Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Clover Park 525 NW Peacock Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Map It St. Lucie Mets website Clover Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 7,347 Mets Territory - Port St. Lucie The Single-A St Lucie Mets play their baseball games at the newly renovated Clover Park in Port St Lucie, FL. Clover Park is better known as the spring training facility of the New York Mets. As soon as you see the ballpark (even before entering the parking lot), you know you are in Mets territory. The vibrant shades of Mets orange and blue decorate the exterior of the building, Mets signage and championship years are displayed, and former Mets greats have billboard-sized posters on the outer walls. A palm tree-lined plaza contains plaques with a brief bio for many famous Mets players. And the Mets prominence continues in the interior of the ballpark. Pictures, photos, and murals line the corridors, and the organization painted the cement walls with the likes of David Wright, Jose Reyes, and others. New York Mets retired numbers and championship banners line the façade of the press box. Clover Park Press Box, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Mets home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. The St Lucie Mets originated in 1988 and are members of the Florida State League (FSL). They have won the FSL championship six times, most recently in 2022. Notable alumni include Pedro Martinez, Jacob deGrom, and Mike Piazza. Visitors and fans have a fun time catching a Mets minor league game at Clover Park. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand is open for the St Lucie Mets games, and that’s enough. An additional cocktail cart is open if you all want is an adult beverage. Another cart selling lemonade and frozen Italian ice is also on hand. The Home Plate Grill concession stand offers the basics: chicken tenders & fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, Nathans hot dogs, and Italian sausages ranging from $4.75 - $8.50. Gluten-free buns are available on request. For healthier food, fans can purchase cauliflower pizza or a garden salad. Snacks include popcorn buckets, peanuts, pretzels, Cracker Jack, ice cream, and chips ($3 - $5). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand sodas, bottled water, and traditional domestic beer brands like Michelob Ultra and Budweiser. Atmosphere 3 Palm trees, a few benches, and plaques of many retired Mets greats line the main entrance plaza. The plaza has an impressive 9/11 memorial created from a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Clover Park 9/11 Memorial, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Seating is two levels of traditional blue fold-down stadium seats. Most have cup holders. The rows do not have a lot of legroom between them. The third baseline has tables and chairs. Some seats are covered and not used during the FSL season, and the paths to the outfield concourses are blocked off. A medium-thick net extends down both baselines; there’s no place to sit net-free for the Single-A games. For the most part, they don’t play music over the announcer. The game day staff mostly play music between batters and innings (not pitches), except towards the end of the game when they annoyingly play it between almost every pitch. The music volume is louder on the second level. If you like jamming with the tunes, that’s the area in which to sit. Sit in the first level if you want to enjoy the sounds of the game. The scoreboard shows the name of the player at bat and his stats, the team line-up, and the line score. The game day staff provides the traditional minor league between-inning activities like trivia contests and a smile cam. Trees adorn the area behind the outfield fence, providing a pleasant view. The St Lucie Mets dugout is on the third base side. Both bullpens are behind the left field fence. Neighborhood 3 Several chain hotels, restaurants, and shopping are a mile+ from Clover Park. Places to stay include a Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and more. Shop around as prices differ. A shopping mall is a mile away and has plenty of choices for eating before or after a game. Thirteen or more restaurants are in the area, including Duffy’s Sports Grill, Chili’s, and Pueblo Viejo. The area has a myriad of fast food places. For breakfast or lunch, I recommend Berry Fresh Café. Hopheads can enjoy a local brew at Hop Life Brewing. A food truck with yummy meals is at this brewery. The Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens is worth a visit on the cooler mornings or afternoons. Other sports in the area include the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals about a 45-minute drive south. Fans 3 Lots of Silver Sluggers are in attendance (even on a non-Tuesday), as well as plenty of retired fans. The St Lucie Mets have a decent season ticket holder base. A good number of families with kids attend the games as well. The fans are vocal, and you will hear an abundance of New York accents from the crowd, as it should be. So far, the 2023 attendance numbers have ranged from approximately 700 to 2,300 per game, with the higher attendance on Saturdays. Admirably, most fans throw their own trash away. Access 4 Getting to and in and around Clover Park is easy. The ballpark is less than a mile off Interstate 95. Parking costs $5 (credit card only) and is mostly on paved lots for FSL games. Grass lots extend past the pavement. Several small regional and private airports are nearby. The closest commercial airport is Melbourne (MLB), an hour's drive north. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is one and a half hour’s drive south. The county offers local ART bus service to the ballpark. However, service ends at 7 pm and is not operational on weekends, so it is not conducive for 95% of the St Lucie Mets ball games. The ballpark gates open only 40 minutes before the first pitch. For stadium journeyers and those visiting for the first time, that’s too little time to check out the venue and all it has to offer. Getting through the security check-in is slow, though certainly not intrusive. Standard clear sports bags and small clutches are allowed. After going through security, fans climb a large staircase to get to the concourse. The venue has an elevator to the right of the staircase. Several sets of wheelchair-accessible restrooms are open for a St Lucie Mets game and a separate family restroom is along the concourse. Return on Investment 5 The St Lucie Mets offer a good value for your sports entertainment dollar. Refreshment prices are comparable to other FSL venues. Tickets are $12 on game day, and seating is general admission. It’s unfortunate the team charges for parking. Those over 55 years old can spend $35 and get a variety of perks as a Silver Slugger: A t-shirt, lower ticket prices, free admission on Tuesday games, and a free hot dog and soda on Tuesdays. That’s a great deal. I wish I lived in St Lucie. Fans can purchase a ten-game flex pack ($80). The team offers all kinds of promotions throughout the season: kids crew night, fireworks, dollar nights, family 4-pack nights, military appreciation nights, and the list goes on. Extras 3 The stadium has a sizable team shop to the right of the ticket booth – go to this one. The one inside the stadium doesn’t have as much merchandise. Something I haven’t seen before is chalked lines by second base. I suspect these are visual reminders to the infielders on where they can (or cannot) stand based on MLB’s new rules. Clover Park Chalked Lines by Second Base, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. It’s fantastic the Mets organization holds both its spring training and Single-A games in the same facility. Final Thoughts Clover Park is a well-branded NY Mets facility. The Single-A version is an enjoyable, cost-effective way to spend a few hours experiencing our national pastime. Visit it if in the area.

The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball is generally considered to be the highest level of baseball among all of the independent leagues. One of four MLB Partner Leagues, its ten teams are located in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states. The league requires its ballparks to be built to Triple-A specifications, and for the cities to be able to support a ballpark in the 4,000-7,500 seat range. Play in the Atlantic League is considered to be at about the Double-A or Triple-A level. When Minor League Baseball reorganized in November 2020, two Atlantic League ballparks, in Somerset, NJ and Sugar Land, TX, were chosen to join affiliated baseball. This speaks to the high quality of the ballparks in the circuit. Stadium Journey’s writers are frequent visitors to the ten ballparks in the Atlantic League. We were able to update reviews for three of the league’s ten parks in 2026, and eight of the ten venues have been reviewed within the last three years. The ballparks are ranked according to Stadium Journey’s patented FANFARE system, which ranks facilities according to their Food and beverage, gameday Atmosphere, surrounding Neighborhood, Fan support, Accessibility, Return on investment, and an Extra category for anything not covered by the other six categories. When two or more ballparks are tied, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is convened to break the deadlock. Without any further ado, we are proud to present Stadium Journey’s ranking of the ballparks of the Atlantic League for the 2026 season. 10. CaroMont Health Park – Gastonia Ghost Peppers 3.14 Michael Rusignuolo - Although the surroundings, food, and crowds won't blow you away, the park is easy to get to and provides an affordable night out in a unique layout that doesn't skimp on the extras. 9. Truist Point – High Point Rockers 3.14 Gregory Koch - Truist Point is an unusual stadium, and not necessarily in a positive way. Nonetheless, if you are in the Piedmont Triad, a trip to a Rockers game can be a fun way to spend a summer's night. Hang out with Hype and watch a baseball game up close for a great price. 8. Staten Island University Hospital Community Park – Staten Island FerryHawks 3.14 David Welch - SIUH Community Park’s location has a rich history of hosting baseball, rooted in the borough’s love for the game and its waterfront setting. With intimate sight lines, breathtaking skyline, and harbor views, the park offers a unique and memorable outing for fans. 7. Legends Field – Lexington Legends 3.29 Marc Viquez – Legends Field was built in an era where minor league ballparks opened up across the country in record numbers. The ball club has placed itself above the copious sporting and entertainment options for over 20 years and is growing in Lexington. A ballpark that features seats close to the diamond, cheap tickets, and cheaper eats is what minor league baseball used to be and what it still should be for the average fan. 6. Regency Furniture Stadium – Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 3.43 Joseph Oakes - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are within the footprint of both the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. If you don’t feel like fighting big city traffic and forking out a lot of money, the Blue Crabs are just the spot for you! 5. GoMart Ballpark – Charleston Dirty Birds 3.57 Paul Baker - GoMart Ballpark may not be the type of ballpark that makes anyone’s “Best Of” list. But it does many things well. It’s inexpensive, cozy, and thanks to The Toast Man and the cast of regulars in Section 107, incredibly entertaining. This ballpark suits the Atlantic League, the city of Charleston and its baseball fans perfectly. 4. Wellspan Park – York Revolution 4.00 Richard Smith – Wellspan Park is home to the tallest outfield wall in all of baseball. At 37 feet, 8 inches, the left field wall is called the “Arch Nemesis,” and is 8 inches taller than the famed Green Monster at Fenway Park. 3. Penn Medicine Park – Lancaster Stormers 4.14 Richard Smith - In 2005, Lancaster came back to professional baseball as part of the independent Atlantic League. The name “Barnstormers” was chosen in a team-sponsored fan ballot. The name served two purposes: first, playing on the term “Barn,” as well as referring to the act of “barnstorming,” which is playing in exhibition games while travelling around in various areas. In 2024, they rebranded with the Stormers name and the bull as a main part of their logo, as well as using some storm and barn imagery. 2. Fairfield Properties Park – Long Island Ducks 4.29 Meg Minard – Summer on Long Island can be a lot of fun with the beaches, piers, and boating. When on Long Island, be sure to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying a laid-back, entertaining nine innings with friends and family at Fairfield Properties Park. 1. Meritus Park – Hagerstown Flying Boxcars 4.43 Richard Smith – After losing the Suns and Municipal Stadium, the initiative to reintroduce baseball to Hagerstown happened quickly, and within four years, the newly established team, the "Flying Boxcars" (named after the Fairchild military cargo plane manufactured locally after the war), along with the ballpark (named after the local healthcare company Meritus), had their inaugural season in 2024.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Tucker Stadium 1105 N Peachtree Ave Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Tucker Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,000 The Eagles Have Landed The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles recently completed a $60 million renovation of Tucker Stadium, completely rebuilding the west side of their football venue. Changes included adding chairback seating, drink rails, club seating, luxury suites, and all-new concessions. The project also included a 40,000-square-foot football operations center; renovations began in 2024 and were completed in time for the 2026 season. So far this season, the Golden Eagles have struggled to fill the new west side to capacity, but attendance should increase over time, as fans start to learn more about this new gem in Cookeville, Tennessee. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage scene at redesigned Tucker Stadium lacks little, if anything. There are a slew of food trucks on offer behind the east stands (visitors side), which were doing brisk business during my most recent visit. But the west side is where the concessions really shine, with options ranging from Bojangles’, Pizza Hut, Auntie Anne’s, and Crumbl Cookies to more traditional fare such as hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, coffee, and fries. As an example of the prices, a personal-sized Pizza Hut pizza or 4-piece Bo Supremes is $10, Pizza Hut bread bites or a Bo chicken sandwich is $8, nachos with cheese are $6, and popcorn is $4. Beverages include beer, hard seltzer, and hard cider for the 21 and up crowd, with dirty sodas, tea, milkshakes, and Coke products for everyone else. Alcohol is $9, or you can spend $10 on a souvenir cup to get free refills on soda. Regular-sized sodas and bottled water are $4 each. Atmosphere 5 The Golden Eagles pull out all the stops when it comes to football at Tucker Stadium. That includes an artillery gun in the north end zone to celebrate Eagle touchdowns, a great mascot, and fireworks after the game, win or lose. There are also scoreboard games and various recognitions, as well as a fabulous band with almost 200 members. Thanks to a huge purple and gold banner marking their location on the visiting side, the band is visible all game long near the student section. There is also a great tailgating scene across the street from the west stands. The seats on the home side, while more expensive to sit in, are also super comfortable, consisting mostly of purple bucket-style individual chairback seats, with a few rows of chairback benches at the top of the concourse. More importantly, there are also drink rails at the top of the lower level, near the concession stands, so you can eat and drink your food without having to take it back to your seats – this is a major plus which keeps you from having to bump elbows with your neighbors while you eat. The stands on the east side are metal bleachers without backs. Neighborhood 4 There is plenty to do in a town the size of Cookeville, TN, with myriad restaurants and hotels near the football venue. Two great food options are Crawdaddy’s Public House, featuring New Orleans-inspired dishes such as jambalaya and po’ boys, and Red Silo Brewing Company (if you are into microbrews). Hotels nearby include well-known chains such as Holiday Inn or La Quinta. Attractions in the area include the Cookeville Depot Museum, a national historic site which preserves the depot of the old Louisville & Nashville Railroad. There are also several parks in the area, as well as Mean Mel’s, a live music venue that also offers comedy shows, trivia, karaoke, and even dancing lessons. Fans 2 The fans at Tennessee Tech football games are passionate, but unfortunately the crowds are not very large at present. As mentioned above, the gorgeous west side is mostly empty, while the opposite side is only about half full. While the amenities are much nicer on the west side, tickets there are more expensive, so most fans opt to sit on the visitors side instead. Access 3 Parking is free at Tucker Stadium, which is a plus, but you may have to walk a bit depending on how early you arrive. The main parking lot is the Hooper Eblen South/Main Lot, located between Tucker Stadium and Eblen Center, Tennessee Tech’s basketball arena. You can also park a little further away near the school’s baseball field, Bush Stadium. One potential challenge is that will call and ticket purchasing are combined, leading to long lines. These windows are located on the west side of the venue with only two cashier windows available, so be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time if you don’t want to risk missing kickoff. There is also ongoing construction at the present time behind the east side of the stadium, so be mindful of that if you visit the food trucks. These issues should resolve themselves, however, in the next several months. Return on Investment 5 Despite the potential access issues and the small crowd, I would definitely recommend visiting Tucker Stadium for a Golden Eagles football game. I would also suggest you spend the extra dough to buy seats on the west side; the comfort and upscale concessions you will find there are worth the extra cost. Extras 4 During the game, you will often hear the Tennessee Tech PA announcer say, “All right, Golden Eagles Nation, it’s not first down, it’s not second down, it’s thiiiiiiird down. Get loud, let’s hear ya!” There are also two team gear stands at the facility, the main one being a trailer down on the track; the other is a satellite stand on the west side concourse. Either location will provide you with plenty of options to rep the purple and gold. Final Thoughts Tucker Stadium is a great find on the college football scene. While this may not be a destination many college football fans had considered in the past, the recent renovations have made this venue top notch. Make time to visit Cookeville soon – go Eagles!

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Carilion Clinic Field 1008 Texas St Salem, VA 24153 Salem RidgeYaks website Carilion Clinic Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 6,300 Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox Editors Note: Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the team rebranded as the Salem RidgeYaks. While the name and look will changed, the club remains proudly affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, the city of Salem has hosted minor league baseball since the 1930s. Though much of that minor league baseball was hosted just down the street at Kiwanis Park, the Salem Red Sox have been one of three affiliated minor league teams to call Carilion Clinic Field home since it opened in 1995. Food & Beverage 4 With several concession stands around the stadium, the Salem Red Sox serves up an extensive menu. Along with all the typical stadium food, several stands have their themes. The Bigs, located on the secondary concourse along the first baseline, serves specialty hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. This stand has the feel that each menu item is its food challenge – no other menu option displays this more than the “Fat Sandwich”, consisting of chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese sticks, fries, and marinara Sauce. Alternatively, Buckets on the third base side has many fried options, including chicken wings, cheese curds, mini corn dogs, and even a bucket of fried veggies for those looking for a…healthy…option. In addition, tucked away under the first base bleachers, The Cantina might have the most culinarily advanced choices with their street tacos and quesadillas. Carilion Clinic Field also serves a wide array of alcoholic beverages; local breweries Ole Salem Brewing Company and Big Lick Brewing are two of the featured local beers served. Seltzers, wine, and premixed drinks are also served. There are also a handful of non-alcoholic brews, along with a full variety of Pepsi beverages and sports drinks for non-beer drinkers. Atmosphere 3 As fans initially enter Carilion Clinic Field, they are greeted by a wide-opening view of the field-level seating bowl, as well as the mountainous backdrop. A large bar sits just steps from the front gates to greet fans and quench their thirst as they initially survey the stadium. The seating bowl is broken into two general areas, and there is no overhang or roof to the seating bowl providing shelter from the elements. The stadium has the feel of one large concrete edifice – it is somewhat reminiscent of PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders, before its renovations in 2013. When it comes to the in-game presentation, on-field contests, and scoreboard games are like those found at many stadiums around the county, although there does not appear to be much that is regionally unique or a new take on an old favorite. Fans seem to only have a passing interest in most of the contests or games; even the Red Sox’s tradition of Sweet Caroline played in the middle of the 8th inning garners minimal involvement. Coming out of the 2021 reorganization of minor league baseball, Salem saw their Red Sox affiliation move to Class-A from their previous High-A status. With a capacity of 6,300 fans, Carilion Clinic Field is the third largest in the Carolina League, though the size of the stadium for the classification just makes the stadium seem too large given the typical attendance. For those who enjoy the serenity of simply being at a ballpark with breathtaking views while taking in the game, Carilion Clinic Field will suffice, but a bit is missing when it comes to the overall entertainment value of the experience. Neighborhood 3 Salem sits just east of the Appalachian Mountains that run up the eastern shore board, and they are prominently visible behind the first base side of the stadium. Carilion Clinic Field itself is just about a mile from the cozy downtown of Salem, Virginia, and the campus of Roanoke College. The baseball stadium is part of the City of Salem’s athletic facilities, sandwiched between Salem Stadium, which has twice hosted the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl (NCAA’s Division III football national championship game), and the Salem Civic Center. Though there are not a lot of pre-game entertainment options at the stadium itself, downtown Salem does have several restaurants where fans can easily grab a bite to eat. Fans 2 Salem’s attendance ranks in the bottom third of teams in the Carolina League, but it will see spikes throughout the year for popular promotion nights. Of those who do turn out, their attention does seem to be on the game, but there is not much when it comes to the atmosphere created by the fans. Every stadium is going to have its diehards, but many of the fans here seem to be at the ballpark only for the social aspect of the evening. Access 3 Salem is located just off I-81 in the northern Virginia mountains. It is commonly used as an alternate route to avoid some of the traffic around the larger cities along I-95. With its proximity to the interstate, getting to the Carilion Clinic Field is rather direct. Once at the stadium, the parking lot does not have a lot of attendants, so where to go can get a bit confusing, but once parked the front gates are just a short walk away. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are a bit difficult to figure out given the team’s average attendance. Upper-level seating, which is general admission seats, runs $13 and seems to be a touch high given the smaller crowds. The best tickets for the money, though, are the $19 Strike Zone seats that make up the four field-level sections behind home plate and also have an in-seat concession service. You are paying more for the ticket, but the extra $6 for a seat this close to home plate is worth the extra charge. Given there is no charge for parking and concessions are fairly priced, fans are getting their money’s worth here. Extras 3 The external concourse is adorned with banners of many of the more high-profile players to have come through Salem, on their way to careers in the Majors. Behind the third base side bleachers is a wiffle ball field built to Fenway Park specifications, complete with a Green Monster, center field triangle, and right field bullpen – all that is missing is the Citgo sign. The views of the surrounding mountains and other nearby peaks are stunning and create some amazing sunsets. Final Thoughts Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. Though the overall fan involvement in games tends to be inconsistent and does impact the atmosphere of the game, there is enough serenity from the setting, and enough variety of food items, to visit Carilion Clinic Field an enjoyable experience.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Centennial Stadium 13740 East Fremont Ave. Centennial, CO 80112 Map It Denver Summit FC website Centennial Stadium website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 12,000 The Climb Begins for the NWSL Denver Summit FC For a professional sports franchise that didn’t exist 20 months ago, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Denver Summit FC is doing well for itself. The NWSL announced in January 2025 that the Summit would become the league’s 16th team, debuting in the 2026 season. That debut on March 28, 2026, was a resounding success: the Summit set the American attendance record for a women’s professional sporting event (63,004) in the franchise’s first home game at Empower Field at Mile High But the Summit joined the league without a permanent stadium. After the franchise debut, the Summit played four games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home of the MLS’s Colorado Rapids, during the 2026 Men’s World Cup Break before moving into their interstitial home in Centennial. The Summit will have a permanent stadium soon, however, in a 14-acre redevelopment project located just south of downtown Denver in Santa Fe Yards near the intersection of Interstate 25 and Broadway. The permanent location will seat 14,500 fans, with parking, mass transit connectivity, and new housing, restaurants, and hospitality areas as part of the project. It’s expected to open either during the 2028 NWSL season or before the 2029 season. Until then, the Summit play home games at Centennial Stadium, a 12,000-seat temporary home located at the team’s practice facility approximately 20 miles south of downtown Denver in Centennial, Colorado. The surrounding, suburban neighborhood – which probably wasn’t designed with an inkling that a pro sports team would play among its business parks and light industrial zoning – doesn’t offer much atmosphere (or parking; more on that later). But the experience at Centennial Stadium offers a glimpse of the Summit’s bright future once the permanent stadium opens. Food & Beverage 4 For a temporary home, Centennial Stadium offers a decent array of food and drink. A high point: the Summit have popular local restauranteurs and food trucks among the concessionaires. Maria Empanada (beef, chicken chimichurri, Italiana, BBQ, and roast corn and cojita), Little Finch, Simply Pizza, and Sweet Action Ice Cream (7 flavors, a seasonal sorbet, and ice cream floats) have locations in the stadium. Hot dogs ($6.50), popcorn ($9), and bottled soda ($7) are sold throughout the stadium as well. Cans of domestic beer (Tivoli, Coors Light - $10-$11), premium beer (Michelob Ultra, Modelo - $13), craft beer (Holidaily, 4 Noses IPA - $13-$14), and High Noon hard seltzer ($14) are sold throughout the facility. Centennial Stadium sells Coca-Cola soda products. Atmosphere 3 Even compared to a permanent facility, Centennial Stadium has surprisingly good atmosphere. All seats are close to the action, with good sight lines. Centennial Stadium doesn’t have the dramatic mountain backdrops that some of Colorado’s other sports venues have. If you’re looking for views or something Instagrammable, this likely isn’t the place. The action on the field is the main attraction. Most of the seating is exposed to the elements. At least in the seating bowl, there isn’t much shade. However, the concourses underneath the stands are completely shaded and covered to give respite to fans looking to escape direct sunlight or rain. Fans can bring empty water bottles but filling them inside the stadium can present a challenge. The Summit should consider adding water bottle filling stations. The Summit supporters’ section is behind the south goal, in section 114. Purchasing a ticket in this area can be confusing, however. Tickets indicate a row and seat in that section but fans treat all seats in section 114 as general admission. Also, be advised that watching the game from this part of the stadium exposes fans to blasts of smoke when the Summit score. That smoke delivers a sulfuric olfactory punch that can catch the unwary off-guard. Centennial Stadium View from Section 114, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 1 The area around Centennial Stadium was never intended to host a professional sports venue. There aren’t any restaurants or bars within reasonable walking distance (though there are multiple construction companies, a county courthouse, the Denver Broncos’ practice facility and team offices, and a Hindu temple nearby). Otherwise, a quick drive north to Arapahoe Road leads to strip malls that seem to offer a seemingly limitless array of fast-casual chain restaurants. That should change, of course, when the Summit’s new stadium opens. An entertainment district will surround the facility, ostensibly with places for fans to meet before and after games. No one knows what those restaurants will be. The Summit will be wise to bring local favorites to that development, as they have at Centennial Stadium. Until then, however, fans will have to be creative in their pre- and post-game get-togethers. Fans 5 The Summit have been an instant success with regard to fans, beyond the franchise-opening game at Mile High. As of this writing, the Summit have the NWSL’s second-highest, per-fixture attendance (18,938, trailing only the Portland Thorns’ 19,150 per fixture). They’ve sold out matches at each of the three pitches where they’ve played and have become a sought-after ticket in Colorado. Local stars Janine Sonis (Highlands Ranch) and Lindsey Heaps (Golden) are part of the reason for the team’s popularity. And the 14ers, the team’s supporter group, is a fun and conspicuous part of every match. Access 1 Parking at Centennial Stadium presents several challenges. The lack of it might be the biggest, and confusing information on the team’s website compounds that problem. Parking at the stadium is limited, though permits can be purchased ahead of time. Some surrounding businesses, closed on weekends and at night, seem to provide options. But the Summit’s messaging is unclear. For instance, the website encourages fans in a website blurb titled “Free Shuttle and Offsite Lots” to park a mile away at a business along Tucson Way; a free shuttle is advertised. However, attendants turn away fans arriving without a parking permit. The website doesn’t indicate that this is a permitted lot, nor does any signage. Fans thus queue for a lot where they can’t actually park, only to be sent elsewhere. Attendants don’t provide direction on parking options. This can force fans to scramble to find parking in an area that’s probably unfamiliar to many people who don’t live in or near Centennial. Street parking is an option, but it’s not clearly marked and can require long walks. And, because the area around the stadium isn’t pedestrian-friendly, fans must frequently walk in the street around construction projects or without sidewalks on grass, pocked with groundhog holes. The Summit need to clarify on its parking map which lots are permit-required and should provide more information about street parking and walking routes. This would ameliorate confusion, particularly for those attending a game at Centennial Stadium for the first time. Additionally, Centennial is at Denver’s south end. Those coming from the north side of downtown potentially face drives of 45 minutes to an hour, perhaps more if the notorious traffic through the Denver Tech Center rears its ugly head. There is some public transit available, but not much. RTD-Denver’s Bus Route 153 connects the stadium with the light rail station on Arapahoe Road. Return on Investment 3 Notwithstanding the Summit’s popularity, tickets are not bank-breakers when compared to other live sporting events in Denver. Prices start at $34. Given that seats around the stadium are closely positioned to the pitch, entry-level tickets won’t force fans to watch the game from a pilot’s-eye view. Tickets near the center pitch routinely exceed $100. Paid parking is an option. It, too, isn’t terribly costly in the $10 range. Given that it’s limited, though, fans are wise to buy it well in advance of a match. Free parking is available but, as noted, it’s unmarked and not close to the stadium. Plan ahead. Food and beverage prices align with other sports venues in Denver. The Summit do have a 3.03 menu, selling popcorn, PB&J sandwiches, and bottled water for $3.03 apiece (303 also happens to be the primary area code for the Denver area, for those of us old enough to remember those telephonic relics). Extras 1 The Summit earn an extra point for including excellent local, non-chain concessionaires. It’s a nice display of support for some of Denver’s independent restaurants that will hopefully be part of the permanent stadium in a few years. Final Thoughts Despite Centennial Stadium’s placeholder status as the Summit’s home, it’s quite nice. Summit staff have created a solid game-day experience in a very short time, all while the team has played in locations all over town. This has grown the team’s popularity and also demonstrates significant promise for what’s yet to come when the new stadium opens in 2028 or 2029.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Art Keller Field 2001 Alford Park Dr Kenosha, WI 53140 Carthage Firebirds website Art Keller Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 2,418 Red on the Water Art Keller Field is a wonderful football stadium near the shores of Lake Michigan. The student center is underneath the home stands, giving football fans access to a full team store and great concession options. The team also has a great mascot, and there is comfortable, backed seating on both sides of the field. Parking is free right next to the field, and the bright colors really pop. All in all, you are in for a real treat when you visit Kenosha for a Firebirds football game. Food & Beverage 5 Art Keller Field’s home stands are built above the student center, which means fans get access to the students’ full array of dining options. Inside the student center are three main options – chicken wrap/wings/tenders at one stand, $8 design-your-own burrito bowls at another, and lastly a full-on gas station-esque grocery store offering almost anything you could want to snack on at a game, including hot dogs, popcorn, cold cut sandwiches, chips, cookies, candy, and beverages galore. The prices are fantastic because you are paying what the students pay. Atmosphere 5 Art Keller Field has chairback benches on both sides of the field, but the nice thing about the home side is that all seats have small dividers/arm rests, making sure you have your own space to sit – keeping your friends close, but not too close. Carthage also has a great mascot, with a unique costume you probably won’t see anywhere else in college football. The cheer squad and band also do a great job keeping fans engaged during the contest – it is enjoyable to watch the cheer squad in particular, rapidly twirling their flame-themed banners. Another fun twist is that the staff strobes the lights to temporarily darken the facility after big plays by the Firebirds, such as turnovers and touchdowns. At the very beginning of the game, the P.A. announcer even warns fans that this will occur, giving light-sensitive visitors a chance to plan, which is a nice touch. Neighborhood 4 There is a ton to do in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with probably the biggest attraction being outdoor activities around nearby Lake Michigan. These attractions include several local parks, as well as the 50-foot-tall North Pier Lighthouse (which you can visit but can’t go inside, as it is privately owned and still active). Other attractions in Kenosha include riding the streetcar or visiting one of the museums downtown – the most popular for families is probably the dinosaur museum, but there is also a Civil War museum. The Civil War museum in Kenosha is a bit different than what you might expect, as it is all about the “forgotten” home front; no major battles were fought in Wisconsin, but the Midwest sent over a million soldiers to the war effort. In addition, the Midwest supplied the Northern army with foodstuffs such as grain and pork, horses and mules to drag the artillery and move the army, and munitions and weaponry built in the Midwest’s many factories. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area as well, if you want to extend your visit and stay a couple of days in town to take in everything Kenosha has to offer. Fans 3 The fans at Carthage Firebird games are wonderful. While not every seat may be filled, they are polite and supportive of their team. They cheer at the right times and stay all the way to the end. Another plus is that the home stands are much fuller than the visiting stands; it is always great to see students and local fans outnumbering those who traveled in! Access 4 Getting to Kenosha is easy, as both I-94 and I-41 get close to it; Carthage College itself is about 15-20 minutes from the interstate. And as I mentioned earlier, once you get to the facility, there is free parking right next to the field, making it easy to get in and out. Having the student center below the home side is also great because it means you can use actual bathrooms inside the building, instead of port-a-johns like at many stadiums at this level. The only downside is that if you do sit on the visiting side – which you might be if you are reading this article – you have to walk across to the other side for concessions and bathrooms. However, since seating is open, you are welcome to sit on either side. Return on Investment 5 I would absolutely recommend attending a Carthage football game. Admission is only $10, and the comfortable seats, free parking, and low-cost, high-variety concessions make it well worth the trip. The mascot is also great, and I really loved the color scheme as well. Extras 4 There is a full team gear store – not just a stand – inside the student center, which you are welcome to visit before or during the game. The staff provides paper armbands as your ticket, so you can go in and out of the building at will during the game. Because the stadium is small, you can also get really close to the action and clearly hear the sounds of the game. Final Thoughts Even if you are not in the area, I think you should make a trip to Carthage College to see a Firebirds football game. While Kenosha may not be seen as a premium college football destination, Art Keller Field is a beautiful hidden gem in the D3 football scene.

Photos by James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 CHS Field 360 Broadway St St Paul, MN 55101 St. Paul Saints website CHS Field website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,210 A Saintly Good Time Opened on May 21, 2015, CHS Field is home to the Saint Paul Saints. The Saints were born in 2003 and were a member of the Northern League until 2005 when they became members of the American Association. 2021 marked a new beginning of sorts for the team as the Saints left the independent baseball world and became the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Between the beautiful ballpark, great food, unique promotions, and a very creative staff, CHS Field is one of the true gems in all of baseball. CHS Field replaced Midway Stadium as the home of the Saints. Midway Stadium, which had hosted the Saints since 2003 simply became outdated and too small to hold the fans of a franchise that has proven to be extremely successful over the years. Located in the Lowertown District of St. Paul, the $89 million ballpark played host to both the 2016 and 2019 American Association All-Star Games. Food & Beverage 5 If you can’t find anything you like to eat here, you probably aren’t trying very hard. The ballpark offers a litany of different foods along with an abundance of choices for beer drinkers. In addition to all the usual ballpark fare, CHS Field ups the ante on food choices. The poutine with smoked pork shoulder is a favorite among the fans. French fries with cheese curds and pork shoulder all smothered in brown gravy is a winning combination and highly recommended. Bacon-wrapped blueberry bratwurst, pork belly pops (pork belly on a stick dunked in coleslaw), chicken and waffles with maple syrup, bacon and sausage gravy, and smoked turkey ciabatta are among the other unique items offered up. On warmer days at the park, be prepared to stand in line for Snuffy’s Malt Shop. It may be a bit of a wait, but the shakes and malts are far superior to most ballpark shakes and you have a perfect view of the field action while waiting. If you are a craft beer fan, you will be happy. There are numerous options throughout the ballpark to go along with the more traditional domestic options. Head to the left field corner where over 30 craft beers are available. If alcohol isn’t your thing, give local Killebrew (yes, that Killebrew, we are in Minnesota Twins country) Root Beer or Cream Soda a try. Atmosphere 5 This is what the Saints are known for…crazy promotions and between innings entertainment. They certainly deliver and what else would you expect from a team that includes Bill Murray as one of its owners? Prior to entering the stadium, take a look to the left of the entrance area. There you will see plaques that celebrate the contributions of scouts that are in the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame. All inductees are honored by having their plaques displayed at three minor league and three independent club’s ballparks. You can walk around the entire ballpark and it is highly suggested. In the right field corner is the Treasure Island Terrace. You can’t miss the black and yellow pirate ship which is a multi-level space that can be rented to groups during games. Also towards the right field corner is the team shop. The team shop is well worth a look, but generally very popular and therefore busy, so be prepared for a bit of a line. There is a kids play area behind the center field wall and in left field are great views of both bullpens along with a grass berm that sits directly behind the bullpens. Down the third baseline is the must-see attraction at CHS Field. Between sections 118-120, is the City of Baseball Museum. Opened in May, 2019, the museum celebrates baseball in Saint Paul. Among the treasures in the museum are a Roy Campanella game-used bat, Rey Ordonez’ 1997 Gold Glove, a Toni Stone (first woman to play professional baseball for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League) autographed baseball, and so much more. Admission is free for fans during games and is also open during the team’s regular business hours of 9-6 Monday-Friday and 10-2 on Saturdays during the season. Behind home plate sits Monument Pork (an homage to Monument Park in Yankee Stadium). The inductees are all past live pigs who were team mascots. It won’t take much time to see that pork plays an important role is all-things Saints baseball. Neighborhood 4 Lowertown is a fun area that boasts a large array of food and drink options, many within a few blocks of the ballpark. The Ox Cart Arcade & Rooftop offers up some great food options (try the loaded tots sampler!). You can come in and watch a game on one of their televisions, play some arcade games, or simply relax before or after the game. Big River Pizza is a great option for pizza fans and is one block west of CHS Field. The Buttered Tin is a terrific bakery that also offers up breakfast and sandwiches. It’s a good choice for a day game (they are open from 7-3 daily). CHS Field sits a few blocks from the Mississippi River and there are plenty of walking areas right next to it. The Minnesota Children’s Museum and Minnesota Museum of American Art are also within a mile of the ballpark. Fans 5 The Saints have given fans every reason to turn out and they certainly do. The fact that the team meets the expectations of regular fans above and beyond fielding a decent team makes the fans even more loyal, especially now with the Twins affiliation. As such, they are always engaged in the game and promotions, which makes the atmosphere even better. Access 4 With a full ballpark, there are always going to be some areas where getting around is slower than one would like. The team has done a very good job at trying to space things out well, keep lines moving, mark sections and restrooms well, and there are plenty of friendly employees and ushers that will help as well. Return on Investment 5 You can get in the ballpark for as little as $5 for berm seating. $6 will get you a bleacher seat. For reserved seating, the outfield reserve is $15, with infield reserved and home plate reserved being $18. The Capital Box seats (directly behind home plate) are the most expensive at $30. I’d avoid the Capital Box simply because the views are so great from the other seats, you can save a few bucks for food/drinks and not miss out on anything. Parking is available directly across the street but is a bit pricey at $20. Parking in the Union Depot parking lots will save $10 and is right around the corner from the ballpark entrance. Parking farther away will be even cheaper if walking a few blocks isn’t an issue. Combine the ticket and parking prices along with average food and drink prices and you get a huge bang for your buck when attending a Saints game. Extras 5 First and foremost, the City of Baseball Museum alone is worth the 5 stars here. The on-field promotions are more unique than most ballparks and the cast of unique characters that interact with the fans throughout the game provides a fun experience. CHS Field is trying to go green as much as possible. They collect runoff water to help irrigate the field and flush toilets. 12% of the electricity used comes from solar panels in left field and there are various recycling bins clearly marked throughout the park. The entire staff couldn’t be friendlier. From the ticket takers to the ushers to the concessions folks, everyone seems genuinely interested in making sure the fans have a good time. CHS Field is a mere 12 miles from the home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field. With the major league affiliate being so close, there are opportunities to take in two games in the same day which is a fun option. Final Thoughts Moving to affiliated baseball in 2021 hasn’t changed what has always made CHS Field such a great place. From the employees, to the food, to the entertainment, to the amazing museum, it doesn’t get much better than this.

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

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bohl Diamond at Blair Field 4700 Deukmejian Dr Long Beach, CA 908044 Map It! Long Beach Coast website Blair Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,238 Mount Up LBC Blair Field in Long Beach, CA is one of those under the microscope venues in Southern California with a rich baseball history. Blair Field is no stranger when it comes to hosting professional baseball as it was once home to the Long Beach Armada. MLB players Jose Canseco and Jose Lima are some MLB players who had their day with the Armada. Blair Field has been the longtime home to the Long Beach State baseball program. The Dirtbags history can be seen through some permanent tributes along the concourse and at the left field fence, where the Dirtbags display the program’s retired numbers and College World Series appearances. Blair Field has also hosted several NCAA Regional tournaments and was the 1966 spring training facility for the Chicago Cubs. MTV Rock & Jock and several Hollywood productions have also taken place at Blair Field. 2026 marks the inaugural season for the Pioneer League’s Long Beach Coast. Co-owned by Long Beach’s well renowned hip hop artist Warren G and throughout the season, the Coast will take on a second identity as the Regulators as a nod to Warren G’s hit song Regulate. The Regulators identity is primarily on Friday nights. The Coast/Regulators are managed by former L.A. Angel pitcher Troy Percival. Blair Field Long Beach Regulators Every Friday, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 3 Nothing much out of the ordinary beyond your usual hot dogs, footlongs, classic burgers, smashburgers and nachos should be expected when attending this Indy league venue. Other food items are your usual popcorn, soft pretzels, peanuts and assorted candies. Coca-Cola products provide the soda options while Coors and Miller products are the beer suppliers. Specialty beer Beechwood also provides Regulators IPA, available only at the venue. Rotating food trucks are also available throughout the season, many of them matching the cultural theme of that game such as Mexican or Pacific Islander nights. Atmosphere 4 Blair Field, constructed in1958, offers an old school charm that is more than proud to display its history. All seats provide excellent sight lines while never straying too far from the field. The in-game entertainment crew does an outstanding job of combining organ music with hit music, especially when a visiting player strikes out and Dr. Dre’s ‘Til The Next Episode' is blasting over the speakers, adding to the local hip hop element of the game. Various theme nights throughout the season add to the local atmosphere, such as when part team owner and local legend Warren G performs a postgame concert. Other surprises that have added to the excitement include Regulators Friday, where anything including free postgame beer, yes that’s right, have given fans reason to be excited. Neighborhood 4 Blair Field sits right next to Recreation Park, a 210.9-acre park that makes for a great pre/postgame spot. The name Recreation Park pretty much says it all, with all sorts of recreational activity happening ranging from volleyball to two hand touch football to kids and parents doing a little pre and postgame catch, along with family picnics. Stroll through on a weekend and you can't help notice the smell of various forms of meat wafting through the grills as you get closer toward the ball yard. All this gives Blair Field an urban neighborhood field, blending in with the area very nicely. For entertainment and dining beyond Blair Field, Rainbow Harbor (scenic waterfront marina) and Belmont Shore (popular beachfront neighborhood with plenty of dining and shopping choices) are not too far away, both being about a good 10-minute drive. Not far from Rainbow Harbor is The Queen Mary (historic ship). Fans 5 In its first season of operation, fans of the Coast/Regulators have come in droves from Long Beach and its neighboring communities. The majority of the crowd consists of family and group outings. Locals within the 562 area have proudly embraced their independent league organization that provides local area fans a great budget friendly alternative without the long drive to DTLA or Anaheim. Access 4 Blair Field can be easily accessed from the 405 freeway as well as Pacific Coast Highway. Upon arriving you will be happy to know that parking is ample, however, be warned that the closer you park toward the grandstand, the higher the risk your car will be struck by a foul ball, a fact not lost upon the facility as signs are posted throughout. Fans can take the Long Beach Transit (LBT) to the game but be sure to check the schedule for available days, times and route. Blair Field is about a 10-min drive from the Long Beach Airport. Return on Investment 5 The majority of the tickets are general admission tickets with prices starting at $14. Tuesday nights provide the best bargain with $2 GA tickets. Reserved baseline seating along the dugouts and behind home plate can be priced as much as $24. The return far exceeds the investment, especially considering the added perks like free postgame beer on select nights, rotating cultural food trucks and and the Regulators identity. Few ballparks offer this level of atmosphere and fan engagement at such a budget‑friendly cost for Southern California. Extras 3 Prior to entering the gates is a memorial dedicated to Bob Lemon. Once inside the gates, in front of the main concession stand is the Long Beach Baseball Hall of Fame. Any fan of baseball owes it to themselves to make a stop here either prior, during or after the game. Among those enshrined in the Long Beach Baseball HOF are Tony Gwynn, Bobby Grich and Ron Fairly. While more recent Long Beach State legends Jered Weaver and Troy Tulowitzki have yet to be enshrined, the right field bullpen and batting cage have been named in their honor. Blair Field Jered Weaver Bullpen, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts It’s been a highly successful first season for the playoff bound Long Beach club. The hip hop vibe, no doubt influenced by co-owner Warren G, has certainly had a huge impact in creating a new sizeable following from and beyond the 562. The hip hop vibe as well as the affordable ticket prices and nearby alternative have given fans a great reason to, as Warren G would say, “ MOUNT UP”.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Running Aces 15201 Running Aces Blvd Columbus, MN 55025 Running Aces website Year Opened: 2008 A-OK in Minnesota Running Aces racetrack in Columbus, Minnesota features live harness racing from May through September on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. There is no clubhouse seating or grandstand, but visitors can reserve dining tables, either inside or out, to watch the races while they eat. There is also a casino taking up part of the space inside. Food & Beverage 4 The restaurant inside Running Aces has table service both inside and out, but tables must be reserved for $10 each at least one day in advance. Walk ins for those tables may be accepted after the first or second race, if patrons don’t show up for their reservation. If you don’t have a restaurant reservation you can order food from the Trout Air stand, located behind the wall after you walk around the bar. There are also two food trucks outside, on a patio to the left of the apron. The Trout Air stand offers items such as smoked trout dip, tacos, flatbread, wings and chicken tenders, wraps and burgers, fried rice and noodle bowls, and pot roast. The restaurant also offers patrons the unique opportunity to fish for their own dinner; visitors can literally catch their own trout on the property and have the kitchen prepare it. This feature is only offered seasonally, however, and I am not sure it is offered on race nights. The food trucks by the apron offer basic fare such as hot dogs and burgers, or Asian cuisine such as egg rolls and giant bao buns. Running Aces also offers all-you-can-drink fountain soda from the fountain next to the Trout Air stand; restaurant patrons also get free non-alcoholic beverages in return for their $10 reservation fee. The food here can be a bit hit or miss, and the restaurant staff did not appear very friendly toward walk-ins; it would have been helpful to better explain the food options to those who didn’t have a reservation. Atmosphere 3 For those without dining reservations there are only a few tables outside, which fill up quickly, so most of us were relegated to the benches – at least they have backs, though. There is also no upper level to get a better view of the action on the far side of the track; you either have to watch from the apron or from the first floor inside the venue. There are plenty of betting machines but only two cashiers I saw, so the line to cash out was very long, and the lines for the betting machines were also long at times. The staff does offer some unique activities on featured racing nights, such as a reptile petting zoo where you can hold snakes, lizards, and turtles. You can also pet the lead ponies in between races if you stand along the fence line. In addition, there are giveaways on certain nights; on my most recent visit they handed out free Running Aces-branded work gloves with your purchase of a program. Neighborhood 3 Running Aces is about 25-30 minutes north of Minneapolis and St. Paul, with most of the local attractions centered around wildlife and nature, such as Blaine Wetland Sanctuary or Coon Lake County Park and Beach. There are also a few restaurants in the area, as well as several lodging options, including Running Aces Hotel on the racetrack’s property. Fans 3 Running Aces racetrack gets pretty crowded during featured race days, but is less busy on a typical night. There is a lot more money in play on featured nights, but you might prefer going when it is less crowded. During my most recent visit I saw lots of families with kids, including some large parties inside the restaurant. And as at all horse tracks, the most crowd noise occurs at the end of a race, as fans cheer on their favorite or bemoan the huge betting windfall that got away – if only! Access 4 Getting to Running Aces is simple enough, as it is located along a major highway and is not far from the Twin Cities. The crowd size did make it a little hard to move around during my most recent visit, but you should still be able to find a spot along the fence or a seat on one of the benches. There are bathrooms inside the facility, and the racetrack has its own entrance, so you won’t have to meander through the casino to get here. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to get into Running Aces; the $3 programs are helpful but not required. There is also no cost for parking, so the only thing you might have to pay for is the food. Skipping the dining tables will save you $10, although that does mean you won’t have a guaranteed place to sit. The free soda is definitely a plus, especially if you are bringing a large group. I would definitely visit Running Aces again; now that I know the score, I can plan ahead to reserve a table. I also enjoyed the special activities they had on site, as well as the more relaxed atmosphere here vs. at some other horse tracks I have been to. Extras 3 The back of the program has a map of the venue, which is helpful in finding the different food options and seating (be sure to read it early in the evening). The staff also brings in a red trailer on the patio next to the apron, which has a couple of betting machines plus the second cashier. This makes it easier to place a bet right before the off, although there are lines out here just like inside.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium 81 Seagram Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 3B7 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football website Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,000 Country Roads … Complete The 2026 season of Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football welcomed a construction free zone for the first time in years. The Seagram Project, which reimagined the football experience at Laurier has completed the first two phases. The old, wooden grandstand that was condemned back in the 2021 season, is gone and replaced with a new, permanent grandstand on each side of the field. The project was named after Seagram Stadium, the original name of University Stadium when it was built in 1958. The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks began as Waterloo College before becoming Waterloo Lutheran University in 1960. With the provincial funding of only secular post-secondary institutions, the name Wilfrid Laurier University was adopted in 1973. The football team has been playing since 1924 and enjoyed a modicum of success for a small school, culminating in Vanier Cup victories as National Champions in 1991 and 2005. Originally called Seagram Stadium and owned by the University of Waterloo, University Stadium was purchased by Wilfrid Laurier University from the City of Waterloo in 1992. In 2007, the field was renamed Knight-Newbrough Field after Laurier coaching legends Dave “Tuffy” Knight and Rich Newbrough. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at University Stadium are pretty good for an OUA football facility. The main concession stand under the grandstand offers regular stadium fare including popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, chips and Domino’s Pizza. Coffee and Coca-Cola beverages are also available. In the west endzone there is normally a BBQ going that offers sausage, hot dogs and burgers. Also, for those of age, alcoholic beverages are available in the east endzone from Sleeman Brewing. Atmosphere 3 The 2026 season boasts the completion of two phases of the Seagram Project and essentially the stadium atmosphere is set. The final phase is the replacement of the attached building, including the gymnasium and locker rooms and it is debatable how much this phase will change the fan experience for football. From the exterior, the entrance from Seagram Drive is dominated by the red brick of the gymnasium. Heading toward the west endzone will bring fans to the ticket booth, and main entry into the building, which is a nice, grey brick. Inside the stadium, there are a few posters along the permanent building for each of the teams that play at University Stadium. On the opposite side, on the north grandstand, dark siding has enclosed the underside of the bleachers. There is a perfect opportunity for more Laurier markings, preferably some notation of the nine Yates Cups the team has won as conference champions. The field is east-west oriented, with two separated grandstands on the north and south sides. The north side is the bigger of the two and offers plastic, molded seats with benches on each of the end sections. The north side offers a better picture of the 55 yard line logo on the brand new turf. The press box and coaches boxes are behind the north grandstand. The south grandstand is smaller, however is a steeper pitch and the highest rows offer a view more akin to the old, wooden grandstand. There is a significant standing room area on the south side also. A new videoboard and scoreboard stands beyond the west endzone. Underneath the scoreboard is a sign recognizing the 1991 and 2005 Vanier Cups. The gameday atmosphere is about what one would expect from an OUA event. The requisite promotions are part of the fun, and the host finds fans in the stands to take part in short competitions or to be Wilf's Fan of the Game. The cheerleading team leads the fans in standard football cheers and performs many gymnastic stunts. The Laurier mascot, Midas, can be found around the stadium interacting with fans and posing for pictures. The Laurier anthem, “Country Roads,” can still be heard at each game. The Hawkline plays from the northeast corner. The 2026 season welcomed some brass instruments to the drumline for the first time. Neighbourhood 4 Wilfrid Laurier is an urban university located just up the street from another urban university. As a result there are a ton of great options for pre and post game meals. University and King streets are where one would find most of the options. There are a ton of great spots to get something to eat before or after the game. Some places one might consider checking out include Crabby Joe’s, Smoke’s Poutinerie and Ethel’s Lounge. The on-campus pub is Wilf’s and offers a great atmosphere and food while being student run and managed. The place you probably should settle on, however, is Morty’s Pub. Home of arguably the best chicken wings in the city, Morty’s always satisfies your post game craving. Their chicken wings are legendary in the city. As far as entertainment goes, there are a few options in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Fans planning on catching a Laurier game around Canadian Thanksgiving, could be able to catch Oktoberfest. This is the signature festival of Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany. There are a number of great events that take place over the 10 day festival at a variety of locations including the numerous Fest Halls. Heading south on King Street toward Uptown Waterloo, fans will find a great spot for some evening entertainment in the Huether Hotel Jazz Room. One of the top jazz venues in the province, The Jazz Room offers weekend performances at a great price. There are also a number of pubs in Uptown Waterloo that feature live music. If fans are interested in enhancing their sporting weekend then there are also a few other options. Wilfrid Laurier also fields other athletic teams, specifically basketball at the WLU Athletic Complex and hockey at the Sun Life Financial Arena. Just up the road, the University of Waterloo also fields USports athletic programs. Fans will find football at Warrior Field, basketball at the Physical Activities Complex and hockey at the Columbia IceField. If willing to drive across town, then fans can catch the phenomenal experience of the Kitchener Rangers at the legendary Aud. For fans who are planning on staying the night, the Delta is just a short drive from the Laurier campus and is a pretty decent place to stay. Fans 3 Assessing fans in USports can be a bit of a challenge as attendance figures are not always reported by the teams. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, the Laurier Golden Hawks averaged 2,400 fans per game. This is a decent showing and probably puts them in the top half of the OUA. This was also before the Homecoming game, which boasts a capacity crowd every year. The previous season the Hawks attracted an average of over 3,300 fans per game. Attendance will fluctuate through the year. Often the first game of the season happens before students are even on campus. Homecoming is an annual sellout. A game against Guelph or Waterloo will bring plenty of travelling fans. A game where the weather is poor will often have fewer than 1,000 fans in attendance. The students are a bit of a wild card. There is no distinct student section and often it feels like there is little to no student presence. Access 4 Getting to University Stadium and around is not very difficult. University Stadium is located on Seagram Drive which runs between University and Albert Streets. Fans who are coming from out of town will have a decent drive through the city as the university campus is a fair trek southwest of Highway 85. Traffic on University Ave moves fairly quickly, so getting to the stadium should not be too much of an issue. There are a number of bus routes that travel along King St and University Ave. The Ion Light Rail also has a stop at Waterloo Park, a few steps from the stadium. Check the Grand River Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Parking can be for sale in the stadium lot, however most spaces are reserved for season ticket holders and media. There is some parking available west of the stadium in the Granite Club parking lot, but be mindful of the signs as ticketing often happens for violators. Parking can also be found on campus or in some of the University of Waterloo lots that are close to Seagram Drive. The ticketing office is located in the permanent building under the grandstand. Other than that, there is no specific, grand entry gate. Security is present at 2 or 3 gates for entry which is more than ample for this facility and entry into the stadium is very quick. Moving around University Stadium is much easier with the completion of the majority of the Seagram Project. A full path around the stadium is now available and all of the permanent stands are in place. Permanent washrooms are decent, however a large crowd necessitates the use of portable toilets which are also on site. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Golden Hawks have come down in recent years. Regular adult tickets are $13 if purchased in advance. Staff, alumni, students and seniors are all $11 and Laurier students are $5 while kids are $7. Each ticket category is more expensive when walking up. The concession prices are decent and parking can be found for free. The product on the field is significantly under-rated and fans will no doubt enjoy their afternoon. Extras 4 An extra mark for the continued nod back to West Virginia. The heart of the Laurier athletics program came north from West Virginia. Over the years, the Hawks have embraced John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as their anthem. When the Hawks won the Vanier Cup in 2005, it was John Denver that blasted over the PA. The Laurier anthem has found a home during each game, an improvement from previous seasons when it was only played at Homecoming. An extra mark for Laurier announcer Chris Povey, who has done a fantastic job as the public address announcer for Laurier football and hockey for a number of years. Chris brings energy and enthusiasm to the game every time and does his best to entertain and inform the crowd, even if the game is not so interesting. An extra mark for the interesting history of the Golden Hawks mascot. An extra mark for the program that Tuffy Knight and Rich Newbrough put together and the honor of having the field named after these Laurier Legends Final Thoughts The completion of the first two phases of The Seagram Project is a welcome change for Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football fans. The new Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium offers fans a great spot for a fall afternoon of university football and a break from the construction is also a plus. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Hilchen and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It Albuquerque Isotopes website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Duke City Baseball Disclaimer: This is NOT a review of the Springfield Isotopes at Duff Stadium. For that, check this link. Built on the same site as its predecessor, the Albuquerque Sports Stadium, Isotopes Park is home to the Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast League. Isotopes Park made its debut with the first home game of the Isotopes on April 11, 2003, in a 5-3 loss to Oklahoma. Albuquerque’s rich baseball tradition dates back to the mid-1940’s when the city hosted a team (the Dukes) that remained, although in different leagues, until the team was sold to a group in Portland, Oregon, in 2000. Demand for baseball in Albuquerque never waned, and three years later, a group bought the Calgary franchise and moved it to Albuquerque, and the Isotopes were born. The ballpark initially had a hill in center field. Nicknamed “Hoffman Hill” to the fans because center fielder Jamie Hoffman patrolled the area and took away multiple home runs on the hill, the hill was removed after the 2022 season. The ballpark has hosted some big games over the years, including the Triple-A All-Star game in 2007 and the Triple-A National Championship game in 2011. In addition to the Isotopes, the ballpark also hosted the University of New Mexico Lobos baseball team from 2004-2013 and currently has the USL New Mexico United as a tenant, although the United are in the process of getting their own stadium. Known as “The Lab” due to its relationship to science (Isotopes), Isotopes Park is a fantastic venue and one of the crown jewels of minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 5 All the basics are covered. You can find your hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, etc. Where Isotopes Park shines is its local fare. What dominates food in New Mexico? Chile, of course. Here you have many choices, from ribs braised in red chile to burgers, pizza, and fries with green chile. Dion’s Pizza is a local institution. If pizza is your thing, try a Pepperoni and green chile slice (or two). Dion’s also has great sandwiches and salads. Perico’s is another great option for local fare. Here you can find many versions of Mexican food with the New Mexico twist of chile added. While at Perico’s, try the “mystery beer.” It’s cheaper, but you don’t know what you’re getting. Beer and mixed drinks are available throughout the ballpark, and Pepsi is the soda of choice. Keep in mind that the ballpark is cashless, so bring a card. Atmosphere 5 As soon as you get into the seating bowl, you’ll see the amazing view of the Sandia Mountains. It’s hard to imagine a better backdrop in all of baseball. There is a picnic area in left field along with one of the biggest video boards in minor league baseball. In center field, you will find a very unique batter's eye comprised of trees and other greenery, while in right field is a large grass berm along with a big kid’s play area. Stadium seating runs foul pole to foul pole with a second deck on the left field side. If you are looking for tickets in the shade, your best bet is the third-base side in the back rows. One of the cool things about the stadium is you can walk all the way around it. It’s definitely worth doing as you get some unique and picturesque views. Isotopes Park with Hill, Without Hill, Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits amongst all the other sports venues in the city, including the famous “Pit,” home to New Mexico Lobos basketball. The UNM football stadium (University Stadium), along with Lobo Baseball Field and the venues for softball and tennis, are also located on the same corner. Unfortunately, there are no restaurants within walking distance of the ballpark. Your best bet is to head a couple of miles north towards the University of New Mexico. There are a multitude of restaurants and bars in the area. There are two restaurants in the area worth noting. 66 Diner is a throwback to the diner era. They offer typical diner fare, and if you like shakes, this is the place for you. Also, if you are a fan of Greek food, Olympia Café is a great spot. Albuquerque is a unique city with plenty to see, from Old Town to the Tram (which takes you up to the top of the Sandia Mountains), to some of the best day trips you’ll experience. This area of town is near the airport and, as such, there are plenty of hotels. Fans 4 Albuquerque has a rich baseball history. The Dukes were a Dodgers affiliate for decades, and the list of players who came through Albuquerque reads like a who’s who of Dodger lore. The Isotopes have been affiliated with the Marlins, Dodgers, and now the Rockies, but you’ll still see a huge Dodgers representation amongst fans. They are a knowledgeable bunch and know the game and the players. Access 4 The ballpark is located just off I-25, and getting in and out of the area is an easy task. With the other sports venues, there is plenty of parking available and most parking costs $7. If you are coming on a big giveaway day, come early. Fans usually show up very early, and with the gates not being open yet, it can result in some super long lines and waits. Once inside, the concourse is wide enough that you can usually get around easily unless the ballpark is completely packed. There are sufficient restrooms spaced out well throughout, and the lines at concessions generally move at a good pace. Return on Investment 5 Parking and concessions are in the range of most minor league ballparks. The value here is getting some local fare while enjoying the game. Tickets range anywhere from $16-$35 for seats depending on where you sit. You can buy berm tickets the day of the game for $10-$13. There are no bad seats, so for the price of any reserved tickets, you’re getting a great seat and a good price. Extras 5 I can’t stress how amazing the view is, and it deserves an extra point. An extra point goes to the organization for bringing in local food. I wish other teams would do this on as high a level as the Isotopes do. The staff and ushers are top-notch. You see the same people that have worked there for years. They like their jobs, and it’s reflected in how they treat the fans. A nod to The Simpsons television show is a unique aspect. You’ll see evidence of this throughout the stadium. Even if you aren’t sitting in the Club level, be sure to go into the entrance. There is a Hall of Fame dedicated to Dukes/Isotopes players, and it’s very well done. Final Thoughts Isotopes Park is a gem in minor league baseball. From the amazing views to the staff, the local food, and the great atmosphere, if you are anywhere near Albuquerque during the baseball season, a visit is an absolute must. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Ethan Hennessy, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Brown Field 1009 Union St Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Beacons website Brown Field website Year Opened: 1919 Capacity: 5,000 Valpo Football at Brown Field, Steadily Improving Brown Field is the home of the Valparaiso University Beacons who compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Pioneer Football League. The 5,000-seat stadium opened in 1919 and was named after Henry Baker Brown who served as the school president from 1873-1917. Valparaiso Football has struggled recently on the field only winning league championships twice in 2000 and 2003 during the past 46 years. In addition, Valpo has experienced three winless seasons in 1988, 1989, and 2010 and is typically found at the bottom of the non-scholarship Pioneer LeaguBeforer to the 2008 season, a new artificial surface was installed at Brown Field as part of numerous renovations under the fund-raising campaign known as FITT (Football, Intramurals, Track, and Tennis). The first phase of the multi-million dollar project included the installation of the programs, as well as moving the grandstands and adding handicap accessibility. Lights were added as well in 2010. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions are rather simple but inexpensive. A hot dog, nachos with cheese, and pretzel with cheese all cost $2, while hot dogs with chili and cheese, and the loaded variety of nachos cost $3. They also offer popcorn, chips, Slim Jims, cookies, and candy for $1 at the concession stand. The nachos are highly recommended. All beverage options are $2 featuring bottled water, Gatorade, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate took 15 minutes to serve ,and it still burned my tongue. Valparaiso University is a dry campus, so there is no alcohol served at Brown Field. Atmosphere 2 The stadium features bleachers along both sidelines of the field. The larger bleachers are closest to the ARC (Valparaiso’s basketball Arenare is where the home crowd sits while the visiting team’s fans occupy the opposite side of the field. The Valpo side was at about 70% capacity along with a 10-person pep band, an unusually large turnout on the account it was Senior Day for the Crusaders. On the other hand, the visitors' side was almost empty. Valpo must not attract many opposing visitors to games as they cover up a large portion of the visitor’s bleachers with a tarp. The 5,000-seat stadium does not usually sell out for football games. The team enters the field through an inflatable tunnel, a small cannon is fired when the Crusaders enter the field or score, and the team mascot and lively cheerleaders keep the crowd involved during the game. The best seats are located in section C directly below the press box providing a nice view of the 50-yard line. The entire stadium is metal bleachers and many fans bring t own seat cushions for added comfort. Neighborhood 4 Valparaiso University is a beautiful campus, especially in the fall; Brown Field is on the edge of campus near the ARC. The places to eat in town would be the Round the Clock Restaurant downtown off of Lincolnway, a family-style restaurant that offers ample parking and plentiful menu choices. Another fabulous option is the Tomato Bar off of La Port Avenue, two minutes from campus serving many varieties of pizza, calzones, oven-baked sandwiches, and a full-service bar. The Chapel of the Resurrection is a landmark of northwest Indiana and can be seen from just about anywhere on the campus. The town is a stereotypical small Midwest college town featuring quaint shops and restaurants in a picturesque downtown setting. There are many hotels around the university. The best place to stay is Hampton Inn and Suites – a 4-minute drive from campus offering plenty of spacious, comfortable rooms. Fans 2 Valpo fans care noticeably more about their basketball than football. They rarely pull in big crowds, especially when the weather is poor. The crowd is generally on the quieter side apart from a few individual fans and a very small student section; however, it does perk up for big plays in the half-filled stadium. Access 2 The stadium is easy to get around and park at, but it does lack many comforts of a modern stadium. There are port-a-potties just outside the gates and bathrooms inside the ARC, but none inside the stadium itself. All seats are bleacher style, the stairs are slightly rusted, and there are ramps to accommodate fans with disability. Most people drive to Brown Field, but the V-line (Valparaiso’s bus line) runs to the university. Brown Field is not well advertised, but signs for the Fitness Center and ARC will lead fans to the buildings adjacent to the field. There is parking for $5 at lots around the stadium and the ARC. However, if you’re looking to save a few bucks there is street parking about half a mile further down Lincolnway. There are two ways to enter the stadium: on the home on the visitor’s side. Return on Investment 2 The facility houses a box office, but a set of folding tables to take tickets. General Admission tickets are $10 and allow you to sit anywhere in the stadium. Children 10 and under are free. Valparaiso University students, faculty, and staff get in free with their One Card (Valpo ID). The team has not had a winning record since 2003 but seems to be improving for the 2016 season. This could help get fans in the seats. Extras 2 Brown Field has flags displayed along the top of the stands of fellow Pioneer League members’ teams and their primary color. The victory bell, which was unveiled in 1956, is rung after every win. Final Thoughts Valparaiso Football has been making strides on the field to improve as a team, but the stadium and game day experience need to start catching up to the terror attending a game to be worthwhile.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium 138 Rockdale Rd. West Haven, CT 06516 New Haven Chargers football website Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,000 The Other Football Team in West Haven The University of New Haven was founded in 1920 as the New Haven Junior College, a subdivision of Northeastern University. They shared buildings, laboratories and faculty members with Yale University for 40 years. Today the school boasts an enrollment of over 9,000 students, who study in 109 undergraduate programs and 116 graduate programs. The University of New Haven’s first football team played in 1973. They began as a member of Division III, moving up to Division II in 1982. The Chargers competed as an independent until the school dissolved the football program after the 2003 season. During their 22 seasons as a D-2 independent, UNH qualified for four postseason tournaments, reaching the national semifinals in 1992 and the finals in 1997. Among the head coaches for New Haven were Tony Sporano and Mark Whipple. The team played their home games at Robert B. Dodds Stadium on the University of New Haven’s north campus. Dodds Stadium served as home to the school’s football team until the dissolution of the program in 2003. Dodds Stadium continued as home to the Charger soccer and lacrosse teams until 2007. The facility was shuttered at that time for renovations, which included the installation of new turf, a new press box, scoreboard and video board. Financing these renovations was UNH alumnus, CIO of DellaCamera Capital Management LLC in Manhattan, and member of the school’s Board of Governors, Ralph F. DellaCamera. The signature element of the new facility is its blue turf, which was chosen to generate excitement and publicity for the re-establishment of the football program. The new-look stadium debuted on September 19, 2009. A week later the facility was dedicated in DellaCamera’s name. The Chargers, now members of the Northeast-10 Conference, won six conference titles and played in four D-2 tournaments from 2009-2024. Five New Haven alumni have gone on to play in the National Football League. Beginning with the 2025 season, New Haven moved all of their athletic programs to the Division One level, joining the Northeast Conference (NEC). During their first season of play at the FCS level, the Chargers went 5-5. Food & Beverage 4 There’s a small concession stand in the southeast corner of the stadium. A basic menu is available here, with burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos and french fries all sold at the two points of sale. Chicken wings and corn dogs add a bit of variety to the offerings. Snacks, including cups of chili, fried dough, assorted candy and pretzels round out the menu. Prices are decent, quality is good, and lines are not bad, even at halftime. Greater variety is achieved at DellaCamera Stadium with the presence of food trucks, which set up shop in the southwest corner of the stadium. During Stadium Journey’s visit, trucks offering BBQ and Fried Chicken were offering their wares. Pepsi products are featured at DellaCamera Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage can head to the north end zone, where the end zone club offers all you can eat food and a selection of beer and wine for purchase for a $20 fee. Atmosphere 3 The gameday atmosphere at DellaCamera Stadium is pretty typical of what you find at small college facilities across the country. There aren’t a lot of fancy bells and whistles available for the New Haven athletic staff to use, but they do a nice job with the tools at their disposal. Their resourcefulness is on display from the start of the game, as the Chargers enter the stadium to a cloud of smoke created by a phalanx of fire extinguishers operated by staffers. All of the elements found in a proper college gameday presentation can be found here. The school boasts a large marching band. Featuring 300 members, the band plays throughout the game, along with the cheerleading and dance teams. The scoreboard in the north end zone displays basic game information, and features a small video screen, which is used for some pregame hype videos and some in-game advertisements and graphics. The sound system could use an upgrade, as it didn’t seem to be able to handle the music volume. The PA announcer kept fans informed and entertained without being too over the top. Despite a capacity crowd in attendance during Stadium Journey’s visit, the fans didn’t add a whole lot of energy to the proceedings at DellaCamera Stadium. This could be due to the Chargers’ performance on this afternoon, which was a sub-par 21-3 loss, giving the fans little reason to cheer. It does seem that this would not be the place for a rowdy fan base, anyway. The New Haven Marching Band performs at Halftime. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 DellaCamera Stadium is located separate from the main University of New Haven campus alongside the rest of the University’s athletic facilities, including Frank Viera Field, The Hazell Center and New Haven Softball Center. Less than two miles away are many of Yale University’s athletic facilities, including the Yale Bowl, George H.W. Bush ’49 Field and Reese Stadium. The rest of the University of New Haven campus is located on the other side of Boston Post Road a half mile away from the stadium. This part of West Haven is a mixed residential/commercial district, with plenty of local restaurants and access to New York, Hartford and Boston nearby. For more information on things to do in West Haven/New Haven, the University has detailed information here. New Haven is known as the home of some of the nation’s top pizza. The local version, called apizza, can be found throughout the city at legendary spots including Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s and Modern. Another top spot, Zuppardi’s, is located just three miles from DellaCamera Stadium in West Haven. In addition, New Haven claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. Louis Lunch, founded in 1895, was recognized by Congress as the place where the first hamburger was made. They continue to make their burgers the same way they were made back in the 19th century. They have been featured in countless food shows over the years. Fans 4 New Haven debuted at the FCS level in the 2025 season. During that season, they averaged 5,949 fans per game, a figure well over DellaCamera’s listed capacity of 5,000. Stadium Journey visited New Haven for the Chargers’ second home game of the 2026 season. The team’s first two games drew crowds of 7,000 and 4,800. The team is drawing fans like crazy since their ascension to D-1. Despite their large numbers, the fans don’t feel like they are adding a ton of energy to the proceedings at DellaCamera Stadium. You’ll find a good turnout by the student body, but no organized student section. The Chargers are viewed as an alternative to the nearby Yale Bulldogs, and the locals are responding. Game Action at DellaCamera Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 DellaCamera Stadium is located along with most of UNH’s other athletic facilities a few blocks north of the main campus. Despite its location in a busy neighborhood, the stadium is easily accessible by car, as it is just a couple of blocks from Boston Post Road (Route 1) and about a mile and a half from Interstate 95. Fans utilizing public transportation can take the CTTransit’s 261 or 265 busses, which both run along Boston Post Road, stopping at Pruden St. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the Jeffrey Hazell Athletic Center a short walk from the football field. This lot fills up quickly. Additional parking is available in the lots around campus, with shuttle buses available to take fans to the stadium. Parking is not allowed on local streets. DellaCamera Stadium is located at the far end of the athletic complex, and fans will have to take the walk from the lots past the softball and baseball fields before entering the football stadium. The field is oriented in a north-south fashion, with bleachers on either side of the gridiron. All seats consist of metal bleachers without backs, with one section of individual plastic seats at midfield. There is standing room on either end of the field. There are paved paths around the field, but much of the grounds is covered by small stones, so those with unsteady gait should tread carefully. There is a small restroom in the southeast corner of the facility. Additional port-a-johns are lined up in the southwest corner of the stadium to help alleviate lines. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Charger football games are priced at $11 for adults and $6 for seniors and children. This price is for general admission seating. Reserved seats (one section of plastic seats at midfield) are priced at $21 per ticket. Parking in the main lot near the Hazell Athletic Center costs $10, with other satellite lots free of charge. As mentioned earlier, access to the End Zone Club will cost $20, but features all-you-can-eat food and access to the beer garden. Concessions are reasonably priced for this level of college football. The University of New Haven Marching Band Pregame. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 DellaCamera Stadium’s blue turf warrants an extra point. Far from being as distracting as you might think, the turf was installed for the 2009 return of the school’s football program. One of 15 non-green college football fields in the nation, and one of only 3 at the FCS level, the University of New Haven had to enter into a licensing agreement with Boise State to use their blue and yellow field, which they tweaked to their school colors to differentiate it from the famous “smurf turf” at Albertsons Stadium. Final Thoughts New Haven’s rise to FCS has been met with great enthusiasm and large crowds at DellaCamera Stadium. Time will tell if this momentum will continue, but for now, fans are all charged up for more football in West Haven. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Prospect League is a summer collegiate league with 20 teams spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. The league completed its 2026 season a month ago and is already in the planning stages for next summer. More than 646,000 people attended games this summer, and Stadium Journey has all but two of the league's ballparks on our list. We rank all stadiums based on FANFARE: Food and Drink, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment, and Extra. The system evaluates the complete fan experience across categories such as food and beverage options, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan engagement, accessibility, value for money, and unique features and amenities. The rankings do not include Jackson Rockabillys Stadium and Workman Family Baseball Field, home of the Decatur Bean Ballers. However, we will do our best to visit these two ballparks for a complete review in 2027. Until then, see where your favorite team’s home stadium ranked in our list. Below are our 2026 Prospect League Baseball ballpark rankings. 18. Lloyd Hopkins Field - Alton River Dragons 2.57 The Alton River Dragons home is the smallest in the loop and features a covered grandstand, dugout seating, and makeshift merchandise tables and concession stands. The stadium's setting in the local park, a few miles away from multiple bars and restaurants along the Mississippi River, makes for an inviting visit. 17. Carleton Davidson Stadium - Champion City Half Trax 2.57 The Half Trax call the charming little ballpark home in Springfield, Ohio. There is an old-school vibe, featuring grass-covered lots, merchandise tables, and plenty of concessions. It’s a place where you will more than likely bump into someone from the neighborhood. In other words: "everybody knows your name". 16. Bob Warn Field - Terre Haute Rex 3 The Rex returned organized summer baseball after many years, adopting a catchy name, like the former names of the Tots, Huts, and Stags. The college ballpark offers enough for everyone, and this year brought a championship appearance, providing winning baseball as well to the Wabash Valley. 15. QU Stadium - Quincy Doggy Paddlers 3.14 QU Stadium is a WPA stadium and was built from Iimerock blocks and concrete. It stands out in design and aesthetics, and fans who attend games enjoy the atmosphere, including on-field promotions, giveaways, and affordable prices. There is a lot of history at the old stadium. 14. The Corn Crib - Normal CornBelters 3.14 The Corn Crib might be one of the better names in the league. The massive stadium features corn stalks, corn-themed nights and food, and other popular promotions and giveaways. The CornBelters offer an escape from the summer blues each year. 13. Robin Roberts Stadium - Springfield Lucky Horseshoes 3.29 Baseball has been played on the site of Robin Roberts Stadium since 1925, but the current grandstand was constructed in 1977. The stadium features a "turtleback" field, where the infield is elevated with a steep downslope to the outfield. 12. Capaha Field - Cape Catfish 3.43 Baseball has been played at the site of Capaha Field since 1894. The current grandstand was built in 1939 and, since then, its main concourse has been a former road that houses picnic tables, concession stands, the main entrance, and other activities. The Catfish were league champions in 2026. 11. CarShield Field - O’Fallon Hoots 3.43 CarShield Field offers a wide-open concourse, food options, a friendly staff, and fun times during the summer months. The Hoots offer people in the St. Louis market a great option to enjoy an evening of baseball with friends and family. 10. Schweickert Stadium - Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp 3.43 You’ll never have to pay a dime for a ticket for a Pistol Shrimp game, because all games are free. The little ballpark has grown organically since the club relocated to the valley several years ago. It is a unique experience that is filled with strong community support, intimate views, and plenty of family-friendly fun. 9. VA Memorial Stadium - Chillicothe Paints 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium is a classic ballpark, built during a time when baseball was the main attraction and everything else took a back seat. The times have changed, but not the atmosphere for a Paints game. The ballclub has provided over 30-years of baseball to the community and looks to continue that for years to come. 8. Community Field - Burlington Bees 3.57 The community of Burlington, Illinois, sits along the Mississippi River, and its ballparks are an old favorite among baseball purists. The ballpark has been renovated over the years and features a look that stands out among others in the loop. The third base bar is a fun place to watch the game with friends and family. 7. Marion Stadium - Thrillville Thrillbillies 3.57 Marion Stadium is modern, sleek, comfortable, and well-designed for baseball fans. Thrillville brings tons of fun to games in Southern Illinois, with in-between innings entertainment, promotional giveaways, creative concession options, and a fun vibe. The Thrillbillies finished in second place with 63,920 in paid attendance this summer. 6. Danville Stadium - Danville Dans 3.71 Danville Stadium was built by Branch Rickey for a Brooklyn Dodgers affiliate in 1946; 80-years-later, it's still providing baseball excitement over the summer. The covered wooden grandstand takes fans back in town and the bare-bones approach to the game is greatly appreciated. 5. Kokomo Municipal Stadium - Kokomo Creek Chubs 3.71 Baseball returned to Kokomo after a one-year hiatus with a bang this past summer. The Creek Chubs unique name has its fans saying, “Go Chubs Go,” and the modern ballpark is large enough to house lawn seating, a massive kids' area, creative food, and a beer tent. 4. NelsonCorp Field - Clinton LumberKings 3.86 A classic covered grandstand welcomes visitors, while the small town along the Mississippi River adds to the charm of a LumberKings experience. The Kings led the league with 73,619 paid attendees. The former affiliated team has found a new home in the Prospect League, continuing to create lasting baseball memories for its fans. 3. Sargent's Stadium at The Point - Johnstown Mill Rats 3.86 There aren’t many ballparks that are a century old, but Sargent's Stadium at the Point in Johnstown is one of them. The Mill Rats offer some of the most affordable ticket prices in the loop in their massive venue, known for its giant outfield wall and natural beauty, with hills and rivers on the outside. 2. Loeb Stadium - Lafayette Aviators 3.86 One of the newest stadiums in the league has everything from open views, a wrap-around concourse, a beer garden, freshly popped popcorn, and a waterslide and old-fashioned ice cream shop on the outside. If you are looking for modern comfort, Loeb Stadium has you covered. It hosted the 2026 Prospect League All-Star Game. 1. League Stadium - DuBois County Bombers 4 This is where the motion picture “A League of Their Own” was filmed. The Bombers make the memories of the film come alive through vintage-style uniforms, performances, merchandise, and outfield ads. The cozy ballpark was built to look like a wartime stadium, and fans enjoy a trip back in time in the small-town community.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 NBT Bank Stadium 1 Tex Simone Dr Syracuse, NY 13208 Syracuse Mets website NBT Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 10,812 Last Stand of the Mets Among Minor League Baseball fans, a water-cooler topic of discussion is always branding. A debate rages as to the benefits of the Minor League team adopting the branding of the Major League affiliate. After moving to Syracuse from Jersey City in 1934, the team adopted the Syracuse Chiefs as an identity. This lasted through several affiliations until 1997, when, as an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, Syracuse adopted the moniker SkyChiefs to avoid the Native American reference and capitalize on the SkyDome phenomenon in Toronto. In 2007, the team returned to the nom de guerre Chiefs for the rest of their Toronto affiliation and the entirety of their Washington Nationals affiliation. In 2019, the team was purchased by the New York Mets to be their Triple-A affiliate. It was also announced that they would now be known as the Syracuse Mets. The bland branding was panned in Minor League Baseball circles. In 2026, the team announced that they would be retiring the Mets branding and moving to a new, fresh identity for the 2028 season. As of this writing, the branding announcement has not yet been completed. Syracuse is currently owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings. Home for the Mets is NBT Bank Stadium. The stadium, originally known as P&C Stadium, replaced the venerable MacArthur Stadium, which was home to Syracuse baseball for over 60 years. The stadium is owned by Onondaga County and opened in 1997. Naming rights are held by NBT Bank. Food & Beverage 3 NBT Bank Stadium has decent concession options. All of the expected items can be found at a number of concession stands in the main concourse. Some stands of note include Chick-fil-A and local favorite, Perry’s Ice Cream. Some items of interest that are a bit more unique include the Buffalo Chicken Pierogi and local favourite, salt potatoes. NBT Bank Stadium has a good selection of beers headlined by local legend, Utica Club, which is also cheaper than other options. Saranac, Labatt’s Blue, Coors Light and Heineken are also available. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice in Syracuse. Atmosphere 3 NBT Bank Stadium has an attractive exterior that is dominated by brown brick with light accents. There are plenty of Syracuse Mets markings on the exterior. The home plate gate is the most popular to enter and has a large rotunda which is enclosed to look like a rampart. Inside the stadium, the concourses are fairly spacious and open so that fans won’t miss any of the action on the field. They are more functional than decorative, and items that were once a staple have now been moved. Up the stairs, the portraits of Jackie Robinson, Hank Sauer and Tex Simone have been replaced with Mets logos. The Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame, which was once in the concourse, has been moved to the Metropolitan Club on the first base side. The concourses do not complete a 360-degree path NBT Bank Stadium has plenty of traditional seating with a split lower level and an upper deck on either end of the suites and press area. There is berm seating on the lower-level corners and the 315 Bullpen Bar is above the left field wall. The Salt City Deck is found on the right field side. A good videoboard is beyond left centerfield with a huge map of New York State behind it. Probably the two most notable items within view from seats behind the plate are the old-school derrick light stands and the view of the school bus parking lot beyond right field. The retired numbers for the team and any sort of championship notations are not readily visible. The game-day production at a Syracuse Mets game is good, but not overly noteworthy. The in-game host is good, and Scooch the mascot takes part in various promotions and fan interactions. When the Mets hit a home run, the video board shows an orange colored apple, similar to the home run apple found at Citi Field in New York. Neighborhood 3 NBT Bank Stadium is located in the Northside neighborhood of Syracuse. Although the ballpark is fairly isolated, there are some options for pre- or post-game food and drink within a very short drive. Some options include J.R. Diner, Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse, Maplewood Bar & Grill, Tully’s Good Times, Aloha Krab Cajun Seafood, Riley’s, Change of Pace, and Dinosaur BBQ. Ultimately, Syracuse is a college town, and the Orange rule the sports landscape. The most popular sports at Syracuse are basketball, football, and lacrosse. The Syracuse Crunch of the AHL also play in town. Other tourist options in Syracuse include Erie Canal Museum, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Museum of Science & Technology, WonderWorks Destiny and the Salt Museum. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, Homewood Suites and Embassy Suites are both very close. Fans 3 The Syracuse Mets have fairly mediocre support for the International League. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, the Mets averaged over 4,100 fans per game. The previous season, they averaged over 4,500 fans. This ranked the team 16th and 15th, respectively, in the 20-team International League. The game that was reviewed did have a giveaway and a hot dog special and attracted over 7,300 fans. There is definitely room for growth in this category, and the ability to attract crowds is there. Access 4 NBT Bank Stadium is located in the Northside neighborhood of Syracuse on Tex Simone Drive. It is immediately east of Interstate 81 and therefore enjoys close access to the highway. There is plenty of on-site parking available at a reasonable price. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the bus and train stations are very close to the park. There are bus stops on Tex Simone Drive. Fans should consult the Centro website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the stadium is not too difficult once that initial set of stairs has been traversed. For fans with ambulatory issues, park employees were available to direct fans to the closest entrance to the elevators. The concourse does not offer a full 360-degree path around the park. The washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. Security protocols for professional sports are constantly evolving. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Syracuse Mets website before heading out to get the most up-to-date security procedures, including prohibited items and bag policies. Return on Investment 4 Syracuse Mets tickets start at $18 for upper-deck seats and go up to $25 for dugout box seats. Friday and Saturday games cost a few extra dollars, and seniors and kids receive a $4 discount. Parking will cost about $7, and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the field is decent, and fans will enjoy themselves at a Mets game. Extras 3 An extra mark for the broadcast royalty of Marv Albert, Sean McDonough, and Matt Vasgersian, who all honed their craft in Syracuse for a time. An extra mark for Syracuse legend Tex Simone, who started on the grounds crew at MacArthur Stadium in 1961 and moved up to General Manager of the Chiefs for nearly 30 years. An extra mark for Syracuse moving on from the Mets branding. Final Thoughts What the future holds for the new branding of the Syracuse Mets remains a mystery. That being said, it is definitely a positive for Syracuse baseball to have its own identity and some fresh branding at NBT Bank Stadium. In the meantime, it is still a decent experience that fans should not sleep on. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Principal Park 1 Line Drive Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Cubs website Principal Park website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 11,500 Principal Park: Home of the Iowa Cubs Located at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, Principal Park, then Sec Taylor Stadium, opened in 1992. Principal Park replaced the outdated Sec Taylor Stadium. The new stadium was also named Sec Taylor Stadium until 2004 when the Principal Financial Group bought the rights to the name and Principal Park was born. Through the years, upgrades have been made to the stadium, including adding sky boxes in left field. In 2006, new seats and a new video board were installed along with a fountain beyond right field. Before the 2013 season, the locker rooms were upgraded along with a small patio area beyond left field that now plays host to musical acts prior to and after selected games. In 2015, a brand new video board replaced the dated video board. The new Daktronics video board measures 64x24 feet and allows for far more statistical information to be displayed for fans. Due to safety concerns around baseball, the nets behind home plate were extended to the far ends of the dugouts prior to the beginning of the 2016 season. New for 2026, the two bullpens that used to be just inside the right and left field foul lines are enclosed, with 734 box seats removed to fit them. Principal Park hosted one of the most famous (or infamous) games in Pacific Coast League history on June 14, 2008. Torrential rains caused the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers to overflow, flooding a portion of downtown Des Moines. With the ballpark surrounded by water, the game that day was played in an empty stadium, to an official attendance of zero. In order to avoid having any fans show up, the game began at 4 P.M., was not broadcast, and was announced as postponed. Josh Kroeger’s seventh-inning home run was the winning run in Iowa’s 5-4 victory. The stadium played host to the 1997 Triple-A All-Star game and hosted the Iowa state high school baseball tournament for many years. In 2021, longtime owner Michael Gartner sold the team, which is now owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings. While there is new ownership, the front office has remained intact and, as always, the Iowa Cubs primary focus is presenting a fun and safe atmosphere for the fans. Food & Beverage 4 A wide variety of food options are available. Iowa is the biggest pork-producing state in the country and that fact is reflected here. The pork tenderloin sandwich, an Iowa staple, is available in two sizes. The large is enormous. Make it a basket if you want fries. Several items are available at the bacon stand, including the bacon explosion basket (bacon sliders w/fries) and bacon-wrapped hot dogs can be had. Stu’s BBQ serves up a great brisket sandwich and BBQ nachos. Other typical ballpark fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, chicken sandwiches, etc. are all available. Being a Cubs affiliate, you can pick up a Chicago Dog or Italian Beef sandwich at the Lil Chicago stand. You can also pick up an Old Style at this booth to go along with your food. A solid addition for 2026 are foods that are popular in cities from the visiting team. For instance, when St. Paul comes to town, you can purchase a Juicy Lucy. It's a nice touch to an already solid food scene. Coke products are sold at Principal Park in three sizes. For soda enthusiasts, you can buy a bottomless Coke. Be sure to check out the Coors Light beer box in the concourse. It’s a walk-in refrigerator full of beer. Inside are different sizes of cans and brands for about the same range of drafts. Craft beer is big in Iowa and Principal Park celebrates it. In the concourse behind home plate is the Iowa Craft Beer stand. You have your choice of a whopping 32 local brews, so bring your palate and enjoy! Atmosphere 4 Upon entering the seating area, it is impossible to miss the stunning view of the Iowa Capitol Building over the center field wall. The building sits atop a hill and as beautiful as it is during the day, it is even better at night when the numerous domes are lit up. There is also a tremendous view of the Des Moines skyline looking over the left field corner. If you have visited Principal Park before the 2015 season, the biggest noticeable difference is the video board over the right field wall. The upgrade makes a world of difference and allows for fans to get much more information, including current stats, the pitcher’s pitch count, etc. A new batter’s eye was installed prior to the 2023 season, but the views remain. The seats are comfortable and are all stadium seats in the infield seating bowl. General admission is down both lines and in right field, but the small added cost of a reserved ticket is well worth it. The bleachers under the video board can be particularly hot during day games and are best avoided unless there is a full house. In the right field corner (Schaal Chill Zone) is a fountain that runs during the game and is great for kids (and some adults) on particularly hot days. The fountain shoots water after Iowa home runs and other exciting plays that benefit the home team. Inside the concourse is a large play area for kids including batting/pitching games and a large climbing/jungle gym-type structure. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Des Moines has anything and everything you could desire. There are plenty of places to have a drink before or after the game and a litany of different food options. Just down the street from the ballpark is the High Life Lounge. Obvious by its name, the High Life Lounge serves Miller but, not to fear, plenty of other options are available. The High Life, with its shag carpet and old neon beer signs throughout, is worth a stop. It has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” show. The bacon wrapped tater tots are quite popular. Also the broasted chicken which customers rave about is some of the best chicken around. Buzzard Billy’s is another great option. They have plenty of drink choices and good food. Buzzard Billy’s serves many traditional bar foods but they are known for their Cajun and do it well. The catfish dinner is outstanding. The newest option will be particularly popular on nights with great weather. In 2016, the 300 Craft and Rooftop bar opened across the street from Principal Park. Take a two minute walk after the game and enjoy a few drinks on the 3,000 square foot outdoor patio atop a building that also includes a couple other restaurants and a gym. There are many options for lodging in the area although pricey with it being downtown. Two options are the Hyatt and Holiday Inn downtown. You can save a few dollars staying farther out. With the stadium being close to the interstate, it’s easy to get in and out of downtown. If traveling with family, the Iowa History Museum and Science Center of Iowa are great places to take the kids. When visiting Des Moines, a visit to the Capitol is a must, built in 1886 it is an amazing building. The view of the Capitol building from the stadium is outstanding and the inside is just as impressive as the outside and admission is free. Fans 3 Like at most minor league stadiums, the fans are a mixed bag. With the longevity of the team being affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, there are many diehards that you can count on seeing nightly. The fans have been spoiled with the amount of prospects that have played here the past few years. Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras, and others have made the team even more popular. The regular fans follow the game pitch-by-pitch and can tell you all you need to know about the team. There are also those that appear to be there more for the social aspect, to see fireworks, or that come with a group and don’t pay much attention to what is occurring on the field. Access 4 Principal Park is easy to get to and you can access it directly from I-235. Parking is steep at $13. You can park a little farther away, across MLK Parkway, and save a buck. You will have a little bit of a walk but that is recommended on nights where the occasion dictates large crowds such as fireworks nights. There are limited exits leaving the main parking area at Principal Park. One of those exits is blocked on fireworks nights because they close the bridge on MLK and use that bridge to shoot off the fireworks. As such, lines are long and slow moving when leaving. Inside the park, the concourses are wide and easy to maneuver. Restrooms, concessions, and handicap seating is sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 Depending upon your preference, tickets generally range from $10 for general admission to $40 for home plate club seats with wait staff. General admission for children (13 and under) is $7. In 2023, the team went to dynamic pricing for tickets. As such, the tickets prices will vary but they won’t drift far from what was the normal pricing. For those that plan on consuming a lot of food and drink, perhaps your best bet is a table in the Budweiser Club seats. Located down the left field line, you can purchase a table for 4 in the Bud Club for $290. Included is admission to the game and all you can eat and drink. Food is about what you would expect to pay at a ballgame and you can get a decent seat, a beer, and something to eat for less than $30. The only drawback here is the parking cost. The recommended spot to sit is over the visitor's dugout on the first base side. In addition to great seats, you have a great view of the capitol building and the Des Moines skyline. Extras 5 An extra point for the amazing view of the capitol building. It is certainly one of the better views around. The Iowa Cubs have a really neat tradition every year. A group of individuals from around the globe give their oath and are sworn in as citizens of the United States, in what is always a very popular citizenship ceremony. The walk-in beer cooler is a rarity and definitely worth a look. For history buffs, be sure and take a look in the north parking lot, near MLK Blvd. A preserved fort is on the ballpark’s property. The fort represents the birth of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The team does a great job of celebrating its long-time affiliation with the Chicago Cubs. The ballpark has reminders of this affiliation everywhere you go. Final Thoughts Des Moines is an underrated city with a great downtown scene. The location of the ballpark is in a perfect location for entertainment before and after the game. Inside the gates is a great place to sit back and watch a game while taking in some great views and a litany of good food and drink options. Principal Park isn’t the newest stadium around, but it still provides a quality time for baseball fans of all ages. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 BMO Field 170 Princes' Blvd Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Canada Toronto Argonauts website BMO Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 28,180 Sail Away and Returning Home The 2026 season has been one of the most difficult for the Toronto Argonauts. With Toronto as a host city for the FIFA World Cup, the Argos were displaced and hit the road for the first nine weeks of the CFL season. Returning home meant that the Argos had to deal with plenty of construction and other events at Exhibition Place. That being said, it is good to be home for the oldest gridiron football team in the world. The Argonauts were established in 1873 as the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club. Success has found the Argos on the field with their 19 Grey Cup Championships, most in the entire Canadian Football League. Argos have been a flashy team over the years boasting football stars like Joe Theismann, Doug Flutie, Damon Allen, Raghib Ismail and Rickey Williams. The current Argos are led by the most beloved Argonaut of them all, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, who acts as the General Manager. The Argos even boast Bruce McNall, Wayne Gretzky and the iconic John Candy as former owners. The Argos are currently part of the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment portfolio. Home for the Argonauts is BMO Field. Built in 2007 on the grounds of their former home, Exhibition Stadium, BMO Field was originally conceived as the home for the National Soccer team of Canada. When the Argonauts were told that they would no longer be able to call the Rogers Centre home in 2016 a return to BMO Field seemed natural. Although not the most popular decision amongst soccer fans, the City of Toronto owned BMO Field has been a good home for the Argonauts, with a more appropriate size and far better sidelines than Rogers Centre. Food & Beverage 5 The food selection at BMO Field is top notch. The main concession stands are the Food Junction stands and serve all of the expected stadium items including hot dogs, popcorn, burgers, chicken tenders and nachos. There are a number of specialty locations that serve more unique items that are worth checking out. Panini serves porchetta, smoked meat, and turkey club sandwiches along with Braised Beef Grilled Cheese. Frites serves a variety of fries and poutine including Jerk Chicken Poutine and Steak & Ale Pie Chips. Pizza Pizza is the purveyor of slices at BMO as well. The King Club bar has a massive selection of alcoholic beverages including a number of craft beer selections. For those who like to plan their culinary journey, the BMO Field website has a decent rundown of the concession options. Atmosphere 3 The basic structure of the BMO Field is two large east and west grandstands, each with two decks. BMO Field lacks a specific grand entrance. Fans will enter from either the north or south ends, with little distinguishing one from the other. The exterior of BMO Field is not unattractive, but there is little to make it stand out. The north end of the stadium is where the Argos locker room is, right inside Gate 1 and fans can get a glimpse of the team as they enter the field. The concourses are more functional than decorative and there are probably more markings for Toronto FC than the Argos. Inside the grandstands, the field is north-south oriented. As part of their agreement with Toronto FC, there are no markings on the field itself other than the football lines. This means that for picture purposes both the east and west grandstands are equally photogenic. A new set of luxury boxes, a remnant from the World Cup, are found at the north in a large structure. A pair of videoboards in the northeast and southwest corners replaced the older, single board. The banners for the Argonauts’ nineteen Grey Cup Championships (1914, 1921, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1983, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2012, 2017, 2022, 2024) blow constantly behind the north end zone. The banner honouring All-Time Argos (Les Ascott, Carl Brazley, Damon Allen, Michael Clemons, Royal Copeland, Jim Corrigall, Ulysses Curtis, Kevin Eiben, Dan Ferrone, Doug Flutie, Terry Greer, Rodney Harding, Ed Harrington, Lew Hayman, Condredge Holloway, Joe Krol, Marv Luster, Dave Mann, Peter Martin, Paul Masotti, Derrell Mitchell, Don Moen, Teddy Morris, Danny Nykoluk, Bob O’Billovich, Mike O’Shea, Ricky Ray, Jim Rountree, Chris Shultz, Dick Shatto, Jim Stillwagon, Bill Symons, and Bill Zock) has been moved under the press box on the west side of the stadium. Unfortunately the banner has type that is pretty small and difficult to see from a distance. The gameday atmosphere is solid. The video presentations for the player entrances are excellent. The players enter from the northeast corner through an inflatable contraption and are lined by flags, smoke and pyro. The mascot, Jason, stands at the touchdown cannon in the northeast end, which is something the fans should be ready for, or else! The entry of the team on the field features pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flag bearers and just about everything one would need to get hyped for the game.The Argos dance team, The A-Team, which is co-ed, performs during some breaks in the action and on the sidelines. The Argonauts also feature traditional cheerleaders who perform gymnastic stunts more akin to college football rather than the pros. Overall a pretty solid atmosphere for a football game. A highlight of the pregame is the lighting of the cannon, which is a virtual lighting with the “spark” travelling around the stadium on the ribbon boards before returning to the cannon which is set off with sparklers signifying the beginning of the game. At the game that was reviewed, the celebrity lighting the cannon was the son of legendary comedian, and number one Argo fan, John Candy. Neighbourhood 5 BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. BMO Field is shared with the Toronto FC. Coca-Cola Coliseum is across the parking lot and is the home of the Toronto Sceptres, Toronto Marlies and Toronto Tempo. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, sports fans should really try to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby. Fans 3 Attendance at Toronto Argonaut games has been an issue for quite a while. The game that was reviewed, the first of the 2026 season, saw over 16,000 fans in attendance. In 2025, the Argonauts averaged just over 15,000 fans per game, ranking them last in the nine team CFL. There is plenty of room for growth in this area, but the sports landscape in Toronto is ridiculously crowded. That being said, the fans in attendance are as loud and passionate as most other CFL teams. The noise does not seem to match the attendance, which is a plus. Access 4 BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place. Getting to Exhibition Place can be a challenge, as anything in Toronto can be. The Ex is immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although fans may think this is the quickest way to drive to the Ex, often a longer route on Lakeshore Blvd is the way to go, especially for those coming from the west. There are a number of parking spots available for fans at Exhibition Place. It is important for fans to do some research before heading out to see the Argos. At times there are other events taking place at the Ex and parking is a real challenge. Even at the best of times, parking is not cheap and other options may be the best plan. For fans who prefer the public transit route, Exhibition Place has some decent public transit options. There is a Go Transit station right by the Ex and this is probably the easiest form of public transit. A walk north of the Ex will bring fans through Liberty Village and eventually to some TTC options. Check out the Go Transit and TTC websites for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around BMO Field is not too difficult and concourses are fairly spacious. Washroom facilities are also adequate for this venue. With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Argonauts and BMO Field websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the stadium, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Toronto Argonauts begin at $38 and go up to around $80. There are often ticket deals to be had, so an eagle-eyed fan can make out well. One of the highlights of the season is the CNE game, which gives fans access to the Canadian National Exhibition in late August along with their game ticket. Parking at Exhibition Place is definitely expensive and concession prices are about what one would expect. It is undeniable that a great time can be had at the Argo game and helps balance out the investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the longevity of the Argonauts as the oldest professional football team in the world. An extra mark for the Argonauts’ top fan, former owner and movie legend, John Candy. Candy’s tenure as owner of the Argos with Wayne Gretzky and Bruce McNall was a highlight of the team’s duration including the signing of Rocket Ismail, the toast of the town, and a Grey Cup victory. An extra mark for the huge rivalry with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which culminates in the Labour Day Classic in Hamilton, the biggest date on the CFL calendar. Final Thoughts The Toronto Argonauts continue to fight and claw their way into the consciousness of the local sports fan in Toronto. Taking in an Argo game at BMO Field is definitely a positive experience, one that more fans need to experience. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Peoria Chiefs website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Peoria's Dozer Park is in the Middle Peoria has a deep history with professional baseball, dating back to 1878. In 1883, the local pro team moved to Lake View Park, where they remained until Woodruff Field was built next door in 1923. That team hung on until 1937, and except for a brief resurgence in the 1950s, Peoria was without a pro ballclub until the modern Midwest League Peoria Chiefs arrived in 1983, playing their games at collegiate Meinen Field. Despite beginning as an Angels affiliate, the team passed between the equidistant Cubs and Cardinals for the rest of their existence, sticking with the Cardinals since 2013. Along the way, the team also dropped their increasingly untenable native American mascot and branding, changing to the current Dalmatian fire "chief" in 2005. The Chiefs moved into their new home, O'Brien Field, in 2002. Eleven years later, local manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. acquired the stadium's naming rights, resulting in its current name, Dozer Park. Recent renovations from 2023-25 helped revitalize the aging park, adding a completely new grass playing surface, LED lights, upgraded player and umpire facilities, and new end-to-end safety netting. Much like Peoria itself, Dozer Park sits in the middle, neither standing out nor failing conspicuously, as well as physically a halfway point between Chicago and St. Louis. Food & Beverage 3 Dozer Field has a decent selection of food and drinks to keep your energy up while you catch a game. There are several concession stands along the promenade to choose from. Most cover the ballpark basics (burgers, dogs, chicken, and pizza), but there are some specialty items on offer, including tacos, smashed double cheeseburgers, and Italian Beef. Local Heartland BBQ has a stand, but it is sometimes only open for weekend games. Most concessions sell a modest selection of Bud/Miller beer products, local craft beers, and some cocktails. The Big Grove Brewery kiosk at home plate is your best source for true craft suds and variety. Coke products rule the roost on the non-alcoholic side of things. I was travelling through Illinois, so I eventually had to grab an Italian Beef sandwich and a Friendly Neighborhood Beer from Big Grove Brewery for an early summer evening. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Stadium has undergone some recent work, which helped tidy up a downtown park that was showing its age. The ballpark follows a familiar minor-league design, with a single level of regular seating sloping down from a promenade that circles the park. The scoreboard rises above the outfield wall in right-center, set against the backdrop of the Peoria Warehouse District. A second level of corporate and group boxes sits above the first to third base. A group Party Patio is in left field, the Home Run Landing is in right field, and the outdoor batting cages are in the batter's eye in center field. The seating bowl ends in two grass berms, a shorter one on the right and one on the left that runs all the way into center field. Dalmatian fire chief Homer is the current team mascot and assists with the pre-game and between-inning activities at the park. The events are minor-league standards of races, quizzes, and contests of dubious skill. In the park's intimate seating area, your major choice is sun or shade. Grab something towards the first baseline to grab more sun, or home plate, or third base to sit more in the shade. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located in the heart of downtown Peoria. Fans of the locale cite its affordable, community feel, with just enough variety to keep it interesting, while being a short distance from both St. Louis and Chicago. Detractors see Peoria as a small town with unrealistic aspirations, propped up by two industries that dominate an otherwise barren cultural landscape. Several eateries are within walking distance from the park, including the Bar at Black Band, Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro, Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer, Bay Leaf Indian, Saffron Social, and top-rated The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. What's there to do downtown is right by the park. The Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Caterpillar Visitor's Center, and Riverfront Park are a short walk from the ballpark, while the Peoria Playhouse children's museum and the Peoria Zoo are a short drive to the northeast. The Civic Center is right downtown, which hosts various concerts and events. Near the river downtown, several high-end hotels are a short walk from Dozer Field, including Staybridge Suites, Four Points, the Mark Twain Hotel, and the Peoria Marriott, with the Embassy Suites just across the Illinois River. Cheaper options are a short drive down or up I-74 in East and North Peoria. Fans 3 Although the Chiefs generally sit near the bottom of the Midwest League attendance rankings, those numbers are stronger than they might appear at first glance. The league as a whole consistently draws well, and the Chiefs attendance was solid enough to help secure their promotion to High-A during the minor league reorganization of the early 2020s. While they aren't the biggest draw in the league, the local families who make up the fan base do their part and stay involved in the game and the events between innings. Access 3 Dozer Field, like Peoria itself, is well served by transit options. I-74 crosses downtown a short distance from the park, and State 40 bridges the Illinois River right next to the park. All of Peoria's CityLink bus service ($1 per ride/ $3 all-day) begins at the transit center, a couple of blocks from the park, and is serviced by Trailways, Greyhound, and Amtrak buses. The local General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is just southwest of town. The official lot is $7, but if you're willing to walk a block or two, there is generally plentiful, free street parking in the warehouse district, unless there is another big event going on. Traffic shouldn't be too bad getting out either way. There are two entrances, the main one at home plate and a smaller one in left field. The crowd usually isn't too big to need to go to left field, but if you grab closer street parking, you can use that once. The seating areas are surrounded by a wide promenade that narrows a bit in the outfield, but there shouldn't be too much trouble getting around. Return on Investment 4 The Chiefs cater well to their budget-conscious family audience, with decent seat prices and plenty of specials that help cut the cost of a night out. Seat prices are average for the league, running from $14-$22 most nights. Tickets can be purchased with bundled food options or all-you-can-eat packages that help defray some of the cost. Some of the specialty food options can be quite pricey, but that is offset by cheap base menu options, teamed with money-saving combos on nearly every type of food, making individual or family-level eating much more affordable. Parking is officially $7, but free street parking is plentiful. Extras 3 You won't get two feet in the park before you notice its biggest memorial, a statue of Pete Vonachen interacting with a young fan. "Mr. Baseball" was the long-time Chiefs owner and beloved among the Peoria baseball faithful. On the first-base side is a (sometimes hidden) memorial to Peoria baseball championships and awards, as well as to local Bradley University's baseball achievements and players who have made the major and minor leagues. The team batting cages are in the batter's eye in center for your voyeuristic pre-game pleasure, a small children's area sits behind it, and the Firehouse team store is right by the main entrance. Also worth noting is a home plate Roomba that helps out the grounds crew before games to keep home plate up to snuff. Final Thoughts Dozer Park is a decent place to catch a game if you find yourself in Peoria. Like its host city, it neither hits the heights nor delves the depths, but finds a pleasant middle and stays constant in it.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Szőnyi úti Stadion 1142 Budapest, Szőnyi út 2. Hungary Map It BVSC Zugló website Year Opened: 1952 (late 1920s) Capacity: 5000 (current) Crossing the Line Association football has been played on Szőnyi Utca, enclosed by a major transport interchange for over a century. The compact site soon became the home ground of Budapest Railwaymen’s Sports Club due to its proximity to the huge Rendezőpályaudvar (Marshalling & Classification) railway yard. The stadium in its current guise opened on 1 May 1952, with a capacity of 18,000. Today, with a much smaller capacity, this is a must-visit stadium with bags of character and huge old-school floodlights to die for. Simply arriving at the ground takes you back to the club’s roots, as approximately ten train lines need negotiating to reach your goal! Food & Beverage 2 Three refreshment options are available within the footprint of the stadium. A wooden shed, situated behind the Szőnyi Utca stand, provides a limited menu of beer, soft drinks and sweets. The stadium is just one section of a thriving sports club complex. Head towards the swimming pool at the southern end of the stadium, and a leisure centre-style cafe serves hot drinks, filled rolls and other snacks. Finally, at the main entrance to the stadium, a modern bar and restaurant called SPORT Bistro has a variety of drinks and food available. Although this bar is technically outside the stadium, visitors are allowed to come and go throughout their visit to purchase refreshments. Atmosphere 5 Home fans and visitors are placed in open seating, running down the Szőnyi Utca side of the stadium. Five or six rows of unallocated large bucket seats are available. Front row views are affected by the pitch-side fencing so the stand tends to fill from the back. Access this stand from the main entrance by Sport Bistro. Then head past the wooden refreshment shed, and climb the steps into the seated area. Szőnyi úti Stadion - Seats Fill From the Top, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey The opposite stand is a beauty! The wooden fascias and central section with its own pitched roof have an ‘alpine’ feel. The perfectly symmetrical stand, resplendent in club colours is smaller than the touchline length, adding to its quaint appeal. This ‘main’ stand holds away fans on one side and the other, mainly press / VIP. This stand is accessed from a footpath running parallel with Teleki Blanka Utca in the north-west corner of the stadium. There is a ticket office next to the entrance that takes cash or card. There are no fans allowed behind the two goals. The north end has no facilities at all (this means you could view the match through the outer fence without entering the actual stadium). The other end is landscaped with a raised European-style half-moon curve. Aside from an attractive walkway, its only feature is the stadium’s large digital scoreboard. Neighborhood 3 Due to the excellent travel network in Budapest, there is no need for visitors to limit themselves to the Zugló district. (See our reviews of Bozsik Aréna and Sport utcai Stadion for other attractions and cultural sights in Budapest). Zuglo itself is known as the ‘green district’ with a city park, zoo and botanical gardens. It’s a very safe district situated less than 20 minutes from the centre of the city. With the stadium surrounded by railway lines and the 6-lane M3 motorway, visitors are unlikely to spend too much time in this part of Zuglo. The best local option is a small bar called Manó büfé with outside seating directly opposite the multiple pedestrian and road railway crossings. It’s a little ‘rough and ready’, but a pre-match beer here is a must. (Food also available, see their Facebook page.) Why here? Rail crossings in Hungary are not as strict as in some countries. When the barriers are down, pedestrians and bikes should stop but approaching trains can still be minutes away. This makes for fascinating people-watching as locals and match-going supporters on foot or by bicycle, stop at the barrier. A conscious debate is etched on their face as they glance left and right. Some relax and casually wait (correct option kids), others circumnavigate the barrier, look, listen and dash comedically across the rails! Fans 3 The wider sporting club has provided members with a century of sporting opportunity. Members and fans, initially from the adjacent railway depot, are now drawn from across the district. Recent attendances hover around the 500 mark, perhaps more when local sides are the opposition. Fans that do attend are still dedicated and, along with the club, have offered free sports club membership to refugees from the war in Ukraine. The blue and yellow colours of BVSC being familiar to their neighbours to the north. Like many clubs based behind the old Iron Curtain, the club has had numerous name changes. Founded in 1911 as MAVOSZ Budapesti VSC and settling on BVSC-Zugló (Budapesti Vasutas Sport Club-Zugló) from 2011 onwards. Tier 2 is the team’s current level (NB2) and so the standard is good. Fans have seen the club win the NB2 title on three occasions so far in their history. Their highest ever finish was runners-up in NB1 in 1996. This period also saw BVSC play six European games over two seasons, a peak time in their history which included becoming losing finalists in the National Cup in 1996 and 1997. Since then the football part of the sporting club actually closed for a decade before restarting in 2012. Fans Watching a BVSC Zugló Match, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Access 4 Zuglo is on the edge of Budapest’s 14th District, nestled between train tracks and the 6-lane M3-as autópálya. To get the full railwaymen experience, stop off at Manó büfé and cross those railway tracks yourself. Arriving from the west is best. Head to the stadium along Szegedi út from district 13. This means heading for the Béke tér tram stop and walking 20 minutes to the ground. If visitors are arriving from the centre of the city, use the historic and ornate underground metro line 1 to Mexikói. From there it’s a 7-minute walk to the large main entrance which includes the aforementioned SPORT bar. The nearest overground train station is Rákosrendező, alight there and cross those numerous train tracks to the stadium. If arriving by car, free parking spaces are available in Teleki Blanka Utca, subject to availability. Additional parking is available at the BVSC main parking lot on the corner of Mexikói and Szőnyi út. The entrance desks selling tickets generally open 1 hour before kick-off. No need to buy tickets in advance. Return on Investment 5 Tickets cost just 1,500 HUF and 1,200 for OAPs and students. This is extremely good value and with no merchandise to purchase, a trip here represents excellent value! Extras 2 Dig deeper into the club’s roots by visiting the Hungarian Railway Museum in Zuglo, a 7-minute drive from the stadium. More than 15 others sports are covered by the club. In summer 2026, the BVSC swimming section returned from the European Swimming Championships in Paris with gold medals aplenty. Final Thoughts This ‘railway’ stadium could be missed by visitors to Budapest as they take in the brighter lights of Honvéd, Ferencváros and MTK. However, these venues have all benefited (and lost?) from costly and extensive renovations. Zuglo retains its working class background. The ‘proper’ old floodlights, can be seen for miles. The eclectic mix of stands and the railway’s ongoing presence combine to make this a real experience. This and the whole visit could cost visitors less than ten euros. The ground may not ‘score’ highly in conventional aspects, but on many other scales it’s a 10/10 must-visit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 York Lions Stadium 230 Ian MacDonald Boulevard Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Toronto FC II website York Lions Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 4,000 __________________________________________________________________________________ Deuces Heading North The Toronto Football Club of Major League Soccer has an affiliate that is part of the third-division MLS Next Pro. The unimaginatively named Toronto FC II has been the affiliate of TFC since 2015, when they were part of the USL. The team joined MLS Next Pro in 2022, coinciding with their move to York Lions Stadium. TFC2 has not enjoyed much success, only making the playoffs in one season. In 2026, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment announced that Toronto FC II would be moving north to the city of Barrie for the 2028 season, where they would play in a brand-new, soccer-specific stadium that would be built. For the time being, York Lions Stadium is the home of Toronto FC II. The stadium was built for the 2015 Pan Am Games on the campus of York University at the north end of Toronto, in the borough of North York. It was built for the Track and Field events in the games and was renovated in 2021. It was made more appropriate for soccer and football by removing the track and shifting the field a bit. Food & Beverage 1 For the match that was reviewed, there were no concession options inside the stadium. Water stations are present for fans to refill their water bottles. There was an ice cream truck parked outside the stadium, which was referred to by the PA announcer during the match. Wristbands were provided at entry, and fans were able to leave and re-enter with ice cream. Atmosphere 2 York Lions Stadium has a fairly attractive exterior. An Inuit sculpture welcomes fans at the north gate. The exterior features brown paneling with silver and red trim on the single grandstand. The field is surrounded by attractive, black wrought iron fencing. However, there is not much in the way of signage around the stadium, and it is not inconceivable for fans to get confused and head to the older stadium, once known as York Stadium, currently Alumni Field. Inside, there is a single grandstand on the west side that is huge. The pitch is oriented from north to south with the videoboard at the south end. The grandstand features nine sections of thirteen rows of red, plastic stadium seats. The first row is elevated, so attempting to see through the athletes on the bench is not an issue. The surface is artificial turf, and thankfully, there were no football lines on the field to take away from the match. There are what look like temporary suites at ground level on the east side, which are probably used for other soccer matches with Inter, Toronto FC, and AFC Toronto. The gameday production at a Toronto FC II match is very simple. There is a lack of original content and pre-match videos, and the music is from the parent club, Toronto FC. The sound system is good, and the PA announcer is easy to understand. The proximity to the action and generally small crowd size will offer fans the opportunity to hear the sounds of the game that they would not normally hear. Neighbourhood 4 York Lions Stadium is located on the Keele Campus of York University in the York University Heights neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of North York. There are places for pre- or post-game food and drink that are not too far, but will require a hop in the car or a stop with transit. Some options include Nuovo Toronto, Chop Steakhouse, Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse, Romano’s, Picasso Grillz, and VMV’s Bar and Grill. There are also a number of fast food and chain restaurant options in the area. York Lions Stadium is also the home to other professional soccer teams, including AFC Toronto of the NSL and Inter Toronto FC of the CPL. It is also the home of the York Lions football and soccer programs. York fields a host of other athletic teams that play on campus, including hockey and basketball. Sobey’s Stadium is also on campus and hosts the Canadian Open tennis tournaments annually. Toronto is a very crowded sports market, and other teams in the area include TFC2’s parent club, Toronto FC, Toronto Blue Jays, Argonauts, Maple Leafs, Raptors, Sceptres, Marlies, and Tempo. Other tourist options in Toronto include Casa Loma, Medieval Times, Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and the must-see Hockey Hall of Fame. Canada’s Wonderland is a very short drive north on Highway 400. For fans wishing to stay close to campus, the Four Points and Best Western Plus Toronto North York are good options. Fans 2 Assessing fans in MLS Next Pro is very difficult as the league does not publish attendance figures. At the match that was reviewed, late in the 2026 season, it was pretty much a friends-and-family crowd that may have topped out at 150 people. There was a bit of a superfan in attendance who posted supporter banners on the grandstand, which fans could not see. The fan did lead some kids in cheers that were Toronto FC-based. Access 4 York Lions Stadium is located on the Keele Campus of York University. The campus is found in the York University Heights neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of North York. It is on the south side of Ian MacDonald Boulevard, at the north side of campus. It is not difficult to get to; however, Toronto traffic, even in the north end, is significant. Steeles Avenue, the northern border of campus, is among the busiest streets in the city. However, proximity to Highways 400 and 407 is very close. Fans traveling should be aware that Highway 407 is a toll highway. There is sufficient parking on campus, and fans will be required to pay a nominal parking fee. York utilizes the Honk app for ease in paying for parking. For fans wanting to take public transit, the Pioneer Village subway station is at the north end of campus, near the stadium. Fans are able to take the TTC from here down to Union Station if they wish. There are also York Region Transit buses that stop at the Pioneer Village station. Fans should check the TTC or YRT websites for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around York Lions Stadium does come with plenty of stairs. Those with mobility difficulties may find some challenges here. There is plenty of space behind the seating area for fans to stand or sit with wheelchairs if necessary. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 4 Toronto FC II tickets are very affordable. Tickets are purchased at the door for $10 each. Toronto FC season seat holders and kids under 10 are free, and York University students are only $5. Parking on campus will cost around $10. Although the atmosphere is very simple, fans will enjoy the match, even without all the bells and whistles. Extras 2 An extra mark for Toronto FC II moving north to Barrie, where they will most likely receive more attention. An extra mark for the synergy Toronto FC II enjoys with Toronto FC. Final Thoughts It is not an exaggeration to refer to Toronto FC II as an afterthought in the MLSE sports portfolio. The opportunity to develop their own fans and identity with the move away from York Lions Stadium to Barrie will be a welcome change that can only benefit the club. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 ForeFront Field Stadium 2009 Baseball Blvd Avon, OH 44011 Lake Erie Crushers website ForeFront Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,000 Crushing It at the Ballpark When people think of baseball in the Cleveland area, their minds drift towards the Cleveland Guardians, but just a 30-minute drive away downtown is another baseball stadium. Nestled in the suburban town of Avon, the Lake Erie Crushers have quietly built a reputation of their own, emerging as a beloved gem in the local sports scene. Since their founding in 2009, the Crushers have steadily won over the hearts of residents throughout Lorain County and beyond. What began as a modest independent league team has blossomed into a community staple, drawing crowds with a genuine love of the game, an engaging atmosphere, and a strong connection to local fans. At the heart of the Crushers’ appeal is their commitment to accessibility and affordability. While big-league games can quickly become a costly affair for families, a night at ForeFront Field offers an affordable and stress-free alternative. Ticket prices are modest, parking is convenient, and concessions are budget-friendly—all without sacrificing the quality of the fan experience. The stadium’s cozy size ensures that every seat feels close to the action, and interactive features like on-field games, theme nights, and meet-and-greets with players help make each visit feel special, particularly for young fans. Food & Beverage 4 The Crushers offer down-to-the-basics food options at the multiple concession stands and kiosks, along with hard liquor varieties at the Third Base Bar. Sahlen’s hot dogs are prominently featured, along with brats, nachos, chicken sandwiches, steak burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken tenders, french fries, and walking tacos. A couple of interesting items are the loaded nachos with pulled pork and giant pretzels that can be shared with a couple of people. Plain and pepperoni slices are also sold at the ball game. A Chick-fil-A tent offers sandwiches, nuggets, and chicken wraps. For the sweet tooth, the stadium sells funnel cake fries, shaved ice, ice cream, soft-serve ice cream, and mini donuts. Pepsi products are the drink of choice at the Crushers game, with multiple varieties sold. The alcoholic beverages are offered by draft and in 16-ounce cans. Budweiser, Bud Light, Yuengling, Sam Adams, Busch Light, and Labatt Blue and Light are a few of the beer varieties. A few local craft beers include Great Lakes Dortmunder Lager, Mexican Lager, and Midwest IPA. For the non-beer drinkers,21 Brix Wines, Loncaro Long Drinks, and Carbless Vodka Cocktails include three varieties in cans. The 3rd Base Bar offers mixed drinks: old-fashioned, espresso martinis, the Crusher Margarita, and Crush on the Beach. Atmosphere 4 Stadium Journey took in a Saturday night game at ForeFront Field, which was Monster Hockey Night, the local American Hockey League team. The Crushers wore specialty jerseys, invited the hockey team’s mascot, Sully, to entertain fans, and featured a giant Monsters inflatable to introduce players. The weather was somewhat cloudy, but otherwise ideal for an evening of baseball. The design of the ForeFront Field is simple and similar to others of its kind this century. A sunken-style seating bowl with a concourse that opens up from foul pole to foul pole. At the corner of the right field foul line is the children’s play zone that offers inflatable rides for the children for $5 extra. The left field line is a giant grass berm seating area that may be fun for children to roll up and down on during the game. There are various table seating areas with tents on the main concourse that sit up to four people. Many of them were filled tonight, and the multi-color tents. Luxury boxes and suites are situated on the upper deck of the facility, and a third base bar offers a large area for fans to enjoy a few hard liquor cocktails during the game. The space also includes table tops and seating for fans. The Grape Race entertains fans in between innings, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The organization has leaned heavily into its community-first identity, hosting local school nights, charitable events, and youth baseball camps that further cement its place in the hearts of area families. The team’s mascot, Stomper—a lovable purple creature with a mischievous grin—has become a recognizable figure across schools, parades, and birthday parties throughout the region. Overall, a festive mood at the ball game with kids running around, fans grabbing a bite to eat, and plenty of mingling with neighbors and friends. The Crushers team shop has a small collection of merchandise, a stadium MC adds to the revelry of the crowd, and there are plenty of in-between promotions on the field that include a three-person race with runners dressed up in grape outfits. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio, is a suburban, family-friendly area with a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial developments. Just a short drive from the stadium is Chester Road and Detroit Road, where you'll find Target, Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot, and several strip malls. The area has a range of dining options, including fast food (Chick-fil-A, Culver’s), chain restaurants (Applebee’s, Olive Garden), and some local spots: Winking Lizard, a chain pub with classic American grub, hundreds of beer choices, and Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream. Downtown Cleveland is a 30-minute drive on I-90 by car and offers more choices of sporting events that include a Cleveland Guardians game at Progressive Field, a Cleveland Monsters or Cleveland Cavaliers game at Rocket Arena. Fans 4 The local community supports the Lake Erie Crushers. The stands are filled with kids and families, making it an ideal destination for a fun, family-friendly outing. From diehard baseball enthusiasts to casual fans just looking for a good time with friends or relatives, the Crushers are drawing a diverse and growing crowd. Access 4 The stadium is visible off I-90 and easy to drive from Cleveland (about 25–30 minutes east). Ample parking is available, and traffic is manageable even on game days. There are two areas of parking available at the stadium, including lots with accessible handicap spaces. Inside the ballpark, the wide-open concourse offers easy access to all points of interest, including the third base bar down, lawn seating in left field, and the children’s play area in right field. The official team store is located near the entrance steps of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket starts at $11, with seating behind the backstop at $17 and $19. However, there are other, more affordable options when attending a Crushers game during the week. $2 for Tuesdays, tickets start at the low price of $2 per person. It also includes $2 for hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and 12-oz sodas. Giving Wednesday allows fans to bring two non-perishable items for free admission. Thirsty Thursdays feature drink specials at the stadium. The team gift shop has plenty of merchandise. Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey The Crushers charge $6 for general admission parking and $10 for VIP parking, while concession items such as a hot dog are $5, and a 24-ounce can of beer is $7. A majority of the menu items are fairly priced for a Frontier League stadium. Extras 3 ForeFront Field earns additional points for the Third Base Bar offering hard liquor and mixed cocktails, affordable weekday games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and affordable concession prices from hot dogs to beer. It is one of those honest, simple suburban neighborhood ballparks. Final Thoughts The Lake Erie Crushers are a refreshing reminder of community, tradition, and a love of the game. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball enthusiast or simply looking for a fun summer evening with the family, a trip to see the Crushers play offers an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful—and all just 30 minutes west of Cleveland ------- 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: 2.71 Alumni Hall One Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02908 Providence College Friars Volleyball website Alumni Hall website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 1,854 Friartown Volleyball Alumni Hall was built in 1955 at the direction of Providence College President Rev. Robert Slavin. He felt the men’s basketball team needed an on-campus home to be competitive. Until then, they had played in local gyms off-campus or in a small gym in the basement of Harkins Hall. Built for $1.5 million, Alumni Hall was dedicated to PC alumni who fought in World War II. Alumni Hall served as home to the PC men’s team until the construction of the Providence Civic Center (now the Amica Mutual Pavilion) downtown in 1972. Volleyball has been played at Providence College since 1977. The Friars have won three Big East Conference titles (1983, 1985, 1987) and have qualified for two NCAA tournaments (1983 & 1985). In 2012, Alumni Hall underwent a $3 million renovation, which included the installation of new seating, lighting, air conditioning, video scoreboards, a control room, a sound system, and other amenities. LED lighting has also been installed in the facility. Today, Alumni Hall serves as home to the Providence College women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Alumni Hall Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions available at Alumni Hall during Providence College volleyball games. The Slavin Center, PC’s student union, is attached to Alumni Hall and contains a Dunkin’ Donuts, the campus store, and the Alumni Food Court. Depending on the time of the day and day of the week you may be visiting for a game, you may be able to grab a snack to bring into the game. If nothing happens to be open, there is no issue with fans bringing their own snacks into Alumni Hall to enjoy during a game. Atmosphere 3 Volleyball is experiencing a surge of interest around the country, but it still lags behind many of the other fall sports in this part of the country. If you’ve never been to a volleyball game, it’s a fast-paced, exciting game with a lot of chances for fans to influence the gameday atmosphere. The staff at Providence College put on a pretty basic show, which isn’t to say it’s boring by any means; it’s just a bit understated due to the smallish crowds and resources at Alumni Hall. They use the arena’s excellent sound system to play music during time-outs and other play stoppages, the small video boards at either ends of the court are used for pregame hype videos, replays and graphics. The PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings, fans are into the action, and volleyball players tend to add their own brand of energy to the games as well. If you’ve never experienced a college volleyball match, you’re certain to enjoy yourself. Alumni Hall Interior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Alumni Hall is part of a sprawling complex on the northern edge of the Providence College campus, which houses most of the college’s athletic, fitness, and social facilities. The Peterson Recreation Center, the Concannon Fitness Center, the Ruane Friar Development Center, the Taylor Natatorium, the Slavin Center, and the Providence College Bookstore are all built around Alumni Hall, which sits at the center of the complex. Located nearby are many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Schneider Arena, Lennon Family Field, Ray Tracey Track, and Anderson Stadium. The Elmhurst neighborhood, where Providence College is located, is a residential, working-class neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment, and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of the Friars basketball team, is located here. The loss of the Bradley Cafe, a popular student hangout, in March of 2026 was a huge blow to the PC community, but the owners have vowed to rebuild. For fans looking for a place to eat near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers, and LaSalle Bakery, where some of Providence’s finest baked goods can be found. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options. Fans 2 A Friar volleyball crowd is what we at Stadium Journey like to call a “friends and family” type of crowd, meaning that most of the people in attendance have a personal connection with the athletes down on the court. As a result, they are usually pretty knowledgeable about the game and very enthusiastic about supporting their favorite athletes. It’s no exception here in Providence. The crowd is vocal, but not overwhelmingly so. A typical Friar volleyball crowd numbers between 100-250 fans, depending on the opponent and the day of the week of the game. Recent seasons have seen up to 500 fans for bigger games. While there appears to be some support from the student body, there’s no organized student section or, frankly, any need for one. For big games, the athletic department does put out the call to the students, and they’ve been known to turn out in decent numbers. With much of Providence’s schedule consisting of other teams from New England, you can expect to see some visiting fans in the stands as well. This is a place you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition’s colors. Game Action at Alumni Hall. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To get to Alumni Hall, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to find. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has stops at Providence College and along Admiral Street, just a short distance from Alumni Hall. Fans driving to Alumni Hall can park in a small lot adjacent to the Ruane Friar Development Center or in the parking garage on the other side of the Lennon Turf Field. A short walk will take you to the Ruane Atrium, where the entrance into Alumni Hall will be on your left. The ticket office and Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame are located here. Fans will enter Alumni Hall at floor level right on the baseline. Most of the seating for volleyball is in the grandstand on your left, although the small bleachers on each end of the gym are also open. In this bandbox of a gymnasium, all seats have a great view of the action. Restrooms are located in the corners of the facility with additional restrooms in the Slavin Center. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to Friars volleyball games, nor is there a charge for parking. With no concessions on site, you will not have to reach for your wallet during your time at Alumni Hall. Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame at Alumni Hall. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2 Banners hang on the walls of Alumni Hall honoring Friar conference championships and tournament appearances in both women’s basketball and volleyball. Several banners hang at the opposite end of the gym honoring legendary figures in Friar women’s basketball history. The Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the entryway of Alumni Hall. Among the many notable names to be found here are several recognizable NBA, NHL, and MLB players and Olympians. Final Thoughts Alumni Hall is a basic facility that suits the needs of the Providence College volleyball team well. It’s great to see an old gym like this find new life with the school’s women’s programs. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Gary Noll, born Deaf in a New Jersey Deaf household, is a huge New Jersey/New York Sports fan who received the 2019 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award, the 2024 New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Award (as a “Community Pillar”) and a 2024 Russ Berrie Unsung Hero Award. He proposes and raises awareness of Deaf and ASL (American Sign Language) sports events. Gary is an advocate of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including promoting captioning and ASL communication technology during NJ/NY metropolitan sporting events. Gary has already discussed sports venues in New Jersey and New York with Stadium Journey and is excited to share the latest news about future Deaf or ASL awareness events. Please stay tuned for game announcements! The sports teams will be posting notices about the events online. Gary Noll at 2026 US Open 1. Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York City Unfortunately, there won’t be a New York Knicks American Sign Language (ASL) group event this season or in 2027. We hope we see it happen sometime in the future. This is because the team is limiting ticket availability, ticket costs have increased, and the NY Knicks have restructured their staff since winning the NBA championship in June 2026. We’re now focusing on hosting what could be their first-ever NY Rangers ASL group event in 2027 and beyond (keep your fingers crossed). Gary has already asked to include Deaf ASL anthem performers during some future NY Knicks and NY Rangers games. 2. Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York Yankee Stadium Closed Captioning, Photo by Gary Noll The NY Yankees baseball team is planning to host its fourth annual Deaf Awareness Event in 2026, but they’ve decided to hold it next year. Please keep an eye out for it. They’ve already reached out to schools and others, but they’re not ready to make a commitment at this time due to their new leadership. The New York Yankees still have plans for Deaf Awareness Events in the future. 3. Citi Field, Queens, New York Partnering with Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, the New York Mets hosted a dedicated Deaf Awareness event in May 2026, held during their home game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets are considering hosting either a Deaf Awareness Day or a special Deaf group event by partnering with one of the best Deaf schools in NYC and Long Island for future seasons. This 2026 season, you’ll notice the Mets already have an ASL anthem performer for some or most of their games, which is a thoughtful way to promote inclusivity. 4. US Open Tennis, Queens, New York Closed Captioning at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Photo by Gary Noll The US Open Tennis at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (August 23 to September 13, 2026) will feature Deaf ASL anthem performers for the opening night and the men’s and women’s championship matches, which will be broadcast on TV again for the third consecutive year. 5. Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey We haven’t had a chance to chat with the NY Jets and NY Giants about an ASL group event yet. We’d love for them to consider having a Deaf ASL anthem performer during one of their games! If FIFA decides to award NJ/NY the 2031 FIFA World Cup women’s soccer matches, we’d be thrilled to have a Deaf ASL performance. You can read more about this idea in this article. 6. UBS Arena, Belmont Park, New York Deaf Awareness Night at NY Islanders, Photo by Gary Noll After having a successful Deaf Awareness Night in 2023, the NY Islanders have not yet duplicated that event. The team is still considering whether to host another Deaf Awareness Night or a first-time ASL night in future seasons. If this happens, we expect to have live ASL interpreters broadcasting on the Jumbotron. 7. Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey Prudential Center ASL on Videoboard, Photo by Gary Noll The New Jersey Devils hockey team is planning to host its 8th annual ASL night this 2026 - 2027 season on Oct 20, 2026. They’re hoping to feature a Deaf ASL anthem performer and a group performance. To help ASL fans, there will be ASL interpreters throughout the stadium, and they’ll use them to include trivia and other activities on the Jumbotron. Plus, they’ll continue to offer NJ Devils ASL T-shirts for those who buy tickets to the ASL event. 8. Sports Illustrated Arena, (formerly Red Bull Arena), Harrison, New Jersey There’s been talk about a Gotham FC, pro women’s soccer (NWSL) Deaf Awareness Event at the Sports Illustrated Arena, but it hasn’t happened yet. We haven’t discussed hosting a Red Bulls (MLS) pro men’s soccer ASL event there, but we should think about it in the future. 9. Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York We’ve already pitched the idea of hosting the first-ever WNBA New York Liberty and NBA Brooklyn Nets ASL nights at the Barclays Center to the BSE Global team (the ownership company). They’re still not ready for an ASL event yet, but we’re not giving up! We’ll keep trying every year. 10. Etihad Park, Queens, New York It would be great to have live captioning at the new Etihad Park, which will be the home of NYCFC’s men’s soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS) and will welcome Gotham FC women’s soccer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) starting in 2028. We’re also hoping to have a Deaf ASL anthem performer during the first soccer match! 11. Office of the Big East Conference, NCAA, New York City Gary Noll at Big East Championship, MSG They plan to feature ASL anthem performances at both the men’s and women’s basketball championship games at Madison Square Garden in New York City and Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, marking the fourth consecutive season of this tradition. They’re also aiming to broadcast it on TV for the first time next March 2027.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Fred Rust Arena 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Fred Rust Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest college in Delaware. They are a privately governed university that receives public funding. The school from which the university grew (Academy of Newark) was founded in 1743, making it one of the oldest in the nation. However, UD was not chartered as an institution of higher learning until 1833. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UD’s undergraduate program high among public universities. The university’s programs in engineering, science, business, hospitality management, chemical and biomolecular engineering, chemistry, and biochemistry have been especially highly ranked. Fred Rust Ice Arena was built in 1971. The complex also hosts the Gold Arena, which is an NHL-sized rink. The facility is home to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens men’s teams competing at the club level and women’s ice hockey teams competing at the NCAA level. The facility is also home to the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club and the University of Delaware Synchronized Skating Club. Food & Beverage 4 There is an improved concession operation now over past years. There is a nice window offering more full service choices as well as grab and go options. UD dairy has temporarily moved it's operations into the building as a new main facility for them is being built next door. Even when they do move out the arena, proximity to great ice cream options is a nice option. Atmosphere 4 The arena has a main grandstand along the home side of the rink. It is nothing fancy and is pretty much metal bleachers. The best seats are the ones with a blue-enhanced bottom cushion. It seems like nothing much but it does help the comfort level of the fans. Across the ice, the visiting team bleachers are just metal alone. The atmosphere is pretty simple. This is a place to watch a good level of college hockey and not much more. They do offer spaces for kids' birthday parties and other group events. There is a very good pro shop located in the lobby. It is a place to get your serious hockey and ice skating gear. They will also sell some Blue Hens merchandise inside. Other team merchandise will be sold on temporary tables inside the arena, next to the rink. We attended this game during exhibition season so the crowd attendance was a bit lighter, but from our many visits we know the stands fill up for most games. Neighborhood 4 Newark (pronounced here as New Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty cheap price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the football stadium. Fans 4 The fans here are very knowledgeable. The Blue Hens teams have shown great success over the year so the fans expect to see quality hockey action. Some of the fans are family and friends of the players. There are also quite a few youth hockey clubs that attend the games. Access 5 Rust Arena is easy to reach and is only a couple of miles off Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Coming from points south on I-95, getting off at Maryland Route 279 will avoid the toll pretty easily, and it is a short drive to the arena . Return on Investment 5 Tickets are a reasonable $8 each. There are some options for group tickets and special events. Parking does cost which you use the Passport app to pay the charge. We saw that most people were not even doing that, but we don’t recommend you skip out on the parking fee. Because of the fairly high quality and level of activity, the return on investment is quite high. Extras 3 Check out the banners and memorabilia for the various UD hockey teams. The teams have shown great success over the years, including winning the 2012 ACHA national championship. While you are looking at the banners, make sure to look at all the awards and information in regard to the various UD ice skating programs and their success. This is a facility that is known to be the spot where the best of the best come to practice. Speaking of “the best” you will also see items displaying the various high-level ice skating talent that trains there, beyond just the UD teams. World ice skating champion Kimmie Meissner is just one of the individuals that made the Rust and Gold arenas their home rinks. If you get there early or stay late after a game you may even see these talents in person. Final Thoughts The University of Delaware has some very serious hockey teams, not to mention a high-level ice skating program. The Fred Rust Ice Arena is not flashy but is a great place to watch a very good level of college hockey.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Canterbury Park 1100 Canterbury Rd Shakopee, MN 55379 Canterbury Park website Year Opened: 1985 Carnival at Canterbury, with Horses Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota offers a carnival-like atmosphere on a typical horse racing day, complete with patrons’ pet dogs racing against each other, food trucks galore, multiple gift shops, and plenty of wagering. The typical card at Canterbury might only include seven or eight horse races, but you are guaranteed a full day of fun with all the other activities that go on. Food & Beverage 5 You can pretty much find any kind of food you might want at Canterbury Park, including food trucks next to the parade ring and on the apron, multiple bars, and food stands galore on every level. Food trucks include everything from burgers to home cooking, while other vendors offer pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, and other items, including sweet treats such as glazed and chocolate-covered almonds sold by the pound or half pound. There are a couple of sit-down restaurants at the track as well, but those require reservations, so you may want to plan ahead – reservations include your choice of dining outside next to the track itself (Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar) or dining inside the Clubhouse on the upper level of the grandstand. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Canterbury Park is excellent, although there is so much going on that it can feel a bit overwhelming. Besides the horse racing itself, the staff sometimes hosts pet dog races (no betting allowed), where patrons bring their own pooches. The dogs line up in front of the starting gate while their owners wave a favorite toy a couple hundred yards down the track, trying to coax their pet across the line first. The dog races are run in heats by breed, ending with a final race where the overall winner is crowned. It is a lot of fun, and pretty hilarious to see, especially when one dog steals another dog’s favorite toy! Like most horse tracks, Canterbury also has plenty of betting machines and cashiers, along with lots of TVs so visitors can wager on races at other tracks. There is also plenty of seating both inside and out, so you can get a view of the whole track safe from the elements, or get up close to feel the pounding of the hooves. Neighborhood 5 Shakopee is a bustling town about 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis, with all sorts of attractions within a few miles of the racetrack. First up is Valleyfair, a two-in-one destination including amusement park rides such as roller coasters, as well as a full water park for the same admission price. Also near Canterbury Park is a living history museum, a casino, and a fall festival complete with corn maze if you go see the races at the right time of year. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival also runs from August through October less than 10 miles away, so there is plenty to do if you want to make a weekend or longer trip out to southwestern Minnesota. Shakopee is also home to plenty of hotels and restaurants, including scratch-made barbecue, Mexican, burgers, and more. Fans 3 The fans at Canterbury Park are pretty typical of what you might find at most horse tracks. On days with pet dog races you will see plenty of families with kids, while other days bring a mix of veteran horseplayers (with their eyes glued to the TV screens) and first-timers just out to enjoy a day at the races. This racetrack is much more crowded than any of the other horse tracks I’ve been to, which means long lines at the betting machines, but there are enough concessions that lines for food and drinks are never too long. And as usual for horse racing, most of the cheering (or swearing) happens at the end of each race, and although you may not be able to sit exactly where you want, you will definitely be able to find a good spot to watch from somewhere on the property. Access 3 Getting to Canterbury Park is easy, as it is right off some major freeways and not too far from the Twin Cities. However, it is pretty crowded on a typical race day, so parking may be hard to find if you don’t get there early, and you will need to book a reservation several days in advance if you want to sit in the Clubhouse or at one of the tables outside. Return on Investment 3 Canterbury Park is a lot of fun, but very crowded with lots going on. If you are there to see the horse racing specifically, you might find all the other hullabaloo distracting, especially if you prefer to watch the races in (relative) peace and quiet. Canterbury Park also has a short card compared to other horse tracks, with only seven or eight races scheduled on a typical live race day. On the other hand, if you are just looking for an entertaining outing, you will probably enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere here, with all the food options to choose from and all the activities going on. Extras 3 There is a decorative horse statue near the main entrance, which is fun to take a selfie with. There are also many more cashiers here taking wagers than at other horse tracks I have been to; most tracks have dozens of betting machines and only a handful of cashiers. Canterbury also has both a dirt track and a turf course, instead of only one track. The race announcers are also very engaging and a lot of fun to listen to.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago Sky website Wintrust Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,387 The Sky’s The Limit The Wintrust Arena opened in 2017. It is truly a multi-purpose facility, as in addition to the usual sports and concerts, it also serves as the home for trade shows, large corporate meetings, conventions, and other major events. Wintrust Arena has a capacity of 10,387 in its basketball configuration, with 22 luxury suites also available. The Chicago Sky was founded in 2006 and has played in the Wintrust Arena since 2018. They previously played at the Allstate Arena. The club has won two conference championships (2014,2021) and took home the WNBA Championship on their home floor in 2021. The Wintrust Arena also serves as the home arena for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs of the DePaul University Blue Demons. Food & Beverage 3 There are seven concession stands that are evenly distributed throughout the arena and are numerous enough that you should not encounter a long line during a game. The concession offerings include nachos ($7), chicken tenders ($7), hot dogs ($8), an extra-large popcorn bucket ($9), pretzels ($6.50), chicken sandwiches ($13), pizza ($8.50), chips ($4), and candy ($4) Wintrust Arena serves Pepsi brand sodas ($6.50), Gatorade ($6), and bottled water ($5). The arena also offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Domestic drafts are $9.00, premium drafts are $11.00, premium cans are $!0.00, and craft IPAs are $11.00. Wintrust Arena is a peanut-free facility to protect persons with peanut allergies. Atmosphere 4 Wintrust Arena is very impressive from the outside, with a shiny steel and glass exterior. However, the inside of the venue is what is important to fans, and Wintrust scores high for its well-thought-out configuration. The seating bowl is compact without feeling crowded, with seats at all levels enjoying great sightlines. The seats are very comfortable and provide excellent leg room. The Sky’s court features the yellow and sky-blue color scheme of the franchise, with the team logo at midcourt and yellow and blue borders surrounding the court and endlines. Hanging above midcourt is a gigantic scoreboard/videoboard that features all the stats for the game and replays of outstanding shots during the game. You will never be bored at a Chicago Sky game, as the team does a great job of filling breaks in the action with contests, entertainment, and the antics of Sky Guy, the team’s hilarious mascot. Neighborhood 4 The Wintrust Arena is a part of the Collection at McCormick Square. This complex includes the McCormick Place Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis Chicago, and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. These buildings are connected via skybridges and pedestrian promenades. It draws the largest convention gatherings in the Windy City and has several on-site restaurants, as well as many dining opportunities in the South Loop neighborhood that surrounds it. The arena is convenient to nearby attractions in the Chinatown area (Chinese American Museum of Chicago) or along the lakefront (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum). Fans 4 The Sky has a large and loyal fanbase. The Wintrust Arena is one of the largest capacity arenas in the WNBA, and they manage to sell out games regularly. Winning the WNBA title in 2021 has really created a buzz in a city that has been starved for a major sports title for many years. The Sky and its Foundation are very active in the schools and civic organizations in the Windy City. It is not unusual to see the names of many of these groups running on the videoboard when they recognize the groups in attendance at that game. There are several special fan experiences available at each game. These include serving as an Anthem Buddy, serving as a Ball Kid, standing in the High 5 line as the team enters the arena from the players’ tunnel/locker room, or delivering the ball to the officials before the game. These special experiences must be arranged weeks before the game you will be attending. Access 4 Wintrust Arena is easily accessed by a wide variety of transportation options. There are multiple parking garages within the McCormick Place complex for those who wish to drive to the Sky games. These lots tend to have plenty of spaces available when the games take place on weekends or at night. However, it is important to remember that Chicago traffic can be a nightmare at most any time of the day. Directions coming from the north: Use the Kennedy Expressway and exit at 18th Street. Take 18th Street east to State Street. Turn south on State Street to Cermak. Turn left on Cermak Road. Directions coming from I-55: Take the ramp to the Southbound Dan Ryan Expressway. Exit at 31st Street and head east. At South Martin Luther King Drive, head north. McCormick Place will be at the corner of South Martin Luther King Drive and Cermak Road. There are several public transportation options to get to the Wintrust Arena. The CTA’s Green Line offers L service via the Cermak-McCormick Place Station. The CTA’s Red Line serves Wintrust Arena via the Cermak-Chinatown Station. CTA bus service to the arena is available via the #3 and #21 bus routes. METRA Rail services the facility via the McCormick Place Station. The doors to Wintrust Arena open 90 minutes before tipoff. Return on Investment 3 There are several ticket price points available for games at the Wintrust Arena. The lowest seating price is $19, which is on the Upper Level at the end of the court. The other price levels are $28 (Upper Level in the corners), $33 (Upper Level on the sides of the court), $44 (Lower Level at the end of the court), $55 (Lower Level corners), and the highest-priced seats are $71 (Lower Level on the sides). Very honestly, Wintrust Arena is a very cozy facility, and there really is not a bad seat in the house at any price point. The arena uses Ticketmaster as its official ticket sales vendor. Parking in Lot A of McCormick Place costs $15 on game nights. Extras 3 The 2022 WNBA All-Star Game was played at Wintrust Arena. The facility has hosted the Big East Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament on numerous occasions. In 2020, Wintrust Arena hosted the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game as part of the city’s celebration of All-Star Week. Final Thoughts The Chicago Sky has been one of the most successful WNBA teams for years. In 2021, the team won the WNBA title for the city of Chicago, a city starved for a sports championship for the last few years. The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. It is a shiny arena, with excellent views of the game action from any of its seating areas. It also features a wonderful audiovisual package, with a huge center-hung videoscreen/scoreboard. It also offers easy access for fans, as the arena is located on multiple bus and train routes in a city that relies on public transit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 7 17 Credit Union Park 300 South Main St Akron, OH 44308 Akron RubberDucks website 7 17 Credit Union Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 7,630 Baseball in QuAkron Akron, Ohio, is often referred to as the rubber capital of the world. At one time, Akron was the heart of tire manufacturing. It remains the corporate headquarters of Goodyear, and it has a baseball team. The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians and play in the Eastern League. The franchise originated as the Binghamton Triplets of the New York-Penn League. Since 1967, the team has been a part of the Eastern League. After a number of moves, they ended up in Akron in 1997 as the Aeros. With the explosion of unique brand names in Minor League Baseball, Akron rebranded as the RubberDucks in 2014, a humorous nod to the historical industrial focus of the city. Since moving to Akron in 1997, the team has won six Eastern League Championships, including 2016 and 2021 as the RubberDucks. The team is currently owned by the Prospector Baseball Group, which also owns the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the International League. The franchise landing in Akron coincided with the opening of Canal Park. The name of the stadium is derived from its location close to the Ohio and Erie Canal, which is behind left field. In 2025, the naming rights of the stadium were sold to 7 17 Credit Union. Food & Beverage 5 The concession scene at 7 17 Credit Union Park is among the best in Minor League Baseball. The concession stands are all unique, most of them with common items as well as some signature items. The Cleveland Browns-themed Dog Pound highlights its menu with the Three Dog Night, a hot dog stuffed in a brat stuffed in a Kielbasa on a bun with sauerkraut. The brisket and pork belly sandwich known as the Smokestack is also at the Dog Pound. The Bier Garden has a variety of sandwiches known as dugouts as well as loaded pierogies. For the game that was reviewed, the RubberDucks played as their alternative brand, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts, and a maple cracker jack creamstick was the feature item. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice. There are also a number of premium beer options to go along with Budweiser and Miller Lite, including Modelo, Golden Road, and Rhinegeist. Atmosphere 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is a bit of an inconspicuous ballpark, but definitely attractive. Field level is below street level, and the exterior on Main Street is attractive brown brick. The end that is closest to home plate features a small clock tower. Inside the ballpark, the concourses are open, allowing for a constant view of the field. There are some team markings in the concourse, including support beams with portraits of former Akron players who have made it to the majors. Unfortunately, the concourses are a horseshoe design, and a full 360-degree path around the park is not available. Traditional seating dominates 7 17 Credit Union Park, with suites above the lower level, behind the plate. The left field side has picnic seating and the right field side has some rail seating. The tiki bar beyond centerfield and the Duck Club bring the experience to the next level. 7 17 Credit Union Park offers two videoboards, the smaller of which in left center field offers the traditional baseball line score. One thing of note is the retired jersey number 23 for Akron native and NBA star LeBron James. The gameday production in Akron is solid, with the in-game host keeping everything moving with some promotions on the field. There is no lack of mascots in Akron, with Webster being the leader of the group of four. Neighborhood 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron. There are a number of spots that are near for pre or post-game food and drink. Some options include Barley House, The Lockview, Cilantro, Diamond Deli, Insomnia Cookies, and Missing Falls Brewers. The RubberDucks are not the only game in town, but there are not many others. The University of Akron fields a number of athletic teams, including Akron Zips football, basketball, and baseball. Other tourist options in Akron include the Akron Children’s Museum, Akron History Center, Akron Art Museum and Hower House Museum. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Hilton and Courtyard are good options. Fans 3 Akron has a decent, but unspectacular following for the RubberDucks. In the 2026 season, at the time of writing, the RubberDucks averaged just under 4,000 fans per game, ranking them 6th in the 12-team Eastern League. In the 2025 season, they were around the 4,000 mark again and ranked 7th. At the game that was reviewed, an Akron Cream Stick Donuts game with a giveaway had a complete sellout. The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive of the team, but there is plenty of room to grow. Access 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron on the north corner of Exchange and Main. It is ½ km south of Highway 59 and 2 km north of I-76, so a big drive through the city is not necessary. There are some surface lots and parking garages nearby, but pre-purchasing parking is a good plan, especially on a date when a big crowd is expected. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Main and Exchange. Rides are free to the RubberDuck games. Fans should consult the Akron Metro website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the ballpark is not too difficult; however, it should be noted that 7 17 Credit Union Park does not have a 360-degree path, so doubling back will be required along the route. The washroom facilities are good for the ballpark. Minor League Baseball security protocols are constantly changing. Stadium Journey recognizes this and strongly encourages consulting the Akron RubberDucks website before heading out for the most up to date security information including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 4 Akron RubberDucks tickets start at $8 for General Admission berm seating. Reserved seats go from $21 up to $31. Parking will cost a few dollars, and concession prices are what one would expect. The experience at a RubberDucks game is solid, and fans will enjoy themselves, although tickets are heading into expensive territory. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Akron RubberDucks’ alter ego, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts. An extra mark for the RubberDucks brand, a perfect fit for the city with a unique twist. An extra mark for the Ohio and Erie Canalway, just on the other side of left field. Final Thoughts When visiting the Rubber Capital of the World, taking in some baseball is not a bad idea. The Akron RubberDucks at 7 17 Credit Union Park will fill the void and have fans QuAkron with delight! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Tampa Bay Rays website Tropicana Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,042 Swinging with the Rays Tropicana Field opened to the public on March 3, 1990, and was originally named the Florida Suncoast Dome. It was built to lure an existing or expanding major league baseball team, but it wasn't until 1998 that the then-named Tampa Bay Devil Rays took the field at the newly renamed Tropicana Field. ​The stadium is affectionately known as “The Trop” and is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was built before Camden Yards and Chase Field, but its slanted roof was designed to reduce the interior volume, reduce cooling effects, and protect from hurricanes. ​However, on October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton tore through the roof and ripped it to shreds, causing the ball club to relocate to the New York Yankees spring training home, Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, for the 2025 season. The roof had outlasted its service by more than a decade. A new $55 million roof was installed, and the Rays returned for their first game in April 2026 ​Tropicana Field continues to make improvements for the betterment of the game and fan experience. It is worth the flight or drive to see a Major League Baseball game at “the Trop”. Food & Beverage 4 From the everyday fan to the foodie, there is something for everyone at Tropicana Field, offering fans far more than your standard ballpark fare. They have ballpark favorites, signature items, and savory specials throughout the stadium. The Budweiser Porch has many creative offerings, including the Flamin' Hot Corn Dog and the indulgent Pig + Potato from Haute Potato. Cuban sandwiches, Cubano dogs, and footlong pretzel dogs are also available. The Pretz-Strami Reuben and Short Rib Grilled Cheese are creative sandwiches. The 1B and 3B Food Halls offer more options, including chicken parmesan heroes, buffalo chicken tenders and sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak nachos, tacos, loaded nachos, and garlic fries. The Hall of Fame Bar & Grill, home to the Smokin' Rays Burger and more Loaded Nachos. This is also one of two spots where you can grab a Souvenir Daiquiri Bat—a frozen treat that doubles as a plastic baseball bat. The Pacific Counter is home to banh mi sandwiches, sushi rice bowls, egg rolls, and edamame. The Trop features domestic and local beer, including options from Cigar City and Coopertail Brewing Company. Many of them can be purchased from the multiple Grab N’ Go sections. The stadium also serves many wines, spirits, cocktails, and hard seltzers. Atmosphere 4 It’s a traditional and unique baseball stadium under a fixed dome with enthusiastic fans throughout. It is the only fixed-dome or roofed stadium in Major League Baseball, and a throwback to other domed stadiums like the Astrodome or the Metrodome. It sets the mood for the entire experience. ​The changes hope to create the mood, along with a team that usually battles for the division title. When the Rays returned to and updated the ballpark that featured new premium seating, all-inclusive areas with new graphics, LED lighting and interior murals, upgraded premium spaces, and the installation of new turf.​ The Rays Tank was overhauled and is located in right-center field just beyond the outfield wall. The tank is full of rays that are safe to touch and are great for small children. Fans can stay anywhere around the tank and watch the game. The Rays Tank, Photo by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey ​The Budweiser Deck was also reconfigured for a better fan experience. The MaintenX SkyDeck, above left field, was refreshed with new graphics, LED lighting, and a new interior mural celebrating Tampa Bay. ​There are other fan-oriented areas at the stadium that aim to create a positive vibe at games. Ballpark and Rec is a social space with arcade games, pinball machines, and tailgating activities. The Budweiser Porch is where you will find grab-and-go food and drink in an open-air-style viewing patio. Neighborhood 3 There is no walkable neighborhood immediately surrounding the stadium; however, it is located in St. Petersburg. A short car or bus ride from the stadium will bring you to many interesting shops and restaurants. Downtown St. Pete offers a mix of casual and upscale dining, wonderful museums, shops, and plenty of accommodations within a laid-back atmosphere. The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center features a permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly's unique glass artwork, while The Dali Museum houses an impressive collection of Salvador Dali's works spanning his life and career. The Museum of Fine Arts showcases collections of ancient antiquities, photography, and sculpture. If the weather permits, a walk through North Straub Park along the basin is time well spent while in town. ​Stillwaters Tavern is an American restaurant; BellaBrava features water views, Parkshore Grill serves up dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere, and The Wooden Roosters is a quaint little place for crepes and coffee. Fans 3 Unfortunately, Tropicana Field draws relatively low crowds for a Major League Baseball stadium. So don’t expect a booming fan base and packed house; however, the ones that do come are as energized as any other. Out in left field, you have Randy Land, where a group of diehard Rays fans resides, named for outfielder Randy Arozarena; you can spot them with their unique club T-shirts. When weather permits, you will see fans tailgating, which is part of the Rays Up. Fans will begin tailgating at Fergs Sports Bar and make their way to the stadium. Access 3 Conveniently located off Interstate 175, there are several parking lots, from premium parking to general parking off of 1st and 5th Avenue. You can also travel by bus and ride-share, which will drop you off near gates 3 and 4 behind home plate. This is a good place to also meet up with family and friends. A convenient mass transit option, the SunRunner, a rapid bus transit route with a stop on the north side of the Tropicana. The SunRunner runs every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. A great way to get in and out of this area with ease. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices, depending on the opponent, begin around $10 for an adult. Games against the Yankees and Red Sox can double in price, especially for tickets closer to the field. Parking in city and private lots will run between $15 and $30. Recent improvements, upgrades, and food expansions, which are reasonably priced, do make it worth the out-of-pocket expense. Extras 3 The dome is uniquely tilted and lights up orange after any Rays victory. It also provides much-needed AC during the muggy summer days and nights. The rotunda resembles the former Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. The Ray Tank might be one of the more interesting features at a major league baseball stadium. You can schedule the Tropicana Field tour that's worth taking (this is not free; tickets for adults are $15 & kids 14 & under are $12). It is done when the crowds are gone, and keep this in mind: the air conditioning is off. During the tour, you can really appreciate this structure from a different perspective. Final Thoughts Tropicana Field is an aging but unique structure with many features to be enjoyed. It is definitely worth it for the experience, not just as a fan of baseball but also of architecture, engineering, and new experiences. The new roof, new lighting, and food options upgrade the ballpark atmosphere and experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Victory Field 501 W Maryland St Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Indians website Victory Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,500 Victory Field: The Perfect Ballpark for Indianapolis Baseball Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis remains one of the premier spots to enjoy a minor league baseball game in the country; its design, setting, minor improvements, and simplicity continue to attract fans throughout the season. The team has been an institution in town since 1902 and has a stadium that is synonymous with baseball in Indianapolis. The Tribe has been the top draw in minor league baseball over the past two seasons, averaging well over 9,000 fans per game. The secret to the team’s success might be the spacious ballpark that ages like fine wine and affordable tickets, or its downtown location near the zoo, White Water Amphitheater concert venue, restaurants, bars, bike paths, museums, and Lucas Oil Stadium. Then again, it may be just the perfect ballpark for the size of the city. The Indianapolis Indians of the International League have been playing baseball at the stadium since July 11, 1996. The 14,230-seat stadium replaced the aging Bush Stadium that had housed the Tribe since 1931. Ironically, Bush Stadium was known as Victory Field from 1942 to 1967 after World War II. Baseball itself has been played in the city since 1877, while the Indians franchise has called Indianapolis home since 1902. The team has made several renovations over the past two seasons that have included a new $2.4 million, 35-foot-by-50-foot HD video board in the right field, updated suites, and hallways that now include the team colors of red and white, along with pictures of former players, managers, championship seasons, and a franchise timeline of major league affiliates and historic moments. The lawn seats are popular for weekend games. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 Victory Field upgraded its food options to include fresh–never frozen–burgers, loaded tots, and other delights for the baseball visitor. There are always the staples that include the always tasty Victory Dog, loaded nachos at the salsa bar, and Sun King beer that includes the exclusively produced Indians Lager–a Vienna Lager only found at the ballpark. Indy Burger Kitchen offers the classic single or double burger along with tots at its concession stand behind the backstop. The meat is never frozen, and fans can load their tots with cheese, chili, peppers, or bacon for an additional $3. Many fans were walking around with boxes of pizza. The size serves 2 children or 1 person and comes topped with either sausage or pepperoni. There is also a shareable portion of tots with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and peppers and onions. The Chicken Tender and Love stand offers chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches with fries, along with a sauce bar just outside the concession area. A condiment bar offers an array of sauces from barbecue, buffalo, Carolina gold, and hot honey. Tenders Love Chicken is a popular meal at the ballpark. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. There are a couple of kiosks on the first baseline that serve Korean brisket, adobe chicken, and harissa cauliflower tacos with chips. The Eisenberg sausage stand offers Polish sausage, footlong hot dogs, and the Dog of the Homestand, a tribute to the visiting team. The version on sale was the Gwinnett Glizzy, topped with coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and grilled onions. In the beverage category, Coors, Leinenkugel, and Budweiser products are served on draft, while local craft brewery Sun King offers 16-ounce cans. Sun King provides a variety of beers, including Vienna Lager, Wee Mac Scottish-style Lager, and the popular Sunlight Cream Ale. Fans can also pick up varieties from King Jugg Brewing Company. The Rum Bar offers flavors of Malibu rum: margaritas, dreamsicles, and pina coladas. Other options include Tropical Sno, where fans can build their own and purchase a Rowdie's Cheery Bear Sno or a Shark Attack. Surfside cocktails. Cutwater and Nutrl hard seltzers are also available at Grab and Go sections on the first and third base side of the stadium. The Yuengling Landing offers eight cocktail drinks served in mini fish bowls that are as colorful as they are tasty. A few of the selections include Blue Hawaiian, wine slushies, vodka and pink lemonade, and pineapple mango mojito. You can also find vendors hawking soda, beers, cotton candy, and peanuts in the stands. On Tuesday, it is Dollar Menu Night featuring $1 hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, and peanuts at specific concession stands. This night is also extended to Thursday night for playoff games. Thursday nights, during the regular season, feature Thursdays, which include $2 Pepsi products and $3 draft beers. The food at Victory Field does not try to reinvent ballpark cuisine, but rather, makes it a little bit tastier. Atmosphere 5 When you have a ballpark situated downtown, the views are spectacular throughout the concourse. There are two-tier seating and a long, lush grass berm area that is perfect for lying out on a blanket or enjoying a few snacks from your cooler. The berm is a favorite gathering spot for both your baseball and non-baseball fans to enjoy the game in unison; it is also a great place to get a tan. A lot of other ballparks have grass seating in the outfield, but here it is spacious and perfectly sloped for comfort. The majority of visitors enter through the center field entrance under the arched signs of Victory Field into the PNC Plaza. This area offers the children’s play zone, access to lawn seats, and concession items. You will also find a few sellers offering a cold beer or cotton candy to everyone who walks through the entrance. Fans either walk to their seats, gaze at the surrounding views, or head to other concession areas of the stadium. Then again, you may have a ticket in The Yuengling Landing in the left-field corner. A ticket will cost you $30, but you will have table-top seating with wait service. The popular section can handle up to 150 people per game and is usually sold out from June to September. Victory Field Yuengling Landing, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It is a place for adults 21 or older to enjoy the game in a much more prestigious setting at the ballpark. The Elements Financial Club is $85 and includes food and drink. It is located in the suite area above the grandstand and offers a full-service bar, indoor seating, and outdoor seats. Rowdie is the official team mascot, and he can be seen throughout the game entertaining fans. If you are with children, the team offers carnival games behind the batter’s eye in the center field. Kids can test their pitching arms, win prizes at ball tossing, or enjoy t-ball hitting and water gun races. There is also a small team gear stand and a food stand in this area. The team’s official merchandise store is rather small, but there is a lot of great team swag for both men and women that pays tribute to the team’s long history. There is an additional store down the first baseline. Also, look out for tables offering discounted shirts and caps during select times throughout the season. The main concourse features heritage posters that pay homage to past greats, including Harmon Killebrew, Roger Maris, Randy Johnson, George Foster, and current star Andrew McCutchen. Many of the Indians’ former Hall of Famers, all-stars, and championships are on display on the exterior of the outfield entrance. Neighborhood 4 Victory Field is located in downtown Indianapolis, and there are many options, including hotels, bars, restaurants, and museums; although many of them are chains, there are a few places worth visiting before or after a game. A great destination after the game would be Mass Ave., where the vibrant streets offer an array of dining and late-night destinations. The Eagle has some of the finest fried chicken in the city; Bru Burger Bar is widely popular, but then again, so is the taco and tequila bar Bakersfield. If you are looking for music, cocktails, and a cool vibe, visit Union 50. The downtown scene features many local breweries, including Sun King and Metazoa. The Tap Beer House and The Yard House feature even more craft beer choices from around the Midwest and the country. If you are with the family, the Indianapolis Zoo and State Museum are within walking distance of the stadium, and for a place the kids will enjoy, The Children’s Museum is just a few short miles north. The Fountain Square neighborhood is worth visiting as well, with even more restaurants, shops, bars, and comedy clubs. Fans 5 There is a question that lingers over each visit made to Victory Field. Are the fans here to watch baseball, or are they here for a nice night out with friends or family? It is solely about enjoying time outside, having a lazy afternoon, or enjoying a night with a group of friends or colleagues. It is a quintessential minor league baseball experience where fans come out in droves on the weekends, during fireworks nights, and during promotional Sunday afternoon games. The city fills up the place consistently year after year, and there has rarely been a negative word said about Victory Field by any of its fans or first-time visitors. Access 4 Moving around the concourse at Victory Field is simple and easy; markers are located for bathrooms, seating areas, and exits. Ushers are available to assist with seat location, and there are very few barriers in anyone’s way inside the facility. Concession booths are set up nicely around the stadium, and there is free WiFi for patrons. After and before the game, local police do a great job of making congestion dissipate on the streets and sidewalks outside of the main outfield entrance. The best way off I-70 is to exit 79A S. West St. and proceed north until the stadium is on your left. However, during certain weekends or Holiday games, the crowds can swell to close to 15,000–plan to arrive early and look for concession lines down the third base side to reduce wait time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for an Indians game will cost you between $13-$19 (add $2 if purchased the day of the game), depending on where you want to sit. This is the average price point compared to other International League teams. Tickets to Yuengling Landing are $32 and are near the foul pole in left field. Fans in the Landing have access to an exclusive menu, reserved tables and drink rails, a dedicated bar, and wait staff. The team offers its Dollar Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, where beer and soda are $3. Victory Field parking is accessible by several city lots surrounding the stadium, including the Senate State Garage (a 15-minute walk) for $7 and the White River State Park and Government Center Garage ($10). Lucas Oil Stadium Lot 1 and Convention Center Lot A are both $7 for most home games. Parking in the neighboring lots should cost you no more than $7-$10; however, parking in the museum lot can run you $10. If you can find street parking, the prices are from $1.50-$1.75 an hour until 9 PM, or if taking in a Sunday afternoon game, the meters are free of charge. Extras 5 One extra point for the lawn seats in minor league baseball; the area is perfectly sloped and wraps around the entire outfield perimeter. Fans are also allowed to bring in a single-handed cooler no larger than 20 inches, sans non-alcoholic beverages and glass containers. An extra point for the victory bell that gets rung after every Indian victory. The collection of merchandise from the team’s illustrious history is worth an extra point. The team introduced a brand new look for the 2026 season. However, you can spot Cincinnati Reds-era caps, Montreal Expos pinwheel caps, powder blue shirts, and Chicago White Sox-era navy caps on fans throughout the ballpark. One final extra point for the video menu boards at almost all concessions and kiosks throughout the facility. More ballparks are catering to visual customers who eat with their eyes. Final Thoughts Victory Field is my minor league baseball headquarters. I have the opportunity to visit the spacious facility numerous times each year and see what is new. Certain nights and promotions are better than others, but it is a ballpark that feels new, clean, vibrant, and beautiful after 30 years. It’s not uncommon to have 12,000 fans at the stadium on a Friday Fireworks Night. If architects were to create a new ballpark for Indy, they would make it exactly like Victory Field. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com