Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Danville Stadium 610 Highland Blvd Danville, IL 61832 Danville Dans website Danville Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 4,000 A Hidden Gem in Danville They do not build them like this anymore, and they never will; not by any stretch of the imagination will someone construct a facility like Danville Stadium. It is a place that was constructed on a whim after Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey passed through town on his way to Decatur, Illinois, to place a farm team shortly after World War II. After a few drinks and heavy conversation, Rickey was convinced by a few local people to place a team in town. Rickey agreed based on the stipulation that a ballpark would be built for the following season. The very next season, Danville Stadium was constructed at the cost of $71,000, and 67-years later, the Danville Dans of the Prospect League enter their 26th season of operation. The stadium was home to the Danville Dodgers/Dans from 1946-1954 and then the Danville Warriors/Suns from 1970-1976, and the Dodgers once again for the 1982 season. On June 20, 1947, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, and Pee Wee Reese came to Danville Stadium to play for their minor league affiliate. The current Dans debuted in 1989, known as the Highlanders during the first season, as a collegiate summer team in the Central Illinois College League. A couple of years later, the ballpark was used for the motion picture “The Babe.” The Dans moved to the Prospect League in 2008 and have been a mainstay in town, producing nine championships. Food & Beverage 3 The majority of the food is prepared and served underneath the grandstands at “The Varsity,” which has an eclectic selection of hot dogs and sandwiches. There are six styles, including the regular Bleacher Bum Dog, the Chi-Town Dog, the Chili Dog, and the Junk Yard Dog, which features chili, cheese, pickle spears, cucumbers, and my vote for all-time best hot dog topping: giardiniera. If you want something else, there are Italian beef and pulled pork sandwiches and Polish and Italian sausages. There is also popcorn, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, pop, and beer in this area, along with tables to enjoy your food before you return to your seats. The Dans step it up a notch with grilled brats, ribs, and steak sandwiches on certain dates in the right field picnic area. The steak sandwich is a bargain for $6, and with grilled peppers on top, it might make this the best deal for a piece of steak anywhere in the country. Try paying less at another ballpark or restaurant. You may have to travel to Buenos Aires to find a better deal for steak. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot of history dripping throughout the wooden beams and bleachers of Danville Stadium. Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Pee Wee Reese made appearances here. Cecil Cooper, Dave Stewart, Darrell Porter, Pedro Guerrero, and Jonathan Papelbon have all donned Danville uniforms. There is only one small entrance into the ballpark where workers greet you and rip your tickets in half, just like the way they did it before scanners took over at ballparks. Once inside, one has to marvel at the wooden covered grandstand that is supported by thick wooden beams and features dusty wooden seats. There are strange but wonderfully effective trash removal chutes, and interns collecting 50/50 raffles throughout the contest that give the place a sense of nostalgia. A picnic area is situated at the end of the third baseline, and a set of theater-style seats are located behind each dugout; in between these seats is a dirt area that might have been home to more box seating at one time in the stadium. There have been improvements that include a 36′ full digital color message/scoreboard from Watchfire Signs; the state-of-the-art scoreboard was donated by a former member of the board at Danville Stadium. It adds a little touch of modern comfort to the old ballpark. Neighborhood 2 Danville Stadium is a few yards north of I-74 and situated a few miles from downtown Danville. If you happen to get into town a few hours before the game, check out Gross’s Burger a few miles south of the ballpark. It is a local institution and offers flat grill burgers with various toppings for super low prices, along with thick milkshakes. The Moon Glo is another favorite spot that has been family owned since 1962, offering tenderloin sandwiches, steak dinners, and other pub food. According to its website, Royal Donut has been serving award-winning coffee paired with an awesome variety of donuts, pastries, and muffins since 1973. Gross's Burgers is a few miles from the stadium and worth a visit, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Little Nugget Steakhouse on 6 South Henning Rd lets customers cook their steaks on a community grill. Yes, sir, I will have that piece of raw meat, sprinkle a little Montreal seasoning, and cook it medium-well for a few minutes. I admit the last time I did this was with an ex-girlfriend in college almost 13 years ago, but after making a brief appearance on my trip, the place still has wonderful thick steaks and a few other items for the non-beef eater. If you have an extra day or two, trek west about 20 minutes to the University of Illinois in Champaign, which has a beautiful campus and livelier downtown scene. Danville is also an hour away from two other Prospect League cities of Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana, with a few more league cities a bit further in Springfield and Normal, Illinois. Fans 4 Danville fans are savvy and enjoy coming to the ballpark to watch the game; they aren’t easily led to the stadium for clear promotions or other gimmicks. The Dans have attracted around 1,600 fans per game the last few seasons, which usually places them number two in the league behind Chillicothe. A nice number for the ballclub that pulls in a fan base from nearby division foes in Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana. Access 5 Once again I find myself in a rather small city without a sign from the interstate. The field is two-tenths of a mile north of exit 215 B on I-74, but there is not a sign until you are within view of the old wooden ballpark. There is free parking, and getting in and out, and back onto the interstate is very easy. When this ballpark was constructed, perhaps someone had the foresight that it would be near the interstate, because it is in a perfect location for one to make a quick stop or take in nine innings worth of action. Return on Investment 5 All adult tickets are $8, children (6-8) are $5, and 5 and under are free of charge. Tuesday night is $3 Buck Tuesday, including $3 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products, and one brand of beer. There is no charge for parking at the stadium, and regular prices are reasonable for concession items. All tickets to Sunday games are $6 for adults. Thursdays include $17 for 2 tickets and 2 Busch Lights. The aspect of watching baseball in a well-maintained historic ballpark also adds value to the price of admission. Extras 3 Danville Stadium receives a point for $2 Buck Tuesdays that include $2 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products, and one brand of beer. Danville Stadium receives the second point for managing partners of the team, Jeanie Cooke and Rick Kurth, who do not take a salary for operating the baseball team and have other careers. Many of us would love to take on the responsibility of running a baseball team and having a ballpark as your second home, and Cooke and Kurth do it with style and class. Danville Stadium receives a final point for its historic nature and memorabilia that is featured in a small room that illustrates the players, the teams, and the legacy of the ballpark. Final Thoughts At one time, Danville Stadium was slated for the wrecking ball and left to rot after the Milwaukee Brewers relocated their Single-A team after the 1982 season. True, baseball would have moved away from Danville, but aren’t we somewhat better for having baseball played at Danville Stadium and other buildings of its kind? It is good to know that there are still old-school parks left to watch baseball at these days.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Athletic Park 324 E Wausau Ave Wausau, WI 54403 Wausau Woodchucks website Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 7,000 A Jewel of the Northwoods League Originally built in 1936, Athletic Park in Wausau, Wisconsin, has been housing competitive baseball for over 80 years. Minor league teams such as the Wausau Lumberjacks, Timberjacks, Mets, and the Timbers called Athletic Park home from 1936 to 1990. After the 1990 season, the minor league affiliate moved to Geneva, IL, and, in 1994, the Wisconsin Woodchucks were formed as a charter member of the summer collegiate Northwoods League. Twenty-seven years later, the park has been renovated section by section and is one of the jewels of the league. In 2000, the Wisconsin Woodchucks changed back to their original name of the Wausau Woodchucks, complete with new branding. They had been known by the city name in 1994. Food & Beverage 5 Athletic Park offers a very good selection of food and beverages. There are two main concession stands, one behind the first base dugout and a larger one down the left field line. The dugout stand has pizza slices, soft pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts for $3. They also have vanilla and chocolate soft serve and several frozen treats. A great selection of various craft beers for $5-$6 is for sale. Down the left field line is a bigger concession stand with several entrée options. The standard hot dog is $3, bratwurst is $4, and hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches both run $5. Several “ballpark favorites” really stand out. They have mac and cheese with bacon for $4 or pulled pork for $5. Regular nachos with cheese and jalapeños are $3.50, or you can upgrade to BBQ pulled pork nachos with coleslaw for $7.50. I dove into their Irish nachos. Instead of tortillas, it’s seasoned waffle fries topped with bacon, cheddar cheese sauce, onions, jalapeños, and sour cream. Definitely worth a try! Other favorites are chili cheese waffle fries and white cheddar cheese curds, $6-$7. A wide selection of craft beers is available for $5-$6. Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy are their standards, and there are about ten other crafts from various breweries. White Claw cans are $4, and 5-Tool Ale, a Northwoods League exclusive pale ale, is available for $4.50 for a pint-sized can, the cheapest I’ve seen it anywhere in the league. Bottled water and bottled Pepsi products are $2.75-$3.50. Atmosphere 4 Athletic Park was originally built in 1936, but the entire ballpark has been rebuilt in the last decade. It feels like a newer ballpark, mainly because it is. General admission tickets for metal bleachers are $9. These are located down the third baseline. They are attached to the rest of the stands and not just a “temporary section” of seats. Box seats behind home plate are $10. New in 2021 are the Dugout Seats above the first base dugouts for $12. The seats are all raised about 10 feet above the playing field. There is an elevator available for wheelchairs or people who have difficulty with the stairs. There are various on-field games and contests in between innings. Unfortunately, my game was rained out in the 5th inning, so I didn’t get to see the whole array of their contests. The scoreboard is above the right field wall and is quite basic. It displays the score, runs, hits, errors, outs, and the player’s number. There is no video board in the stadium. There were only a few hundred people the night I attended, but a lot of that can be attributed to it being a Monday game with rain in the forecast. I’m told that there is usually a solid fan base that shows up. Neighborhood 2 The park is in a residential neighborhood. There’s really nothing of note in the immediate area. The only food options within walking distance are a Subway, Biggby Coffee, and Thrive Foodery, an American food restaurant about a block away. Downtown Wausau and its River District are a mile or so south of the stadium. There’s a large selection of bars and restaurants downtown. The Wisconsin River is also nearby, which provides nice scenery for walking. Many standard hotel chains are within a few miles of the stadium. The Motel 6 ran me less than $50 for the night and is only a few minutes' drive away. Fans 3 I wish there had been more fans on the night that I attended. I loved the ballpark, but it felt a little empty. I’m sure it was just a bad night because of the weather. The fans who were there seemed to be really into the game. I talked to a few people who said they love coming out to the games. Access 3 While Wausau isn’t near any interstates, State Highway 29 and US 51 are nearby and both are divided highways. The ballpark is about two miles off the junction of those highways. The actual address is 2401 N 3rd Street. There is no actual parking lot, but a half block beyond the center field fence is a large grassy lot that many people use for parking. There is also street parking available with no meters. There is one main entrance to the park behind home plate. Return on Investment 3 $9 for a minimum ticket is starting to be a good price for a baseball game. The food selection is very good, and the beer prices are very reasonable. This quickly became one of my favorite parks in the league. Extras 3 One point goes to the renovation job done to the park in recent years. The current owner bought the team about a decade ago, and he put his own money into updating the stadium section by section. It looks great. One point goes to the incredibly friendly staff. Several people noticed that I was wearing a shirt from a rival team in the league (my home park in Traverse City), and they stopped to talk to me about their park and mine. People seemed to go out of their way to talk to me. One point goes to the elevated seating. I like the raised view and being slightly above the field. It’s a different experience from most ballparks. Final Thoughts Athletic Field quickly became one of my favorite parks in the Northwoods League. There might not be any feature that absolutely stands out, but the park just had “it” for me. It’s definitely a ballpark that I’m looking forward to visiting again.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 League Stadium 203 South Cherry St. Huntingburg, IN 47452 Dubois County Bombers website League Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 2,783 There’s Nothing to Cry About at this Ballpark League Stadium is home to the Dubois County Bombers of the Prospect League, but the ballpark is famously known as the home of the Rockford Peaches in the major motion picture A League of Their Own that chronicled the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League of the 1940’s. Bombers ownership has not forgotten this and has made sure that the game day experience is somewhat reminiscent of the 1992 film. League Stadium itself does have quite a history, as the grounds have hosted baseball since 1894, when the Dubois County Fair Board built a wooden grandstand to accommodate the crowds at the annual county fair. The facility seated 1,500 people and featured a 260-foot-long grandstand that hosted events such as horse racing and livestock shows. In 1921, strong winds destroyed the original grandstand, but it was rebuilt in time for Independence Day celebrations. Semi-pro baseball would be a fixture with the Huntingburg Merchants of the Indiana-Kentucky League during the 1950s, with crowds around 1,000 per game. Dubois County was a hub with 10 baseball clubs alone. However, in 1973 the county fair moved to another location, and by 1984 one-third of the deteriorating grandstand was razed, with only the portion behind home plate preserved. In 1991, Huntington's mayor, Connor Nass, proposed using the stadium for the film A League of Their Own. Two new wings were added to the existing portion of the stadium and built to the exact details of the time of the film, the 1940’s. The wood was cut into straight pieces, nails were used instead of staples, and the roof would not feature shingles. A crew of 36 men worked on the transformation of the stadium in 10 weeks for $800,000. The result was a permanent 2,800-seat baseball stadium that would be used once filming would cease. Hollywood came back in 1995 for HBO’s Soul of the Game about the Negro Leagues. League Stadium became Kansas City’s Blues Stadium. The next year, the Dubois County Dragons of the Frontier League opened up shop and stayed until 2002. The Bombers arrived as a summer collegiate team in 2005 and have been a mainstay ever since, donning 1940s-era uniforms and an enthusiastic game day staff that keeps the spirit of the “A League of Their Own” alive and well. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a few sections where they serve the basics, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, brats, grilled chicken sandwiches, and peanuts. The selection is not as varied as other places, but definitely satisfying for baseball games during the summer months. The prices range from $3 (hot dog) to $4.75 for a double hamburger. There is a beer garden down the left field line that offers popular national brands and a few locally made beers on draft. The prices range from $3 for Bud and Bud Light cans to $6 for craft selections from Basket Case Brewing Company in nearby Jasper, Indiana. Atmosphere 5 The ballpark offers two distinct sections of seating that include 1,400 orange theater-style seats that were once installed at Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium and wooden bleachers in the upper area of the grandstand. The very top row of the stadium offers VIP seating with table tops and chairs, along with plenty of elbow room for socializing. The covered wooden grandstand includes various columns and posts that feature banners of former players who called the ballpark home. There are also US flags hung in various parts of the grandstand netting that extends from both dugouts. There is an electronic scoreboard behind the right field wall, but it appears somewhat out of place here. A small press box with a lively crew that includes a public announcer who dresses up as Harry Carey and imitates the former Sox and Cubs announcer with his rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. He also gets the crowd excited throughout the game with announcements and on-field promotions. The in-between promotions include dizzy bat races, throwdowns at third where kids toss water balloons at the mascot Casey (a local college student dressed in a throwback uniform), and T-shirt tosses to lucky fans who get a chance to walk on the field. The Peaches are a group of eleven young ladies dressed in pink baseball uniform dresses from the movie who sell tickets, greet customers at the door, provide temporary tattoos to young fans, and take part in dancing to the Cotton Eye Joe after the 4th inning of play in the grandstand. The dance is part of the tradition and provides a boisterous cheer from all in attendance. The stadium also features many memories from A League of Their Own, including movie set pieces underneath the grandstand, merchandise in a small–but very impressive gift shop–and the infamous quote “There’s no crying in baseball!” uttered by Tom Hanks during the film is plastered against the exterior wall. There is even a spot where he said the famous line. The outfield walls are lined with beautifully painted 1940’s period advertisements that had been left over by the film crew, along with the hand-operated scoreboard. A concrete wall (painted brick brown) surrounds the stadium with League Stadium imprinted behind home plate and in center field. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Huntingburg is located a few blocks from the ballpark, offering various storefronts and places to eat before or after the game. The Gaslight Restaurant offers sandwiches and pizza. Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is a fine choice for dining, and Market Street Soup & Salad is another fine choice. There are also a few regional chain restaurants along the main street heading north towards Jasper, where a few more breweries, such as Basket Case Brewing Company and Schnitz Brewery & Pub, are located. A few attractions in Dubois County include the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in Jasper, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in nearby Santa Claus, Patoka Lake, Ferdinand National Forest, and the Hoosier National Forest. The majority of lodging options are a few miles north in Jasper. Fans 4 The local population enjoys their time at the game with fun, excitement, and good baseball on the diamond. There is a lot of in-between promotions and cheers for the local college talent. There is also a small group of die-hard fans who sit down the third baseline that makes its presence felt when they think a strike should have been called against the visiting team. The group brings out props and engages in chants that are quite uncommon in the summer collegiate leagues. Access 3 League Stadium is located about 2.5 hours south of Indiana and is within 45 minutes of Evansville and 1.5 hours from Louisville, Kentucky. The closest major interstate is 6 miles south on I-64 and 25 miles west of I-69. Two-lane state roads might be your best option if coming in from the north. However, once inside the stadium, the concourses are wide, and bathrooms and concessions are clearly marked. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket starts at $5 and maxes out at $8 for the VIP bar suites. There is plenty of free parking around the ballpark, which is located in the local community park, and concession prices are fairly inexpensive, including $3 hot dogs and beers. The theatrics that take place during the game from the Peaches, Casey, and the public announcer really give the stadium its soul and liven up the atmosphere. Extras 5 League Stadium gets a point for its aesthetic that includes 1940’s advertisements on the outfield walls, a hand-operated scoreboard, old-school ticket designs, and players' rayon uniforms. The stadium earns another point for the Peaches and Casey, who entertain the crowd during the game, from on-field promotions to dancing in the main concourse. The third point is for the free O’Doul’s beer offered for its designated driver program. The final point is for the old-fashioned, small-town baseball experience that you can’t find throughout the state. Final Thoughts A wonderful and charming little stadium in southern Indiana that is somewhat of a drive for some in the state, but perhaps a drive that is well worth it since there is not quite another ballpark like it in the Hoosier State. League Stadium offers an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind in a small-town field that is indeed reminiscent of the 1940’s.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Xfinity Mobile Arena 3601 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Wings website Xfinity Mobile Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,306 Wings Lax Still Flying Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. A massive renovation in 2020 has brought the arena up to modern standards and is favorably comparable to any venue in the National Lacrosse League. The Wings are still attempting to capture the imagination of Philadelphia sports fans and the magic of previous Wings iterations. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major differences found at Wells Fargo Center as a result of the 2020 renovation is a commitment to improving the concession experience. Philly sports fans are now able to experience a premium concession experience. The regular arena favorites are all present, of course, however, they are now joined by many Philly favorites and higher quality items than were found previous to the renovation. Some unique items that can now be found at Wells Fargo Center include Federal Donuts, huge, thin-crust pizza slices at Cuz’s Pizza, Vodka Parm Sandwiches and Italian Pork Sandwiches at 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese Balls at Line Change, various Philly Cheesesteaks at First Line Steaks, burgers and milkshakes from Shake Shack and Crab Fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Wells Fargo. Beer selections include Blue Moon, Yuengling, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Athletic Brewing Co. products. The concession scene deserves to be planned out a bit and a concessions map are available on the Wells Fargo Center website, or here. Atmosphere 4 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Complex and is surrounded by parking. Although there is nothing overly exceptional about the exterior of the building, it is far from unattractive. There is not an overabundance of glass on the exterior of the building, but light-colored siding and brick are the main materials. A couple of photo ops that fans may want to check out on the exterior, aside from the view of downtown Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field, or Citizens Bank Park, would include the statue of Wilt Chamberlain at the southeast corner of the building, or the statue of Ed Snider at the northwest corner. Fans entering the Wells Fargo Center will be welcomed by newly designed concourses. Concession stands are grouped in various areas that include some seating areas to visit with other fans and enjoy a drink or eat some food before heading into the bowl. The top sides of the concourse walls feature small murals and headings of numerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas which keep the local flavor of the building strong. Several Flyers and Sixers displays may interest fans as well. For Wings games, the smaller merchandise counters are where fans will find a variety of swag items. When fans enter the seating bowl, their attention will immediately be drawn to the massive, concave, four-sided videoboard. Crystal clear and state of the art, the videoboard features long, concave screens to match the long sides of the floor with smaller, more square boards on the ends. The ribbon board that goes with the screen uniquely can be raised or lowered and has flames that shoot out for pregame festivities. The floor runs from south to north with the perfect spot for the center logo picture to be taken, on the east side. A typical, two-level seating bowl separated by luxury boxes is found at the Wells Fargo Center. The seats in the Wells Fargo Center are new and spacious and much better than what was previously in the arena. In the southwest corner rafters hang banners for the Wings. Retired number banners for Dallas Eliuk, Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Kevin Finneran are joined by a banner noting 1989, 1990, 1994, and 1995 North American Cup Championships and 1998 and 2001 Champions Cup Championships. All honors are for previous iterations of the Wings, but it is good that the current Wings have continued to memorialize them. The gameday atmosphere at a Wings game is not dissimilar to that of other NLL teams. The entrance for the players during pregame is highly produced with a hype video, followed by player entrances through a physical, illuminated version of the current Wings logo with plenty of loud music and flames. Music plays throughout the action on the floor and there are plenty of promotions. The Philadelphia Wings Dancers take part in the pregame and perform at points during the game. The Wings mascot, Wingston, can be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 3 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood, just across the Delaware River on the other side of New Jersey. There is not much in the way of a neighborhood that would be within walking distance of the arena. Xfinity Live is part of the complex as is the Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. There are a couple of spots fans may want to check out for food or drink just south of the complex, including DiNic’s Pork and Beef and The Gatehouse. What the area lacks in pre and post-game food venues it more than makes up for access to other sports. The Wells Fargo Center is shared with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers and periodically the Villanova Wildcats. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls. The Army-Navy Game often resides at Lincoln Financial Field also. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Philadelphia Union plays in nearby Chester. There are also several college basketball sports fans who could check out including the Temple Owls, Drexel Dragons, Villanova Wildcats, LaSalle Explorers, and St. Joseph’s Hawks. Checking out the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers, is a must for college basketball and Philadelphia basketball fans. Fans wishing to stay close to the complex can either stay at the casino or the Courtyard Philadelphia South. Heading into downtown Philadelphia also offers a host of other tourist and food options fans should consider. Fans 3 Assessing the fan situation in the National Lacrosse League is becoming increasingly difficult as attendance figures are often not published. It is safe to say that the current Wings have not enjoyed the same following that earlier versions of the team did. That being said, it seems that attendance at Wings games is on the rise. The game that was attended for review had an odd, 11 am start time and still attracted over 7,000 fans. It is also safe to say that the Wings are not consistently breaking the 10,000 fan mark. Fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate. Hopefully, the word will spread and the average attendance for Wings games will continue to increase. Access 4 Getting to the Wells Fargo Center is not that difficult. The complex is located on Broad Street, immediately north of I-95 and south of I-76. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not terrible. If multiple teams are playing in the complex at the same time, it could be more of a problem. There is plenty of parking in the area. Fans wishing to take public transit can catch the subway to the NRG Station on the west side of the complex. Fans should see the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Wells Fargo Center is not an issue. With the renovations, all of the seats in the arena were replaced and the replacements are bigger and more comfortable than before. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance for Wings games. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for major sports are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Philadelphia Wings and/or Wells Fargo Center websites for the most up-to-date security protocols including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 The Philadelphia Wings put on a good show, with plenty of excitement, in a facility that is as good as any in the National Lacrosse League. The “fastest game on two feet” will engage fans and keep them on the edge of their seats and the Wings do a solid job of putting together a strong gameday package. Wings tickets are not expensive and good seats can be found for $25 with both more and less expensive options available. Concession prices are what one would expect, but the concession experience is excellent. Parking is a bit on the expensive side, but average for other Philadelphia sports experiences. More fans in the stands would provide an even better lacrosse experience and bump the ROI even higher. Extras 3 An extra mark for the recognition and embracing of the Philadelphia Wings past.An extra mark for the return of the NLL to a traditional lacrosse market. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Wells Fargo Center Final Thoughts With the return of the Philadelphia Wings to the Philadelphia sports scene, thoughts back to the glory days of Philadelphia lacrosse are fresh in the minds of Philly fans. It seems rekindling those days is still a few years away, but with a renovation to Wells Fargo Center, the time is right to head to South Philly and take in some box lax. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Corn Crib Stadium 1000 W Raab Rd Normal, IL 617613 Normal Cornbelters website Corn Crib Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,000 The New Normal The Corn Crib opened in 2010. The baseball stadium still feels fairly new ten years later and is an intriguing place to watch a game of baseball. The Normal CornBelters share the stadium, which seats 7,000, with Heartland Community College. The Heartland Hawks play both their baseball and soccer on the stadium’s artificial turf surface. This arrangement makes for interesting field placement and a lot of foul ground. The Normal CornBelters began as a Frontier League team in 2010 but in 2019 moved to the Prospect League. However, due to the coronavirus in 2020 and the Prospect League canceling the season, the CornBelters started the “Kernels Collegiate League.” The “League” consists of mostly local players and includes four teams: the CornBelters, Gems, Bobcats, and Hoots, all playing at the Corn Crib. The stadium is located near the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, which are the home of two universities, Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. The stadium’s name is a result of an agreement between the CornBelters and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Food & Beverage 3 The Corn Crib Cafe concession stand has mostly standard food such as hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburger/cheeseburger, chicken strips, nachos, and fries. Then they have some non-standard fare such as BBQ pork, BBQ pulled pork nachos, and corn nuggets. I highly suggest the BBQ pork and corn nuggets, but everything I have had is excellent. Across from the Corn Crib Café, there is another stand; however, this stand is only for people who buy a special ticket package. I am not sure if this is always the case or just because of the coronavirus. Corny’s Sugar Shack sells sweet & frozen treats such as Slushies, ice cream sandwiches, sundae cups, popsicles, and a pickle sickle (frozen pickle juice). Unfortunately, this stand was closed on my visit due to the coronavirus. However, the same items are for sale at the Corn Crib Café. Huskers Bar features local DESTIHL Brewery beer such as Hawaii or Normal Pils and other craft beers like Goose Island 312 and Shock Top. In addition, they sell buckets (5 – 16 oz. bottles of beer) of domestic (Budweiser and Miller Lite products) beer for $22 or 16-ounce cans for $5. In addition, the bar has margaritas and mixed drinks, top-shelf mixed drinks, and well drinks. The food prices for the amount you get are very reasonable. However, the lines are very long due to there only being two stands open. Atmosphere 2 The main entrance and ticket office are located in the outfield. An entrance is behind home plate too. A “corn” theme resonates throughout the stadium. Even the stairs near the office going up to the stadium have corn pictures on them. In addition, usually t, there are a couple of rows of corn in the right center planted in between the players’ clubhouse and their entrance to the outfield (on this day there were not). The players enter the field of play walking through them, à la a “Field of Dreams.” Though on this day the players did not walk through the “field,” the managers did. Seating around the stadium includes box seats and some bleachers, as well as large amounts of lawn seating in left and right fields. You cannot walk around the whole stadium, as behind center field is not accessible. The playing surface itself is an artificial turf surface, which many local independent league teams are doing so they can host other events and cut down on rainouts. The stadium is also used for soccer, so there is a very large amount of foul territory as the seats are not close to the baseball field, especially down the first and third baselines. So sitting at the far end of the foul lines, you will be a far distance away from the action. The usual scoreboard and video board are beyond the right-centerfield wall. The video board is pretty small, and some of the statistics can be hard to read. On the concourse, one of the women’s rooms is billed as the “World’s Greatest Restroom.” It is sponsored by a local home improvement vendor, so I wish I could see what it looks like. Though the women I talked to didn’t say it was the “greatest.” About two years ago, an awning was added behind home plate that provides more shade and covering than the ballpark had when it originally opened. The kids' play area, which is located down the third baseline on the concourse, features a few inflatables and is free of charge. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in Normal, which is the home of Illinois State University and near Illinois Wesleyan University, so there are plenty of “college bars” and fast food places. However, the college is located about one mile south of the stadium on Main Street. Surrounding the Corn Crib is Heartland Community College, a trailer park, and a golf course with some retail businesses. The City of Normal has an “upscale” area which is nice where there are plenty of food choices and shopping. If you do decide to go into town for food or drinks, you need to go to Tub II and/or Maggie Miley’s, which are good bars with excellent food. Elroy’s (a sports bar) and Maguire’s Bar & Grill are good places for a drink. One local favorite restaurant is Monical’s Pizza of Normal. An interesting fact is that Monical’s is in the first Steak ‘N Shake location. Fans 3 Like in other Prospect League stadiums, the fans are mostly families looking for a cheap night out or people who go out to socialize. The diehard fans sit right behind the plate and are knowledgeable about their team. Most everywhere else in the stadium, you see the more casual fan. The CornBelters left the Frontier League and joined the Prospect League due to attendance/cost issues. Being in the Prospect League makes it easier for the CornBelters to make money or break even. They are still hoping that attendance increases after the virus scare is over. The CornBelters have numerous promotional nights, such as 10¢ hot dogs or family days, etc., but the fireworks nights or a popular giveaway item, like a bobblehead, usually get a good attendance bump. Access 4 The stadium is very easy to get to. It is about ½ mile south of the intersection of I-55 and Business 51 off of Raab Rd. The ballpark is small, simple, and easy to move around. The crowds never get too busy, unless for promotional nights or fireworks. The bathrooms and exits are marked clearly for all customers. Return on Investment 4 The CornBelters game began at $5 for lawn seats, $8 for reserved bleacher seating, and $10 for reserved box seats, and parking was $2. The CornBelters offer special pricing every Tuesday at the ballpark. General admission tickets are available at 50% off the regular price. Concession discounts include $2 hot dogs, chips, popcorn, water, soft drinks, and Gatorade. Additional $3 options feature corn dogs, brats, french fries, nachos, churros, and Twisted Tea 12 oz cans. Cheese fries and 16 oz domestic beer are available for $4. Editor's Note: The ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 3 The mascot, Corny, once again adds to the corn theme and is very accessible during the game. Kids, of course, love his antics and getting their pictures taken with him, as do many adults. The corn theme is carried throughout the ballpark. From the corn stalks outside the ballpark, the pictures on the stairs, and in center field to the random corn facts posted throughout the concourse to the old farming equipment on display. The CornBelters have a “Not Forgotten” seat to honor the men and women lost protecting our country while in military service behind home plate. This is a nice way to honor those who served. Final Thoughts The Corn Crib is a nice stadium, and the large foul ground is kind of unusual. It is a place that I would recommend seeing, but don’t count on getting a foul ball.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium 17273 State Route 104 Chillicothe, OH 45601 Chillicothe Paints website VA Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,000+ Paints Baseball Built in 1955, VA Memorial Stadium was originally used as a softball field for long-term patients of the nearby VA Medical Center. In 1993, the Chillicothe Paints were formed, and the field was completely renovated, including adding the existing outfield wall. The Paints were charter members of the independent Frontier League from 1993 until 2008. In 2009, the team changed direction and became charter members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. More than a decade and two league championships later, the team is still going strong. Food & Beverage 4 VA Memorial Stadium offers a solid menu of ballpark food at very reasonable prices. Standard hot dogs are $3 (upgrade to a coney or super dog with sauce, melted cheese, and onions for a dollar or two more). Sloppy Joes and cheeseburgers are $4. Brat with kraut, pulled pork, and grilled chicken sandwiches are $5. There are also nachos and super nachos for $3.50/$5. The most expensive item on the whole menu is a double cheeseburger, which checks in at a very reasonable $6. I didn’t see any vegan options available for entrees. 20oz Pepsi products, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2.50. There are two stands with identical items, one right behind the home plate, and another in the left field picnic area. Two beer stands are available, one each down the baselines. 16oz Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra drafts are a mere $3.50. On Thirsty Thursday, 12oz beers are a buck. Similar aluminum cans are $4.50 for 16 ounces. They also have cans of White Claw for $3.50 and O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic beer for $2. Behind home plate is a DQ Ice Cream stand that offers cups of ice cream, Dilly Bars, Star Kisses, fudge bars, and orange bars, all for $2.50 each. Atmosphere 4 As is the case with a lot of parks built in its era, there is a great old-time feeling to VA Memorial. The covered concourse behind home plate only extends about halfway down the infield but has room for well over a thousand fans. There are 12 rows of wooden seats, with the first six rows having backrests. Most of those have season ticket holders’ names on them. Beyond the bases, there are two sets of metal bleachers to handle more fans. There is also a large picnic area down the left field line with plenty of picnic tables. The total capacity is over 3,000. Behind the first base bleachers is a large kids’ play area named in honor of Jackson (Jack) Fish. Jack was a former employee and batboy for the team. In 2017, he passed away, and the team honored him with the playground and a memorial plaque. Jackson Fish Memorial Playground, Photo by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey A basic electronic scoreboard is above the left-center field wall. No videos, just the runs, hits, errors, player number, and pitch speed. The PA sound system is quite clear. There are no on-field games during innings, but there are a lot of lucky number giveaways to various businesses. Lucky numbers are obtained by purchasing a program, complete with scorecard and roster sheets, for $1. Neighborhood 2 The biggest detriment to the ballpark is its location in proximity to the town. The stadium is located on the grounds of a large VA Medical Center. Officially, it is designated Building 244 in the complex. Other than a golf course that is also part of the complex, there is no other business around. The only thing within a couple of miles is a large prison. It’s a nice-looking setting, but there is nothing else nearby. If you venture into downtown Chillicothe, five miles away, there are plenty of dining and shopping options. Chillicothe was the original capital of Ohio, and there are banners downtown that celebrate the fact. The Majestic Theater has also been open for 158 years. The city has all the usual chain restaurants. Plenty of fast food. But there are quite a few individual restaurants worth exploring. I had a delicious cheeseburger at 50 West downtown. I also had a couple of Ohio brews at The Pour House nearby, and the smell as I walked by the Hometown Hibachi almost made me have a second lunch. The downtown setting is worth the visit. There are several hotels in the city, but most of the cheaper motels are located about a half hour away in the town of Washington Court House. There are no lodging areas within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 Fan attendance is quite good at VA Memorial. Over 1,500 showed up for the Wednesday night game that I attended. A couple of Little League groups were there in uniform. The covered grandstand felt a little empty, but that’s because fans can spread out down the lines. A lot of people stayed in the shaded picnic area. The Paints have been in town for 28 years now, so the team has a good core of season ticket holders who sit right behind home plate. Access 3 I had to do a bit of searching to find the ballpark. Google Maps does not have the ballpark listed at all. The stadium is located on the VA Medical Center campus, right on State Route 104. It’s just north of US 35 and just west of US 23. The physical address of the stadium is 17273 State Route 104. No interstates serve the area, and there’s no public transportation. Parking is free and plentiful. Tickets are all General Admission and are $7 each. Children, seniors, and veterans can purchase tickets for $5. There are two sets of restrooms. The original restrooms are located under the grandstand. They are very small and cramped. I would recommend going down the left field line to the picnic area. That area is much newer, and the bathrooms are very spacious. Return on Investment 4 This is definitely a ballpark where you get your money’s worth. Ticket prices are very reasonable, and food and especially drinks are as inexpensive as you’re going to find at a ballgame. General admission tickets are $8, while senior, military, and children tickets are $6. Extras 3 One point goes to the players who, before each game, walk through the crowd and thank the fans for coming out and slap high fives with fans and kids. I asked an usher, and they said it’s an every-game thing. One point goes for the beer prices. After paying $11 at a Triple-A game earlier in the day, it felt nice to have two for under $10 here. One point goes to the Jackson Fish Memorial Playground. They really did a lot to honor their former fan and employee. His story has a sad ending, but they celebrate his life very well. One point goes to the stadium itself. I really liked the feel of the ballpark, and the Paints have been going strong here for almost three decades. They’re definitely doing something right. Final Thoughts I had been wanting to come to VA Memorial Stadium for many years, but it’s never been on my path. The city is not really on the way to anything. Now that I’ve been here, I really want to come back. It was a very nice experience both at the ballpark and in the town. If you’re looking for a great old-school feel setting for a baseball game without too many bells and whistles, Chillicothe is it.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Community Field 2712 Mt Pleasant St Burlington, IA 52601 Burlington Bees website Community Field website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 3,200 Small Town Baseball in Iowa Burlington, Iowa, has the distinction of being the smallest city in full-season minor-league baseball. The town of 25,000, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, has been home to professional baseball since 1889 and, for the majority of the last 130 years, has hosted a ball club of some type. The most popular nickname is the Bees, which was first used in 1924 and has been the name of the current Burlington Bees club in the Midwest League since 1993. The home of the Bees is Community Field, a facility that has had an interesting history since debuting in 1947. The 3,200-capacity ballpark’s original grandstand burned down on June 9, 1971, but no games were lost due to temporary bleachers being installed. The ballpark would be rebuilt in time for the 1973 season. The stadium was upgraded in 1999, including new bleachers and box seating, the elevation of the party deck, and an upgraded scoreboard. This was followed by a much more extensive 2005 renovation that made use of more than $1 million from the Vision Iowa fund. The changes resulted in a fully covered and expanded main concourse, a new press box, a new outer brick facade with wrought iron gates, and a separate building to house team offices, a ticket office, and a team store. The cost of the renovation came in at about $3 million. The ballpark’s most distinguishable feature, and what makes it unique from any other ballpark in the country, is the canopy that arches over the main concourse behind the grandstand and the first few rows of the grandstand seating itself. Perhaps the ballpark’s other distinct feel is the hometown atmosphere from the small concession stand, affordable pricing, the friendly banter among fans, and the hospitality by the Bees front office. To many, this is what the minor league ballpark should be all about during the spring and summer months. Editor’s Note: Our review was when the Bees were an affiliated team in the Midwest League. They have been members of the Prospect League since 2021. Food & Beverage 4 Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of food that most baseball fans will not find at other stadiums in the country at Community Field. The majority of the menu items are featured at the main concession stand behind the grandstand, and most items are well-priced. The Lippy Dog is a must if you happen to be at a game from Thursday to Sunday. The item is made from a giant fried chicken tenderloin that is dipped in buffalo sauce and then served on a hot dog bun with either blue cheese or ranch dressing. The Lippy Dog is the Bees take on the chicken lip, the same item that is served on a stick instead of a bun throughout the state. The price is $5 for an item not found at any other stadium. Another take on an Iowa favorite is the Bees-Rite sandwich, which is the club’s take on a Maid-Rite sandwich. The loose-meat hamburger is best enjoyed with pickles, onions, and mustard. The Bees version seems a bit more glued together but equally tasty; even better is that it costs $4. Iowa is also known for pork tenderloin sandwiches, a flattened piece of pork that is breaded and fried and served on a very small bun. Some tenderloins are big enough to share with someone you are at the game with. The cost is $6. The concession stand offers both chicken and hog wing baskets for $7; a hog wing is a pork shank that I first tried last year at a Reading Fightin Phils game. There are also chicken strip baskets, brats, Chicago dogs, corn dogs, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. There are also macho nachos and taco ‘n bag. You can wash all of these tasty treats down with Pepsi products. The beer selection includes a variety of domestic beers from Budweiser, Coors, and Miller. Coors Banquet, Michelob Ultra, and Pabst Blue Ribbon are also included at $4 for a 16-ounce can. A few premium brands will cost you .50 cents more and include Blue Moon, Bud Light Lime, White Claw, Red’s Apple Ale, and Smirnoff wine coolers. Two craft beers are on tap: 6-4-3 Double Play Brew and Kölsch-45 for $5 a pint. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is small, quaint, and just how you might remember minor league ball from your youth. The grass parking lot offers plenty of space in front of the stadium, and small ticket booths are staffed by friendly staff who tell you to enjoy the game. There are a few more greeters at the wrought iron gates on both sides of the building that spell out the team’s nickname. The concession stand, team offices, bathrooms, and a small team store that houses every game day program in team history and a trophy case are located in the same building and underneath the large canopy. The area features the four-team championship banners won by the Bees, and perhaps the official team mascot Buzz can be seen posing for photos. The grandstand is made up of a majority of bleacher-style seating except for the first four rows of box seating. The party deck located on the first baseline is raised ten feet above the field and features Stingerz Landing, which offers four box seats with half-moon tables. The scoreboard just tells the score and does not include a video board, and ads fill up the outfield fencing of the field. Homers @ Third is a social and bar area down the third baseline where many congregate to enjoy a beer or two while viewing the game. The area is slightly lower than the playing field, and many lean up against the wooden fence. The area features table tops and stools and is quite busy on Thirsty Thursdays. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located in a residential neighborhood and about 3 miles from downtown along the Mississippi River. The Catfish Bend Casino is located two blocks from the ballpark; the casino includes a water park, go-karts, an arcade, and bowling for the kids. There are also bars, restaurants, a spa, and a golf course for adults. If you stay at the hotel, it includes free tickets to the Bees game. A few more places near the ballpark are Dillons BBQ (pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs), Lips to Go (chicken lips and even a chicken lip pizza), Maid-Rite (loose meat sandwich), and Gators Grill and Sports Bar (pub food and drinks). Fans 3 There is a collection of fans who reside at Homer's @ Third and share a few stories about the history of the club along with the ballpark itself. There are also a few fans who travel 200 miles round trip to watch the Bees. There is also Dancin’ Bobby, who dances to every song that is played over the PA system in between innings. The average attendance for games is around 900 and is among the lowest in all of full-season minor-league baseball. That is not surprising due to the town’s population and the three other Midwest League franchises within 117 miles of Community Field. Access 4 Community Field is located on Mt Pleasant Road about half a mile north of the intersection of Route 34 and 61. The stadium offers a free grass parking lot, and once inside, most of the ballpark’s essentials (bathrooms, concession stand, and team store) are located behind the press box and grandstand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 The price of a general admission ticket is $9, reserve tickets are $10, and box seats are $11. Seniors and student tickets are $7, and kids under 5 are admitted free. The ball club offers seating on Stingers Landing that sells for $50 and includes 4-box seats with half-moon tables. Parking is free of charge, and concession items include affordable pricing and regional items. The cost of a general admission ticket, a hot dog, pop, and popcorn is $2 on Monday nights. Tuesdays are 2 for 1, and Thirsty Thursdays include two domestic beers for $6. There are also specials on Bud and Busch Light on Friday evening games. Editor's Note: Ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 4 Community Field earns a point for its roof that creates a focal point at the ballpark and gives the facility its signature look. Another point for Homers @ Third is that it features some of the club's most ardent fans plus a few regulars who enjoy hanging out with friends during the game. A third point is the small-town atmosphere that can only be achieved in a town like Burlington and reminds many of us what minor league baseball once was a few short years ago. The fourth and final point is the friendly staff that engages in stories either at the concession stand or in the gift shop. Final Thoughts Community Field is a rare treat in the world of minor league baseball and fits in a sort of square peg with many of the other ballparks in the Midwest League; however, that is fine, since sometimes it’s nice to attend a baseball game where the action on the diamond is the focal point and childhood memories can come through 9 innings of baseball. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 NelsonCorp Field 537 Ballpark Drive Clinton, IA 52732 Clinton LumberKings website NelsonCorp Field website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 5,000 An Old-Fashioned Baseball Experience Sitting a mere few hundred feet away from the Mississippi River, FieldCorp Field opened in 1937 as Riverview Stadium and was home to the Clinton Owls, a farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The stadium has been renovated to include new lighting, bigger dugouts, and better locker rooms and batting cages. The home of the Clinton Lumber Kings is the only charter member of the Midwest League from its maiden season of 1956. A quick scan of the list of players who have played in Clinton includes greats such as Denny McClain, Mike Scioscia, Dave Stewart, Orel Hershiser, Jason Bay, and Ian Kinsler. The LumberKings are the last remaining member of the original Midwest League, which began in 1956. For fans of stadiums with an old-time feel, NelsonCorp Field is right up your alley. Additionally, Clinton is a mere 90-minute drive from Dyersville, Iowa, home of the iconic Field of the Dreams movie site. Editor’s Note: Our review was written when the LumberKings were an affiliated team in the Midwest League. They have been members of the Prospect League since 2021. Food & Beverage 3 Much like the ballpark, the concessions offer the basics, with one exception. The featured food item at this ballpark is simply called…the garbage pail. For $8.50, you get a load of mini tacos, chicken strips, fries, onion rings, poppers, cheese balls, corn nuggets, and corn dogs. It’s not the healthiest thing around, but who cares? Everyone who was eating them seemed quite happy with their choice. The prices are quite good, and for $3-$5 you can have burgers, brats, hot dogs, nachos, grilled cheese, onion rings, cheese balls, ice cream, popcorn, and many other traditional ballpark items. Cans and bottles of soda, including RC Cola, Diet Rite, Sun Drop, 7 Up, A&W Root Beer, lemonade, and Snapple, along with water, are the beverage choices. For the adults, there is a decent choice of beer and malt-type beverages available throughout the concourse and out by left field. Atmosphere 5 Entering the gates gets you to the concourse with concessions, restrooms, and the LumberKings team shop. Walking up the entrance ramps to the seating bowl is like going back in time. The stadium was built in 1937, and not much has been done with its appearance since, which isn’t a bad thing. The seating bowl is very uncomplicated, with three rows of stadium box seats that sit in front of the walkway, guaranteeing fans will rarely have their view of the game blocked by someone walking by. Behind the walkway, bleachers encompass the rest of the seating bowl. The bleachers behind home plate have backs to them and are a bit more comfortable than those without. Netting surrounds most of the infield from mid-dugout on the third base side to mid-dugout on the first base side. An overhang covers the entire seating bowl, so the likelihood of being in the shade most, if not all, of the game is quite good. Over the right field wall is the Leinenkugel’s Lumber Lounge, which hosts groups of 25-200 people. The Coors Light Picnic Pavilion hosts groups of similar size and sits down the left field line along with the Bullpen Patio, which hosts smaller groups and gives the unique experience of sitting directly over the wall from the home bullpen. A kid’s area is also in the left field corner where kids can play on various equipment for $5, good for the entire game. Once the game starts, it’s all about baseball with your typical between-innings promotions. A primitive scoreboard sits over the left-center field wall. You won’t get replays on ancillary stats on the scoreboard, simply the line score and ball and strike count, which only adds to the old-time charm of this stadium. Neighborhood 3 The best part about the location of the ballpark is that you are a couple of minutes’ walk from the Mississippi River. A quick walk up 6th Avenue will get you to the Candlelight Inn Restaurant. The Candlelight is a great family restaurant, with a large menu with something for everyone. Chicken George with Jan sauce is the specialty of the house and quite popular. If Mexican food is your thing, just down South 2nd Avenue is the El Toro Restaurant. The locals say El Toro doesn’t serve a bad meal and is well worth a visit. The majority of the hotels are in the same area, about 10 minutes away from the ballpark. It’s a quick and easy drive, and there is a wide choice of lodging including a nice Hampton Inn. Fans 3 For those involved in the party areas, many seem more interested in socializing than paying attention to the game. Fans sitting in the seating bowl largely have their focus on the goings-on on the field and cheer when the situation dictates. Numerous fans can be seen keeping score of the game, a tradition that seems to be disappearing from baseball stadiums across the country. Fans in Clinton are pleasant to talk with and seem proud of their ballpark. Access 4 The majority of the ballpark is very easy to get around. The concessions are under the seating bowl, with another food area down the left field line. The seating bowl is easily maneuverable, and you can get to the restrooms and concessions without much difficulty. The left field corner encompasses a kid’s area, concessions, and a party area and can become quite congested on busy nights. The parking areas are close and easy to get in and out of. The concession lines move relatively quickly and are sufficiently staffed. Return on Investment 5 For the price you pay, this might be one of the best experiences in all of minor-league baseball. Parking is free, and there are two lots (on the first base and third base sides of the stadium) that make the walk to the stadium minimal. Tickets are $12 for box seats and $11 for general admission. Seniors, students, and the military will pay $10 for GA, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets purchased in advance are one dollar less. Combine this with very reasonable concession prices, and it equals a great time for a minimal amount of money. Editor's Note: Ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 4 An extra point simply for having a fun stadium that is 80 years old. The left field wall has a unique semi-circle “inlet” that would allow for some very strange bounces should the ball hit it. Any sports fan will appreciate the cup holders in the restrooms. This should be a requirement everywhere. The LumberKings staff makes the game experience very family-friendly. Families can attend a game without worrying that their kids will hear a lot of things they probably shouldn’t. Final Thoughts FieldCorp Field doesn’t offer the most modern feel in the Midwest League; it offers quite the opposite. It takes fans back in time to when baseball was about taking in the experience of what was happening on the field, rooting for your players and against the opposing team. For a true baseball fan, this is a fabulous venue. Come to the ballpark, turn off the cell phone, and simply enjoy baseball at its purest. If enjoying a ballgame is your goal, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Robin Roberts Stadium 1415 North Grand Avenue E Springfield, IL 62702 Springfield Lucky Horseshoes website Robin Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 1925/1977 Capacity: 5,200 Feeling Lucky in Springfield Robin Roberts Stadium originally opened in 1925 as Reservoir Stadium (the name references the water reservoir located on what is now Lanphier High School). Then it was known as Lanphier Park, and then the stadium was renamed after Robin Roberts, a Hall of Fame MLB pitcher and a 1976 graduate of Springfield's Lanphier High School. The stadium has a long history of minor league baseball: Springfield Senators (1925 -1935, Three-I League/Mississippi Valley League) Springfield Browns (1938 -1942, and 1946-50 Three-I League) Springfield Redbirds (1978 -1981 AA - relocated from New Orleans (Pelicans) Springfield Cardinals (1982 -1993 Midwest League) Springfield Sultans (1994 - 1995 Midwest League) Springfield Capitals (1996 - 2001 Frontier League) Springfield Sliders (2001 - 2021 Central Illinois Collegiate League / Prospect League) In 2022, Golden Rule Entertainment (the primary majority ownership group led by Jamie Toole, his wife, Melissa Gaynor-Toole, and WWE Hall of Famer and TNA Wrestling founder Jeff Jarrett) became the owners and rebranded the team as the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes (2022 to present). The Lucky Horseshoes name was chosen to honor the local delicacy, the horseshoe sandwich (an open-faced sandwich consisting of thick-sliced toasted bread (often Texas toast), a hamburger patty or other choice of meat, French fries, and cheese sauce), which originated in Springfield, Illinois. The “lucky” was added to play along with the name horseshoe, and to US President Abraham Lincoln, whose home, along with his library, is a tourist destination in town. The first game played at Robin Roberts Stadium, then known as Reservoir Park, was on May 12, 1925. That day, the Springfield Senators dropped a 6-4 decision to the Terre Haute Hottentots in the Three-Eye League. The next day, a massive crowd of 12,000 people showed up for the opening ceremonies and witnessed a triple play and a grand slam. Sadly, the Senators lost 7-6. In 1997, approximately $280,000 worth of renovations were completed on the stadium, including improved lighting, new locker rooms, increased seating capacity, and a new scoreboard with a small message board. The stadium features a "turtleback" field, where the infield is elevated with a steep downslope to the outfield, making the pitcher's mound the highest point on the field. This was common in many ballparks of the 1920s and was created mostly for drainage purposes, as they allow rainwater to drain off the infield quickly. It is one of a handful of ballparks that feature the quirk, but it is still effective. The concourse displays paintings of the championship flags that occurred in the ballpark:1939 Browns, 1980 Redbirds, 1996 & 1998 Capitals, 2008 Sliders, and 2022 Lucky Horseshoes. The ballpark has two picnic areas down each foul line and a beer garden area in the concourse behind first base. The concourse is painted in the team colors of blue and yellow. For an old ballpark, it is a comfortable spot for a game during the summer months. The playing field is big, with dimensions of 320’ feet down the lines and 420 feet to center. There is a lot of foul ground here too. Robin Roberts Stadium, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Future renovations are planned that will change the ballpark significantly. The renovations will cost about $6 to 7 million and will include stadium lighting, a reimagined seating bowl configuration, increased ADA seating, bathroom renovations, increased parking spots, an improved PA & sound system, and a new team store. In 2026, Robin Roberts Stadium is the home of the Women’s Professional Baseball League. The League has four teams: Boston Hunters, Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, and San Francisco Firebells. I find it odd that the League is playing in Illinois, as there is not an Illinois-based team. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession stands are underneath the grandstand and have almost anything you would need at a ball game. The prices range from approximately $5 to $11 per item; the Lucky Horseshoe and pulled pork nachos are the highest-priced menu items at $10.75. They also have a pork chop on a stick, pulled pork sandwich, walking taco, chicken strips, cheese curds, hot dogs, corn dog (sadly, it is not a Cozy dog), nachos, and burgers. The food is locally produced and quite tasty, especially the horseshoe. Sodas / Gatorade cost $4.75, and bottled water is $4.50. Slushies are $5, and popcorn is $4.75. Two bar areas serve cans of beer. If you want a domestic (Budweiser, Michelob, Busch, Coors, or Miller tall boy), it will cost you $6.75. In addition, they have beer locally brewed for the Horseshoes: Shoes on First Golden Lager, Springfield Lucky Lager, Limes on Second, Shoe Brew, Field of Blackberry Dreams, and Homerun Honey Wheat, which cost $8.25. Canned cocktails sell for $7.25. Atmosphere 3 Even though the crowd was small, the atmosphere was fun, maybe because it was a fireworks night. It is a very comfortable and relaxing place to watch a game. The focus is on the field instead of the in-between promotions, which were absent during the night of this review. The ballpark is wide open and consists mainly of aluminum bleacher seating down the foul lines and theater-style seating behind home plate. There is the main concourse between the reserved and general admission seating. A picnic area for groups is located down the first baseline of the facility with a small party deck down the left field line. On days when these areas are not rented out, anyone can sit there. Horace, the club’s official mascot, makes his way around the concourse signing autographs and giving hugs and high-fives to fans of all ages. The souvenir shop is a throwback to the old booths that used to exist in similarly constructed buildings. Fans can select from t-shirts, caps, jerseys, foam fingers, and other paraphernalia. A shirt starts at $25, a cap is about $30, and an official jersey is $80. They had game-worn specialty jerseys on sale for $20; however, the sizes were limited. Keychains and other novelties like baseballs, etc. sell for a few dollars to $20. A Wall of Fame of former players lines the upper level of the stadium’s grandstand, featuring former high school standout and Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. The Lucky Horseshoes have retired numbers on the left field wall: #30 Lucas Otto (who was killed by a driver going the wrong way in a car accident in 2020), Abraham Lincoln (#16 for the former president), #20 Robin Roberts (former Springfield resident who became an MLB Hall of Famer), and #42 Jackie Robinson. Lucky Horseshoes Retired Numbers, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 You can see residential houses over the right field wall, and behind the left field line is the Lanphier High School Football Field and School. In addition, the ballpark is not too far away from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, which features wonderful exhibits from the 16th president of the United States along with his presidential home and monument. A must-see if you are a history buff or just a fan of Honest Abe himself. Across the street from the library is the Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery. The popular spot offers craft beer, food, and outdoor seating with a bocce ball court. A few more places are the Illinois State Museum, the Dana Thomas House, and the Old State Capitol. A farmer’s market is held downtown every Saturday during the summer months, and one should enjoy a pint from Buzz Bomb Brewing Company or Anvil & Forge. The city is on Route 66 and worthy of a visit to the Cozy Dog Drive-In (2935 S 6th St.) - the place is credited with inventing the corndog. It has a collection of memorabilia from the famous highway, along with smash burgers, hand-cut fries, homemade chili dogs, and cozy dogs (deep-fried, battered hot dogs on a stick). You can also get a breakfast horseshoe with sausage gravy. To get a regional dish called the horseshoe, I would go to D'Arcy's Pint (661 W Stanford Ave) to try a Springfield classic: the "Horseshoe.” The TV show Man vs Food went to Joe Rogers' Original Recipe Chili Parlor (located at 820 S 9th St). Adam Richmond attempted the "Firebrand Chili Challenge" (the challenge was to eat six bowls of their intensely hot, secret-spiced Firebrand chili). I am told this is really good chili. Fans 3 The Horseshoe fan appears to be occupied with the game taking place on the field and very into the quality of play. They enjoy a winner just like any other baseball city, but many are decked out in caps, jerseys, and shirts that make them stand out as legit fans. Access 4 The ballpark is located on the north side of town, not that far from downtown attractions. Once inside, it can get a little crowded near the concession and entrance of the stadium. However, one can navigate quite efficiently once inside the grandstand. There is a lot of room at this ballpark and enough to stretch your legs out when applicable. There is bus service to the park, but I didn’t see any buses go by the stadium. Check the local schedules before counting on the buses. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $14, a general admission ticket is $12, children (4-12) and military are $6, and children under 3 are free. Parking is free, and concessions are reasonably priced. A few things to keep in mind: Thursdays have Thirsty Thursdays where beer is cheaper. Extras 3 The park gets an extra point for having the leagues’ team names and logos on the support poles on the concourse. The Horseshoe sandwich is quite delicious and worth getting for just about $11 during the game. A third point added because in the 5th inning, the general manager throws out cans of beer to fans. Final Thoughts The ballpark is not the most modern, but it is a nice historical park you should see, especially before the new renovations. Attending a Springfield Lucky Horseshoes game at Robin Roberts Stadium is both an economical and relaxing way to enjoy baseball in the Prospect League. It is a good old-fashioned ballpark that many will enjoy for the pure aspect of watching the game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hollywood Casino at The Meadows 210 Racetrack Rd Washington, PA 15301 Hollywood Casino at The Meadows website Year Opened: 1963 Meadows Racing Hollywood Casino at The Meadows features live harness racing in Washington, Pennsylvania. While it is a clean, modern venue on the inside with all the bells and whistles, the apron is filled with food trucks and local vendors selling arts and crafts and other items, making it difficult to watch the races and forcing patrons upstairs to get a decent view. The Meadows also features 20-cent pentafecta betting during the final race of the evening, which is something not all horse tracks offer – this type of wager is also known as a Super High 5. Food & Beverage 4 Besides restaurants in the casino itself, plus a concession stand on the lower level of the race facility itself, The Meadows has a slew of food trucks parked outside on the apron, so visitors can find all sorts of great food and drinks. The concession stand inside features typical concession fare such as burgers, nachos, brats, and hot pretzels, while the food trucks include well-known options such as Cousins Maine Lobster, as well as local chains serving up chicken and waffles, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, and many more. The only downside is that the large portions and quality offerings also come with high price tags. Atmosphere 2 The biggest downside at The Meadows is all the vendors and food trucks parked on the apron – the strip of ground right next to the racetrack. While it is great to have so many food options and shopping options if you are into that (handmade jewelry, clothing, local knickknacks, etc.), it does make it difficult to watch the races, especially if you are the type who likes to get close to the action and/or view the horses before placing a wager. There are about half a dozen rows of outdoor grandstand seating above the apron, but the lowest rows of those seats are partially blocked by the tops of the vendor tents, meaning you either have to sit in the highest rows or sit upstairs inside the grandstand building to get a good view of the races. You can’t see the track from the tables and chairs on the lower level of the facility at all, as the view is completely blocked by the vendors and food trucks. Ignoring that one issue, there are plenty of comfortable seats inside the building, including lots of tables and chairs, myriad betting machines and cashiers, and a simulcast area where you can bet on races at other tracks. All in all, it is a very nice racing setup, but for that one major flaw. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of restaurants in the area, including Bistecca Steakhouse (with cigar bar) inside the casino itself, or Seafood Tango just off the property. There are also plenty of hotels; unlike many similar venues, however, the casino doesn’t have its own hotel attached. If you are looking for something to do while in town for the races, be sure to check out the Washington Wild Things at EQT Park, or check out the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where you can take a 4-mile trolley ride around the different exhibits. Fans 3 The Meadows is pretty busy during a typical day at the races, with post times starting at 12:45 pm Tuesday through Thursday (and some Saturdays), and at 5:10 pm on Friday. Friday nights tend to be the busiest – the aforementioned food trucks and vendors were likely brought in to increase foot traffic at the track. You may notice that attendance gets lighter as the night goes on, so it will be a lot less crowded once you get to races 12 and after. Access 3 Getting to The Meadows is simple enough, as Washington, Pennsylvania sits right along I-70, making it easy to reach from either the east or west. Once you get on property, however, things get a little more confusing – the signage sends you one way for the racetrack, then seems to point you back the other way. Your best bet is to park in the south garage, which is the closest access point to the track, rather than in the lot near the casino’s main entrance. If you do end up at the casino main entrance, just walk down the sidewalk to the right, away from the valet parking; this will take you to a second door with an escalator down to the racetrack, avoiding the need to meander through the casino. The racing facility itself is on the lower level; the upper level has only a small seating area with tables and chairs overlooking the track. That small upstairs area is outside the casino checkpoint area, meaning kids are allowed there – no one under 21 can be in the casino, but anyone is allowed at the track (they just can’t bet). Return on Investment 1 If you want to see horse racing, I wouldn’t recommend The Meadows; the vendors and food trucks on the apron block too much of your view, and that really hurts the overall experience. Unless this is your only option for horse racing, or you are already in the area, you may be better off driving over to Wheeling and checking out the greyhound racing instead. Extras 2 On the other hand, if you are looking for more of a fair-like atmosphere, where the horses are only one part of the overall scene, you may still enjoy the experience at The Meadows. The food trucks offer plenty of different options, and you may even find some unique handmade treasures out on the apron. The facility is also modern and well-kept, with plenty of tables and chairs where you can sit and chat with family or friends while taking in the surroundings.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Percival Molson Memorial Stadium 475 Avenue Pine Montreal, QC H2W 1S4 Canada Montreal Alouettes website Percival Molson Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 25,012 Downtown Football in Montreal Percival Molson Memorial Stadium is one of the oldest (American) football stadiums in the world – well over a century old, it opened in 1915. Compare that to Bobby Dodd Stadium, which opened in 1913, the oldest football venue in US college football’s FBS, or Franklin Field, which opened in 1895, the oldest football stadium in US college football’s FCS. Molson Stadium is on the campus of Montreal’s McGill University and is home to the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL, as well as several of McGill’s sports teams. Food & Beverage 4 Molson Stadium has a good selection of concession items on offer. Still, most are sold at ground level, and the lines are generally very long – it is common for fans to choose items based on which stand has the shortest line versus which food item they want. For those sitting higher up in the stands, they do have staff who walk around selling snacks and beverages, but it will be a long walk back downstairs to get anything more substantial. Concession options include hot dogs starting at 5,25$, fries for 6,25$, Italian sausage for 8,25$, popcorn for 9,00$, and poutine starting at 11,00$, as well as hamburgers and other items. Non-alcoholic drinks include bottled Coke products, bottled water, Powerade, energy drinks, and other items starting at 6,00$, while alcohol selections start at 11,50$ and include canned domestic and imported beer, wine, cocktails, and more. Atmosphere 3 Molson Stadium has a band on stage behind one end zone, which plays before the game and during halftime – the mini-concert is much better at halftime after it gets dark, with the band indulging the crowd with pulsing lights and cones of smoke. There is also a great mascot that moves around the stadium interacting with the crowd, including playing games with fans (mostly kids) on the field during breaks in the action. They also have cheerleaders on hand, but the videoboards on both ends of the field are relatively small. One highlight is the tunnel the team comes out of to begin the game – called the “birdcage” in a nod to the Alouettes avian moniker, the blue inflatable tunnel has jail cell bars on one end, complete with a padlock, which are opened to allow the players to come onto the field. The staff also adds a couple of smoke machines at the front of the tunnel to enhance the effect, and the cheerleaders are also on hand to cheer on the Alouettes as they take the field. Neighborhood 4 Molson Stadium is located in downtown Montreal, so fans can walk to the facility from their hotel if staying nearby (more on this later). There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, both fast food type places like A&W and the Canadian classic Tim Horton’s, as well as more upscale restaurants like The Keg Steakhouse – you may have heard of Montreal steak seasoning, but if you haven’t, let me tell you that Montreal steak is an actual well-known thing, and I would recommend visiting one of the great steakhouses in town to try it. Also, if you haven’t been to Canada before, I would recommend trying smoked meat (Dunn’s is a great choice), poutine (which is sold pretty much everywhere, even places like McDonald’s), or Tim Hortons. If you plan to be in town for a full day or overnight, a great place to visit is Old Montreal, where you can find the city’s Notre Dame Basilica, or you may prefer to visit one of the great parks in town – if you head to the east and drive or hike up the hill, you can get some great views of the St. Lawrence River. Fans 3 Molson Stadium will see a decent number of fans during Montreal Alouettes games – though the dated facility and lack of amenities may not offer much of a draw for some fans, the Alouettes are also riding high right now from winning the Grey Cup last season, which seems to have increased the attendance a little. In fairness, Molson Stadium has the smallest capacity of any current CFL stadium, so even with their 2nd-lowest average attendance in the league, the facility can appear mostly full. However, this low level of attendance year after year may also explain why they aren’t moving to a better stadium, and also why the staff is not investing in any upgrades to the venue. Access 2 Molson Stadium is difficult to get to and difficult to get around. There isn’t a formal parking lot – with its downtown location, fans are forced to park in one of the parking garages nearby, or if they come early enough, may be able to park on one of the city streets. As mentioned earlier, you can also walk from one of the nearby hotels if staying downtown, although it might be a long walk – uphill on the way there, but downhill following the game. You might also choose to have an Uber drop you off or pick you up near the entrance; there are also bus stops nearby and a metro station on campus. As mentioned above, it is also difficult to move around the stadium due to the long concession lines at ground level, which tend to block the pathways fans are trying to use to get to their seats. There is a ramp that goes around behind the north end zone, which fans can use to get to the west side of the facility, or you can walk around at ground level on the south side – the main entrance is on the east side of the field, but the west side is considered the home side, where you will see the mascot hanging out and have the midfield logo facing you. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Alouettes games are not expensive, coming in at around $77.00 for two tickets on the sideline (even cheaper in the end zone). That is a reasonable price to pay for a CFL game, and even a sporting event in general, but the facilities and access found here bring the score down a little. Extras 3 The games here are mostly announced in French (similar to the signage inside), which of course makes sense for Montreal and would seem pretty normal for any local, but for someone from another part of Canada, or the United States like yours truly, does add a bit of an exotic flair. The Alouettes are in the middle of the pack in terms of Grey Cup wins, with eight victories and 19 appearances as of this writing, but given the current franchise has only existed since 1996 (they relocated from Baltimore after winning the 1995 Grey Cup), that is a pretty impressive record – the Alouettes are the second-oldest active team in the league behind Ottawa, which was re-founded in 2014. Final Thoughts Montreal is a great city to visit, with easy flights from many places in Canada, the US, and even Europe, so if you have a chance to stop by, I would highly recommend it. While Molson Stadium itself may not be the jewel of a sports venue it once was, you are still in for a fun time at a reasonable cost, and you are likely to see a pretty good team on the field in the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Princess Auto Stadium 315 Chencellor Matheson Rd Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2 Canada Winnipeg Blue Bombers website Princess Auto Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 33,500 The Loudest Fans in the CFL Editor's Note: In January 2024, the Winnipeg Football Club agreed to a 10-year stadium naming rights deal with Princess Auto. The name of the Stadium was changed to "Princess Auto Stadium" in April 2024. This review, written in 2018, refers to the stadium by its previous name, Investors Group Field. Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) is home to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Colloquially known as “Home of the CFL’s Loudest Fans” (this moniker is proudly on display inside the stadium), the facility opened in 2013, and has a capacity of just over 33,000, but can be expanded to hold 40,000 fans. Located on the University of Manitoba’s campus, Investors Group Field is also used by the school’s football team for home games, as well as by the Winnipeg Rifles of the CJFL, which is a national amateur Canadian football league, from which some players “graduate” into the CFL after proving their skills. Food & Beverage 5 Investors Group Field has everything you could expect in terms of food and drink at a sports stadium. There are plenty of concessions stands behind the seats on each sideline, as well as additional options on the plazas behind each end zone. Food options at Investors Group Field include chicken tenders (regular or spicy), vegetarian perogies, turkey wings, chicken and waffle sandwiches, fried fish, multiple types of hot dogs, chili, butter chicken and rice bowls, several types of burgers (including turkey and chorizo), falafel, shawarma, salads, and pizza, plus all manner of snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, nachos, sunflower seeds, soft pretzels, samosas, vegetarian spring rolls, fries, chips, packaged candy, donuts, cotton candy, and even veggies with dip. And of course, what Canadian sporting event would be complete without poutine on the menu? If you are visiting from out of the country, this is definitely a dish you should try at least once, but even if you are a local, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer variety of items available at Investors Group Field, with options available to suit any budget. Individual items start at $4 and run all the way up to $13, with combos starting at $12. Drink options are not quite as numerous, but there is plenty to get you by for a couple of hours. Selections include bottled or fountain soda, bottled water, and coffee or hot chocolate ($2 to $9 for non-alcoholic drinks), as well as beer, wine, and plenty of liquor and mixed drinks – beer starts at $7, liquor starts at $8, wine is $9, and mixed drinks are $16. Atmosphere 5 Investors Group Field is a great place to take in a football game – the fans are loud, thanks in part to the cantilevered roofs over both sidelines, and all the seats are chair backs, so you can sit in comfort and style. In addition, the Blue Bomber staff brings in plenty of entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the action. First up are Buzz and Boomer, the two bird mascots decked out in Winnipeg jerseys and helmets, who keep fans entertained along the sidelines. Next is Captain Blue, the Blue Bomber pilot who drives his biplane onto the field before the game and after every Bombers score. You will also hear cannon blasts throughout the game, courtesy of the silvery-blue cannon above the end zone, which is fired after every Winnipeg score. And in addition, some lucky fans are treated to free t-shirts, fired from a Gatling-style gun sponsored by Boston Pizza. The Winnipeg Blue Bomber players even get into the act, running and jumping into the end zone stands when Winnipeg scores, for high fives and pats on the back from fans in the front row. And then of course, you have the ubiquitous fan contests, in this case weight lifting competitions and fans racing each other while inside giant inflatable hamster wheels. The crowd noise is even loud when the stadium is only half full – the decibel level inside Investors Group Field was once measured at the max level of 108. Neighborhood 4 Winnipeg is a large, sprawling town with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and things to do if you are in town for the day or for the weekend. Being on the University of Manitoba’s campus means there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of Investors Group Field except parking lots and campus buildings, but there are plenty of restaurant and lodging options within a few minutes’ drive. And if you are coming in from out of town, there are lots of hotels and restaurants near the Winnipeg airport, about 10 km north of the stadium. If you have time before or after the game, Fort Whyte Alive is a great place to visit in Winnipeg – not far from Investors Group Field, the keynote attraction at Fort Whyte is the Bison Safari on Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, where you can take a shuttle ride right up to within a few feet of the magnificent animals (Fort Whyte has a population of between 30 and 35 bison on site). There is also a small Interpretive Center on site, which features tons of activities for the kids, and if outdoor activities are your thing, there are several hiking and biking trails on the property, as well as activities on the water such as sailing. Another popular attraction in Winnipeg is touring the National Mint, where coins from around the world are made. The mint has daily tours every half hour starting at 9 am – reservations are not required but are helpful if you want to schedule a specific time. Note that the tours are better on weekdays, however, since the productions lines are turned off on weekends, but you can still tour the facility on weekends if you choose (the tour is exactly the same, except that the machines are off and the line workers are not there). Fans 4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans get credit for being as loud as they are, but sadly the facility does not always sell out – at a typical game you might only see half to two-thirds of the seats filled. On the plus side, however, a high percentage of fans are decked out in team gear, so you will definitely feel right at home if you choose to show up in your Bombers gear. Access 4 It is easy enough to get to Investors Group Field, and you can see its distinctive outline from kilometers away – the highways around Winnipeg (and much of Canada) are actually really well done, with lots of six and eight-lane divided roads laid out to speed the traffic flow; credit goes to the local city planners, it is obvious they planned ahead when building the streets here. Unfortunately, the parking situation at Investors Group Field leaves a little to be desired – as expected, the stadium being on campus means there are lots of parking restrictions, and not many side streets too park along in the vicinity. Cash parking is available in the Gold and Blue lots for $20 on the east side of the stadium (or you can park in the Black value lot for $10 further away to the east), but for the closer in lots will need a pass. However, once you get inside the stadium, it is really easy to move around – there are giant plazas behind each end zone you can use to get from side to side, so you can enter at any gate and still find your seat with ease. There are also plenty of bathrooms inside Investors Group Field to accommodate the size of the crowd, although as with most sports venues you may face lines at the concessions during peak periods like halftime. Return on Investment 4 Single game ticket prices for Winnipeg Blue Bombers games start at about $32 CAD, which is in line with professional sports throughout Canada, and is slightly lower than pro football games in the US. Parking is reasonable at $20, and if you are careful with your spending, you can do okay at the concessions as well. That said, with a large group you may end up spending a bit more than you would like (assuming you are picking up the whole tab), but the cost per person at Investors Group Field is a pretty good value for professional football. Extras 5 How many sports venues can boast three mascots? A lot of stadiums feature twin mascots like Buzz and Boomer, but adding Captain Blue and his biplane to the mix is really above and beyond. Furthermore, having the players themselves interact with fans by jumping into the stands when the home team scores really takes Investors Group Field to a whole new level. And don’t forget the cannon either, blue in color for the Bombers and fired after every score – again, while lots of sports venues might have one or two of these elements, very few have all three. Being the loudest stadium in the CFL is also a plus, and the staff really deserves credit for having so much fan interaction in terms of contests and giveaways. Final Thoughts CFL games are a lot of fun, thanks in part to having only 3 downs instead of 4, giving every snap the potential to turn into a big play. So if you have never been to a CFL game, or if you have but have never seen one in Winnipeg, I would encourage you to check out Investors Group Field – you won’t be disappointed.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Commonwealth Stadium 11000 Stadium Rd Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7 Canada Edmonton Elks website Commonwealth Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 56,302 Edmonton's Mighty Elks The Edmonton Eskimos have won the CFL’s Grey Cup 13 times, the second-highest total in league history. Nine of those wins have come while the Eskimos have called Commonwealth Stadium their home, including an unprecedented five in a row from 1978-1982, the first five years that Commonwealth Stadium was in service. As a building that was constructed in the 1970s, one might expect it to be long in the tooth, worn out, and obsolete. In fact, The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium (as it is officially known since naming rights were sold to The Brick furniture stores) has undergone some major upgrades in the last decade. As a result, the place is looking fresh and new in many respects. There may come a day when this field is ready for retirement, but that day is not today. Note: In June 2021, the team name changed from the Eskimos to the Elks. Food & Beverage 4 There are tons of concessions at Commonwealth Stadium. In addition to the typical concession stands lining the outside of the main concourse, one of the key aspects of the recent renovations was adding large concessions areas off the east and west concourse areas, creating lots of extra space and providing the fans with more options than they might otherwise have. All the standard concessions choices are available, from hamburgers ($6.50) and foot-long hot dogs ($5.50) to potato chips ($1.50) and fountain drinks ($4 for a small). You can also find some specialty variations on those themes, such as the Green and Gold Hotdog ($7.50), which has mac and cheese, bacon, and jalapeno peppers on it. Additionally, you’ll find Boston Pizza stands in the side concourses, and Tiny Tim Mini Donuts in the main concourse. Molson Canadian is readily available on tap ($7 per glass), and there are a number of specialty beverage stands where you can get something more exotic. If you’re still looking for something more, you can pop into the Quarterback Club on the east side, or Jackie Parker’s on the west side for more of a lounge atmosphere. Finally, there is a “tailgate” area at the north end of the stands at field level, for folks who want to enjoy an adult beverage right next to the action. Atmosphere 4 With a team that has won as many Grey Cups as the Eskimos have, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous nods to the glory years. The south exterior wall is decorated with the list of championships, along with huge pictures of three of the most famous Eskimos of all time: Warren Moon, Norm Kwong, and Willie Pless. The Grey Cup list can be found on the walls of the main concessions areas as well. Out front of Commonwealth Stadium is a Fan Fest set-up. There are food trucks, displays, games, live music, and a fenced-off party area for fans wanting to get pumped up before entering the facility. The names of the Eskimos Hall of Fame players are proudly displayed along the leading edge of the lower deck of stands, and there are a lot of them, again echoing the proud football tradition in Edmonton. You’ll also find pictures of Eskimo greats on banners hanging above the main concourse ring. The brand-new green-and-gold seats are nice and wide, making sitting in the stands quite comfortable. They also all have cup holders, so less fumbling around when trying to sit down or get up, also a good thing. In the grand scheme of things, the Eskimos tend to have pretty good attendance, compared to the rest of the CFL. In 2016, they drew 30,998 fans per game, second-best in the league behind the Saskatchewan Roughriders. But in a stadium that holds more than 50,000, it still seems fairly empty, which negatively impacts the energy in the stands. The lower bowl is mostly full and has great energy, but the upper bowl is sparsely populated. Neighbourhood 2 The neighborhood around Commonwealth Stadium is pretty low on interesting places to spend your money. Most of the area is older residential with some industrial stuff mixed in. You’ll find the End Zone Pub & Grill across the street to the north, and a McDonald’s and a Subway a little further east along 112 Ave,. but that’s about it in the immediate vicinity. Heading west a few blocks, you’ll find yourself in Edmonton’s Little Italy. A bit of wandering up and down 95th St. should get you to you a suitable place to grab a bite. Sorrentino’s Bistro-Bar is a solid restaurant chain with tasty food, but they are closed on Sunday, so don’t plan for that place unless you’re going to a weeknight or Saturday game. Other options include Santo’s Restaurant and Lounge or the Italian Centre Shop. Generally speaking though, if you’re looking for some pre- or post-game entertainment or dining, you’ll be much better off heading elsewhere. Fans 4 Eskimos fans are used to success. A steady string of superstars and championships has made this franchise one of the crown jewels of the CFL. However, poor seasons in 2010, 2012 and 2013 dropped attendance down from over 37,000 per game in 2008 to around 32,000 in 2013, and they’ve stayed at about that number since then. Putting over 30,000 people in the stands still means the Eskies are one of the best-attended teams in the CFL, so they have a huge core group of fans who will show up rain or shine, win or lose. As noted above, the crowd seems relatively sparse in a stadium as big as Commonwealth Stadium, but credit where credit is due, the crowd noise can jump to over 90 decibels wherever you sit in the stands when something exciting happens, as the fans are very enthusiastic and engaged. Many people in the crowd are proudly wearing their green-and-gold attire, and that means that the fans in attendance are true fans who are with their team through thick or thin. Access 4 Don’t bother bringing your vehicle to Commonwealth Stadium; you won’t have anywhere to put it – parking at the stadium is extremely limited. You can try to find a neighborhood street that doesn’t require a permit to park, but those are few and far between. If you do need to drive to the area, you can park at Northlands Park, a coupleof kilometres north east of Commonwealth Stadium, for $16 ($10 if you’re a season-ticket holder). From there it’s just a single stop south on the Light Rail Transit system to get where you’re going. Your best option, far and away, is simply sticking with public transit. The Eskimos have a long-standing agreement with the Edmonton Transit System (ETS); anyone with a game ticket gets to ride for free before and after the game. There are a number of express buses from several malls around town, but your best bet remains the LRT system – the train has a stop right outside the east side of the stadium. Do be aware that only a few train stops have Park and Ride lots (as noted above, you can use Northlands as well), so if your plan is to do just that, you’ll want to be sure to hit one of the locations where you can actually drop off your wheels. For people who are planning to buy their tickets at the stadium, ETS fares are only $3.25 for adults, so your trip there will still have a pretty reasonable price tag. Bonus props to the stadium for seeming quite spacious once inside. With the offset concessions areas, the concourse never seems particularly crowded, even at half time and at the end of the game, as the fans were filing out en masse; definitely a plus, especially if big crowds make you a little antsy. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $35 to $117, with many seats significantly discounted for youths. You can also grab seats in the south-most sections, known as the Save-On-Foods Family Huddle, for $28.50 (these tickets are available at Edmonton Save-On-Foods stores). This is by no means the cheapest place to see a CFL game, but still quite reasonable to watch a professional sports team. Odds are that you will see an entertaining game in a comfortable, energetic place, so Commonwealth Stadium is a good investment. Extras 5 The Eskimos have their primary team store located adjacent to their offices at the south end of the stadium, but there are also two very well-appointed locations inside the concessions areas off the east and west concourses. There are also a number of other, smaller kiosks around the concourse (and outside as well), so there’s lots of access to all the green-and-gold stuff you could ever want. There is a massive video screen located on the north end of the stadium providing game info and replays. This is a recent upgrade from an almost-equally massive screen that had been there. Unfortunately, the screen is almost impossible to see from the north-most upper deck sections, so if you want a view of the screen, stay away from sections EE, FF, NN, and OO (to be fair, these sections are generally not open for regular season games, so it shouldn’t be a problem most of the time). As noted above, there is a great sense of team history around the stadium, with numerous reminders of great teams and great players from the Eskimos past – this is a definite bonus to see as you look around the facility. During breaks in the action, the Eskimos Cheer Team and mascots Punter and Nanook keep people entertained. The Cheer Team dance, cheer, and perform acrobatics between plays, and also have a couple of full-blown routines per game out on the field during longer stoppages. Punter and Nanook make their way around the field and visit in the stands, entertaining the kids and helping out with giveaways and contests during the game. Another feature for families is Brickley’s Knothole Corner. With the purchase of special seat tickets in the Knothole Corner area in the south west corner of the stadium, families have access to a variety of kid-friendly activities. There are recycling bins in a number of locations around Commonwealth Stadium, so fans can make sure their waste is diverted away from landfills whenever possible. Final Thoughts The Edmonton Eskimos are unquestionably one of the class organizations of the CFL, and a class organization deserves a quality home. The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium delivers as a great place to take in a football game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 BC Place 777 Pacific Blvd Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 Canada BC Lions website BC Place website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 54,500 This is the Place BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, opened in 1983, and was built as part of Canada’s preparations for the 1986 World’s Fair. The venue has been home to the CFL’s BC Lions since its construction, but was also used as the main stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Originally built as a dome with an air-supported roof (similar to the old H.H.H. Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN), BC Place underwent an extensive renovation about seven years ago, and now sports a retractable roof supported by cables. Besides the BC Lions, BC Place is also home to the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Food & Beverage 5 BC Place has an incredible selection of food and beverage options, which is especially impressive given the typically low turnout during Lions games (more on that later). Besides all of the typical fare, such as hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders, you can also find local favorites such as Poutine, as well as more interesting fare such as pulled pork mac & cheese and chicken & waffle sandwiches (basically a chicken sandwich with waffles as the bun). BC Place does not have any generic stands, per se, but instead has a variety of concessions options with interesting names, such as Thirsty Pigeon or Beast on Fire, each of which sells a different fare that sort of relates to its name. For example, Lionsgate Grill has burgers, Beast on Fire has chicken and prime rib, and The Poutinerie has (you guessed it) poutine. Other stands offer grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteak, vegetarian tacos, salads, and even veggie bowls, and you can also find a wide variety of the typical snacks, such as peanuts, jerky, potato chips, donuts, ice cream, and cotton candy, as well as many others. Food items range from $3.25 for the smallest items, all the way up to $14.75 for the prime rib. The drink selection at BC Place is equally as wide as the food selection – on the concourse you can find pretty much anything you can think of, including soda, bottled water, lemonade, fruit juices, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, Red Bull, you name it, as well as plenty of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Beer is available on draft or in bottles and cans, and there are lots of options, including standbys like Budweiser, as well as favorites like Mike’s Hard Lemonade or Okanagan ciders, or even craft beers such as Stanley Park. Non-alcoholic drinks start at around $3.50, while beer and alcohol start at $8. Atmosphere 2 The BC Lions average around 20,000 fans per home game. While this has definite benefits in terms of making it easy to get around, the lack of attendance is pretty obvious once you get inside the stadium. The most glaring sign of the low turnout is the upper deck, which is screened off because seats in that section are not sold during Lions games. That said, there won’t be much in the way of crowd noise, but the staff deserves credit for bringing in lots of other entertainment elements. For example, there is a guy with a tambourine who works with the mascot to rev up the crowd, there are plenty of team flags and other Lions décor, and the Felions Dance Team is on hand to entertain the crowd. In addition, there are games for the kids in the concourse, and even a music stage outside, which features local bands on game days. Also, all of the seats in the stadium are chair backs, which is a big plus. Neighbourhood 4 BC Place is literally only a few blocks from Vancouver city centre, and is right on the water, so there is plenty to see and do nearby. There are dozens of restaurants within walking distance, including all types of cuisine, so you should easily be able to find something to your liking, including a craft beer market on the other side of False Creek. The only downside is that this section of town will always be pretty crowded, so you will definitely have to deal with some traffic (pedestrian and otherwise). If you are looking for something to do before or after the game, there are plenty of attractions nearby. For example, Science World at TELUS is within walking distance of BC Place, as is Edgewater Casino. In addition, Stanley Park, with its famed totem poles and other statuary, is only a short drive to the north. You can also find several museums within a mile or so, and Stanley Park boasts its own aquarium. There are also plenty of hotels within walking distance of BC Place, although they tend to be on the very pricey side, being in downtown. Fans 2 The fans that show up at BC Lions games are really into it, and a lot of them dress up in team gear. You will catch many of them slapping their boom sticks together with reckless abandon, or waving giant orange flags they brought from home. The only downside is that there are just too few of them, so the stadium looks fairly empty; the staff may need to come up with some additional promotions to boost ticket sales, or somehow improve the teams’ on-field performance. Access 3 Once you make your way to BC Place, getting around is a cinch, thanks in part to the lackluster turnout, but mainly due to a well-designed venue; the oval design allows plenty of room in the concourse, and there are concessions on both sides of the aisle, making it easy to find what you want. In addition, the bathrooms are LITERALLY enormous, with more than enough stalls to accommodate everyone; this is not surprising given that the venue was designed with World’s Fair and Olympic-size crowds in mind. Unfortunately, getting TO BC Place presents much more of a challenge. I mentioned the heavy traffic earlier, but the lack of parking is an even bigger issue. There is no parking to speak of outside the venue, except for the parking garages dotted around the city, some of which are many blocks away. If you are staying in the area, you may be better off just parking at your hotel and walking from there. Or, take advantage of Vancouver’s public transit options, which include buses, trains, and ferries. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to BC Lions games start at $35 per ticket in the lower bowl – remember that upper-level seats are not currently being sold – but they do have specials in the summer for kids ($5 each). Concessions are probably a little on the high side, but not terribly out of line for a professional sports team, although when you factor in parking (if you can find it), you could be looking at a pretty steep outing depending on how many are in your group. Still, football is always a good time, so if you are not a diehard Lions fans, you may want to save your BC Place visit for a day when an opponent you really like is in town. . Extras 2 BC Place has a really great design, which is best enjoyed when lit up at night. Also, the staff gets credit for trying to add so many fun elements to the experience. Final Thoughts Vancouver is a fun city to visit, with lots to do in the area. While BC Place may no longer be the jewel of the CFL, it could still offer a fun time if you are in the area.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 SaskTel Centre 3515 Thatcher Ave Saskatoon, SK S7R 1C4 Map It Saskatchewan Rush website SaskTel Centre website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 15,195 Rush Into Saskatoon Until 2016, the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders, playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. But since then, the Saskatchewan Rush have been residing in Saskatoon. The Rush were playing in Edmonton in 2015 when they won their National Lacrosse League division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon. After the move, the team went to the finals again for three straight years, winning twice, and giving their new fans a ton to cheer for. They won their division yet again in 2019, although their playoff run was cut short, and they were leading the division in 2020 when the pandemic shut the league down, cancelling the season. So, the fans have gotten used to success. The Rush now play indoor (aka “box”) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone some renovations, expansions, and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. As a result, SaskTel Centre has played host to a number of high-profile events, including the men’s and women’s Canadian curling championships, the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships, the Memorial Cup and any number of first-rate concerts and exhibitions. Food & Beverage 4 Concession stands around SaskTel Centre have improved over the last few years, adding some variety to what used to be a pretty unremarkable selection. On the main concourse, every concession has a different menu; upstairs in the mezzanine are three concession stands offering more conventional fare. Prices are pretty reasonable as well. At The Classics concession on the main floor, you can get a Loaded Burger for $10.50 or trade up to a Bison Burger for $19.50. A 21 oz fountain drink is $4.75. You’ll also find several specialty locations offering pizza and a variety of fancy adult beverages, from wine to whiskey to cocktails. The Original 16 Lounge is also open on the upper floor during the game. The lounge is a quieter place to have a beverage and relax, with a few tables and TVs showing the game out in the arena. Atmosphere 3 Box lacrosse is one of the best spectator sports ever created. It has everything that a sport needs to be entertaining: speed, power, finesse, subtlety, aggression, and a healthy dollop of rough-and-tumble to round it all off. So it comes as no surprise that there’s some good energy in the building when the Rush take the floor. There is always music playing at NLL games, which adds extra juice to the atmosphere and helps keep the fans engaged throughout the event. This is apparently a rather polarizing subject, with most fans either loving it or hating it and not many in between. Adding to the atmosphere are several touches around the arena. The three league championship banners and one conference championship banner are hanging from the rafters as well as a banner commemorating the team’s first and only retired jersey number (Jimmy Quinlan’s number 81). Unfortunately, these banners are tucked so high up in the rafters that they can only be seen from a couple of sections in the lower bowl—dropping them down to the same level as the hockey banners are found would make them much more prominent. Saskatchewan Rush Banners, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey On the downside at SaskTel Centre, if you’re sitting high up in the balcony along the sides of the arena, your view of the scoreboard is obstructed by the press box. TV monitors and smaller scoreboards are located in several locations to help address this issue, but you’ll be getting a little less detail. Views of the game don’t appear to be blocked, however, so you’ll still have a good look at the main event. Additionally, views from Section 8 in the upper bowl can be badly obstructed by curtains drawn around the unused portion of the upper bowl, which is close to half of the seating up there. You may have to relocate if the arena crew is unable to draw those curtains back for you. Neighborhood 2 The location of SaskTel Centre was very controversial when the arena was announced in the late 80s. Located in the Agriplace Industrial Park north of the Saskatoon International Airport, it is a couple of kilometers north of the city proper, which means anyone visiting will be in for a trip, either by car or bus. Although there are several industrial businesses around SakTel Centre, there is virtually nothing in the way of food or entertainment options in the area. A few blocks away you’ll find a Tim Horton’s, a Subway, a Husky House and, across Highway 11 in the Travel J truck stop, there is a Denny’s. In other words, if you’d like a bite to eat before or after the game, you’ll again be going for a drive, as there really isn’t much locally. The good news is that Circle Dr. on the north end of Saskatoon is only a couple of kilometres south of the rink. This is a major artery for the city, so you can find lots of dining options there. For example, on the southeast corner of the intersection between Highway 11 and Circle Dr., you’ll find Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar, and the dining and other entertainment choices just grow from there as you travel east, west, or south. Fans 4 While in Edmonton, the Rush were never really able to establish a fan base big enough to justify the cost of playing in the big city; in 2015, the Rush were sixth in the NLL in attendance with an average crowd of 6,568 in an arena that holds 16,000. Things improved for the Rush after the move, however. In their first season in Saskatoon, the team drew over 11,000 fans per game. And from 2017-2020, they averaged better than 13,700 per game, putting them in the Top 4 in league attendance. Times have gotten tougher since the pandemic, however. After losing the 2021 season entirely due to a league-wide shutdown, it seems the city has forgotten about lacrosse. Between 2022 and 2024, the team brought in around 8,000 per game, right around league average. And for the 2025 season, they’ve dropped to only 6,500 fans per game, in spite of being in playoff contention. The fans who are still coming out to see the Rush enthusiastically embrace their team. In-game rituals are well established, such as a chest-thumping routine many fans have adopted following Rush goals, inspired by a scene from the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street.” There are also lots of people wearing Rush gear throughout the arena. The fan base has shrunk in recent years, but the ones who continue to show up are hardcore. Access 3 In spite of being on the outskirts of town, access to SaskTel Centre is pretty easy. The arena is located in between Highways 11 and 16, so getting there is relatively simple, although it may be a bit of a drive from the south end of town. There are 4,000 parking spots around the facility, and they are free, so there is ample parking for those who drive. Getting into and out of the parking lot can be a hassle due to a limited number of entrances and exits, however, with the reduced crowd numbers recently, traffic flows fairly well before and after the game. There is also transit service to SaskTel Centre, making that an option as well for those who don’t want to drive. Once inside, you’ll find that the almost 30-year-old building struggles to accommodate big crowds. This is much less of an issue when the place is less than half full. The concourse has a couple of pinch points where passing through can be a challenge, particularly around the Rush souvenir table. Washrooms—particularly the men’s—can also get quite busy between periods. Pro tip: The upstairs concourse, which wraps around about half of the stadium, is far less busy than the main floor, as they’re only opening about half of it to fans, what with the much smaller crowds these days. If you’re looking to get away from the crush of the crowds, find your way up there. Return on Investment 4 With ticket prices as low as $32 in the balcony Family Zone and the best seats in the house a bargain at $70 apiece, attending a Rush game is a terrific value. Seats are available at all price levels, although the lower bowl seems to fill up pretty quickly, so plan accordingly. The seats themselves are comfortable and provide a great view of the floor regardless of location, so there really isn’t a bad seat in the house (except possibly in Section 8, as noted above). If you sit high enough, you’ll lose your view of the scoreboard, but you won’t lose sight of the game itself. Extras 5 The Rush provides a solid product over and above the game itself. There is a stand set up in the concourse for souvenir collectors, for all your Rush hat, shirt, and knick-knack needs. The downside of these tables is that it chews up some of the concourse, which is tight to begin with, but it has tons of stuff and looks to me to be an upgrade in size and scope from the stand the Rush had back in Edmonton. Saskatchewan Rush Merchandise at SaskTel Centre, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey The team’s mascot, Rowdy the Bison, keeps the kids entertained with his antics on the floor during breaks in the action and touring the stands. The Rush have a dance team, the 016 Electric Crew, who helps with giveaways and maintains a presence around SaskTel Centre throughout the game. They perform several routines on the floor during breaks in the action to help keep the audience fired up. You’ll see the Rush’s Championship banners hanging in the SaskTel rafters, helping to make the place look like home. Also, SaskTel Centre lights the exterior of the building in Rush green so there is no doubt it is playing on game day. The Rush are good at running special game day promotions. For instance, they held a Marvel Super Heroes night this season where everyone got a comic book tying the NLL to the Marvel comic universe, and fans were encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero. After games, the Rush and 016 Electric Crew come out onto the floor for an autograph session with any fans who want to hang around for a bit. This is a great feature of the NLL and gives fans a chance to meet the team. The inner walls of the concourse feature TVs allowing people to check out what else is happening in the sports world as well as game action when they’re out getting a snack. If you’re sufficiently inspired by the game that you need to get some ink, Headrush Tattoo has a location set up here with some of the best tattoo artists in the province ready to create something special for you. Recycling bins are provided throughout the concourse for fans to drop their cans and bottles in. As a bonus, you’ll also find a cell phone charging station in the concourse for SaskTel customers with low batteries, and there is also free Wi-Fi for SaskTel customers. Final Thoughts The lacrosse community in Saskatchewan is still relatively small, so seeing people with little knowledge of the game come out and have a great time is gratifying. Box lacrosse truly is nothing short of excellent. Expect a good time and a great game.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McMahon Stadium 1817 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary, AB T2M 4R6 Canada Calgary Stampeders website McMahon Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 35,650 Much More Than Meets the Eye Calgary, the most populous city in the Canadian province of Alberta, has long been known as “Cowtown.” This nickname is a nod to Calgary’s agricultural importance to Canada and the city’s role as host of one of the world’s largest rodeos, the Calgary Stampede. However, the moniker overlooks many of the city’s significant assets: culture, history, and beauty. Calgary sits at the confluence of the Bow and the Elbow Rivers, with several national parks, such as Banff and Jasper, in the Canadian Rockies within an easy drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway. Calgary is also a football town. The Calgary Stampeders, known to fans as the “Stamps,” boast a rich history in the Canadian Football League and are the CFL’s third-oldest team, having begun play in 1945. The Stamps have brought home eight Grey Cup titles and have appeared in 17 Grey Cup championship games. The team’s home since 1960 is McMahon Stadium on the campus of the University of Calgary, where opening and closing ceremonies were held during the 1988 Winter Olympics. McMahon Stadium is both the CFL’s third-oldest and the third-largest stadium, making it a great place to appreciate the Stampeders’ history while enjoying modern updates. Canadian football may seem like a curiosity to those accustomed to American football, but it’s more than that. The CFL field is larger than its American counterpart, measuring 110 yards long by 65 yards wide, with 20-yard goal areas (end zones), with the goalposts positioned almost on the goal line. Twelve players take the field in the CFL – one more than in American football – and CFL rules permit only three downs per offensive possession, meaning that teams rely more on passing than rushing. In the CFL, receivers and backs can be moving forward when the ball is snapped. There are other rules that affect play, but the upshot is that the CFL is an entertaining brand of football supported by passionate fans. Food & Beverage 3 The variety of food and beverage options at McMahon meets expectations. Fans can easily find hot dogs (C$5.75), pizza slices (C$6.25), cheeseburgers (C$8.50), nachos (C$9.50), fries (C$4.50), and chicken tenders with fries (C$8.75). The Baron Haus, under sections J and K on the stadium’s west side, is a carnivore’s paradise. A hand-carved “baron” of beef (i.e., a sandwich) sells for C$11.50, and a pulled pork parfait – yes, this is a real thing – is available here for $C12. Despite its name, the “parfait” consists of smoked pork, redskin mashed potatoes, corn, and house-made BBQ sauce. The Baron Haus also has a baked potato (the “Spud-inator”) with a variety of toppings for C$7.50. An adobo chicken burrito and a Taco in a Bag sell for $C10 and $C8.75, respectively, at the End Zone stand, under the west grandstand. Thirsty fans will also find the basics. Molson and Coors sell for $C8.75 for a 12-ounce can. Strongbow Cider, Snapple Spiked Vodka, and Vizzy and Truly hard seltzers all sell for $C10.75 per 16-ounce can. Pepsi products sell for $C5.25 per 16-ounce plastic bottle. Importantly, during late-season games, coffee and hot chocolate sell for C$2.75. Well-staffed concession stands abound under McMahon’s grandstands, so any lines that form move very quickly. Atmosphere 4 The Stamps have created an enjoyable experience at McMahon Stadium, with entertainment beyond the on-field play. The Stamps also celebrate touchdowns with a ride from “Quick Six,” a white horse ridden by Chelsea Drake. This is a nice touch that honors Calgary’s renowned rodeo tradition and helps fans celebrate the Stamps’ success. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic required teams to minimize person-to-person contact, so a local automobile dealer provided a remote-controlled truck to deliver the game ball to officials at the start of each game. The team retired the truck at the end of the 2021 regular season, with a tongue-in-cheek farewell video set to Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You.” Another favorite in-game promotion is the World’s Fastest Cow race. The Stamps have retained the services of a sprinter, dressed as a cow, who takes on a local celebrity or former player during an early time-out. The cow’s opponent receives a 10-yard head start as the two race toward the end zone at the far end of the field. COVID-19 sidelined (pun intended) the World’s Fastest Cow during the 2020 season, but he made a triumphant, bovine return in 2021. The stadium has a first-class sound system and a visually appealing scoreboard beyond the south end zone that tracks game statistics in real time. Neighbourhood 4 McMahon Stadium sits adjacent to the University of Calgary’s campus, a short drive from downtown Calgary. The neighbourhood around the stadium has plenty of options for pre- and post-game entertainment, but with downtown just a 15-minute drive or light rail trip away, the entire city provides a legion of places to eat, drink, and celebrate the Stamps. The stadium’s immediate vicinity does not offer much in the way of nightlife, but there are a couple of restaurants and a few hotels. Across Crowchild Trail NW on McMahon’s east side, Big T’s BBQ and Smokehouse offers burgers and barbecue within direct view of the stadium, adjacent to the pedestrian bridge connecting the light rail station with the stadium. Just north on Crowchild Trail NW, Nick’s serves steaks, pizza, and a sports bar. Several hotels (Aloft, Hampton Inn, Ramada Limited, and Comfort Suites) also sit just east of McMahon, along Banff Trail NW. The CTrain, Calgary’s light rail system, connects McMahon Stadium with neighborhoods throughout the city. Many fans take the CTrain to the Banff Trail station, located just east of McMahon, to Stamps’ home games. A pedestrian bridge connects the station and the stadium without having to navigate traffic on Crowchild Trail NE. Calgary has several neighborhoods worth exploring. The 17th Avenue Retail & Entertainment District has restaurants of all types. The Big Cheese Poutinerie serves poutine, which some consider to be Canada’s national dish and is most certainly a delicious type of Québécois comfort food: French fries, smothered in brown gravy and cheese curds. Alternatively, Alumni Sandwiches has a hot chicken sandwich that rivals Nashville’s. Fans 3 The Stamps have a loyal and vocal following, with the team’s 2021 average home, regular-season attendance (23,354) outpacing the league average (19,058) by almost 4,300 fans. Although McMahon Stadium does not routinely sell out, the fans who do attend are loud and engaged. Even to a CFL neophyte, and even if the Stamps are playing a team such as Winnipeg, for instance, fans loudly deride their team’s provincial rivals, the Edmonton Elks, and their Prairie Province rival, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, throughout games at McMahon. Access 4 McMahon Stadium is a very easy place to experience a game. The Stamps do not have much parking available next to the stadium, but the surrounding area handles the volume of traffic for a home game very well, with relatively inexpensive parking within a short walk. The University of Calgary also has parking available for those willing to make a longer walk. But Calgary’s mass transit system (especially the CTrain) is an easy, quick option for getting to a game. Once inside, grandstands are positioned on the stadium’s east and west sides. Fans can easily walk from one side to the other after entering; there’s plenty of room on the concourses underneath each grandstand for fans to move without encountering a lot of foot traffic. The stadium has more than enough concession stands and restrooms, which, beyond their intended uses, provide McMahon’s only heated sanctuaries during a cold game. The stadium’s corners do have metal bleachers, but the large majority of seats are plastic chairbacks. One important note: a steep climb awaits those sitting in higher rows (i.e., beginning at approximately row 44). That ascent provides great views of the field and the city beyond the stadium, especially sitting atop the west grandstand. But the slope will challenge even the most physically fit of Stamps fans (and the least physically fit of stadium reviewers). Return on Investment 4 A Stamps game at McMahon Stadium is a good value. Reserved seats start at C$37 apiece for regular-season home games and start at C$47 each for games against rivals Edmonton and Saskatchewan. Concession stand prices are fairly standard for a sporting event, while parking and mass transit mean that fans do not have to empty their kids’ college funds to attend. Extras 3 “Pick Six” earns McMahon Stadium an extra point, not only because it provides a great touchdown celebration but also because it’s a family affair. Although Chelsea Drake has assumed the reins as Pick Six’s primary rider, her mom, Karyn, served that role from 2003 to 2016 and is still a backup rider. McMahon receives a second point for its Olympic history. The stadium still has the cauldron from the 1988 Winter Games in the northeast corner. A final point goes to the effort that the Stamps’ front office has made to create an enjoyable experience at McMahon. The in-game promotions are clever and original. Final Thoughts McMahon Stadium fits seamlessly into the fabric of Calgary, with downtown and the university short distances away. The on-field play is enjoyable to watch, and the fans deliver enthusiastic responses at all the right moments. For someone wanting to experience CFL play in person for the first time, a Stamps game is a great way to do it. And Calgary itself is a city that does not get nearly enough credit for its beauty and history. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey I had not been there in years. So I went back. Back to an area where the seats are steep, the access is limited, but the skyline is beautiful, the lines are short, and the tickets are cheap. I sat in the 500-level of Rate Field. It’s the highest level at the ballpark and is known for its steep upper deck and, at times, limited restrictions to the main concourse on the 100 level, several escalator rides below. However, one game in this area proved more fruitful than frustrating, and I have found a new respect for not only the area, but the fans. ​ There are benefits to having a seat way up here: the price point. The cheapest tickets can be found, ranging anywhere from as low as $7 for a Wednesday night game to $16 on Saturday night. That changes on who is in town; don’t expect these prices for the Crosstown Classic against the Cubbies, or when the Sox have one of their creative giveaways, but you shouldn’t expect to pay a lot for the 500 level. ​ The area provides access to the Wintrust Kids Zone entrance on the left-field side of the stadium. I was with my 10-year-old nephew and 8-year-old niece, but they were not interested in the 15,000-square-foot area that features a youth-sized diamond, batting and pitching cages, among other things designed to entertain the youngest fans at the game. It’s free of charge, but they were more interested in their phones and what was for dinner. ​ Then there are views from the exterior ramps of the city skyline. If only the ballpark faced this direction, but up here you can pose for photos and even take a peek down at the diamond outline of the Sox's former home, Comiskey Park. However, when you are up this high, the section can become steep. ​ Incredibly, the area had more seats- close to 7,000 more when it opened in 1991. Today, some of these seats are still a steep walk, and one can feel a strong case of vertigo when climbing up the staircase aisles, but the area is not usually full, so feel free to sit where you can if permissible. ​ As for some of those missing seats, they’ve been turned into a couple of small social balcony areas called The Blue Moon and Miller High Sky Lounge. They offer tabletop chairs and tables, provide nice views of the field, and are great for small social gatherings. Are they anything like the Terrace District at Progressive Field in Cleveland? No, but it could inspire future improvements to the area. ​ “It’s a chilled environment,” said one fan sitting on the balcony. “This is where you come watch the game and have something to eat, something to drink.” ​ The food options include almost anything you can have downstairs. Comiskey dogs, nachos, chicken tender baskets, pretzels, and popcorn can all be found. Also, local delicacies such as Italian beef, brats, and Cuban sandwiches are prepared up here. ​ The hot dogs are served as big as a foot and feature a fixings bar of pickles, relish, chopped onions, and mustard. However, the short beef pierogi at the Polish-Colombian fusion vendor came highly recommended by several fans. ​ The fans are equally supportive in the 500 level. A group of young men took their shirts off and waved them in the air as the Sox fell 4-0 to the New York Mets. As each inning progressed, more and more men joined the cause, and by the 6th inning resulted in 100 or more chanting “Let’s Go Sox!”, “Take it Off!”, and being Chicago “F Green Bay!” ​ Their hard work paid off as the Sox exploded for four runs in the inning on back-to-back-to-back home runs. The exploding scoreboard almost ran out of fireworks due to the home run barrage, but by this time the whole section was loud and boisterous due to the 4-4 game as their team held on to the lead in the division. ​ There were more fireworks as the Sox walked it off with a two-run homer with 2 outs in the 9th. The home run off the bat of Jake Rodgers: a lucky fan grabbed the ball but also lost most of the contents of her purse. Luckily, they were returned to her, but she was not the only one to misplace her belongings that night. ​ My brother-in-law misplaced his wallet and went to the lost and found to see if someone had brought it there. Much to his shock, it was there, along with everything else inside it. Sox fans are known for many things, but apparently they are not thieves. ​ The 500-level of Rate Field offers its own vibe during a game. It is much different than the 100-level. There are fewer people, shorter lines for food and washrooms, and better views of the city’s skyline. The walls are decorated with photos from the ball club's past, featuring images dating back a century. ​ However, there are obstructed views of the field in certain areas, and there are even a few pillars that might be obstructive. The seats are unapologetically steep, and holding onto a railing is recommended. There are also no statues, access to the shower, or the Vizzy View Bar. The Leinenkugel's Craft Lodge is also a much longer walk to grab one of the many Chicagoland craft beers. ​ Then there is the question of access for 500-level ticket holders. In the past, there has been restricted access for ticket holders to enter the 100-level. However, I have heard conflicting stories that this no longer exists. I also did not witness a line at the checkpoint during my visit this past Friday night. Whatever the rules are when you are in the game, keep that in mind, but feel free to share your experience with me. I’m easy to find. ​ Is it worth bringing the family to the 500-level for a White Sox game? Sure, the tickets are inexpensive, there is enough food to satisfy everyone, and there is plenty of excitement from exploding scoreboards, music in between innings, and multiple visuals from the video board. ​ It also helps that the White Sox are on pace in their division after three straight seasons of over 100 losses. When the Sox are winning, more fans show up at the stadium, including the 500-level. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bozsik Aréna Budapest 1194, XIX ker, Puskás Ferenc Utca, 1-3, Hungary Map It! Kispest Honvéd FC website Bozsik Aréna website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 8,200 The Lions Den - Pride of Budapest Arriving at the brand new Bozsik Aréna in the south of Budapest does little to evoke the impressive history of the club who call this home. The name ‘Honvéd Budapest’ is synonymous with Cold War-era football. In the 1950s, the team aligned with the Hungarian army and the full name became Kispest-Honvéd Football Club. Kispest is the district they call home, with ‘Honved’ meaning ‘Homeland Defence’. In those days the team played at the old Bozsik József Stadion, a classic of its time, built in 1913. The new stadium, built almost exactly on the footprint of the old ground, has all the modern amenities you’d expect but lacks its soul. Matches rarely sell out, and so tickets are easily available. Transport from central Budapest takes just under an hour. Nicknamed the Lions, the club has a huge sculpture of the ‘King of the jungle’ on the stadium forecourt. Food & Beverage 3 There are very few options to eat outside the ground. A supporters’ bar opposite the bus stop is mainly for drinks, and the queues can be quite long. A few pop-up stalls sell sunflower seeds for visitors to munch on. Inside, the usual Hungarian football cuisine is on offer. Two local beers, two spicy ‘bratwurst’ and a bottle of water cost around 7000Ft (£17). Very good value. Atmosphere 3 The 1950s were a hugely successful time for Honvéd, who provided many players to the famous national side, the ‘Mighty Magyars’. The stadium takes its name from one such superstar, József Bozsik, whose statue is prominent outside the ground. József Bozsik Statue, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey As with many stadiums in Hungary, the new venue was built with help from the government and its football-loving former prime minister Viktor Orbán. The capacity is 8,200, and it’s a UEFA Category 4 stadium. The whole footprint of the premises has been upgraded to ensure those arriving on foot, by bike or by public transport can access the facilities safely. After some behind-closed-doors matches during Covid times, the official opening saw Villarreal CF B draw 0-0 with the Lions in July 2021. Sixteen LED floodlights peer over the pitch, improving the overall spectacle of this well-designed structure. The main stand is the largest. The other three stands wrap around the pitch with a separate roof structure. Aluminum plates give the facade its distinctive look, a smaller version of Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. The overall cost of the stadium was reported to be around HUF 17 billion. The vociferous home fans congregate in the northern end of the ground, with away fans in the south-west corner. Neighborhood 3 Kispest, known administratively as District 19, lies to the south of Budapest. The immediate surroundings of the stadium are mainly residential. Back in Budapest, there are a plethora of food establishments and attractions. So many sights in Budapest are free, including the Parliament Building and the famous bridges. The Ethnography Museum’s wildflower roof is also a sight to see, with two tall, ski-slope-style structures and a memorial to the 1956 uprising in the middle. Fans 4 With the majority of supporters sitting down, the atmosphere cannot be described as fervent. The average attendance, less than half the capacity, does not help either. Thankfully, the ultras and away supporters remind you that you are at football, not the theatre. In 2026/27, the club have just returned to the Hungarian top flight (NB1) after three years in the second tier. Average attendances have increased from just 2,510 in 2023/24 to nearly 4,000 in the autumn of 2026. The club has 14 national titles, only bettered by Ferencváros, MTK and Újpest. With the legendary Puskás as a former player, the new stadium and their famous red and black colours, there is huge pride in the Lions and their place in Hungarian footballing folklore. Access 3 Tickets can be purchased easily online. Alternatively, the ticket office is open on matchdays, and digital vending machines on the perimeter of the stadium also sell tickets. From Deák Ferenc tér in the centre of Budapest, take Metro Line 3 to Határ út. Switch there to the 142E bus. The whole journey takes around 35 minutes. On arrival, the landscaped surroundings make access for those with limited mobility really easy. Scan your ticket to gain entrance. Stewards are on hand to assist if needed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are great value and almost always available. £15 is enough for a premium seat in the main stand, with other areas even cheaper. A three-day pass to use all Budapest transport (trolley-bus /tram/metro) is just 5750Ft. Refreshments are also cheaper than most top-flight grounds in Europe. All in all, a trip to the Bozsik represents excellent value for money. Extras 3 A stadium tour can be booked through the club website. Prices are 1,490 Ft for adults and 1,190 Ft for under-18s. You can’t visit Budapest and only visit one stadium. Try the century-old Sport utcai Stadion in the east of the city, a historic venue with a grandstand to die for. The car park outer wall has a number of club-related street art pieces that bring some character to the otherwise perfectly landscaped environment. Street Art in Car Park at Bozsik Aréna, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The Bozsik Aréna is a smart, colourful and safe place to watch football. Time marches on, and whilst the loss of iconic and historic stadia is always sad, the reality is clubs need modern facilities with skyboxes, conferencing and events space to bring in much-needed revenue. This new ground, with all of these facilities present, should ensure the future of the club is as bright as its façade.

Frank Curiel Ballpark, Photo by Gail Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Editor's Note: As Curaçao won the 2026 LLWS yesterday, we though it'd be an opportune time to share this article, originally posted Aug 25, 2025. In 1996, a nineteen-year-old outfielder named Andruw Jones burst onto the Major League baseball scene as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Seventeen years later, the “Curaçao Kid” had amassed career totals of 434 home runs, 1,289 RBI and a .486 slugging percentage. For some people, that was the first time we heard anything about Curaçao. The fact that Jones spoke four languages was regularly pointed out by TV announcers. The island of Curaçao, located just 50 miles north of Venezuela, has since become a hot-bed for Little League baseball. Year-round hot, sunny weather allows the kids to play the game daily. Starting in 2001, Little League International gave an automatic berth to the Caribbean Region, which is comprised of 13 countries/islands. Teams representing Pabao and Pariba (leagues in Willemstad) won this region for nine consecutive years and went to play in Williamsport, PA. The first three years, these teams came in third place in the World Series. In 2004, the Pabao League team defeated Mexico 4-0 to win the championship! As of 2025, Curacao has won 50 and lost 28 games in Williamsport. Many other Curacao natives have become great players in MLB since Andruw Jones arrived on the scene, including Ozzie Albies, Andrelton Simmons, Roger Bernadina, Kenley Jansen, Jair Jurrjens, Hensley Meulens, Jurrickson Profar, Jonathan Schoop, and Randall Simon: all from a population of 150,000 people. An entertaining documentary entitled “The Boys of Summer” was released in 2010, and it showed the team’s progress through the Caribbean Region and Williamsport, as well as the kids at home and practice. In this film, we meet a gentleman named Frank Curiel. He created the Little League program for the island and to this day proudly maintains the field named after him in northwest Willemstad. He even lives in the park. Over the years, I have attended a few Little League World Series in Williamsport and was always taken by the strong work ethic that the Curaçao team demonstrated, along with their love of the game and, oh yes, those amazing smiles. My wife and I decided to travel to the island and visit the birthplace of these great teams. The field is in a residential area northwest of beautiful downtown Willemstad; Google Maps found it as “Frank Curiel Ballpark.” In one sense, it is nothing special, with aging artificial turf/carpet on the infield and outfield, advertising on the entire outfield fence, one modern batting cage, old tires attached to poles where the players build up stronger swings, older fencing around the field, aluminum bleachers with canopies overhead to shield the fans from the sun, and a concession stand. The field has four under-powered light stands overhead but they get the job done. A large sign behind home plate proudly shows 41 years of existence, Liga Vruminga, and a photo of local hero and MLB star Jonathan Schoop. Near the concession stands, various trophies and photos of MLB players from Curaçao are proudly displayed. Stray dogs wander around the perimeter, often taking a nap in the shade and two windmills turn lazily behind the left field fence. Concession stands are somewhat similar to those found in the United States but offer freshly prepared local favorites like chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and french fries along with traditional drinks. One surprise was beer in nine-ounce bottles: Heineken, Amstel “Bright” and Amstel Light for $1.80-$2.40. Fans can even buy a case of beer if so inclined and save a few guilders. Popsicles in eight flavors (including tamarind, pina colada, Oreo, and pistachio) help to cool off the fans during the tropical heat. However, the highlight of this story is the people of Curacao. People such as Señor Curiel, who spends countless hours taking care of the facility, the proud parents who enjoy watching their kids play (and yes, like parents everywhere, they offer coaching advice and support to the little ones), and the kids (both boys and girls) who play the games, and younger children who, with reverent eyes, watch them. There are also amazing coaches, many of them former players who return to “pay it back/forwards” as they enthusiastically challenge and cajole the players during a recent practice. Frank Curiel and Author, Photo by Gail Ohnsman, Stadium Journey A few Caribbean islands have “Baseball Academies” where promising young players live, attend school, and receive concentrated baseball instruction. Curacao is hoping to have a similar facility on their own island. The Baseball Academy Curacao is one such place where kids on the island learn the game from a young age. And so, the genesis and growth of baseball in Curaçao has a short but amazing history of success for their youth teams and successful MLB players. What does the future hold? Let’s keep an eye on the story and enjoy the ride!

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox have worn myriad uniform designs in their history and, at one time, switched colors and styles more frequently than the University of Oregon football program. Fans almost expected a new look every five years until the club debuted its current set at the end of the 1990 season. The red pinstripes (1971-1975), the leisure suit (1976-1981), and the Beach Blanket Bingo (1982-1986) looks were infamous and are now beloved by a generation of fans who never saw them in action at old Comiskey Park. However, lost in this display of haberdashery is one set that debuted in 1964. The Sweet Baby Blues may look tame by today’s standards, but it made a statement during its first season for the White Sox. It was somewhat unconventional for its time, but it was the first sign that the club was willing to think outside the box and set trends that other clubs would later adopt. The Ogden Standard-Examiner was shocked by the uniform color choice. The Sox were not the first to wear a powder blue uniform, but it had been 20 years since the last major league club wore such a distinct look. The Chicago Cubs sported the road color from 1941-1942, and the Brooklyn Dodgers wore satin blue uniforms for night road games in 1944. The Cubs' look was a vest jersey that featured a blue undershirt. The Sox introduced the jersey on January 6, 1964, at a press conference at the LaSalle Hotel in downtown Chicago. General Manager Ed Short held up the “blouse” of manager Al Lopez to a group of reporters and then passed it down the row for inspection, prompting Bob Smith from the Sun-Times to quip, “This was on the level?” and later added if the club was considering “pink or some other colors.” Short, somewhat irked by the media’s response, chose the color because it showed up better on black-and-white television sets, perhaps even looking better on the color TV sets that would soon become the norm in many living rooms in the country. The road jerseys were identical to the previous year’s design. The city name was arched in block lettering; the right sleeve featured the players’ number with a thin white outline, and the club wore a navy blue cap with an interlocking SOX logo in a similar font. Navy socks with three white stripes would accompany the wool uniforms. “Management made this change essentially to spruce up the look of the team,” added Chicago Historian Rich Lindberg. “They took some informal fan polls back then, asking for feedback on the ballpark experience.” Joe Horlen finished with a 1.88 ERA in 1964. File Photo. The blue road flannels were the third colored jerseys introduced by an American League franchise in as many years. The Kansas City Athletics introduced red jerseys with vests in 1962 and then shocked the baseball world the following season with all-gold vests and green sleeves. The Cleveland Indians also wore sleeveless jerseys with red jerseys beginning in 1963. “This uniform change was mostly a reaction to the Kansas City A’s and their switch to green and gold," Linberg added. "It was done with the hope of giving the Sox a more distinctive look at the very beginning of an era when the introduction of new colors and styles in baseball uniforms was coming into vogue.” Southside Aces Joe Horlen and Gary Peters in the updated Sox uniform in 1967, Photo Courtesy of Spokeo The new road color was described as baby, bird's-egg, French, or call-it-what-you-like shade. Various newspapers at the time were curious and mentioned the striking new look when the Sox came to town. The Bristol (Pennsylvania) Daily Courier was a bit more tongue-in-cheek on the new duds. “The Chicago White Sox also have new road uniforms-powder blue. All they need now are bow ties, and they’ll be ready to “do the town” in their new look tuxedos.” Lopez debuted the outfit during spring training in Tampa, Florida, in March to a group of reporters at the ballpark named after him. The reporters must have thought the sight of the Future Hall of Famer amusing, as many could hardly contain their laughter. Lopez said they were strange at first, but you would get used to them. "This is the only uniform we’ve got like this so far. I think they’re using me to try it out, figuring nobody’ll throw things at me in my own stadium." The Pale Hose debuted them at Fenway Park in Boston on April 17 and took two out of three in the series. The opposing Red Sox had some opinions about the new road uniforms. Bosox coach Billy Herman said that they should pitch a tent whenever they played the A’s, while first baseman Dick Stuart said that they had added too much bluing to the washing machine. There were many comparisons to the new blue uniforms and the yellow-gold outfits worn by the A's. Later that month, Finley challenged Short to a “fashion show” when his A’s came to White Sox Park for a doubleheader on May 6. Finley released the following statement to the newspapers. “We want the White Sox to add some color to the game by wearing their pretty baby blue road uniforms that they adopted this year. For the second game, we’ll wear our Fort Knox gold uniforms trimmed in Pacific green. For the second game, we’ll wear our misty green.” The A’s owner, Finley, was a man of showmanship and ahead of his time in baseball fashion. The Sox did not accept his challenge, wore their home pinstripes, and swept the two-game series. However, fans would see the team wear them at home later that summer. On June 26, the Sox hosted the Cubs at home for the 15th annual Boys Benefit Game. The Chicago Tribune reported that the Sox were the visiting team and wore their sweet baby-blue road uniforms as the game was played at cavernous Comiskey to accommodate demand and raise more money for the boys. A total of 52,712 attended the game, and 3,000 fans watched the game from a roped-off section of the park. All balls hit into the densely packed crowd were considered ground-rule doubles. Renovations to the park prevented many fans from being seated for the game, in which the Sox pounded the Cubs 11–1. Many AL visiting newspapers commented on the club’s look. During a visit to Los Angeles, the Long Beach Independent couldn’t help mentioning the team’s road flannels in its game recap. “The Chicago White Sox had their powder blue uniforms on display Friday night and then powdered the Angels 3-1.” The new road colors might have been a bit of good luck for the Sox, who found themselves in a pennant race with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles until the second-to-last day of the season on October 3. The Sox finished with 98 victories, one game behind the pennant-winning Yanks. A second-place finish prevented the powder blue uniforms from making an appearance in the World Series that fall. This wouldn’t happen until 16 years later when Philadelphia and Kansas City wore their road blues in the Fall Classic. The inability to clinch the pennant was a possible missed opportunity to become sentimental to the South Side fanbase. In 1967, the team removed the block CHICAGO across the chest and introduced a scripted font that featured the club’s name in the tail of the wordmark. The Sox would miss out on another pennant, losing a four-team race and finishing three games behind the Boston Red Sox that year. When the team took the field for Major League Baseball’s 100th anniversary in 1969, something was different. The road jerseys were replaced with the traditional gray look. The design was the same as the previous season, but the white letters looked “washed-out” in the gray flannels. That same year, two expansion franchises, the Seattle Pilots and Montreal Expos, donned powder-blue wool flannels. The White Sox sported a 432-378 record during their five seasons in the non-traditional look that, by the end of the next decade, would be worn by eleven clubs in the major leagues. Teams would continue wearing blue road uniforms until 1991. The look, considered a trend of the past, is becoming popular again, with four clubs wearing complete powder-blue uniforms and two more opting for tops with gray or white pants in 2020. The White Sox celebrate the 50th anniversary of the A’s in Oakland in 2018. File Photo. The Sox themselves would once again wear this era’s powder-blue uniforms in 2018 when they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the A’s relocation to the Bay Area at the Oakland Coliseum. For many fans, it marked their first glimpse of the club draped in light blue—a look some hoped would return to Guaranteed Rate Field for the occasional throwback night. The forward-thinking Sox were a little ahead of the curve and would introduce another set of powder-blue uniforms in 1971, but in 1964, they were somewhat unconventional in the eyes of baseball purists. Perhaps the abundance of uniform designs and innovations by the club between the 1960s and 1980s has hidden this sweet look of a road jersey. The team has introduced a few retro looks in recent years, and one can hope the team could bring back the “sweet baby blue” for a few Sunday games in the future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Belterra Park 6301 Kellogg Rd Cincinnati, OH 45230 Belterra Park website Year Opened: 2014 A Cincy Kind of Place Belterra Park is a live horse racing venue in Cincinnati, Ohio. The course features both a dirt track and a turf track. While small, it is a pleasant venue with covered seating outdoors and simulcast viewing indoors, with live cashiers as well as betting machines taking bets both inside and out. The facility includes a small casino, as well as a Burger Brothers restaurant. Food & Beverage 2 The Burger Brothers restaurant next to the sportsbook was the only place open for food and drinks during my most recent visit; there are concession windows outside as well, which were closed, but I am sure they are open on bigger race days. Burger Brothers has a very small menu, with only a couple of items such as burgers, fries, cookies, and soda. I did see people drinking soda and other beverages inside the sportsbook, but I wasn’t able to tell where they were getting them from; perhaps from a bar inside the casino. Atmosphere 4 The nicest feature at Belterra was the covered seating over the grandstand, as well as the covered tables on the apron (umbrellas at each table) and near the main entrance (roof extending from the facility). The scenery is also pleasant. The sports book is also well-appointed and kept clean, not dingy like some other race tracks I have visited. There are plenty of betting machines and a couple of cashiers (both inside and outside) if you care to make a wager on the ponies. You can also watch racing at other tracks and place bets on those races; there are plenty of tables and chairs inside the sportsbook, and I saw more patrons in there than I did outside – this is likely due to the weather, as races at Belterra tend to start at noon, the hottest part of the day. Neighborhood 3 While the address is still in Cincinnati, Belterra Park is actually about 9 miles from downtown Cincy, nestled on the east side of the meandering Ohio River (downtown Cincinnati is on the north side). The area around the race track is pretty rural, but includes attractions such as a live music venue, a nature preserve, and a couple of restaurants, including Dead Low Brewing and Pig Candy BBQ. While driving in, you will also see signs for Ulysses S. Grant’s boyhood home and related sites – these sites are located about 20-30 minutes from the race track. Fans 3 There aren’t many fans at a typical race day here, but you will see many more during bigger events. Patrons at the track tend to be friendly, and you can easily strike up a conversation about which horse you might like. As at any horse racing track, the most noise occurs at the end of a race, when fans cheer on their favorite (or curse the one that got beaten by a head). Access 4 Belterra Park is not that hard to get to; it is only a couple of miles off I-275 outside Cincinnati, and there is plenty of room to move around both inside and outside, especially if you avoid major race days (which I would recommend). When you arrive, go ahead and proceed to Gate 8, which is the third gate you see if you take Kellogg Road from I-275. This gate will take you to a parking lot right next to the track, and there should be plenty of parking. Once inside, there should also be little or no line to get food at Burger Brothers or to make a wager on the race. There are also plenty of different seating options, for example sitting down on the apron at one of the tables, sitting under cover in the grandstand, standing at the rail to hear the pounding of the hooves, or sitting comfortably indoors watching the action on TV. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost to get in, and unlike many tracks, there is only a $1 minimum wager for most bets (as low as 50 cents / 10 cents for trifectas and superfectas). This makes it easy to try your luck on the ponies without risking your shirt. The costs at Burger Brothers are comparable to what you might pay at other sports venues, but with free parking as well, this is a very inexpensive way to enjoy yourself at the races. Extras 3 The facility is small, so you can get very close to the action on the track, especially for the dirt races (the dirt track is on the outside of the turf course). The scenery is also great, and I very much appreciated the clean, modern facility to spend the day in.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Red Mile 1200 Red Mile Rd Lexington, KY 40504 Red Mile website Year Opened: 1875 Red Mile Racing Red Mile is a massive casino in Lexington, Kentucky, with multiple restaurants and bars inside the casino proper. Besides the casino, however, the facility also boasts a full harness racing horse track; the grandstand is located on the upper level of the building, so head upstairs if you want to see the ponies. The grandstand includes betting machines, live cashiers, a gift shop, and two restaurants of its own. Food & Beverage 4 The food scene at Red Mile is top-notch. Ignoring the restaurants inside the casino, the grandstand has three concession stands of its own – two in the main space and one in a more upscale section. In the main area, you can get things like hot dogs, ice cream, and beer, including $3 specials for all three of these during Sunday racing. Or you can visit Wagers Burgers and Brews, which offers a larger menu of burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches (including grilled, fried, or chicken salad), BLTs, gyros, and grilled cheese, among others. The prices at Wagers are a little higher, but the quality is better, so you are getting what you pay for. Atmosphere 3 Red Mile is a nice facility, with a covered outdoor grandstand, bench seating on the apron, or tables with chairs inside where you can watch the racing through floor-to-ceiling windows. There are plenty of live cashiers you can bet with, or plenty of betting machines if you prefer that route. Note that some of the betting machines are for standardbred horses (harness racers), while others are for thoroughbred horses (ridden by jockeys). Like most racing facilities, at Red Mile patrons can watch and bet on live racing at other tracks, but the betting systems for harness vs. thoroughbred racing are separate. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of things to do in Lexington, including visiting another well-known equine-themed attraction in the city, Kentucky Horse Park. However, you are also close to the University of Kentucky’s campus, including Rupp Arena, and there is also a vibrant distillery district (Bourbon, of course, is the name of the game in Kentucky). Red Mile is within 2 miles of downtown Lexington, so you can find plenty of restaurants, hotels, and things to see and do in the area around the racetrack. Red Mile itself is not a huge attraction, so you will be able to find cheap lodging at nice hotels throughout the racing season here (although it may get a little harder during Wildcat football home games). Fans 3 There aren’t many fans at a typical race day here, especially Sundays, but you will see many more during bigger events. You will likely see a lot of families in attendance, including young kids, as well as groups of friends just hanging out enjoying themselves. As at any horse racing track, the most noise occurs at the end of a race, when fans cheer on their favorite (or complain bitterly about the one that got beaten to the pole at the last second). Access 3 Red Mile is about five miles off I-75; you can use exit 115 just at the point where southbound I-75 merges with eastbound I-64. It will not quite look like you are near the city center, given how much land area the casino and racetrack take up, but you are not far from most of what Lexington has to offer, as mentioned above. Once you get to the casino, you can park for free right in front of the casino – the tricky part is weaving your way through the casino itself to find the grandstand for the track. There isn’t very good signage, and the stairwell up to the second level, even though it is very wide and bright red, is a bit hidden. Note that there is a separate sportsbook inside the casino around the bar, where you will see TVs and betting machines, but that is not in the same location as the entrance to the track and grandstand. Once you get up to the second level, however, there is plenty of room in the grandstand on most race days, with only the busiest race days having lines to bet or get concessions (although Wagers Burgers and Brews had a long line even on the not-so-busy Sunday when I most recently visited Red Mile). Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to get in and no cost to park, and the two regular concession stands (not Wagers Burgers and Brews) are on the low end in terms of pricing. The facility is not as nice as some horse tracks I have been to, but the colors are vibrant, and there is even live music from a stage on the apron. I would recommend a visit if you’re in the area, although Scioto Downs in Columbus has a better facility for harness racing in this writer’s opinion. Extras 3 There are painted horses around town if you feel like a scavenger hunt of sorts, for example, at the gas station outside the main entrance or inside the casino itself. Also, if you want to try a local soda, stop at a gas station or grocery store in Kentucky and look for Ale-8-One. Famed for its namesake ginger ale citrus brew, the company also recently brought back Roxa Cola, which is worth trying if you can find it (it has limited distribution).

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Kokomo Municipal Stadium 400 S. Union St. Kokomo, IN 46901 Kokomo Creek Chubs website Kokomo Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 4,000 Creek Chubs Bring Baseball Back to Kokomo Summer collegiate baseball came back to Kokomo Municipal Stadium in 2026 after a one-year hiatus. The Kokomo Creek Chubs now call it home. The team plays in the Prospect League and is owned by Bullpen Tournaments, Prep Baseball, and former MLB pitcher Joe Thatcher. ​ The stadium, which opened in 2015, cost $9 million to build and holds 4,000 fans. It was originally the home of the Kokomo Jackrabbits, who played in the Prospect and Northwoods Leagues. They left after the 2024 season after a dispute between team ownership and the city. ​ The Creek Chubs returned to the Prospect League after a one-year hiatus from baseball and put the team on the map closer to opponents in nearby Lafayette, Terre Haute, and Danville, Illinois. The team should fit in well in the league's map of clubs in Indiana and Illinois. ​ Kokomo had been home to minor league baseball from 1955 to 1961 in the Three-Eye League for both the Dodgers and Giants organizations. Notable alumni included Orlando Cepeda and Tommie Davis. The ballpark used for those years was Highland Park Stadium, which still stands, but was heavily renovated and downsized in 1984. Today, it is used for the American Legion Post 6 baseball team. ​ Food and Beverage 4 The ballpark has received an updated concession menu that features more than enough options for fans. They will find multiple selling points and lines that move swiftly through the night. The options include fan favorites like hot dogs and nachos. ​ There are two main concession areas, offering three windows for ordering. Fans can choose from the basic hot dogs, nachos, burgers, fries, candy, and soft pretzels. There are various types of hot dogs that include corn dogs, foot-long hot dogs, Chubs dogs, chili cheese dogs, and a gleezy dog. ​ The ballpark offers pizza by the slice, barbecue pork sandwiches, chicken tenders, and super nachos. The right field area features Chick-fil-A sandwiches and a Tropical Sno truck with 7 different flavors to pour over shaved ice. ​ The left-field corner is home to the tent bar that is open to the public. Inside, an array of cocktails and a few more draft options are available to customers. The bar can be opened or closed depending on the weather, and a few barstools and tables are available outside. ​ Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere feels very good for a collegiate wood-bat ballpark. The staff is extremely friendly, courteous, and helpful with any questions or concerns. The game day operations are top-notch with shirt tosses, in-between-inning games, a cheer team on the dugouts, and Hooks, the friendly minnow, patrolling the ballpark. ​ Kokomo Municipal Stadium is one of the most prestigious ballparks in the summer collegiate landscape. A stunning 360-degree concourse ballpark features plastic seating, a beer garden, a large children’s area, and plenty of grass seating behind the outfield wall that would put a few lower Single-A facilities to shame. ​ The ballpark’s outfield lawn seats feature in Indianapolis; this could be a great way to entice non-baseball fans to enjoy a game by sitting on a blanket under clear blue skies. Unlike many other stadiums, the entire outfield seating section features grass seating that can accommodate up to 1,000 patrons. ​ In the right-field corner is an elaborate jungle gym for the children, protected by a canopy net and featuring blue protective cushions at the bottom. Like the party tent at the opposite end, this place is heavily populated with the younger fans. ​ Neighborhood 3 In Kokomo, you will find a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on US-31, which is not too far from the stadium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then here are a few suggestions. ​ Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches, and it is also an ideal place for kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery provides a great stop for a bite to eat or craft beer after the game. The Windmill Grill, B-K Root Beer Stand, or Artie’s Tenderloin are great local choices in town. Be sure to try a tenderloin sandwich, a giant breaded piece of pork that is deep-fried and big enough for two. ​ The ballpark is near the historic Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, which was one of the largest high school basketball field houses in the country. The current capacity is 5,200, and it still packs a crowd during the high school season. ​ Fans 3 The fans at the ballpark appear to be strong supporters of their local nine. Many in attendance are decked out in Chubs gear, while little ones wait impatiently for the elusive foul ball down the right field line. The crowd, which grows as the night wears on, cheers and jests through the trials and tribulations of the ball club. The team is new to town, but support is promising early on. ​ Access 4 You will not find directions off the main road to Municipal Stadium - a common feature in many minor and collegiate wood bat leagues. Fortunately, GPS takes you directly to the stadium from US-31. Once inside the stadium, the main concourse offers plenty of easy access to your seat, the children’s playground, restrooms, and other points of interest. Take note: there is only one entrance and exit to the ballpark. ​ Return on Investment 4 ​Tickets are $12 for seats behind the backstop in sections 101-108. Tickets for the Creek Bank G/A and lawn seats are $6. There is a small parking lot behind the outfield walls that is free of charge, but parking is available on the residential streets if you arrive early to the game. The price of food is fairly reasonable, with a price range of $3.50 for popcorn to $14 for Chubs nachos. A hot dog is 4.50, a soft pretzel is $5, standard nachos are $5, and soda is $4. A 16-ounce draft beer of Michelob Ultra and Budweiser is $7, and Modelo is $9. The most expensive alcoholic drinks in the building are Long Drink, Nutella, and Cutwater at $12. ​ Extras 4 An extra point for the beer garden and tent bar in the left field corner, a popular destination for Thursday and weekend games, and a great spot for socialization. ​ The second extra point is for the design and modern comforts, which are not typical of a summer collegiate facility. A wraparound concourse, children’s play area, outfield lawn seating, and a beer garden make it an impressive facility not only for the league but in the state of Indiana. ​ The final points are for the children’s play area. It is impressive in size, features a light blue rubber surface, and a mini baseball diamond. The area is wrapped in protective netting for foul balls. Final Thoughts The Creek Chubs are off to a great start and hopefully will be part of the Kokomo landscape for years to come. Kokomo Municipal Stadium is one of the best summer ball stadiums, and nothing is better than enjoying 9-innings on a warm summer night with a few thousand friends. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bob Warn Field 931 N 1st St Terre Haute, IN 47807 Terre Haute Rex website Bob Warn Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 The Kings of Baseball in the Wabash Valley Professional baseball has a long history in Terre Haute, dating back to 1884; from 1901-1956, the city regularly fielded minor league teams in the Three-Eye League, a Class B Loop considered one of the finest in the nation. However, midway through the 1956 season, the Terre Haute Huts closed up shop, and a little over a decade later, its ballpark was drastically altered as a football-only facility. For many, it appeared that summertime baseball would never return, but early this century, many began wondering if some form of baseball could return to the city. Soon, a feasibility study was conducted by a Sports and Recreation class at Indiana State University in 2005, and talk of baseball began percolating again in the Wabash Valley. Around the same time, discussions of renovating the ISU baseball field also developed; within four years, the new and improved Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium debuted for the 2009 season. It was built in 1978 and called Sycamore Field. Warn coached the baseball team from 1976 to 2006, leading them to six conference championships and an appearance in the 1986 College World Series. The Rex was originally founded by the ISU Foundation in 2010 and sold to six local businesspeople in 2013, who all had ties to the university. Today, it is owned by Wabash Valley Baseball LLC. The name Rex is an homage to Rex Coffee, which was first produced in town by Clabber Girl in 1905. The unique name is a nod to past team monikers, including the Tots, Huts, Stags, Terry-iers, and Awkwards. The Rex have won five division titles and have added two Prospect League titles in 2015 and 2018. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession area near the main entrance of the stadium. There is not an abundance of choices, and prices are from moderate to high. The area is behind the seating concourse and away from the seating bowl. The options include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, nachos, and pretzels. They are all offered in a combo form, including a drink and a bag of chips. Pepsi products are sold, and beer is available either on draft or in cans. Options include Bud and Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Busch Light. Hard alcoholic seltzers and Cutwater varieties are also at the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 The stadium incorporates a salmon stucco exterior design and features a main grandstand and aluminum bleacher seating along the first base side. Blue plastic seat-back chairs are situated behind the backstop. Fans enter the stadium behind the right field foul line. This is where you will find the box office, concession stand, restrooms, and merchandise tent. The right field bleachers and grandstand are separated by the visiting team's dugouts. There is no bleacher seating on the left field line, but there is access for fans to watch the game along the fence. The stadium expands to 2,000 for Rex games, and the club does its best to provide a minor league-style atmosphere for the fans who attend each game. It is a step back to a simpler type of wood-bat ball and does not feature too many annoyances that might strike a chord with traditionalists. The Rex plays on a FieldTurf infield and natural grass outfield. The Rex attracts a pleasant crowd to their home games. A merchandise tent that offers quite a few different styles of attire, from caps to shirts to sweaters with the Rex logo. A kid's bounce house is behind the area, with a few stools and tables overlooking the right field line. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is north of campus and is adjacent to a cemetery. Before renovations, the tombstones were highly visible from behind the outfield walls. The stadium sits on 3rd Street, the main artery of town, where you will find a collection of local proprietors and national restaurant chains. The stadium is nearly three miles north of I-70, where many of these options are, but downtown Terre Haute is close and has the potential to become a burgeoning hot spot in town. The Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center was created in 1995 by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes. The impressive museum features holograms of her memories and stories that visitors can view as if she is still with them. The cost is only $8 per person for adults and is well worth your time when in town. The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is also worth a visit with the little ones, $9 for admission. The Sycamore Winery is not too far from the ballpark and is set on beautiful grounds where visitors can enjoy both wine and beer brewed on-site. The best options are nearby downtown. M Moggers is a venerable establishment that offers typical pub food and drinks across the street from the Terre Haute Brewing Company. A bit down the road is J Gumbo’s - my destination for cheap eats and creative thinking; try the Black and bleu dip with nachos, bumblebee stew, Cajun nachos, Jean Lafitte po’boy, creole ratatouille. Rick’s Smokehouse & Grill is another option for smoked ribs and pulled pork. Terre Haute is near other Prospect League clubs in Danville and Lafayette. Danville Stadium and Loeb Stadium are two other Prospect League facilities offering lovely vibes during the summer months. Another ballpark, Victory Field, is located a little bit over an hour in downtown Indianapolis and is one of the best in the minor leagues. Fans 3 The Rex attracts a collection of casual and dedicated fans to the ballpark. Many come out to enjoy the winning baseball by the club, and many others find it a great way to entertain the kids or socialize with friends during the summer months. The ballpark is never fully packed, but they are impressive in numbers at times that bring a livelihood to the place. Access 4 Bob Warn Field is two and a half miles north of I-70. The best way to get there is to exit onto 3rd Street from the interstate and continue north. You will pass the campus to your right, and once you cross over the bridge, the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and close to the entrance of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Rex games are as low as $8 for adults and $5 for youths. The price of a backstop grandstand seat is $10, reserved seats are $12, and scout seats up against the field are $15. There is a charge to park in the paved lot outside the entrance, but ample free parking on the asphalt lot across the street. Food prices range from $3 regular hot dogs to $8 cans of domestic beers. Extras 2 Bob Warn Field earns a point for offering team programs for $3, including raffle numbers inside for prizes throughout the game. A second point is the abundant collection of merchandise with the stylish Rex logo. Final Thoughts Whether it's spring college games or summer collegiate wood-bat baseball, Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute is a great spot to enjoy the action. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Sargent's Stadium at the Point 100 Johns Street Johnstown, PA 15901 Johnstown Mill Rats website Sargent's Stadium at the Point website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500 Mill Rats Run Rampant at The Point The Johnstown Mill Rats began operations in 2021 as members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. They play out of Sargent’s Stadium at the Point, which has been in operation since 1926 and underwent an $8 million renovation between 2005 and 2006. ​ The original stadium opened as Point Stadium because of its location at the confluence of the Little Conemaugh, Stoneycreek, and Conemaugh rivers. It had a capacity of 17,000, but that was soon lowered to 10,000. Then, when the renovations were completed in 2006, the capacity was reduced to 7,500. ​ The stadium’s diamond has a southeastern alignment; most features have an east-northeast alignment. There are also gridiron markings in right field, since the stadium hosts high school football in the fall. A giant net is in place in left field to keep balls in play and prevent them from crashing down onto the neighboring street. ​ The Mill Rats name was chosen as a nod to the once-thriving steel and coal industry in Johnstown. At one time, it was home to Bethlehem Steel and the US Steel plants. To match that vintage look, gold and brown were chosen as the team colors. They have made the playoffs three times in team history. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at the ballpark: 1st base and home plate. The first base area is larger and busier, featuring everything from perogies to mac and cheese. However, fans can enjoy hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, chicken strips and fries, hamburgers, Italian sausage, and walking tacos. ​ There are sweet treats that include funnel cake fries, bomb pops, candy, and ice cream. A $10 souvenir cup is available, and it includes three free refills during the game. IC Light, IC Light Mango, Bud Light, and Yuengling are served in cans. Happy Dad Hard Seltzers are available in three varieties. ​ There is quite a variety of food and beverages at the stadium, and many of the items appeared to be homemade, including the chili for the loaded fries and the fries that are somewhat wavy like a potato chip. Atmosphere 4 The stadium’s size and features do not detract from the atmosphere at the game. Fans can expect a small-town family vibe during a Mill Rats game where the prices are affordable, kids run around the concourse, a mascot gives high-fives, and natural surroundings add to the charm of the stadium. ​ The main entrance is on the right-field portion, and kids toss and throw the ball around to one another in the large plaza area just inside the building. They bounce balls off the giant cement wall that acts as part of the road, and murals of Babe Ruth and past teams are etched on it. A small outfield grandstand is also available for overflow crowds. ​The main grandstand behind home plate features reserve chairback seating. The bleacher seating juts down the right field line and also serves as prime viewing for high school football games in the fall. Just above the right field corner is a small bridge that allows fans a pleasant view of the playing field from up above. ​ There is a small video board in right-centerfield and another scoreboard underneath the 60-foot wall and screen combination. The wall serves the purpose of keeping fly balls in play and preventing them from breaking windows on business buildings on Johns Street. The playing surface is made of synthetic material, and parts above the concourse level, where certain parts of the concourse allow fans a slightly obstructed view. ​ Younger fans can be seen on the entrance ramp behind the home dugout, where many attempt to grab an autograph from a Rats player. Milton, the mascot, can also be seen handing out handshakes and hugs, while members of the staff dance on the dugout during certain parts of the game. In between innings, gimmicks include races, pizza tosses, and dance competitions. Neighborhood 3 Sargent’s Stadium is in downtown Johnstown and across the street from Fetz’s Sports Pub, a popular spot before and after the game. The small tavern has room for fans to grab a plate of wings or a beer, or partake in karaoke on Wednesdays. A few more neighborhood places include Stone Bridge Brewing Taproom, Game Plan on Market, and Scott's by Dam. Coney Island Lunch has been around since 1916, ten years before the ballpark opened. ​ The Johnstown Incline Plane is a 19th-century funicular & lookout featuring scenic panoramas, a visitor center, and an eatery. It is within walking distance of the stadium and perfect for views of it during the day. Fans 4 There was a large crowd on hand during our visit to the stadium. It was Little League Night, and the kiddos were cheering passionately for the Mill Rats. They were waving their shirts around the concourse, yelling aloud and marching up and down the aisles. The rest of the crowd added enough revelry to the night. Access 4 The stadium is massive, with 7,500 seats that stretch from right to left field. The seating bowl features an inner concourse, and there is an upper level that provides additional room for fans at the game. The only issue with access is driving through the hilly streets of town. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are $5 for general admission and $8 for box seats. Kids under the age of 3 are admitted into the game for free. There is no charge for parking in the nearby lots and on the city streets. Food is also affordable, with $3 hot dogs and $6 beers. ​ Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for its unique features, including a small bridge across the left field corner, the 60-foot wall and screen combination, the gridiron markings of the football field, and Yoder Hill and the river behind the first base side. ​ The ballpark earns a second point for the various murals on the wall, which also act as the street’s bridge. The kids use this area to bounce balls off it and play catch. ​ The third point is for the field-level view below near the main concession stand. It provides a different type of viewing of the game for patrons. Final Thoughts Sargent’s Stadium at the Point is a nod to grand old ballparks of the past. The historic presence can be felt throughout the building, but modern additions provide comfort to the fans. The tickets are among the cheapest in the league, while concession prices are affordable on any budget. Everyone at the game appeared to have fun, and that is probably the best part about a night at a Mill Rats game. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lloyd Hopkins Field 4500 College Ave. Alton, IL 62002 Alton River Dragons website Lloyd Hopkins Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 2,500 River Dragons Looking to Make Their Mark in Alton It has been said that no two ballparks are alike, but many have borrowed elements that have blurred the aesthetics. If you’re looking for a truly different type of venue for baseball, then set your destination to Alton, Illinois, and Lloyd Hopkins Field. There isn’t quite another place to watch a baseball game in the Prospect League like here. It is the home of the Alton River Dragons, who began operations in 2021 just along the Mississippi River, about 20 miles north of St. Louis. The ball club hopes to attract visitors to the river town with quite a bit of charm and appeal. It is a reminder of a throwback era where towns of all sizes had a baseball team, and the Dragons hope to be here for quite some time. Lloyd Hopkins was a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization who played for them from 1940 to 1942. He went 23-6 in 1941 before heading off to Europe for World War II. He was at the beaches of Normandy and would move up the ranks to second lieutenant. He would never play professional baseball after the war but would have a stadium named after him due to his sacrifice. The ballpark was dressed upon the arrival of the Dragons, including an all-you-can-eat party deck, concession tables, souvenir stands, 3,000 additional seats, and a new video scoreboard in the right field. Additional team and sponsorship signage is wrapped around the bleachers and fencing, sprucing up the tiny ballpark. Food & Beverage 2 A couple of concession stands offer the basics of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, brats, candy, and other items. However, a few items were unavailable, blacked out on the menu board, during our visit to the stadium. The Dragons make up for that with highly affordable prices on alcoholic drinks that include their very own brand of beer called a Radler, produced by a nearby Old Bakery Beer Company. City Wide American Pale Ale by 4 Hands in St. Louis and White Claw are other options that are available for $5 each. The ballpark has some great items to snack on; it’s recommended to visit one of the many great eateries in Alton before the game. Atmosphere 3 There’s something different about this stadium, and it reminds me of the town ball stadiums of Minnesota. It has a capacity for 3,000 fans, but it seems much smaller than that. It was never meant to be the home for summer collegiate baseball but will do its best to serve in that capacity for the foreseeable future. There are two party decks on top of each dugout that add a little flair to the ballpark. This area can be rented for a large group and probably has one of the best spots in the entire ballpark. Protective netting surrounds the suite for fans to enjoy the game without injury. The main grandstand features comfortable plastic bucket seats and is near home plate. It might be one of the closest spots in the league itself. There are more protective netting and two bars that cross each other to hold it up. The rest of the seating is bleacher-style down both foul lines. The stadium has a concession table that offers both t-shirts and caps featuring the stylistic team logo. There is not an adequate amount to choose from compared to other clubs in the league, but perhaps that will improve as the season goes on since a few people in the crowd were wearing items that were out of stock. The stadium has copious amounts of sponsorship banners wrapped around the bleachers to cover up their open spaces. They had a very different touch to the stadium. The video scoreboard in the right field is capable of a lot more than your typical electronic scoreboard. The club also has a Dragon mascot that makes its way throughout the stadium and helps introduce players before the first pitch. Neighborhood 3 Alton has a population of 27,000 along the Mississippi River. The city is known for its limestone bluffs but is also home to multiple restaurants and bars. Visitors may also enjoy riding along the Great River Road and scenic views of both Illinois and Missouri. The National Great Rivers Museum is open daily; the reproduction of the Piasa Bird painting is northwest of the city, and the Argosy Casino Alton is available for anyone looking for a little luck. The downtown area is worth visiting for its views of the river, turn-of-the-century buildings, and walkable distance to various shops and restaurants. The State Street Market, Big Boys BBQ, The Old Bakery Beer Company, and The Rivers Edge are a few options for visitors. However, the best spot is just outside of downtown. Fast Eddies Bon Air is nationally known for its appearance inside a 1921 building, originally called the Bon Air. Since 1981, Fast Eddies has been offering grilled food, peel-and-eat shrimp, live music, and an all-around good time. The Big Elwood is a steak kabob; the Salty Pork Kabob, homemade Brat, and red dog are a few tasty options to order at the counter. Fans 2 Rumor at the game was that it was the largest of the young season and hopefully can be the start of something good for the Alton franchise. Visitors packed both main grandstands, and a few took in the option of enjoying the game from the suite decks above each dugout. They appeared to enjoy what they were watching on the field of play. Access 3 The stadium has most of its amenities near one another around the entrance. The covered grandstand may take some squeezing into when the game is packed, but all other points of the ballpark are simple to move around. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to both the left field and right field bleachers are $5 to $8, and reserved seats are $8 to $10 apiece. The party decks are $30 a person and include all-you-can-eat burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, soda, and beer. However, make sure you are there with a few friends to sit in this area. The beer is affordable at the concession stand at $5, but merchandise options are somewhat limited. The club has a sharp-looking logo and could use a few more options to brand itself to its fanbase. Extras 2 The club has an amazing dragon logo that should sell well, not only in Alton but across the nation. It is also on its beer that is made in town by a local brewery. The city is known for its limestone bluffs but is also home to multiple restaurants and bars. The second point is the Lloyd Hopkins Memorial Garden Bed at the entrance of the stadium. Final Thoughts Lloyd Hopkins Field was never meant to be a summer collegiate facility, but the organization will make sure they do everything they can to make that happen. The ballpark has its pros and cons in terms of design and amenities, but it also harkens back to what minor league stadiums were like when I was younger. However, there is fun in expecting anyone at an Alton River Dragons game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Capaha Field 627 Capaha Drive Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Cape Catfish website Capaha Field website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 2,400 Getting Hooked at Capaha Field Capaha Field has been the home of the Cape Catfish of the summer collegiate Prospect League. The ball club arrived during the summer of 2019, but baseball has been played at the site by numerous teams dating back to 1894. The ballpark was first known as Fairgrounds Field and included three separate grandstands. The first wooden grandstand was built in 1905 but was leveled by a storm in 1911. A new one was constructed the same year and enlarged by 40 feet. It would be replaced by the current structure in 1949. A new press box was added in 2006. The SE Missouri State University baseball program has called the ballpark home since 1959 and added a 4,000-square-foot indoor training facility on the right-field side of the stadium. The St. Louis Browns and the Toledo Mud Hens held spring training on the site from 1943-1945 due to wartime restrictions. The ballpark is also home to American Legion baseball. The Capaha baseball team is the oldest amateur club that began playing on the site in 1894 and got its name from the CA-PA-HA Flour Company, which sponsored the club in the early part of the 20th century. The ball club has won 20 state regional titles with a 4th place finish at the NBC in Wichita, Kansas. A $1.8 million renovation plan changed the ballpark and included synthetic turf changes, sectioning off the road on top of the knoll on the right-field side to make it the main concourse, adding a video scoreboard, a new outfield fence, new bullpens, and additional cosmetic upgrades. Chair-back seating from the now-demolished Houck Stadium was added to the grandstand in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 There are multiple food trucks at the ballpark parked up on the hill serving food and beverage during the game. Kenny’s Flippin’ Burgers is a local restaurant that serves smashed burgers and hot dogs. The Cape Catfish version has grilled onions and smash sauce with homemade ribbon chips. The Wat’s Knot truck offers pretzels, pretzel bites, cinnamon twists, and pretzel dogs. Simply Swirled is another truck that has 15 different flavors of shaved ice, including grape, orange, wedding cake, and tiger’s blood. Coca-Cola products are sold, while the beer options include cans of Modelo, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Yuengling Lager, Yuengling Flight, and Cape Catfish Common from local Ebb & Flow Fermentation. It is a Kentucky Common beer, AKA steam beer. It is a well-balanced beer with maltiness that creates a dry and clean flavor profile. Atmosphere 4 Fans enter the stadium at the main entrance behind the grandstand and on top of the hill. The Plaza Tire Entrance used to be a small road for cars but is now part of the stadium’s main grandstand. The tree line area is designed with tables, concession stands, food trucks, a merchandise table, and a small hill where kids run up and down. It is a carnival-like atmosphere on most nights and is a good way to increase the atmosphere at the game. The main grandstand seats a little about 500 people and offers stadium seating. The grandstand features a logo of the ballpark and includes the emblems of all four teams that call it home during the spring and summer. Championship banners of the Catfish are on display, and old baseball bats are used as banisters in the grandstand. A few private areas exist and include the dugout club seating area down the first base side of the stadium and the home run deck behind right field, which has its own entrance. The party area can seat people up to 200 and comes with food and beverages. The SEMO football team was the guest during our visit and provided a noisy backdrop to the visiting right fielder. The Catfish mascot can be found walking through the stadium giving high-fives and posing for photos. A majority of the fans are found on the main concourse either on the hill at tables or sprawling out on the grass berm. The same can be said for a few folks who watch the game from the road behind the outfield wall in center field on top of another hill. They park their cars, pull out a lawn chair, and enjoy the game free of charge. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is inside Capaha Park, which includes a fishing pond, a rose garden, and a disc-golf course over 39 acres in the southwest corner of Cape Girardeau. The area around the park is a mix of residential and commercial use and is near Southeast Missouri State University and Southeast Hospital. However, there are plenty of restaurants and breweries located within a mile of the ballpark. The restaurants include Mary Jane Bourbon & Smokehouse, Burrito-Ville, Kenny’s Flipping Burgers, and Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine. The breweries include Ebb & Flow Fermentation and Many Good Things Brewery. Also, a mile from Capaha Park is the Mississippi River and riverfront. Fans 3 The fan interaction at the park is community-spirited, with families out for a day during the summer, baseball diehards enjoying a few innings, and kids just having fun running around the spacious concourse and hill. There are many with Catfish caps and t-shirts cheering on the hometown team. Access 4 Cape Girardeau is accessible off I-55 and is 115 miles southeast of St. Louis along the Mighty Mississippi River. There are numerous spots to park behind the outfield walls in the grass and dirt lots, along with neighboring streets. Once inside the venue, the main concourse allows fans to direct themselves to many vantage points and the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 Reserved seating in the grandstand is $12; $9 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for kids under $5 everywhere else. Parking is free in the neighboring lots, and food prices are affordable. All cans of beer are $4, and the large tub of shaved ice is also $4 and perfect for kids to cool down during a hot summer day. However, there did not appear to be reasonable pricing for the ballpark staples of hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, and popcorn from any one of the food trucks. Merchandise includes an assortment of T-shirts and caps from $25 to $30, respectively. Extras 3 The Catfish earn points for designing a ballpark that stands out in the Prospect League. The Plaza Tire Entrance makes good use of the old road and turns it into a festive and lively concourse during game time. The beer prices are $4 and almost half of what you might pay elsewhere in summer baseball. Another point is the multiple banners hanging up along the concourse that add a nice touch to the stadium. Final Thoughts Capaha Field has an illustrious history of baseball dating back to the late 19th century, and the Cape Catfish continue that tradition in Cape Girardeau. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Schweickert Stadium 2600 Plank Rd. Peru, IL 61354 Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp website Schweickert Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 2,200 Pistol Shrimp Making a Home in the Illinois Valley The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are members of the summer collegiate Prospect League and play their home games at Schweickert Stadium at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru, Illinois. The stadium's name comes from the Schweickert family, which donated $500,000 towards an investment in the stadium. The P-Shrimp began operations at Benedictine University's baseball stadium in Niles, Illinois, in 2019. After COVID-19 canceled the season, the club found a new home 100 miles west in Peru. The problem was that there wasn’t a suitable stadium; it was only a diamond and a few metal bleachers. That did not deter team management, as they began constructing a stadium while, at the same time, not charging admission to fans. In 2023, a 575-seat grandstand and press box were built, featuring a brick backstop, a concession stand, and dugouts. Future phases of the project include sinking the dugouts, adding permanent bathrooms, extending the bleacher seating and enlarging the concession stands, and a new scoreboard. What the Pistol Shrimp has is a grassroots ballpark that offers an experience nestled into the community it surrounds. Also, the team is named for its enlarged claw, capable of producing a loud snapping sound to stun its prey much larger. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is no bigger than what you would find at a high school football stadium. It serves popcorn, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, Pepsi products, and frozen treats: ice cream, sherbet, and novelty ice cream. The prices range from $3 to $5 apiece. A few food trucks make up the rest of the food choices behind the main grandstand. Tony’s Butt Shack has a menu consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, hillbilly nachos, loaded mac and cheese, pulled pork parfait, and hot dogs. A pretzel truck featured long lines of customers ordering plain, cinnamon/sugar, and garlic soft pretzels and fresh-squeezed lemonade. A beer garden serves draft and canned beer and cocktails. A few highlights include the official team beer Short Hop Golden Ale, Tangled Roots Saison de Lager, Miller, and Coors Light, Truly, White Claw, and Twisted Tea. The cocktails include Pistol Punch, High Fly Ball, and Vodka Slushies. Atmosphere 4 A Pistol Shrimp game is a different experience from most Prospect League games. The stadium looks more like a Division II ballpark, perhaps a little nicer than a few Division I ballparks, and the atmosphere rivals that of a Little League game. The surrounding area features grassy areas and tall cornfields. The grandstand has seating for 500 fans, while the stadium itself can hold up to 2,000 fans on additional bleachers, standing-room-only areas, and grassy areas where lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. The plastic theater-style chairs still have the fresh smell of plastic, and the brick backstop adds a nice touch to the stadium. The PA announcer encourages fans to look in their game program for the lucky number, 50/50 raffle tickets, and player information. Kids run around in groups chasing foul balls or standing next to the fence to get a glimpse of the players. In-between promotions include younger fans dancing, dressing up like Elvis, and answering trivia questions. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is not within walking distance of restaurants or lodging but is only a short drive from I-80 or other parts of town. Locals recommend visiting Lou’s La Grotto for pizza, the Uptown Grill for fine dining, the Country House for hearty meals, and Verucchi’s Ristorante for Italian cuisine. Mickey’s Massive Burritos is located in neighboring La Salle and is home to burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and drinks. Fans 4 There are many types of fans at a Pistol Shrimp game, including the diehards watching the game from the stands while keeping score, the parents enjoying a night out with friends while their kids run around the stadium, and the younger fans who enjoy baseball and food with friends. Access 4 The ballpark is less than 2 miles south of I-80 at the Plank Road exit. There is ample parking in front of the stadium, and the entrance is in the left-field corner. The bulk of the bathrooms are located in port-a-potties way down the right-field line and behind the grandstand. Soon to be replaced with a further phase of renovations. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all games is free, and prices for concession foods range between $3-$5, but they are limited. The food truck options are a little higher but much better in quality, from $12-$14. The beer garden offers a range of beer, seltzers, and cocktails between $4 and $6. Merchandise runs $30 for a ball cap and $25 for a T-shirt. The team has a variety of items, but they are limited in size. Extras 3 The Pistol Shrimp earns a point for offering free admission to all games, having a fun and exciting mascot seen throughout the game, and providing a community-based experience at the ballpark during the summer months of June and July. Final Thoughts The Prospect League has its share of ballpark experience, from former minor league venues to community ballparks. Schweickert Stadium falls somewhere in between as a living structure that should change in the years to come. The fans, free tickets, and small-town setting make it worth a visit somewhere between the stadiums of Rockford, Normal, and Joliet. ------ 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: 2.57 Carleton Davidson Stadium 1101 Mitchell Blvd. Springfield, OH 45503 Champion City Half Trax website Carleton Davidson Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,077 Champion City Baseball Experience Editor's Note: The Champion City Kings rebranded as the Champion City Half Trax for the 2026 season. Springfield, Ohio’s entry in the Prospect League was not crowned the “Champion City Kings” out of some sense of hubris. When the Slippery Rock Sliders franchise made the move to southwest Ohio in 2014, there was amazingly already another team in the circuit named the Springfield Sliders (the team from Springfield, IL, is now known as the “Lucky Horseshoes”). The “Champion City” moniker comes from when the city was the leading producer of the “Champion” combined reaper and mower. The demand was so high for these agricultural products that the manufacturing plant in town covered 54 acres and employed 2,000 people at its height in the 1870s. Carleton Davidson was a native of Springfield. He was a local civic leader, businessman, and philanthropist. He and his wife Ruth established a foundation that funded various projects in the area, including the Davidson Interpretive Center and Carleton Davidson Stadium at Whittenberg University. The ballpark that came to bear his name was built at the site of the city’s previous baseball stadium, Municipal Stadium. Springfield’s last organized team was the New York Giants’ Class D team, which folded in 1951. Built for Whittenberg University’s Division Three baseball team in 2004, the ballpark cost $2.66 million to complete. Upon completion of the ballpark, it was immediately dedicated to Davidson. Since arriving in Ohio, the Kings have failed to live up to their moniker, qualifying for the playoffs only three times in their 15 seasons, and winning only one playoff game. Food & Beverage 4 There is a concession stand right behind home plate. The menu doesn’t offer much more than your standard stadium fare, but that’s a lot more than you might be expecting at a small park like this. Hungry fans can select pizza slices, burgers, hot dogs, and brats here. Load up your dogs and brats for an extra dollar. There’s also a good selection of snacks on the menu, including nachos, pretzels, popcorn and ice cream treats. Coca-Cola products are featured at Davidson Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will gravitate towards the portable stand selling Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and assorted White Claws. Atmosphere 2 The game day atmosphere at Davidson Stadium is pretty much what you would expect at a small ballpark in a small city in a lower-level summer league. They do all the things you would expect to see at the bigger ballparks, but on a smaller scale. If you’re a fan of a relaxed, low-key presentation, you’ll enjoy your time in Springfield. There are some between-inning games and contests run by the team’s interns. A 50/50 raffle held each night helps to fund the team’s operations, and there’s a team store offering up some Kings swag. A video board located in left field displays player photos and game information, but does need a little TLC. The sound system is good and is put to good use with music, sound effects, and a PA announcer who goes about his business in a professional manner. Neighborhood 2 Springfield is the 12th-largest city in Ohio, with a population of about 60,000 residents. Davidson Stadium is located in the Annex Baseball Complex in the center of town on the shores of Buck Creek. Whittenburg University is just a couple of miles away. While there aren’t any points of interest in the immediate vicinity of Davidson Stadium, visitors to the area will find dining and lodging options a short drive away. The Springfield Museum of Art, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House and Buck Creek State Park highlight the many attractions in Springfield. For a more complete look at dining, lodging, and attractions in Springfield, check out the information page on the Whittenburg University website. Fans 2 The small-town feel is most prevalent in the stands at Davidson Stadium. Most of the fans in attendance seem to be regulars, and most certainly have a connection with the team and the players on the field. They are enthusiastic in their support of the Kings, and knowledgeable about the action. The Kings annually land near the bottom of the Prospect League’s attendance rankings, with an average attendance of about 400 fans per game. Fans are welcoming to out-of-towners, and you’ll likely have no problem striking up a conversation with those around you. What these fans lack in quantity, they make up for in quality. Access 3 The city of Springfield is located in southwestern Ohio, between the larger cities of Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Interstate 70 runs just to the south of the city, and State Route 40 will get you close to the ballpark. Davidson Stadium is located in the center of Springfield, but a trip through the city neighborhoods is required to reach the ballfield. Once you arrive at Davidson Stadium, you’ll find plenty of room to park in the large lot adjacent to the field. The entrance to the ballpark deposits you right behind home plate, where you’ll find the concession stand and restrooms. The majority of the seating is located on either baseline, in a covered grandstand. The old bleachers have been replaced by uncomfortable plastic bucket seats. Picnic tables and a party area are located further down the right field line, offering views unobstructed by netting. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Champion City games are quite affordable. Box seats are priced at $15, while General Admission tickets will cost you ten dollars. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and members of the military. Parking is free of charge in the large lots around the ballpark. Concession prices are reasonable as well, making a night at a Kings game an affordable entertainment option for local fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the tributes to Bob Pyle, former Springfield mayor and city teacher. Mr. Pyle coached local teams for 52 years, including 42 as the coach of the WBLY team. He had only one losing season during all those seasons and qualified for 13 National Baseball Congress World Series. He passed away after suffering a heart attack during that 13th appearance at the age of 64. Mr. Pyle is honored on the stadium’s scoreboard and in the locker room. Final Thoughts Hidden treasures like Carleton Davidson Stadium are why ballpark travelers crisscross the continent visiting small towns and big cities alike. A hidden gem off the beaten path, Carleton Davidson Stadium provides a nice alternative to the noise and commotion of the bigger ballparks in the area. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Marion Stadium 1000 Miners Drive Marion, IL 62959 Thrillville Thrillbillies website Marion Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 Take a Thrilling Ride in Thrillville, USA Marion Stadium is home to the Thrillville Thrillbillies of the summer collegiate Prospect League. The team returned to organized baseball to back Marion, Illinois, after the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League folded in 2021. The 7,000-seat ballpark is among the biggest in the summer league, but a new name and imagery hope to bring fans back to the ballpark. The stadium hoped to lure a Single-A Midwest League team by former mayor, but when that did not work, the town opted for the independent Frontier League. The Miners were a success during their inaugural season of 2007, attracting 259,392 fans, but after several years of declining attendance, the love affair appeared to be over. The original owners retired after the 2021 season, and baseball was gone. Enter the Thrillbillies, whose unique identity is inspired by the regional outdoor adventures of off-road driving and rock climbing. The club’s logo of a deer and rabbit riding an ATV and skydiving adheres to those outdoor adventures of Southern Illinois. The venue opened as Rent One Park but reverted to Mountain Dew Park in early 2023, then changed to Marion Stadium at the start of the T-Billies opening night. Besides summer collegiate baseball, the ballpark hosts the Colt World Series and the Great Lakes Valley Conference and Ohio Valley Conference college baseball tournaments. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark introduced a whole new menu, including a few interesting items that hope to be signature items: the Thrillville Chicken Sandwich and Burger. There are also Mexican, barbecue, and sweet treats to appeal to most fans at the ballgame. The Thrillville Chicken Sandwich is fried in Flaming Hot Cheetos crumbs, doused with habanero sauce, and served between two Krispy Kreme donuts. The Thrillville Burger is topped with bacon and cheese sauce in between two crispy waffles as buns. They sell for $10; fans can make it a combo with chips and a drink for $3 extra. The main concession stand behind home plate serves hot dogs (regular and foot long), ¼ pound cheeseburgers, grilled or breaded chicken sandwiches, and chicken strips. All sandwiches can be upgraded to a combo, fully loaded, or include extra heat if desired. The Catina is located down the third base end of the concourse and offers quesadillas with chips, three street tacos, and fully loaded nachos. The barbecue stand features pulled pork, smoked chicken, and brisket sandwiches. A kiosk behind the backstop offers brisket sloppy joes with barbecue chips. The colorful Lollywood concession stand serves sugary sweets, including ice cream, doughnuts in three different flavors, assorted candies, and cotton candy. Fans can also order cheese and pepperoni pizza slices. The alcoholic drinks are also behind the backstop and include Budweiser products from Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and seltzers from Nutrl and Cutwater. The cocktails available are a Mt. Dew Margarita, Sangria, and various mixed drinks. Atmosphere 3 Marion Stadium has a different look than other ballparks of its kind. Instead of a red brick and hunter-green canopy design, the structure’s colors are black, steel, and gray. The main concourse features exposed piping from the press box and suite area with open views of the playing field from anywhere in the stadium. Due to the transition of the stadium to the new ball club, there is evidence of the old Miners that includes seat signage with a rock design in the former team’s colors and the removal of the Rent One Park logo outside the stadium’s main entrance. However, the Thrillbillies aura is presently painted on the walls of the Lollywood concession stand in a graffiti style. The Thrillbillies have a dance team that performs on the dugout during innings, along with assisting the on-field promotions in between each inning of play. The team’s rabbit mascot can be seen on the field and in the stands entertaining fans of all ages. The team shop is stocked with club gear, including caps, t-shirts, and other trinkets. The stadium features 14 luxury suites and an events center up above the third base side that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The field uses Sportexe Turf, a synthetic surface that drains easier than natural grass and can be used for other events throughout the year. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is directly off I-57 and between regional restaurants and hotel chains. A few hotels are located in the same parking lot as the stadium and are ideal for easy access back and forth during a visit. However, many close around 10 pm Sunday to Wednesday, but if visiting on a weekend night, you will have a few options. 618 Tap House is within seconds by car from the ballpark and features pub food from chicken wings, burgers, and sandwiches. The draft list is impressive and ideal for a pint or two after the game with friends. 17th Street Barbecue has one of its locations in the neighborhood with pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken available until it’s gone. With the family, Applebee’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, or Buffalo Wild Wings are close to Marion Stadium. Fans 4 The fanbase is getting to know the T-Billies and averages over 2,000 fans per game. The crowds are respectable for the league. You will see folks wearing team colors and caps and supporting the ball club; hopefully, there will be something to cheer for years to come in Marion. Access 4 The stadium is at the intersection of I-57 and Illinois Route 13. There are three parking entry gates for guests to enter the parking area. Inside the ballpark, fans can get around and access the three main points of sale for concessions and the merchandise store near the main entrance. After the game, traffic moves smoothly out of the parking lot, but could be cumbersome on nights with larger crowds. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $8 for a seat in the grandstand and $5 for lawn seating down the third baseline. The club does not charge for parking. Concession prices are as low as $4 for a hot dog and $10 for a Thrillville Burger or Chicken sandwich. Merchandise prices are in line with many other franchises in the league, with a cap selling for $30 and a T-shirt for $25. Extras 4 Marion Stadium earns a point for its Thrillville Burgers and Chicken Sandwich. It is awarded a second point for its distinctive design compared to other ballparks of its era. A third point is for the ticket prices, which are only $5 and $8 a night. A final point is for the management to develop promotions that include the unique Tighty Bowl game. Final Thoughts The Thrillbillies have a distinct branding that hopes to bring fans back to the ballpark. The team looks to reach beyond the typical baseball promotions and help make a night at the game a “thrill” again in Southern Illinois. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com