, Our Indiana,” after big plays to keep fans engaged. One of the big points of contention for Memorial Stadium regulars is the stadium sound system does not necessarily meet Power 4 standards; the sound can seem distorted and difficult to hear clearly. With the recent on-the-field successes of Indiana football, the only thing keeping the experience from moving to the next level is its consistency. All signs point to a continuation of the upward trajectory the football program has seen throughout this season, however, which in turn bodes well for continued improvements to the overall game day experience at Indiana.   Neighborhood   5 Memorial Stadium sits on the northern side of Indiana University’s campus, surrounded by athletic facilities, dorms, and off-campus apartments. While dining options nearby are limited, a few restaurants are within walking distance. The real center of Bloomington’s social scene is centered on Kirkwood Avenue, which runs from the iconic Sample Gates to Bloomington Square. Kirkwood is home to many of Bloomington’s apparel shops, restaurants, and bars. The most well-known of the eateries, Nick’s English Hut, provides a bit more of a mature bar experience , while Kilroy’s is a bit more student-orientated, and Upstairs Pub is a bit of a happy medium. A secondary cluster of bars and restaurants in proximity to downtown Bloomington Square includes Kilroy’s Sports, Yogi’s Bar and Grill, music joint The Bluebird, and Video Saloon, which is a popular spot for many of Bloomington’s locals. For those with a bit of a finer palette, they might want to visit to Oliver Winery just north of town, or make reservations at Janko’s Little Zagreb, which is renowned for their steaks.   Fans   3 For years, Indiana football struggled not only to win games, but also to draw fans from tailgates into Memorial Stadium. In the mid-2000s policies were even introduced to clear tailgating areas of non-attendees. The 2024 hiring of Curt Cignetti marked a turning point, bringing new expectations for both the program and the fan base – Coach even called out fans for the passive interest they showed, even after a 5-0 start, saying: “We need you there for the opening kick. We need you there in the stands being loud in the first quarter…And, most importantly, in the fourth…The tailgates can wait. The parties can wait. If you need to study, that can wait too.” Time will tell if the Hoosier fans support of Indiana football is here to stay. If the success of year one under Cignetti is any indication of future fan support of Indiana football, however, the increased attendance numbers and fan involvement in the game will only serve to improve the overall game atmosphere at Memorial Stadium.   Access   3 The completion of Interstate 69 connecting Evansville to Indianapolis made accessing Bloomington much easier than when it was just State Road 37, a divided highway, connecting the two cities. Coming from the east can be a bit more challenging, though, as two-lane rural State Road 46 can be a bit slow going. When typical attendance numbers fought to scrape into the lower end of 40,000, the facilities here were adequate to accommodate the crowd without much difficulty. Now though, with the norm bringing in 50,000+ fans per game, there certainly are new obstacles to consider – lines for bathrooms and concessions get extremely backed up, impeding the flow of those simply trying to navigate the concourse. Another challenge is that the stands do not have any sort of hand railings in the seating area, which certainly creates difficulties in navigating the stairs, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Indiana does all it can do to make getting to, around, and from the stadium as convenient as possible, but there definitely are some areas it could improve on. There has even been chatter about the possibility of expanding the stadium, which could help alleviate some of the backups, for example if the Easternmost confines of the stadium were pushed closer to the parking lots. At the moment, however, the long concession and bathroom lines, especially on the stadium’s eastern side, can create quite the hinderance for those simply trying to move about the stadium. On the plus side, though, recent trends indicate the Athletics department is listening to fans, and is focused on improving the overall fan experience at Memorial Stadium.   Return on Investment   4 This season, tickets for non-conference games start at $30, and go up to $45 for conference matchups. Time will tell if the Hoosiers recent success will see an increase in ticket prices going forward, but at the moment ticket prices do not seem exorbitant. Parking in lots around the stadium can get a bit pricey, but for early arrivers who are willing to walk, free parking is available in the Poplars Garage on the corner of 6th Street and N. Dunn Avenue. Shuttles to the stadium begin 2 hours prior to kick off and run 90 minutes following the game. With free parking on campus widely available, it adds another perk for savings that can be found in attending a football game at Indiana. Some value is lost however when it comes to concessions, specifically at the more traditional stands – paying $6 for a typical-sized hot dog does seem to be a bit much. The best food values seem to come from the local options; though they are a touch more expensive, the quality and portion sizes are worth the higher prices.   Extras   4 As legend goes, shortly after Terry Hoeppner was hired as head coach in 2005 he found a massive limestone boulder on campus; he had it moved and mounted at the north end of Memorial Stadium where the team would rub it for luck as they took the field. Hoeppner would pass away in 2007 and “The Rock” would take on a whole new meaning. Renamed “Hep’s Rock” in 2010, it would find a new home to start the 2024 season, just outside Memorial Stadium’s east entrance. This location makes “Hep’s Rock” accessible to all IU football fans, being located at the end of the Hoosiers “Walk to the Rock”, where they rub it for luck just before entering the stadium. Outside the north entrance of the facility is a statute of George Taliaferro, paying tribute to the first Black player drafted into the NFL. Memorial Stadium - George Taliaferro Statue, Photo by David Welch Between the stadium’s southern end and 17th Street, B-Town Boulevard is set up to give fans an area to play games, pose for photos, or listen to a rotating performance of musicians while grabbing a bite to eat and/or a drink from the nearby food trucks. The main level concourse around the north end of the stadium is home to the Hoosier Red Zone – during pregame this area is billed as a “family fun zone”, mainly geared towards children, to test their football, basketball, and soccer skills. Visitors can also get photos taken with an oversized IU football helmet or football, or with mannequins dressed in the complete collection of Indiana uniform styles. One of the interactive displays in this area is a partnership  between IU Sports Properties and Damar , a non-profit organization that supports people with Autism. The area includes color changing lights, textures, audio inputs, and noise canceling headphones, along with a 10,000-piece Lego wall to help fans who struggle with sensory overload and may need a bit of a reset.   Final Thoughts In what might have previously best been described as a morgue of college football, Memorial Stadium has seen a remarkable turnaround fueled simply by winning, as well as a new head coach who has expectations of excellence not just from players, but from the University’s community as well. If the current trend of success for Indiana football continues, expect the game atmosphere here to only continue to improve, with an extremely festive atmosphere fed by a long anticipated winning product on the field. On the other hand, if for whatever reason Hoosier football were to revert back to its historic inconsistencies, it certainly would be a major blow to the progress seen on the gridiron in Bloomington.

Photos by Jarod Goodman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 The Palestra 235 S 33rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers website The Palestra website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 8,725 The Cathedral of College Basketball Across the Schuylkill River from downtown Philadelphia lies the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, a historic colonial-era Ivy League institution that often receives more acclaim for its academics than for its athletics. But the Penn Quakers have left their mark on the sports world nonetheless, and none has made more of an impression than the men’s basketball program. Penn has fielded a team since 1897, and that team has played since 1927 in one of the most historic sports venues in the entire world: The Palestra. Food & Beverage 3 Don’t eat at The Palestra. While there’s a modest selection of concession items available, you’re in Philadelphia after all; there are so many incredible dining experiences to be had in the City of Brotherly Love. Additionally, while you’re attending a game at the historic Palestra, you’ll want to explore the place as much as you can and soak in the atmosphere as much as possible. Simply put, just don’t bother standing in line or wasting time getting food at the game. Should you decide to pop over to one of the concession stands anyway, moderately priced options will greet you. Some main dishes include cheeseburgers ($8), pizza slices ($5), and hot dogs ($4). There’s a variety of snacks available as well, such as nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and peanuts, all priced around $2-$5. The beverage of choice at Penn is Coca-Cola ($5), and bottled water is $4. The one unique stand in the building is the Cookies & Creamery kiosk, where you can grab a cup of ice cream ($5) or some cookies ($3) for a little treat. Atmosphere 5 The architectural and historical beauty of The Palestra is astounding. The exterior of the gym is eerily similar to a venue that is 13 years its junior, Duke’s Cameron Indoor, but that’s where the similarities end. From the moment you walk inside the door, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a time machine and been transported to a bygone era. The exposed brick hallways, the steel archways that support the convex roof, and the high-up window panels that let sunlight flood the court are the main contributors to the Depression-era ambiance. The majority of the seating in the venue is composed of old wooden benches, though chair-back seats are present in the premium lower bowl. However, none of that matters, as every seat in The Palestra is close to the action due to the intimate design. What makes the arena truly unique are the end zone bleachers; there’s no barrier between the fans in the front row and the activity happening on the hardwood, giving those lucky few an incredible game day experience. To keep track of the game, two helpful scoreboards are perched high in the end zones. Sitting anywhere near the video board in the east end zone makes it hard to see highlights and replays, but the opposite wall has a handy scoreboard that records a variety of game statistics. Neighborhood 4 The Penn campus, along with neighboring Drexel University, makes up the hip district known as University City. Just across the Schuylkill River (pronounced skoo-kuhl , if you were wondering) from the business-oriented downtown, both neighborhoods are awash with entertainment and dining choices. Downtown is by far the most touristy and lively of the two, featuring several significant Revolutionary-era landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Other attractions of note include Philadelphia’s iconic City Hall, the Museum of Art made famous by the 70s blockbuster Rocky , and the National Constitution Center. Philly also has a rich maritime history as a strategic port on the Delaware River, and this history is on display daily at the Independence Seaport Museum. Foodies will love Philadelphia for many reasons, but the obvious draw is the iconic cheesesteak. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, located at 9th and Passyunk, seem to be the main perpetrators in the circulation of the Philly cheesesteak culture. Beefy battles aside, the Reading Terminal Market is also a popular destination with hungry tourists. Dating back to 1893, this gastronomic paradise is home to over one hundred vendors that serve up delectable dishes from pretzels to artisan cheese to fresh produce. Fans 3 The Palestra is electric during Big 5 games and when Penn takes on their arch-rival Princeton. For these packed-out games, it’s sometimes hard to move around the cramped gym and it can be a bit incommodious at times. But the atmosphere that the student section and the Quaker faithful produce amidst these contests is nothing short of special; it’s something basketball die-hards should experience at least once. When the Princeton Tigers or a Big 5 team isn’t on the schedule, don’t expect any wild crowds at The Palestra. For any other game on the slate, the arena doesn’t fill up. Sure, the fans that do find their way to the benches are all over the action and pay attention to the entire game, but it pales in comparison to those staple games. Access 3 The Palestra, and the University as a whole, are located in a cramped and dated part of Philadelphia, forcing game day visits to become a complicated, multi-step process. For starters, there is extremely limited parking near the gym. The lots in the surrounding area are reserved on basketball game days, but there are two primary garages to choose from. The first is located at 34th and Chestnut Streets, while the second is adjacent to the Penn Museum at South Street and Convention Avenue. Rates for these garages vary; you can also use the Parking Panda app to find a pre-paid parking space, and this is usually your best bet. Another option would be to take Philadelphia’s mass transit, called SEPTA, to the game. Three modes of SEPTA will drop you off near The Palestra: Regional Rail – Both the Penn Medicine and 30th Street Stations are within a 10-minute walk. Subway – The 30th and 34th Street Stations are both along the Market-Frankford Line, though the latter is slightly closer. Trolley – The 33rd Street stop is only about a 5-minute walk from The Palestra. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets start at $17 and go up from there. Tickets to the annual Princeton game or a Big 5 matchup may cost you more. Concessions, should you choose to grab a bite, are moderately priced and probably won’t run you more than $10 per person. Parking rates vary depending on the location and time but expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $30 for a space. After everything is said and done, a family of four should look to spend around $130 for a game at Penn. This is well worth the experience at the holy grail of college hoops. Extras 5 The hallways of The Palestra are a living museum, so plan to arrive plenty early and learn all about the rich history of the Penn Quakers and their glorious home. There are dozens of display cases that feature memorabilia and informative plaques alike, covering all Quaker athletic programs and showcasing their accomplishments by decade. These cases don’t just highlight the University of Pennsylvania either, but rather all of the Philadelphia Big 5 schools. Speaking of the Big 5, The Palestra has been the home of the basketball teams from Philly’s institutions of higher education for many years. While each university has its home arena, Penn annually hosts St. Joseph’s, Villanova, Temple, and La Salle at their venerable gymnasium. The Palestra opened on New Year’s Day of 1927 with a win over Yale in front of a capacity crowd of 10,000 – then the largest basketball crowd on the east coast to ever attend a game. (Thirty years earlier, Penn and Yale played in the first-ever basketball game to feature five players on each team.) Since its debut, The Palestra has hosted more games, more visiting teams, and more NCAA tournaments than any other venue in college basketball. Final Thoughts The history that Penn has both written and witnessed at The Palestra is what makes it a venue that should be at the top of your bucket list, college hoops fan or not. Whether the Quakers win or lose, you will not regret seeing a game at The Cathedral.

Photos by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey Prudential Center FANFARE Score: 4.00 Prudential Center 25 Lafayette St Newark, NJ 07102 Seton Hall Pirates website Prudential Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 18,711 The Hall at The Rock Home to one of the best atmospheres in the Big East, the Prudential Center is the home of Seton Hall Men's Basketball. Seton Hall University is a Catholic institution located roughly 5 miles away from the Prudential Center in East Orange, New Jersey. The Prudential Center opened in 2007 and is home to the Seton Hall Men's Basketball team and the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils. The Prudential Center also hosts a variety of concerts and different events throughout the year.  The venue has also earned the distinguished honor of being included in the Front Office Sports Best Venues List for being recognized for its technology, fan experience, and design. Since the arena's opening in 2007, the venue has received the nickname “The Rock” in reference to the Rock of Gibraltar, the corporate logo of the arena's sponsor, Prudential Financial. Prudential Center Exterior. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 Inside the Prudential Center, you will find a wide variety of food and beverage options while attending a men's basketball game. You will notice that some of the concession stands will be closed. If you are looking for tacos and a Latin-inspired meal, you can stop by the Goya Catina. The arena also offers New Jersey Boardwalk-style meals, where you can find cheesesteaks, sausage & peppers, as well as Funnel Cake Fries. There are also concessions throughout the arena where you can find your traditional arena food like hot dogs, tenders, pizza, and popcorn. As for the prices, they are a little bit on the high side, but not any higher than your typical large sports arena. The prices for food average between $15 to $20. If you are looking for an alcoholic beverage, Rock Whiskey seems to be the most popular bar spot where you can find beer, seltzers, and mixed drinks. Expect to pay a premium here, with the cost of beer being around 15 dollars and mixed drinks starting at 20 dollars. There are also the grab-and-go concessions with snacks, sodas, and beer that are spread about the arena as well. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere in The Rock during a Seton Hall Men's Basketball game is electric. The arena blocks off the top level of the seating area, so all people in attendance are in the lower bowl to create a better and louder environment. The student section, located under the basket on the visitor's side of the court, definitely makes an impact on games.  The cheerleaders, dance team, and Seton Hall's mascot, The Pirate, lead the way in providing the atmosphere. The atmosphere feels lively and authentic to a Big East matchup, giving fans a sense that they’re right on Seton Hall's campus. Seton Hall Mascot. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 The Prudential Center is located in Newark, New Jersey. Newark is 9 miles outside of Manhattan. The arena is in a densely urban area, with a lot of foot traffic around the arena. With that said, it is definitely smart to pay attention to your surroundings while wandering around the neighborhoods that surround the arena. If you are looking to grab a bite to eat before or after the game, Redd's Biergarten and American Whiskey are located right next to the arena on Market Street and offer good game-day vibes. If you are looking for a meal without the gameday vibes, the Chateau of Spain restaurant is located just a few blocks away on Hill Street. There is also a Wendy's, IHOP, Domino's, and a Blaze Pizza close by if you are looking for something quicker. There is a Courtyard by Marriott that is attached to the Hyundai parking deck if you are looking for a place to stay for the night. Fans 5 The average attendance for Seton Hall’s home games for the 2025-26 season has been right around 10,000 fans. The only negative to the games being played at the Prudential Center, as I have stated, is that it is not on campus. With that being said, the fans of Seton Hall men's basketball still show up for their team. The fans were invested and loud from the first tip all the way to the end of the game. Prudential Center Interior. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey. Access 5 Accessing the Prudential Center is fairly easy by train or by car. The Newark Penn Station stop is within walking distance and is located off McCarty Highway, just a few blocks away from the arena, which has a New Jersey Transit Train that will take you either into New York City at Penn Station or out towards the Newark Liberty International Airport. You can also take the PATH train, which will bring you into NYC and drop you off near One World Trade Center. If you are looking to drive to the arena, there is a Hyundai parking deck that is connected to the arena, as well as many different public parking areas that surround the arena that vary in price. The only negative of driving is if you are coming in for a weekday evening game, expect a decent amount of NYC and Newark rush hour traffic. Return on Investment 3 The prices of tickets and food can be high for the marquee Big East games, so if you are looking to catch a game for a lower price, your non-conference games and non-rivalry Big East games will be your best bang for your buck. Seton Hall Cheerleaders at Prudential Center, Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey. Extras 3 The biggest extra for the Prudential Center is the location outside of New York City. If you are looking to spend a day in the city with a game afterward, it is very easy to do. For hockey fans, there is a Martin Brodeur statue outside the main entrance of the arena. For fans looking for Seton Hall merchandise, there is a merchandise stand on the main concourse outside of section 19. In between timeouts, you will see various on-court games, as well as a T-shirt toss by the cheer squad. Final Thoughts I wasn't sure about how I felt about a college team playing in a big arena, but I was pleasantly surprised by how things turned out. The closing of the top level of the arena gave it a smaller, more intimate feeling for the fans. Seton Hall and the Prudential Center should be in the discussion for one of the best venues in the tri-state area to catch a college basketball game. If you are in the area and looking for some good basketball, you can definitely find it at the Prudential Center and Seton Hall Men's Basketball.

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

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Desert Financial Arena 634 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Desert Financial Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 14,198 Forks Up The Arizona State University Sun Devil women's basketball team participates in the Big 12 conference and plays its home games at the seasoned Desert Financial Arena, formerly called the Wells Fargo Arena, and the ASU Activity Center, on the ASU campus in Tempe, Arizona. The arena is home to the Sun Devils' men's and women's basketball teams as well as the wrestling, volleyball , and gymnastics teams. It opened in 1974 and seats over 14,000 fans. Although the arena is old and antiquated, it is set to undergo a $100 million upgrade beginning in May 2026. Food & Beverage 3 There are several concession stands at Desert Financial Arena scattered throughout the concourse, but they all serve the same menu, so there is no point in looking around. The only things that qualify as a meal are bratwursts and hot dogs, both of which come with chips and cost between $12 and $15. Nachos with jalapenos and cheese are available, as are hot pretzels, popcorn, frozen lemonade, chips, and candy. To drink, fans can choose from an assortment of soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. A beer will cost between $14 and $15, while soft drinks and water are around $5-$7. Alternatively, fans can purchase a reusable loyalty cup for a one-time cost of $29.95 and receive unlimited free soda refills at any Arizona State athletic venue for the entire season, fall through spring. If you are a regular at ASU athletic events, this can be an outstanding deal in the long run, as long as you remember to bring the cup back with you. Occasionally, free food will be available to fans. When Stadium Journey attended a game, every fan in attendance received a free bag of popcorn as they came in. We did not notice this advertised anywhere in advance, but you may get lucky. Atmosphere 4 An Arizona State women's basketball game is exciting, starting with the pregame show where pillars of fire and smoke are shot out from the court as the team comes out and is introduced. The Sun Devils' mascot is Sparky, who appropriately is some sort of devil, and can be seen interacting with fans throughout the game. The pep band sits behind one basket along with the ASU student section, although it seems not many students attend women's basketball games here. Walking in from the concourse will put you in the middle of the seating bowl, although typically only the lower seats are sold for ASU women's games unless there is high demand. Typically, the first nine rows are reserved, and everything else is general admission. Wherever you sit, you will have a great view of the action, but it will be cramped, and you won't have much legroom. Some of these issues will be addressed in the upcoming renovations. There is a videoboard overhead at center court, but it is smaller than the videoboards at most other power conference arenas. Neighborhood 5 Arizona State University has one of the best neighborhoods for its athletic facilities, right in the heart of Tempe. Desert Financial Arena is located directly next to Sun Devil Stadium (ASU football), and the majority of the rest of its athletic facilities are right in the same area in Tempe. Downtown Tempe is just a short walk away and has just about everything you can imagine, from sports bars to fast food to more elaborate restaurants to nightlife. Hundred Mile Brewing Company, with beer, great pub food, and many TVs airing live sports, is a favorite of our writers. Venezia's New York Style Pizzeria, run by an ASU alumnus, has several locations in the area and serves up large, delicious pizza. It is available at some Arizona State athletic venues, but not Desert Financial Arena, so you will have to get it before or after the game. Fans 3 Arizona State draws a couple of thousand fans per game on average, making the 14,000-seat arena seem downright cavernous. The good news is the fans will sit close to the court, reducing the effect somewhat. The students who show up are rowdy and loud and dress in costumes to distract opposing players shooting free throws at that end in the second half, but unfortunately, there aren't many of them. Improving student attendance at women's basketball games would greatly improve the atmosphere here. Access 4 Getting to and around Desert Financial Arena is relatively easy, and it is close to the interchange of Loop 101 and Loop 202. Take the Rural/Scottsdale exit on Loop 202. There are several lots and garages available adjacent to the arena, and parking will typically be a few dollars an hour, and the exact cost will vary depending on when you attend and how long you are there for. Expect to pay around $10-$15 on average. Payment is on your phone via the mobile app. Which mobile app to use varies depending on which lot you are in, so check the signs to make sure you are using the right one. The concourse at Desert Financial Arena is narrow, but as there aren't many fans in attendance, this is not a problem. Restrooms are likewise sufficient for the small crowds at the arena, but if it ever sells out, that might be a problem. Return on Investment 3 Tickets typically cost about $19 for general admission seats or $28 for reserved seats, subject to some variability on a game-by-game basis. This cost is reasonable, but the high price for concessions and even higher price for parking bring the rating down here. Extras 3 Look for the beautiful rock mesa outside the entrance to Desert Financial Arena. It is impossible to miss as you come in. A second star for the Arizona State Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring Sun Devils greats of years gone by. A third and final star for the pregame show featuring pillars of smoke and fire, leaning into the Sun Devil name. Final Thoughts An Arizona State women's basketball game at Desert Financial Arena can be a fun experience, and it will get even better when the renovations of the facility begin this summer. With women's sports growing in popularity at many other schools, it would be nice to see larger crowds here, too, especially from the students.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Eagles Nest 610 East Clyde St. Frankton, IN 46044 Frankton Eagles website The Eagles Next website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 2,500 A Hidden Gem in the Hoosier State Frankton Jr./Sr. High School is home to a 2,500-seat basketball gymnasium affectionately known as The Eagles Nest. The gymnasium was built along with the school for the 1959-1960 academic year. The project cost $940,000, and the first game was played on November 2, 1959, with a crowd of close to 3,000 that saw Frankton defeat Lapel 64-49. There have been many changes inside the gym, from the 49-star US flag to renovations to part of the bleacher seating, but much has remained the same. Visiting the gym is a trip back in time on Friday nights during the cold winter months. That small-school feeling still exists in games against nearby rivals Lapel and Elwood. In December 2025, the gymnasium co-hosted the inaugural Central Indiana Holiday Classic with Elwood High School for the first time. The two-day event features 18 teams from around the state, with six games that begin at 10:00 AM and run until 8:00 PM at each building, culminating in championship games the next day. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stand is located at the entrance to the gym and underneath the grandstand. The long, narrow stand efficiently moves people in and out during the game, offering a handful of menu items that should satisfy every patron. The items include hot dogs, pizza slices, popcorn, nachos, candy, and Pepsi products. Prices range from $2 for a hot dog to $5 for nachos. However, more is served during the Holiday Classic, which serves as a fundraiser for the students of Frankton High. Dirty Sodas are available in seven flavors, including Dr. Pepper with vanilla creamer and lime, and Sprite with cherry syrup, cherries, and glitter. They cost $4 each. Chick-fil-A sandwiches are also available for $7, and locally made ice cream from The Depot is served in a variety of flavors for $5 per scoop. However, Rex’s Chili is a must-have at the game. The homemade recipe has been served since 1990 and is available frozen by the quart at all home games; it is served piping hot during the tournament games. Atmosphere 4 The Eagles Nest is a classic bandbox gym with out-of-bounds lines inches from spectators' feet, foul lines rubbing against the stage and stands, and a low-hanging ceiling. It is a callback to another time in high school basketball in Indiana. It is a gym with many quirks. Three sides of the gymnasium have seating, but one side has newer plastic bleachers that can be folded up to create more room for gym programs during the school day. There is a corner of the seating bowl with railings that separate it from the rest of the bowl. The cinderblock walls are covered with multiple conference championships from the school's numerous sports programs. The stage is bordered in brick and features a red curtain. The stage area includes a few tables and chairs for media and tournament personnel. There is also a photographer hanging off the stage to capture pictures for the school. The stage is also used for additional seating during higher-attendance games, most notably against the rival Lapel High School. On each side of the stage are banners from school championships, an American flag, a conference banner, and a list of advertisers. Neighborhood 2 Frankton, Indiana, has a population of around 1,800 and is over an hour from downtown Indianapolis and 45 minutes from Fishers, where the Fishers Event Center hosts the Indy Fuel hockey  and the Indy Ignite volleyball teams . There are a few places to visit while in town, including MJ’s Scoops and Moore, The Depot Ice Cream & More, Bernie’s Bar, and Maranatha Coffee Co. Fans 3 During the Holiday Classic, a small group of fans made their way to the gym to cheer their favorite team. When Frankton showed up for the later game, the gym began to fill with locals, parents, and a small student section. They cheered, roared, and clapped throughout the game. Access 4 The Eagles Nest is easy to navigate, with concession stands underneath the grandstand and restrooms at the entrance. Additional concession stands are in the main lobby, and service is relatively quick. The 2,500-seat gymnasium is easy to find a seat, but it can become crowded during packed games. Return on Investment 4 A ticket to the Holiday Classic is $15 for the entire session at Frankton and nearby Elwood High School. This allows fans to watch 6 games while spending $2 for a hot dog and $5 for nachos. It is an affordable way to spend the day during the Holiday season. A ticket to a regular Frankton game is $6 per person.  Extras 3 The Eagles Nest earns a point for its stage at one end, which also serves as space for media and officials. It is framed in brick and features championship banners above it. It creates a nice centerpiece for the venue. The gymnasium earns another point for its concession stand underneath the grandstand. The long, narrow area features the old Frankton center court logo and a team photo from the 1934/1935 season. An additional point is earned for the additional concession items of chili, dirty soda, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches in the main lobby. Each purchase of these items funds school programs and scholarship opportunities. Final Thoughts There are newer, more spacious high school basketball gyms in the area. However, many of them lack the atmosphere that is The Eagles Nest. When the gym is packed, the roar of the crowd can be deafening. A true small-school hidden gym in the state that does high school hoops the best . ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The Long Beach Baseball Club of the Pioneer League officially has two names. They will be formally the Long Beach Coast, but also the Long Beach Regulators as an alternative identity for select games this year at Blair Field. ​ The name Coast represents the city's diverse geography, blending its 11 miles of coastline, beach culture with urban life, and uniting different neighborhoods under a shared identity. In contrast, the Regulators name stems from the Long Beach-native Warren G’s 1994 song “Regulate,” which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped usher in the G-Funk era of Hip Hop. ​ Team president Ena Patel said that the two identities give the brand its aesthetic, which is what it looks and feels like. She added  that the team wants to build something that feels welcoming to everyone in Long Beach, whether they come for the baseball, the family atmosphere, or the culture surrounding it. ​ The ball club picked the colors of teal and black, and released an interlocking “LBC” cap monogram on its official website. The wordmark is simple: the scripted name of the team with a tail and the city name above it. ​ The two separate names are not new in baseball. The Nanaimo NightOwls of the Western Collegiate League is also known as the Bars, a play on the popular Canadian dessert treat, and tons of other clubs have alternative nights on Friday or other select nights of the season. ​ In other words, it’s business as usual in the world of minor league baseball and its cohorts. The Coast will have its home opener at Blair Field on June 2. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 William P. Hytche Athletic Center 1 Backbone Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website William P. Hytche Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,500 Eastern Shore Birds The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a Historically Black Land-Grant University located on the DelMarVa Peninsula just south of Salisbury, Maryland. Founded in 1886, the university has gone through several names: Delaware Conference Academy, Industrial Branch of Morgan State College, Princess Anne Academy, Maryland Agricultural College, and Maryland State College before switching to its current name in 1970. The 745-acre campus has many programs and degrees, with hotel and restaurant management, fashion merchandising, construction management, and professional golf management being some of the biggest, along with engineering. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware. UMES is a charter member of the MEAC. The UMES women’s bowling team won the NCAA Bowling Championship in 2012 and is the most consistent team on campus. In 2015, the men’s basketball team played in their first postseason in 30 years, as they played in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Once a big-time football program, UMES ended its program in 1979. There is still some talk of bringing the football team back into action. UMES is tied with Florida State for the most alumni appearing in a single Super Bowl game. In the 1968 game (Super Bowl III) between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts, UMES was represented by five alumni: Earl Christy (1961–1964), Johnny Sample (1954–1957), Emerson Boozer (1962–1965), Charlie Stukes (1963–1967), and James Duncan (1968–1971). NFL player and coach Art Shell attended UMES. Other famous alumni are Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band and Jamaican track star Merrecia James. The William P. Hytche Athletic Center is named after William P. Hytche Sr., who served as the school’s president from 1975 to 1997. Food & Beverage 3 When you walk into Hytche Athletic Center, there’s a hallway to the right and a hallway to the left, and the doors to the court are straight ahead of you. If you head to the right, you’ll get to the one concession stand at the center. The stand only takes cash, but the selection is respectable as long as all you need is a snack as opposed to a full meal. Hot dogs ($2) and Wing Dings ($3) are the entrees, while candy ($1.25), chips ($1), gum ($0.25), bottled drinks ($2), and bottled water ($2) are the sides. The prices are great, with nothing being more than $3. Atmosphere 3 As soon as you walk into the athletic center, you are greeted by an employee sitting behind a folding table selling tickets. Once you get past the ticket tables, you can truly appreciate the Hytche lobby, which features plaques, portraits, and free posters. The plaques are part of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Athletic Hall of Fame, and really make a great impression on anyone who enters the venue. There are also glass cabinets that hold UMES memorabilia, such as a basketball recognizing Tee Trotter, a point guard from the early 2000s who scored over 1,000 career points with the Hawks. With the sun able to come through the glass roof and cast a shadow inside, it really is a nice-looking lobby as you make your way through the doors into the actual gym. Inside the gym, you’ll quickly realize that basketball isn’t the only sport it hosts. Track & field and gymnastics events also seem to be held in the gym, as there is a lot of extra room around the actual court with mats and ladders stacked all around. There are even a few racquetball courts inside the gym. The good part is that there was a lot of room to walk around on my visit, and I never felt stuck, crowded, or pushed, either getting to my seat or going back out to the lobby. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing much right around UMES. Historically, as it is recognized, Princess Anne is right outside the campus. It is a nice town, but there is not much really going on in the quaint village that would really make you want to spend much time there before or after a game. There are some restaurants in the area. Peaky’s provides good seafood dishes, with the offering of the iconic Smith Island Cake a pleasant surprise. Lynn’s Kitchen is a decent Chinese restaurant. Besides that, Princess Anne doesn’t offer much except fast food places like Popeye’s, Hardee’s, and McDonald’s. It may be a good idea to head the 10 miles or so north into Salisbury, where there is a plethora of restaurants. The Evolution Craft Brewing Company at 201 E Vine Street has a great tasting room and restaurant. Fans 2 The game of this review was not especially packed, but the students were not back from winter break, so that was to be expected. The team also appears to draw a decent amount of locals to watch the good quality of basketball that the MEAC conference offers. Access 3 There should be plenty of parking around the stadium, especially on weekend games. Some daytime in-semester games could be a bit busier. The main problem with UMES is that it is isolated on the DelMarVa Peninsula, relatively far from any real city. The only time that UMES feels like it is not out of the way is if you happen to stop by on the way to an early summer/late spring trip to Ocean City. Maryland. Route 50, which cuts through Salisbury, is the main path for most visitors to that beach vacation spot. Of course, being south of Salisbury means that even on the way to the beach, UMES is a bit out of the way. Princess Anne will never be anything but out of the way for most people. Return on Investment 3 The price is good for Division I basketball. Coupled with the decent concession pricing and no parking fees, the return on investment at UMES games is very good. Extras 3 The bleacher setup along the endlines is pretty unique. And seeing the racquetball courts along the edge of the arena is also a unique sight. Also, make sure to check out the many banners for the successful women’s bowling team. That is not something you see at all schools. The UMES athletic facilities have a strange little mini golf course located on an old basketball court right behind the stadium. It is not open for general use, but it is a strange little sight. Maybe it is used for student activities? The campus is also a nice little quiet place that warrants a quick walk around. The new Student Services Center building looks very nice. Unique End Line Seating at Hytche Athletic Center, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When you put it all together, a day at Hytche Athletic Center has its perks and offers a unique experience, especially for the kids. There’s a lot of room to improve overall, especially in entertainment and atmosphere. If the Hawks start bringing more wins to Hytche, expect to see more fans coming out, creating an improved atmosphere.