Photos by Lloyd Brown and James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Fluor Field at the West End 945 S Main St Greenville, SC 29601 Greenville Drive website Fluor Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,000 High A Ball In Green Vegas Baseball has been played in Greenville since the late 1800s. With over one hundred years of baseball in the city, the sport has become a central part of the town's culture. Through the years, a variety of minor league teams have called Greenville home, including, but not limited to, the Greenville Braves (1984–2004). The current resident, the Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Red Sox, has called Fluor Field home since its gates opened in 2006. Paying homage to their major league affiliate, Fluor Field shares many of the same dimensional characteristics as Fenway Park. The Drive front office has made a continued investment in the stadium since its inauguration, maintaining the standard of one of the best High-A experiences in the country. Food & Beverage 4 Fluor Field offers a wide variety of food and beverage options throughout the stadium. Along the concourse, you will find all the stadium basics, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, chicken tenders, popcorn, soda, candy, etc., and then some at the traditional concession windows. In addition to the basics, there are also windows and grab-and-go options that house chicken wings, soft-serve ice cream, energy drinks, and BBQ sandwiches, all of which are reasonably priced. The soft serve served in a mini helmet has become a baseball classic and appears to be a hit with the Greenville Drive faithful. The beer selection adds to the already strong food and beverage variety. You can find an array of basic domestics, as well as craft beer from New Realm Brewing, including, but not limited to, the Greenville Drive house lager, "Rallyville." There is also a decent selection of seltzers, ciders, and Cutwaters for non-beer fans. Atmosphere 4 If I could describe the atmosphere of Fluor Field in one word, that word would be "clean." From the concourse to the bathrooms, the game presentation, the ticket office, and the team store, everything is clean, and it is exactly what you want from a High-A baseball experience. Starting at the ticket office, if you choose not to purchase tickets online before you arrive, you still have the option to purchase a physical ticket. It is a pleasant aspect of the gameday experience that seems to be fading away nowadays, so props to the Greenville Drive and their staff for keeping it alive. Adjacent to the ticket office is the primary team store. It is the typical size for a team at this level, offering a variety of '47 Brand hats, T-shirts, jerseys, sweaters, and other trinkets that often inhabit team stores. The concourse does not wrap around the entirety of the stadium; rather, it stretches from foul pole to foul pole. The left field foul pole holds a general admission grass berm, and behind the berm is a caged playground for children. The right field foul pole houses the 500 Club, where the majority of the specialty food can be found, along with picnic benches and high-top tables. As the concourse wraps around to the other side, there are plenty of concession windows, mini team stores, and a drink kiosk. The field of play is also viewable from the concourse. There is traditional blue stadium seating below the concourse, and the sun does set on the third-base side, which is an important bit of information on sweltering Southern summer days, nights, and everything in between. Premium seating and other hospitality areas can be found on the second deck, and these areas are inaccessible to patrons with a standard ticket. There is also seating atop the replica Green Monster, as well as a specialty rooftop bar and hospitality areas above that. All of this adds to the quirky minor league baseball atmosphere. The field itself pays homage to its major league counterpart, Fenway Park, by modeling some of its unique dimensions after landmarks such as the Green Monster and Pesky's Pole. The atmosphere is topped off with a seamless game presentation featuring fun between-inning activations, clear announcements, audible music without being overbearing, and a well-rounded modern video board. Neighborhood 4 The Historic West End is one of Greenville's most popular districts, offering a wide array of activities, food, drink, and culture. Adjacent to downtown, the West End offers a slightly calmer atmosphere than the busier, but still attractive, downtown area. Modern apartment buildings, shops, bars, and restaurants surround Fluor Field, adding to the Fenway-esque vibe as the stadium is nestled into the surrounding buildings. There are plenty of establishments to pop into before the game for a quick drink or a bite to eat. Places such as Gather GVL, Lefty's West End, Mercado Cantina, and many more are merely steps away from the stadium. Personally, I enjoy New Realm Brewing, which is right across the street from the outfield, for a quick drink before the game. Their beautiful taproom offers a spacious two-story interior with ambient lighting and an expansive outdoor patio with a stage for live music. There is a Homewood Suites across the street from the stadium, but due to the proximity to downtown Greenville, there is no shortage of lodging options. This is true for both hotels and Airbnbs alike. Falls Park on the Reedy is one of Greenville's most popular attractions, and it is less than a mile from the stadium. The park offers a cascading river, scenic views of the city, and plenty of walking paths. While the West End is quaint, downtown is also certainly worth a visit and has more to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants, and bars. It is a little louder and more hectic, but still very clean and walkable. Downtown is also home to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Fans 4 We were in attendance for a Thursday night tilt. Weeknight minor league baseball games can be very hit or miss in terms of attendance, but the Drive faithful had a strong showing. This seems to be the norm, as they average just under 5,000 fans per game—nothing for a High-A team to be ashamed of. The fans themselves are reserved and welcoming. It is largely locals greeting one another and staff members alike, which is one of the more special aspects of minor league baseball—something that often gets lost at major league games. While the Red Sox are the major league affiliate, Greenville is certainly still Braves Country, as Braves hats, jerseys, and shirts can be found throughout the crowd. Access 3 There are no direct Fluor Field parking lots adjacent to the stadium; instead, the Drive directs fans to general Greenville parking lots and decks around the city. The Drive offers detailed parking information on its website, including a map displaying all lots, decks, and trolley service routes, as some parking decks are downtown and require a bit of a stroll. There is one free lot at 706 Pendleton Street that is well worth using if you arrive early enough, as some parking options can run as high as $20. This lot is only about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Traffic coming into the city can be hit or miss, so it is worth giving yourself a little extra buffer time upon arrival, but it should not be anything too extreme. The stadium itself is simple to navigate, as it consists of one concourse that wraps above the seating bowl; it can, however, get a little tight when busy. Return on Investment 4 Minor league baseball should be affordable, and the Drive delivers exactly that. At $9 for general admission and $13 for a reserved seat, combined with the free parking option, you are already looking at one of the more affordable experiences in affiliated baseball. The low cost does not stop there. Basic stadium fare—hot dogs, pizza, boiled peanuts, soda, and more—will only run you between $2 and $6. Specialty items, like the meatball sub that I can and will vouch for, cost around $11. Beer ranges from about $5 for a domestic to $7 for a craft option, and on Thursdays, prices drop even further with $4 Rallyville Lager and $3 Kona Big Wave specials. All things considered, one of the better MiLB experiences is also one of the most affordable. There is no arguing the bang for your buck at Fluor Field. Extras 3 The aforementioned unique ballpark dimensions and left field seating areas are a lot of fun, and they definitely earn a point for still offering physical tickets. Last but certainly not least, the team store offers a '47 Brand hat that does not feature the team logo; instead, it displays a shield of Fluor Field itself, which is much appreciated. Final Thoughts This stadium experience certainly lives up to the hype and is a must-see for any baseball fan in the area.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey On Monday, June 1, the Dallas Mavericks announced they may have found the next location for their new home. CBS News reported the team is pursuing the purchase of the former site of the Valley View Mall in north Dallas for their new arena and entertainment hub. Representatives for the Mavs confirmed they had entered into an agreement for the potential purchase of the more than 100-acre site. The following day, on June 2, the Dallas Stars announced they will also be vacating American Airlines Center, with a new site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex city of Plano leading the way as their preferred location. As reported by Dallas’ Fox 4, the city of Plano had previously submitted a letter of intent in February to build a $1 billion arena for the Stars. Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Both the Mavericks and Stars’ leases with American Airlines Center will end in 2031. “I like it,” said Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban of the team’s move in a statement. “[It’s] in the city. Easy access from the tollway and [Interstate] 635. “[I’m] thinking [this] will work out well.” The Mavericks and Stars have called American Airlines Center, located in the heart of Dallas’ downtown area, home since 2001. While tenants of the arena, the Mavericks won three conference titles – in 2006, 2011, and 2024 – and one NBA Championship in 2011, while the Stars won one conference title in the 2019-20 season. Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey A press release from the Stars stated that a "sports, entertainment, retail, dining and public gathering spaces anchored by a future Dallas Stars arena" could be part of the overall project. Fox 4 reported that the $1 billion project would have up to $700 million covered by the city of Plano.

We take a closer look at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and highlight the Canadian venues hosting matches. BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, and BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, will stage a combined 13 matches during the tournament. BC Place, Vancouver BC Vancouver World Cup 2026 BC Place opened in 1983, with major renovations taking place in 2011. It serves as the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS team and the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. In 2015, it hosted the title match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup competition and alsoheld several events during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, BC Place will be undergoing $180 million in renovations. These renovations include widening the playing surface to meet FIFA standards, the installation of a natural grass pitch, new locker room facilities, luxury suites, and an enhanced broadcasting suite for TV and radio. The seating capacity will also be increased to 54,000. The videoboard overlooking the pitch will be replaced in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. For those fans who are unable to get tickets to the matches at BC Place, there will be a Fanfest viewing area at the PNE Grounds at Hastings Park. BMO Field, Toronto ON Toronto Word Cup 2026 BMO Field opened in 2007 and has served as the home of the MLS Toronto FC team and the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. It will host five matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition. The stadium seating capacity will be increased from 30,000 to 45,000 as part of a $145 million renovation. Other improvements include four corner videoboards, a new center field lounge, and enhanced self-serve technology at the concession stands. The broadcast suite will receive several upgrades to handle the worldwide demands of television and radio. The playing surface will be widened to meet FIFA requirements, and a natural grass pitch will be installed. Several Fanfest viewing events are scheduled in the Toronto area. Gathering sites include Exhibition Place, the Fort York National Historic Site, and the Bentway. Note: During the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition, each stadium will be known by its geographic location instead of its usual corporate name. This is due to FIFA requirements that any local corporate sponsorship naming rights be hidden through the duration of the World Cup matches due to conflicts with FIFA’s own worldwide corporate sponsor agreements..

Three venues in the Central USA region will serve as hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition this summer. They are the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO and NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. AT&T Stadium, Arlington TX Dallas World Cup 2026 The longtime home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, will host eight matches during the World Cup competition, more than any other venue. AT&T Stadium opened in 2009 and can seat up to 90,000 fans. To prepare for the World Cup, the stadium is undergoing more than $350 million in renovations. Included in this price are reconfiguring the stands to allow for the wider soccer pitch and the planting of a natural grass playing surface. Other changes include an upgrade of the stadium’s huge center-hung videoboard, the addition of several new concession stands, and an expansion of the luxury hospitality suites. The main Fanfest for the Dallas area will be held at Fairpark, home of both the Texas State Fair and the Red River Showdown. NRG Stadium, Houston TX Houston World Cup 2026 The home of the NFL's Houston Texans, NRG Stadium, will host seven matches during the World Cup competition. The stadium opened in 2002, with a capacity of 72,220. The stadium will reconfigure its stands to accommodate the wider playing field and will also replace its artificial turf with natural grass, as required by FIFA. The Fanfest for the Houston area will take place in the EaDo (East Downtown) area at Discovery Green, a 12-acre special event park. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City MO Kansas City World Cup 2026 GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is the oldest U.S. venue hosting World Cup matches; it opened in 1972. It is the longtime home of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. The stadium has a seating capacity of 76,416 and is known as one of the loudest stadiums in the country, coming in at 142.2 decibels. The stadium will host six matches during the World Cup competition. As the oldest venue in the U.S. hosting World Cup matches, Arrowhead Stadium will be investing $42 million in renovations and upgrades, including reconfiguring the seating areas to accommodate the wider field used in soccer, and the replacement of the artificial turf with natural grass, as required by FIFA. The FIFA Fanfest for the Kansas City area will be in the Power and Light District at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Note: During the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition, each stadium will be known by its geographic location instead of its usual corporate name. This is due to FIFA requirements that any local corporate sponsorship naming rights be hidden through the duration of the World Cup matches due to conflicts with FIFA’s own worldwide corporate sponsor agreements.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium 2400 N Casaloma Dr Appleton, WI 54912 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers website Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 5,900 Snake, Raddle, and Slide ​ Professional baseball in the Fox Cities area of northern Wisconsin dates back to 1891, but the current team began in 1958 as the Fox Cities Foxes. After moving to the Midwest League in 1962 and changing its name to the Appleton Foxes in 1967, and then the Rattlers in 1995, little changed except their major league affiliation until the minor league reorganization in 2021, when the Midwest League became High A instead of A. They have been an affiliate of the home-state Brewers since 2009. ​ Along with their final name change to the Rattlers, the team moved from its long-time home, Goodland Field, to the newly opened 5,900-seat Fox Cities Stadium in 1995. Since then, the stadium has undergone two recent renovations in 2013 (to make the stadium a more year-round facility) and 2023 (to bring the park up to new minor-league standards, and help win ballpark of the year that same year). The park has undergone several sponsorship changes as well, ending with the current, rolls-off-the-tongue Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. ​​ Food & Beverage 5 ​ The one thing you don't have to worry about at Neuroscience Group Field is going hungry, as they have a dizzying selection of food and drinks, especially if you're into the Wisconsin specialties of cheese and sausage. ​ The food selection definitely punches above the A-ball average. Various eateries line the promenade, ranging from ballpark standards (dogs, brats, pizza, and burgers) to a wide variety of specialty selections to turn your head, including Bratchos (a giant bowl of spicy nachos and brats) and the award-winning Gnaf Nacho Poutine (brat coins, waffle fries, beer cheese, and fresh cheese curds). ​ While perhaps not as extensive as the food choices, the park is no slouch with the drinks, either. The Pepsi family is the non-alcoholic beverage of choice, and all of the concessions have a decent selection from the Miller/Coors breweries, local craft selections, and cocktails. Specialty bars Brews on Third and the Leinie Lodge have even more copious adult beverage choices on tap. ​ I forwent the award-winners and grabbed a 3 Little Pigs sandwich from the Bacon Station ($16.50, three cheeses and pork combined into a godless melted savory double-decker grilled cheese) and a local Fox River Snaketail Ale ($8.75) to help me forget how many calories I just ate. ​ Atmosphere 4 ​ Undergoing several extensive renovations since opening in the mid-90s, Neuroscience Group Field shows the positive results of those efforts, as well as an attention to detail. ​ The park itself is a minor-league standard design, with one section of seats below a promenade that somehow sneaks around the park, with the seating ending into two outfield grass berms. A second level of luxury boxes runs from first to third. The main scoreboard rises in left-center, with group suites perched in left and the Home Run porch of table seating in right. Further table seating is available in the Relax Seats in the third. ​ Mascots Fang (snake) and Wiffer (thing) help run the between-inning activities. Most run in the minor-league standard races and contests, but they are all personalized to the team. The "shell game" is swapped with a contest to count how many lime wedges make it into cocktails, t-shirt cannons are replaced with the heavily-hyped "bratzooka" (exactly what it sounds like), and mascot footraces are replaced with a wild go-cart chase around the periphery of the park. ​ If you want to enjoy a sunny summer game, the outfield berms are your cheapest options and still have great views of the contest. If you'd like some shade, the box seats behind the home dugout can keep you cool and give you outstanding views of the game and the between-innings activities. ​ Neighborhood 3 ​ Located northwest of downtown Appleton, the park benefits and suffers from its location out by the airport. ​ While a majority of the dining options are a short distance downtown, there are still several choices in the airport hotel area, including Osorio's Latin Fusion, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (comfort food & cocktails), Carmella's (Italian), Fox River Brewery (steakhouse), and the Milwaukee Burger Company. ​ There's not a ton to do directly by the park. There are inexplicably two air trampoline parks just to the south, as well as an arcade, in the massive Fox River Mall. Some golf is available west of the ballpark, and parklands to the north. A short trip downtown will offer more parks and museums in the historic district (including native son, Houdini). ​ The park is well-served by over a dozen airport hotels, a short drive down Route 41, and the Holiday Inn Appleton and Wyndham Garden Appleton are within walking distance. ​ Fans 4 ​ The Timber Rattlers are in the middle of the attendance pack in the very competitive and popular re-constituted Midwest League. ​ They draw well with the families they clearly cater to. While the kids may run off to the many activities set out for them, the crowd is enthusiastic for the team, even when they don't do so well, and it is a loud and inviting atmosphere for a ballgame. ​ Access 5 ​ Neuroscience Group Field is well served by a variety of transportation options. It sits adjacent to Appleton International Airport, just off Interstate 41, and is accessible via Valley Transit’s Route 12 Green Line, with fares starting at $2. The ballpark features a single main entrance on the home plate side that opens onto a spacious concourse. Aside from a few tighter areas along the outfield walkway, navigating the stadium is generally straightforward and comfortable. Parking is $8 per vehicle, though the lots offer convenient access and a quick exit after games. Return on Investment 3 ​ Where the Timber Rattlers stumble a little is on value for the money. While a far cry from the fleecing you'll get at any MLB stadium, all the excellence at the park comes with a price tag. ​ Regular tickets are reasonable, but not cheap, running $12-19. All-you-can-eat seats run $39 and can help cut down your food bill, and the best seats in the house behind home plate in the Diamond section run $50 (with an exclusive, extended all-you-can-eat buffet). ​ Again, food is mostly reasonable, but some of those specialty items are creeping towards $20. You can get a regular brat and a domestic beer for less than that, but again, nothing is particularly inexpensive. Parking is over league average at $8, and there's no free program anymore since the pandemic. ​ Extras 5 ​ The Rattlers do an excellent job with the add-ons and extras, mostly catering to the children of the families that make up the backbone of their fandom. ​ The three-story-tall snake slide on the left obviously dominates the extras at the park. Towards the latter part of the game, the entire stairway can be packed with kids looking to take the long tumble down. A giant sandbox packed with toys (and benches for mom and dad) sits in right field in front of a large traditional play area with a Ticonderoga pencil foul pole. Beyond left is a full-size wiffle-ball field, and adult bar games such as ping-pong and cornhole are available at Beers on Third. There are also photo ops with Fang and Wiffer by the main entrance. ​ The stadium also gets points because it looks the least likely stadium you can walk completely around, but thanks to a series of small ramps, bridges, and extensions in the outfield from the recent refits, you can do a full circuit. ​ It also honors its baseball history with a dedication plaque by the main entrance, championship pennants in right field, retired numbers in center, and banners of former players who made it to the majors by the team store. There's even a second team store on the concourse in addition to the main store by the entrance, so you can buy souvenirs and not miss a pitch. ​ Final Thoughts ​ With well-thought-out renovations and an attention to detail and customer service, Neuroscience Group Field is a great park to visit and is exceptional in nearly every area. The "Ballpark Of The Year" title was fairly won, and Neuroscience Group Field is a standout in nearly every way, if only held back by the price tag and its airport-adjacent location.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena's Planned Interior (Rendering courtesy of LS3P + Gensler) Bon Secours Wellness Arena, home of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, will undergo renovations starting soon, with the most visible change being the addition of a 6,000 to 7,000-seat outdoor venue. The outdoor venue is planned to attract 25 to 30 concerts each year, but is also expected to accommodate 25 or more community events each year. The good news for Swamp Rabbits fans is that the plans also include renovations to the arena itself, including a new Church Street entrance to address pedestrian congestion, as well as traffic safety concerns around I‑385. The new entrance is also expected to improve crowd flow into the venue and enhance the fan arrival experience. Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey) Other enhancements inside the venue include adding additional restrooms, expanding ADA seating, creating better artist amenities, and adding new concession service areas, including a brand‑new kitchen. The total budget for all these renovations is around $282M, but this amount is phased, meaning some of the planned changes won’t happen until revenue starts coming in from the new outdoor venue. About $162M has already cleared its early approval steps and is currently moving through the full local‑government approval process. Public meetings in and around Greenville have already begun. A concert at Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey) The expected bonds include $22M in accommodation‑fee revenue bonds, $40M in general obligation bonds, and $100M in hospitality‑tax revenue bonds, most of which will be repaid over the next 30 years using taxes already in place – no new taxes, but it does mean those dollars will be spent on this project instead of on something else. While some local residents have questioned the price tag and whether the upgrades are truly needed, officials have continued to point to the expected economic boost and increased tourism the project is supposed to bring. The Rotunda Entrance at Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey)

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dunkin’ Park 1214 Main St. Hartford, CT 06103 Hartford Yard Goats website Dunkin’ Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 6,121 Slam “Dunk” Dunkin Park, home of the AA Eastern League Hartford Yard Goats, is often regarded as the gold standard for minor league ballparks in the northeast and around the country. Initially scheduled to open for the 2016 season in time for a rebrand of the former New Britain Rock Cats, the facility faced numerous construction delays, which pushed the opening back to 2017. Due to the uncertainty of their new ballpark, the rebranded Yard Goats played the entirety of their inaugural season on the road. Dunkin’ Park has a capacity (including standing room) of 6,850. The Yard Goats franchise has previously called Pittsfield, Pawtucket, Bristol, and New Britain home before settling in downtown Hartford. The team's quirky name originates from the railroad term for the switch engines or terminal tractors that move cars between different locomotives. The ballpark's close proximity to the Hartford Rail Yards creates satisfying continuity between the team branding and location. The team's unique blue and green color scheme is a nod to the former Hartford Whalers, who played their home games at the nearby Hartford Civic Center, now known as PeoplesBank Arena. Dunkin’ Park, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has received numerous awards. The ballpark was the winner of the 2025 Newsweek Fans’ Choice Awards contest for best Double-A ballpark in 2025. This is coming after winning Ballpark Digest’s “Best Double-A Ballpark Award” in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. Dunkin' Park Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 Dunkin’ Park has an impressive variety of food and drink options ranging from your classic ballpark fare to a few unique offerings, with high-quality service. You will find many snack carts and concession stands lining the main concourse, featuring all of the ballpark staples, such as hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, ice cream, and Philly cheese steaks. There is much more to discover in the name of unique food offerings if that is your thing. The star of the show at Dunkin’ Park is Bears Smokehouse BBQ, located in a small courtyard in centerfield. Bears is a local, well-liked BBQ chain, with an abbreviated ballpark menu with a few unique items such as Bear Balls- deep fried pulled pork, mac & cheese, and cornbread bites. As you would expect, you can find Dunkin’ products at the park as well, including coffee and hot chocolate for colder days, and even bacon-wrapped Munchkins. The Aloha Chicken Sandwich, which consists of grilled chicken with sweet chili sauce, pineapple, and jalapenos, is recommended at a very affordable $10. Other unique offerings include deep-fried chocolate dumplings and a cinnamon bun burger. There is also a strong craft beer selection at Dunkin Park, headlined by the Alvarium Beer Hive located in the right field corner. Most domestic beer and other alcohol options are available throughout the ballpark as well. Dunkin’ Park features Coca-Cola products. Atmosphere 5 The game day atmosphere at Dunkin’ Park is outstanding and can definitely compete with some professional sports venues. It is a very aesthetically pleasing stadium, with unique features and multiple cool sightlines. The ballpark features a view of the Hartford skyline, but unfortunately, it is located beyond the right field corner, meaning you have to sit on the third base side of the park to see it. Sitting atop the double-decked right field wall puts fans right on top of the action, and also prime home run territory, with seats directly down the line being only 305 feet from home plate. There is a large Jumbotron in left field showing an array of stats and facts about the players. This may be one of the few professional baseball stadiums to show OPS as the primary stat next to the batter's name, as opposed to batting average. As is true for most minor league sporting events, there is always something going on pregame and in between innings at Dunkin’. The typical Dizzy Bat Races and T-shirt toss games are present, and commented on by the energetic in-game host “Gameday Connor.” The experience here is very clearly one catered to families, and they do that very well. Closed captioning and quiet rooms are available for those in need. There truly is no bad seat in the house at Dunkin’ Park. Every seat has a solid vantage point of the action, aside from the “lower level” of seating in the right field wall, which is all blocked by netting. Every seat is comfortable, with ample space and cupholders. There are also barstool seats with tables located around the entire ballpark, all with great views as well. Neighborhood 3 Dunkin’ Park is conveniently located in the middle of downtown Hartford, at the crossroads of two interstates, I-91 and I-84. The stadium is a part of a redevelopment project called “Downtown North” (DoNo), with upscale retail spaces, restaurants, and hotels slowly starting to be constructed around the ballpark. The attractions, museums, and restaurants of downtown Hartford are just minutes away, but the aforementioned I-84 separates the ballpark from the rest of the city, making it challenging to walk. PeoplesBank Arena, home of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, and part-time home of both men’s and women’s UConn basketball teams, is also a few minutes down the road. Visitors can find nearby lodging at the Hartford Marriott Downtown and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown. While Hartford has struggled with its reputation, it is an interesting and historic city with many sights and restaurants to explore before or after the game. Nearby West Hartford, about 15 minutes away, has a charming downtown with a variety of restaurants and shops that is worth visiting. New Haven and Springfield are also worth a visit, located about 45 minutes away in either direction. Donut Swing at Dunkin' Park. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Fans 4 As is the case for most minor league teams, the Yard Goats have a strong mix of die-hards and casual fans just looking for an enjoyable night out. You will see your fair share of people really locked into the action at Dunkin’ Park, attentively watching the game and even keeping score. There was also an abundance of fans lined up at the gate thirty minutes before it opened. You will tend to see Dunkin’ moderately filled for mid-week games and sold out on the weekends. The fans are into the game and can get loud at times, but this is a more typical, relaxed minor league baseball experience. During this specific visit, there was an abundance of school and camp groups, which added to the chaotic atmosphere. Dunkin’ Park ranked third in the Eastern League in attendance in 2025, behind only Richmond and Reading. Access 4 As previously mentioned, Dunkin’ Park is located right off of I-91 and I-84, making this an easy trip from practically any major city in Southern New England. Traffic in and around Hartford, however, can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour, which is right before all mid-week games happen at Dunkin’, so plan accordingly for that. There are numerous parking options around the stadium (including on the street if you get there early enough), and all are in proximity and only charge $5. The main entrance to the stadium is uniquely located in the right field corner, headlined by a can’t-miss sign reading the stadium's name. This is where you can also find the box office. This entrance tends to get crammed before game time. It is recommended to utilize the lesser-known entrances in straightaway centerfield, or behind home plate, depending on where you parked. The concourse of Dunkin’ Park wraps completely around the stadium, but it can become tight on busier days, especially in the narrow walkway inside the right field wall. There is also little standing room available, as most of that space is taken up by barstools and table-style seating. Every seat, however, has an excellent view of the action. The restrooms here are well-maintained and handicap accessible. Return on Investment 4 Tickets at a Yard Goats game can range from $15 for standing room only to $25-$35 on average for general seats. Some tickets can get up to $50 depending on the day. These are fairly high prices for a MiLB game, but for an award-winning ballpark, it is a worthwhile experience. Parking is very affordable, $5, and you can find some good deals at concessions. Water is $4.75 throughout the ballpark, and bottled sodas will run you $6, on par with most venues in 2026. A lot of food items can be paired with a drink and chips to make a combo, which is a good deal. Overall, it is definitely not cheap to attend a Yard Goats game, but the high-quality experience creates a worthwhile return. Real Goats Watching the Yard Goats at Dunkin' Park. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Extras 4 One point is awarded for the quirky but awesome right field wall, with unique seating options both on top and inside the wall. The seating inside the right field wall offers a premium view directly down into the home bullpen. More points go to the excellent theming around the stadium. You know you are at a Yard Goats game when you are at Dunkin’ Park. There are goats on every wall, even on bathroom doors. Some concession stands are cleverly named after goats, and the best part is the live goats in centerfield. Another point goes to the giant baseball cards that show the daily lineup located right near the entrance, and historic banners alluding to Hartford’s baseball past scattered throughout the concourse. A final extra point goes to the fantastic in-game presentation and the creative ways to keep families and children entertained during the course of the game. Final Thoughts Dunkin’ Park is often regarded as the gold standard for minor league ballparks in New England, and for good reason. It is quirky and one of a kind, with an excellent variety of food and entertainment to satisfy hardcore fans or anyone looking for a fun night out. Despite the struggles to get the stadium built, the result is an excellent ballpark for Connecticut baseball fans to enjoy. Follow Vinny’s Stadium Journeys on TikTok at @vinnymartin_

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wembley Stadium Empire Way London, England HA9 0WS Map It! England National Football website Wembley Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 (2007) Capacity: 90,000 It Matters More at Wembley Football cynics articulate a disapproving appraisal of the English national stadium. Football romantics have never lost faith in its history, meaning and aura. For international football fans there is no debate to be had. Wembley Stadium is up there with the Maracanã and Estadio Azteca, the San Siro and Bernabéu. There really is no bigger footballing dream than scoring the winning goal at Wembley. As their latest advertising campaign says, ‘It matters more at Wembley’. The original Wembley Stadium was constructed in breath-taking time, less than a year, so as to be ready for the British Empire Exhibition. The first FA Cup Final was played in 1923, attracting huge crowds, officially 126,047, plus one infamous white horse. The last key match at the old Wembley was played in October 2000. A crowd of 76,377 looked on as the Germans did what the Germans do – beat England. Between those two matches, the stadium provided lasting memories at every turn. In 1966, England hosted and won the World Cup, beating old foes Germany 4-2 demonstrating that the old stadium also delivered a nice line in miracles. The twin towers, Wembley’s most imposing feature, were then demolished as part of a complete rebuild, eventually revealing a brand-new all-seater Wembley Stadium in 2007. Replacing the twin towers came a new iconic feature, a huge lattice arch, 133 metres high, curving up and over the north stand and now a London landmark. Construction was undertaken by Australian company Multiplex and the architects were Foster & Partners and Populous. The final costs were reported to be a colossal £962.4 million (some sources show £798 million), and bank loans contributed nearly half of the total. The English Football Association are based at Wembley and seek to maximise revenue through stadium use. While football remains the primary focus, the venue also hosts NFL games, Rugby League fixtures and major concerts. Food & Beverage 3 Inside the stadium there are a reported 688 food and drink service points. Draught, real ale, and bottle bars are all available, serving up to 40,000 pints during the half time interval alone! There is a good variety of food available, ranging from pick-and-mix sweets to spinach and falafel, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Eating and drinking at the stadium does of course come at a price. Example food options served include a Cumberland sausage roll (£8.30), cheeseburger and chips (£9.90) and a chocolate bar (£1.99). If you are thirsty, a pint of Camden Pale Ale or Goose Midway IPA (£7.25), there’s a 4-pint Budweiser ‘deal’ (£24), coffee (£2.99) and Pepsi costs (£4.20), and of course the ‘games gone’ G&T for £10! Immediately outside, on the famous Olympic Way, concession stalls may have shorter queues, but are quite expensive. Loaded fries with cheese and bacon or chicken shawarma come in at an eye-watering £15. Along this iconic walk between Wembley Park Underground station and the stadium, visitors will also find a Starbucks and a Black Sheep coffee shop (with free Wi-Fi!). Olympic Way Food Stall, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey To the east of the stadium is Wembley Park Boulevard, where there is a modern development of hotels, factory outlet retail units, and chain restaurants providing options such as TGI Fridays, Wagamamas, and Sugar Dumplin. All will be busy on match days. If you arrive via Wembley Central train station, follow the bustling cosmopolitan High Road where visitors can visit a local pub like JJ Moons or grab some international food options. Far less polished than the branded offerings around the stadium, these independent businesses nevertheless benefit greatly from the custom that matchdays bring. A visit to an English football match isn’t complete without a trip to a local pub (or two). For the bigger games, a list of over ten pubs per team are ‘allocated’ to ensure you can meet up and sing with fellow fans of your team. Baker Street is a great introduction to this tradition with The Globe on one side of the road and the Metropolitan Bar opposite. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is operated by Wembley National Stadium Ltd, a subsidiary of the English FA and has a capacity of 90,000, the largest football stadium in the British Isles. The partially retractable roof allows all seats to be ‘covered’ from the elements. The seating wraps around the pitch with three main tiers. The top tier pleasingly curves and undulates like an ocean wave. The lowest/closest to the pitch are blocks 101-144. The second tier, known as Club Wembley, is reserved largely for hospitality guests and occupies sections 201-252. The top tier includes sections 501-552. All seats are generously sized with decent legroom and views are consistently good wherever you sit. Scoreboards are embedded high above both goals in the top tier, providing all the usual information and updates. Above and below the large, impressive scoreboards are small sections of railed seating or ‘safe standing’. For bigger matches, supporters behind both goals often spend much of the game on their feet. Head to the side stands if you need to be seated! The atmosphere at games here can be variable to say the least. England home games have become very ‘family friendly’ with cheap tickets sometimes available from as little as £20. This, and the relative malaise often felt by England fans, means these occasions are often subdued (we’re talking paper airplanes and Mexican waves here). Other occasions can be the complete opposite. Two sets of supporters thrilled to be at the national stadium, combined with more than a little alcohol, can generate noise that echoes impressively around the bowl. In just 24 hours the 2026 FA Cup Final attracted 83,337 to see Man City beat Chelsea. The next day, over 40,000 came for Non-League ‘Finals Day’ seeing AFC Stoneham and Southend United both win their respective games on penalties. Two weeks later, the FA Women's Cup Final saw a 43,917 crowd plus two sets of players thrilled to enjoy their big day out at the national stadium. It matters more at Wembley! Neighbourhood 3 The area around the stadium is certainly not on the tourist trail, but there are numerous league and non-league sides in London if you want to catch more than one game. Wembley FC play at Vale Farm, a couple of miles from the stadium, and offer a warm grassroots welcome to visiting supporters. Wembley Arena is also next door. With a capacity of 12,500, it regularly hosts major concerts and live entertainment. Most visitors to the national stadium take the opportunity to visit central London where many of the capital’s famous landmarks are located. For accommodation, or visitors staying close to the stadium, the Wembley Hilton is a real treat. Situated directly opposite the stadium, the hotel has a swimming pool and a great rooftop bar where you can watch the incoming hordes in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Hundreds of hotels, Airbnbs and hostels are dotted around the capital, of course which get cheaper the further you move away from the centre. Fans 4 The stadium is home to the England national football teams and hosts national cup finals from the FA Cup to the FA Vase. It’s also been a regular European Cup and Champions League final venue. The first saw AC Milan beat Benfica in 1963, while the most recent final, in 2024, saw Real Madrid defeat Borussia Dortmund. In recent times the national sides have risen again. The England Lionesses' victory at the Women's Euros in 2022 (again beating Germany) saw Wembley at its loud and vibrant best. The men’s side also reached their Euros final a year earlier in 2021, losing on penalties to Italy. This match drew fewer positive headlines for Wembley Stadium as fans found a variety of ways to evade security and the FA were punished by UEFA for a variety of incidents relating to crowd behaviour. Despite the gentrification of football, and Wembley in particular, there is still a magic about the possibility of your team playing there and when it happens it’s a ‘must-attend’ event. Lower-league and non-league clubs celebrate reaching Wembley because, for both players and supporters, it remains an unforgettable experience. It must be the most sung-about stadium in the world as fans dream from the earliest stages of cup competitions that their team might make it to Wembley. The stadium does however evoke some negative feelings amongst fans for a variety of reasons. The prices of tickets are often criticised, tied to the sense that the FA need to recoup that extraordinary outlay for the rebuilt stadium. Recently, however, prices have stabilised, 2026 FA Cup Semi-Final tickets ranged from £30 to £130 which isn’t too prohibitive. The decision to play men’s FA Cup Semi-Finals at the stadium, moving away from the tradition of neutral venues, has also, for many, devalued the competition and the excitement of getting to the final. Fans still arrive in their droves to see the national team. Attendances at the new Wembley Stadium can range from 50-90,000, the highest so far coming in 2008 for a men’s match vs. Kazakhstan when 89,107 watched a 5-1 victory. Access 3 London airports all have quick transfers into central London. Drivers can save money by parking at an outlying station such as Queensbury, Hillingdon or Richmond and then taking the train or Underground for the final part of the journey. Parking information for nearer to the stadium can be found on the excellent Wembley Stadium website. Postcode to aim for is HA9 0WS. Back on the train and from central London head to Baker Street, grab a beer there, then follow the crowds. Wembley Park station, which is served by the Metropolitan and Jubilee underground lines, is the best place to disembark for a great view of the stadium. This route also allows a stroll down ‘Olympic Way’ to soak up the atmosphere. The mainline railway station is Wembley Central which necessitates a half mile stroll up the High Road to the stadium. There is also a station closer called Wembley Stadium, but this is only served by Chiltern Railways. Entrance to Wembley Park Underground Station, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Tickets should be purchased in advance from the clubs involved or directly from the Wembley Stadium website. On the rare occasion visitors are purchasing or collecting physical tickets, the ticket office can be found adjacent to the Wembley Store under the north stand. Barcode readers will allow you to enter with your ticket and expect a bag search just before or after you transit the turnstiles. No bags larger than A4 size will be permitted. A substantial police and steward presence helps ensure visitors feel safe throughout their visit. Once inside, you ascend to your seats via a series of escalators. Lifts are also available. If visitors have any issues with mobility or require accessibility assistance of any kind, there is some helpful guidance on the website. Concourses can become busy, but overall, they are spacious enough to cope with large crowds. Toilet provision is generally good, although queues were noticeable in the women's facilities at the Women's FA Cup Final, particularly at half-time. Return on Investment 2 According to William Shenstone, “Nothing is certain in London but expense,” and in truth a trip to Wembley and London does little to challenge that. A family of four who visits Wembley for a prestige match, like the FA Cup final, stays at the Hilton Hotel opposite, buys category A tickets for the game, eats inside the stadium, and visits a few attractions in London the next day, could easily spend £1,000. Not a great return on investment. The Wembley store is on the second level on the north side of the stadium. Inside visitors can find the usual merchandise offerings. An England shirt costs £90 while a scarf costs £20 and a cap £18. However, there are ways to avoid the high costs. England home matches, as mentioned, sometimes offer children's tickets for as little as £15. A hotel room outside of central London, somewhere like Hounslow, may be obtained for less than £100 per night. Visitors can also save money by eating away from the stadium. Secondary selling merchandise stalls on Wembley Way will also be cheaper than the official store. Overall, a visit to London, coupled with a trip to Wembley Stadium, will come at no little expense! Extras 4 The Guest Support portal on the Wembley Stadium website provides a myriad of excellent answers to visitor enquiries, from pushchair access to park and ride, from accessibility to acrophobia (yes really!). Tours of the stadium are available, currently £28 for adults for a tour lasting 75 minutes. In these corporate dominated times, a VIP tour is of course also available for £90.The foundations of Watkins Tower, a failed attempt to build an English version of the Eiffel Tower still lie underneath the stadium. Wembley BoxPark is situated on Olympic Way ,and tickets can be purchased to visit on matchdays. Inside you will find a DJ playing popular music and numerous street food options. The party vibes attract many to the venue which is seen as both fun and safe for the whole family. For a more traditional pre-match experience, pubs like the Green Man will be boisterous and full of partisan fans singing and drinking as only the English do! Wembley BoxPark, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Wembley Stadium should rank highly on the list of must-visit venues for football fans. It’s a huge and impressive arena. The city of London too, for all its faults, is a wonderful place for the big attractions and the small lanes, parks, and markets. It is said in fact that “a bad day in London is still better than a good day anywhere else!” For old school, legacy football fans though, there may be elements that disappoint. Prices can be high, the trek to the stadium is long, and the atmosphere may well be diluted by thousands of ‘day trippers’. An expensive, soulless, corporate, chore to visit, or the most magical day of your footballing life. Either way, as each game played there has national or international importance, there is no denying, it matters more at Wembley and if football ever did come home, it would come home to Wembley. Let’s leave the last words to Premier League legend Eric Cantona “I was never motivated by money. I would have played for nothing. I would have paid to play at Wembley.”

Mexico has a long history with the World Cup. It is the first country to host FIFA World Cup matches in three separate years. It previously hosted events in 1970 and 1986. These events provided memories that include the tremendous World Cup Finals victories by soccer icons Pelé and Diego Maradona. The third time around should provide some equally strong memories. Three cities (Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City) will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition. Estadio BBVA, Monterrey MEX Monterrey World Cup 2026 Estadio BBVA opened in 2015. It was designed by the worldwide stadium design firm Populous. The seating capacity of the stadium is 53,529. Estadio BBVA is also known as the “Steel Giant” due to its unique metal exterior cladding. Another eye-catching element at this venue is the towering 6,000-foot-tall mountain known as Cerro de la Silla that overlooks the stadium. Estadio BBVA serves as the home pitch for CF Monterrey. Estadio Akron, Guadalajara MEX Guadalajara World Cup 2026 Estadio Akron opened in 2010 and has a capacity of 46,355. It was designed by the firm of HOK Mexico. The stadium serves as the home pitch for both Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Club Chivas. In the past, this stadium hosted the 2011 Pan American Games. Its unique features include five levels of grandstands and a roof that extends out over the seating areas to provide shade from the intense heat the area experiences. The stadium is also home to a museum celebrating the success of Club Chivas. Estadio Azteca, Mexico City MEX Ciudad de Mexico World Cup 2026 Estadio Azteca is the oldest and most famous of the three Mexican venues hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. It was built in 1966 and served as the host venue for both the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup matches. The stadium hosted the soccer competition during the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. Estadio Azteca has enjoyed several NFL football games over the years. The stadium is also known as Estadio Banorte, and it serves as the home pitch for both Club America and the Mexican National team. As the premier soccer venue in Mexico, the stadium is undergoing renovations prior to the World Cup competition. Its capacity will be increased from 84,000 to 90,000 for the tournament. The stadium is also adding several large LED viewing screens and extending the roof over the seating area to provide more shade for the spectators. Note: During the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition, each stadium will be known by its geographic location instead of its usual corporate name. This is due to FIFA requirements that any local corporate sponsorship naming rights be hidden through the duration of the World Cup matches due to conflicts with FIFA’s own worldwide corporate sponsor agreements.

With the NBA Finals just around the corner, it's time for us at Stadium Journey to once again rank the game day experience of the 30 NBA arenas in use for the 2025-26 season. Our correspondents visited 8 of the 30 NBA arenas during the 2025-26 season, with the remainder of our rankings drawing on recent reviews from the past several years. We ranked the game day experience according to our patented FANFARE rating system, which takes into account an arena's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more facilities were tied, a Stadium Journey council of elders was consulted to break those ties. It's a different way of looking at a basketball arena. This list will undoubtedly spark a great deal of debate and rage, and we welcome your input on our Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Bluesky pages. We can also be found on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. How does your NBA Arena ranking compare to ours? Let the discussions and debates begin. 30. Capital One Arena - Washington Wizards 3.14 Gregory Koch - At any given Wizards game, there will be thousands of empty seats, in stark contrast to what you'd get at a Capitals game at the same arena... A lot of tickets get put on the secondary market and not sold, or the ticket holders choose not to show up for other reasons. Those who do show up frequently arrive late or leave early, and most of them don't get too involved in the game. There are moments where they can get loud, but it's mostly when they have a chance to win free Chick-fil-A if the opposing player misses two "Fowl Shots" or for other similar promotions. 29. Target Center - Minnesota Timberwolves 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Timberwolves are up against the Minnesota Wild in a state that proclaims itself the State of Hockey and a resurgent Minnesota Vikings football team that plays its games in a state-of-the-art stadium just a few blocks south of the Target Center. It is not unusual to have the Target Center half-full when there is a competing game. 28. Intuit Dome - Los Angeles Clippers 3.57 Andrei Ojeda - The majority of fans who attend Clippers games are family types along with the working class. They are still miles from totally capturing the vast L.A. fan base which their crosstown rivals continue to enjoy. Though an occasional celebrity such as Billy Crystal can be spotted every now and then, for the majority of the fans the focus, bells and whistles, et al, is still on the game without much stargazing. 27. Barclays Center - Brooklyn Nets 3.71 Sean MacDonald - Barclays Center has embraced a black and grey color scheme, which works well with the Nets, who use those as their primary colors. They have also embraced their Brooklyn home, and much of the game day presentation is used to strengthen the bond between the borough and the team. Fans call out "Brooklyn, Brooklyn" during breaks in the action, and local stars are featured in the Nets version of Celebrity Row. 26. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Pistons 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons takes great pleasure when the Pistons get possession of the ball after it goes out of bounds. The sweet sounds of John Mason's “Deee-Troit Bas-ket-ball" is as iconic in the Motor City as the Bad Boys themselves... It may be a bit of an unfamiliar locale, but it is still Detroit Basketball. 25. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Lakers 3.71 Lloyd Brown - The fan base of the Lakers is very much like the fan base of the New York Knicks. The two teams are very popular with the celebrity set, who sit court side at many games. They range from TV/movie stars to stars from other sports and even national politicians. This adds a bit of fun for those who like to stargaze from some of the more economical seats. Lakers fans are more refined in their cheering for the team, as they expect a lot from the team, considering their past success. 24. Spectrum Center - Charlotte Hornets 3.71 David Welch - When it comes to Hornets fans, throughout the game they are definitely not outnumbered by the opposition, but visiting teams do seem to get more support on the road than expected. Hornets fans do get loud when prompted by a big defensive stop, a monster dunk, or the Hornets making a pivotal run, but there is a feel that the fans need to warm up a bit before they are fully engaged in the ebbs and flows of the game. 23. State Farm Arena - Atlanta Hawks 3.86 Lloyd Brown - The Hawks fanbase is very diverse, as it features longtime locals who have been coming since the Pete Maravich era, transplants who have moved to Atlanta from cities throughout the country with their jobs, and youth who have been attracted by the Hawks school-related outreach programs... Hawks’ games also draw both local and national celebrities regularly, as the city is the home base for many hip-hop stars. 22. FedExForum - Memphis Grizzlies 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Memphis has long been the center of the universe for various musical genres, including the blues, soul, country, gospel, rock, and roll. The FedExForum has incorporated the musical theme in several ways. First, the Forum is right next to Beale Street, the heart of blues music in the city...Some levels are restricted to corporate clients, season ticket holders, and VIPs, but overall, you can be on the floor level with the action or high above the action with a great overall view of the length of the court. Best of all, the seats at the FedEx Forum are wider and offer more legroom than a typical NBA arena. 21. United Center - Chicago Bulls 3.86 Marc Viquez - The Bulls are still a popular draw at the United Center, and many games are filled at or near capacity. The main concourse aisles are usually buzzing with commerce, folks grabbing something to eat or checking out many of the interactive video screens that highlight the history of the team, including those six NBA titles between 1991 and 1998. 20. Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee Bucks 4.00 Marc Viquez - The Milwaukee fan is a hard-working individual who finally has a modern arena to watch a championship NBA team that should compete for a title with deep playoff runs for some time... When you add the Deer District and Third Street as nearby destination options before the game, the Bucks fans sure have one fantastic place to enjoy their team. 19. TD Garden - Boston Celtics 4.00 Paul Baker - While the Garden is rarely mentioned among the top venues in the NBA, when the Celtics are rolling, this building is one of the loudest in the circuit. This is due to the team's very vocal and very present support. In a city where all four major league teams enjoy great support, Celtic fans take a back seat to no one. 18. Paycom Center - Oklahoma City Thunder 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Thunder use the moniker "Loud City" quite proudly when describing the experience there and the fans in attendance are fairly loud... Oklahoma City is probably not the first destination thought of with regards to professional sports. However, the Thunder have proven that despite being in the smallest NBA market, they are able to play with the big boys and definitely belong in the league. A trip to see the Thunder is well worth the trip and the city of Oklahoma City is an underrated destination city. 17. Mortgage Matchup Center - Phoenix Suns 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Phoenix Suns enjoy some of the most consistent support in the NBA. For the past number of years, they have averaged a capacity crowd... The fans in attendance are loud and supportive and definitely give off the vibe that the Suns are Phoenix's first team. 16. Smoothie King Center - New Orleans Pelicans 4.14 Matt Colville - You'll know it's Pelicans gameday in New Orleans as soon as you lay eyes on Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center heading into the city, as both venues will be lit up from the outside with red and blue LED lights (Pelicans colors), along with searchlights lighting up the sky in all directions... Outside the arena there is usually a jazz or brass band playing as you enter, and the street is sometimes blocked off for a street party. 15. Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indiana Pacers 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Pacers have done a splendid job of creating an energetic atmosphere that starts in the main lobby... At times, the ceremonies in the lobby area include a barbershop quartet, a live band, or a drum band getting ready for the game. Fans are provided the chance to take in this musical environment as they purchase their tickets and walk up the stairs being greeted by staff and cheerleaders. 14. Frost Bank Center - San Antonio Spurs 4.14 Eric Moreno - While the arena has undergone numerous upgrades and renovations over the years, including a massive renovation in 2015, its days are officially numbered in terms of it being home of the Spurs. The team is building a new facility in downtown San Antonio, closer to the River Walk, the Alamodome, and all the energy, history, and entertainment that has become associated with the Alamo City. For the next few years, however, Frost Bank Center will still be the home of the Silver and Black. 13. American Airlines Center - Dallas Mavericks 4.14 Michael Davis - The Dallas Mavericks usually rank among the best in the NBA. The loyal Mavs fans have always shown up at games. On Mavs gamedays there are plenty of fans with Mavs gear on, seen throughout AAC; the crowd’s enthusiasm is very good and may even become deafening depending on the circumstances of the game or the opponent. 12. Delta Center - Utah Jazz 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Some of the best Jazz to be experienced in the Salt Lake City area is not found in an intimate nightclub, but in an 18,300-seat sports arena found only a few blocks from Temple Square... The Utah Jazz are living proof that a small market can be competitive in the NBA. Through stable ownership that always puts their fans first, the franchise has been one of the most successful both on and off the court. The recent renovation of the Delta Center has created an even tighter bond between the fans and their team. 11. Golden 1 Center - Sacramento Kings 4.29 Lloyd Brown - What really sets the Golden 1 Center apart from its NBA brethren is its commitment to be the greenest and most environmentally friendly venue in professional sports. This has resulted in receiving a Platinum LEED certification, the top recognition for being environmentally sustainable in the world. This is accomplished through virtually every aspect of the arena’s operation. The venue is the only professional sports arena in the world to operate totally on solar power, thanks to solar panels covering the roof. 10. Ball Arena - Denver Nuggets 4.29 Matt Finnigan - NBA games are high-energy and Nuggets home games are no different. The team's recent success has brought larger and louder crowds. The Skyline Drumline plays outside, greeting fans as they arrive... It’s a decent bargain for an exceptional experience. 9. Moda Center - Portland Trail Blazers 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Trail Blazer fans are known for their passion for the team as sellouts are the norm for games. They arrive early and begin their “Rip City” chant even during the team warmups. Portland is a small market by NBA standards, so the relationship between the players and their fans is almost at the “neighbor” level. 8. Toyota Center - Houston Rockets 4.29 Eric Moreno - Toyota Center is the best arena of the three NBA squads in Texas. It still looks brand new, it has a ton of things outside of the game for fans to take in, the food options are great, and the location really can’t be beat. If you haven’t made a visit yet, Toyota Center definitely should be on your sports bucket list. 7. Chase Center - Golden State Warriors 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Members of the Dub Nation come to cheer first and socialize second. They are an intimidating factor during tight games, making it impossible for the opposition to communicate with each other and creating a huge distraction when the visitors are at the free throw line. One of the unique elements of the Golden State fan base is found in its diversity. San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures that seem to all come together when the Warriors are involved. 6. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Raptors 4.29 Dave Cottenie - Maple Leaf Square, on the west side of the building, is the perfect pregame meeting place and is the location of the trend-setting Jurassic Park, which is full of fans watching on the massive exterior videoboard on the facade. The iconic “Search Light, Star Light, Spot Light” sculpture, which was part of the old Air Canada Centre logo, is a focal point in Maple Leaf Square and gives the arena a unique, artistic look. Legends Row, a series of bronze statues of Toronto Maple Leaf legends, is among the top spots at Scotiabank Arena for photos. 5. Rocket Arena - Cleveland Cavaliers 4.43 Lloyd Brown - When you enter Rocket Arena, you will have no doubt in your mind that you are in Cleveland and are there for a basketball game... As you make the loop around the concourse you will see art and photos depicting life and landmarks around the Cleveland area. The glass exterior of the building provides fans with great views of downtown Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River from the upper levels of the facility. 4. Kaseya Center - Miami Heat 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Attending a HEAT game is as much of a social occasion as attending a basketball game. While seeing the red-hot HEAT compete on the court, you are just as likely to be seeing an “A List” of celebrities sitting courtside. You will feel the Miami vibe before you ever enter the arena, as it features the white exterior and large amounts of glass that are so prevalent in the architecture in the South Florida area. Its location overlooking Biscayne Bay also adds to the uniqueness of the space, as very few NBA arenas feature a waterfront view. 3. Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia 76ers 4.43 Pete Dowell - Xfinity Mobile Arena is a well-maintained arena with plenty of overpriced arena snacks that are too good to pass up and a team that is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. What makes the time you will spend at Wells Fargo Center amazing is the fans. The 76ers fans love to band together show the 76ers love just as much as they love to give the opposing team a hard time. Trust the Process and enjoy your time at Xfinity Mobile Arena. 2. Kia Center - Orlando Magic 4.57 Chris Green - Magic games feel like they are a family affair; there are young fans at every game, and the team works to engage with younger fans like few others. The family-friendly atmosphere penetrates everything you see and do at Kia Center, making it a draw for anyone looking to take in a night of professional basketball that everyone can enjoy. 1. Madison Square Garden - New York Knicks 4.57 Brian O'Sullivan - From the moment you catch a glimpse of MSG on the streets of New York, you can feel the special nature of attending a Knicks game... From the passionate fans to celebrities sitting courtside, there is a truly unique and unparalleled atmosphere that surrounds a Knicks game. The hefty price of admission is well worth the priceless experience once inside Madison Square Garden and is a must see for any sports fan.

Three cities along the U.S. West Coast will be hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition. Lumen Field (Seattle), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles/Inglewood), and Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area/Santa Clara) will each host at least six matches. Lumen Field, Seattle WA Seattle World Cup 2026 The Pacific Northwest is a hotbed for soccer, as it is home to several pro soccer teams in both Seattle and Portland. The region will be hosting World Cup matches at Seattle’s Lumen Field. The stadium opened in 2002 and has a capacity of 72,000. It serves as the home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks , the MLS's Seattle Sounders, and the Seattle Reign of the NWSL. It is widely regarded as one of the loudest sports stadiums in the world. The stadium is undergoing $19.4 million in renovations in preparation for the World Cup. These renovations include seating adjustments to accommodate the wider pitch used for soccer, the installation of a natural grass pitch as required by FIFA, an upgrading of the broadcast facilities and Wi-Fi capabilities, and enhanced gate entry systems. Seattle’s Lumen Field will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Seattle World Cup organizers have scheduled several Fanfests in Emerald City, with events planned at the Seattle Center, Pacific Place, Pioneer Square, and at Waterfront Park. Satellite viewing parties are also scheduled in Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Olympia, Spokane, and Tacoma. SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles CA Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Sofi Stadium in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood is the newest venue to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, as it opened in 2020. It has a seating capacity of 70,000 andserves as the home of both the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL. It is widely known for its Xfinity videoboard, which stretches the length of a football field, providing fans with a close-up view of the pitch action. Since the venue is very recently built, the only renovations required are realignment of the seating bowl to allow for the wider pitch used in soccer and the installation of a natural grass playing surface. There will be several FIFA Fanfests and viewing parties held throughout the Los Angeles area. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be the largest viewing venue, but other World Cup activities are also planned for the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market, Union Station, Hansen Dam Lake, Magic Johnson Park, Venice Beach and Burbank areas. Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara CA San Francisco Bay Area World Cup 2026 The San Francisco Bay Area will be hosting six matches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Levi’s Stadium is the home of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. It is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, as it lies in the heart of Silicon Valley. The stadium opened in 2014 and has a capacity of 68,500. The stadium recently underwent a $200 million+ renovation in preparation for last January’s 2026 NFL Super Bowl and the upcoming 2026 World Cup competition. Upgrades included the installation of two new videoboards, new field lighting, Wi-Fi enhancements, and a new broadcast facility. The stadium also replaced the artificial turf field with natural grass. At press time, the organizers for the San Francisco Bay Area World Cup events had not released a list of Fanfest sites for the region. Note: During the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition, each stadium will be known by its geographic location instead of its usual corporate name. This is due to FIFA requirements that any local corporate sponsorship naming rights be hidden through the duration of the World Cup matches due to conflicts with FIFA’s own worldwide corporate sponsor agreements.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 San Manuel Stadium 280 South E St San Bernardino, CA 92410 Map It Inland Empire 66ers website San Manuel Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,000 Hits on Route 66 The Inland Empire is a region located in Southern California. The region serves several communities including Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and San Bernardino. It has a deep history of hosting Major League affiliate teams with some of the game’s biggest stars, such as Ken Griffey Jr., using the IE as a starting point to The Show. The IE 66ers play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The stadium is located along a stretch of old Route 66 in the city of San Bernardino. In another nod toward the locals, the team mascot is named Bernie. Now the Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, the IE 66ers have also had affiliations with the Los Angeles Dodgers and most recently from 2011-2025 the Los Angeles Angels. Food & Beverage 3 The dining options are standard, offering hot dogs, chili dogs, footlongs and corn dogs, as well as smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, pretzels and nachos. Pepsi brand sodas as well as Coors brand domestic beer are the beverage providers. Along the third base concourse is Pizza Here, serving up New York and Detroit style pepperoni, cheese, and specialty slices. During every home game, Pizza Here has a 2 for 1 special during the 7th inning stretch. The LiUNA Lounge is an air-conditioned indoor bar accessible from the first base concourse with an outdoor patio offering high stool seating and bar tables . The LiUNA Lounge is open to all fans and serves up both domestic and imported brews and taps. Frozen cocktails such as Blue Razzberry, pina colada, jack & cola, and other frozen cocktail options are available at the lounge. LiUNA Lounge, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 San Manuel Stadium is your standard minor league stadium with not much frills. Views of the distant San Bernardino mountains, as well as palm trees dotting the grass berms along the left field line beyond the left field fence highlight the ambiance of this intimate yard. Unlike most MLB venues, much of the in between inning entertainment is not over the top. Perhaps the most attention grabbing is the 7th inning kids race across the outfield grass with team mascot Bernie. But be warned, parts of this race do spill into the stands along the walkway dividing the lower stands from the berms, so you may want to avoid that area prior to the top of the 7th. Neighborhood 2 The surrounding area does not offer much in regards to pre or post game entertainment or dining. Because of their location along The Mother Road, there are several points of interest not far from the stadium, including the Wigwam Motel and the Original McDonald's Museum. The Original McDonald’s Museum sits on the site of the first McDonalds and is worth a stop on the way to the yard. Countless historic displays, old play place playground equipment including the McBurglar, can be seen here. Site of the Original McDonalds along old Route 66, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey With the Golden Arches being a major sponsor to many past organizations and sporting events, you will also find several items tied to them, including a display featuring Ray Kroc, the one time owner of both the Golden Arches and the San Diego Padres. Another sports team nearby during baseball season is the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (MiLB). Fans 3 Given their location neighboring Los Angeles and Orange Counties, along with the franchises past history with both the Dodgers and Angels, it’s easy to spot fans decked in either Dodger Blue or Angel Red, particularly if the Ontario Tower Buzzers or Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are in town. You may spot a few fans donning apparel of the parent club Mariners but otherwise it's your standard Minor League experience where fans are mostly families who enjoy an affordable baseball experience without the long drive to L.A. or Anaheim. Access 3 The stadium is accessible from nearby I-215. I-215 can be accessed from Interstates 60, 10 and 210, all major freeways connecting from L.A. County. The Downtown Metrolink Station is within walking distance of the stadium. Ontario International Airport is the closest commercial airport to the venue (a little over 20 miles). There is sufficient parking available, though the venue charges $10 to park, which seems high for a single-A venue. Security performs a bag check when entering the stadium; non-clear bags are allowed. The single level venue allows fans to walk along the walkway to experience the various viewing points. Behind the walkway, between the first and third base dugouts, is another section of seats for fans wanting to sit closer to the infield. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $11 to $24. If buying the cheapest tickets gameday staff is hardly strict so feel free to roam around and experience the different viewing points. The Toyota Redlands Garage is an outdoor lounge atop the first base dugout for groups of 30 or more with tickets starting at $34 per person. Included in the lounge is an all you can eat dining and drinking experience with a built in service bar. Party tents along both the left and right field berms are also available for group outings and offer AYCE BBQ for 90 minutes after gate opening. The team offers daily deals to help reduce the cost of attending a game, so keep these in mind. Tuesday - $2 parking, tickets, hot dogs, and tacos Wednesday - Bring your canine friend and sit in the lawn section Thursday - $2 Coors Light Friday - $1 hot dogs and $5 lawn seats Saturday - A giveaway day Sunday - Family Sundays. Free tickets for kids 13 and under when purchased at the box office on game day. Extras 3 An MIA/POW seat is placed on the concourse to honor men and women who left to fight for our country but never returned. Below the press box, retired numbers of San Bernardino baseball legends Chin-Feng Chen (43), Rich Dauer (25), and Ken Griffey Jr. (24) are displayed, as well as Jackie Robinson (42). Retired numbers, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey At times during the season, the 66ers will rebrand as the San Bernardino Cucuys (bogeyman) or the Redland Pickers. The team wears special-branded uniforms, the merchandise store sells shirts, caps, and jerseys. Redland Pickers hats, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey If you love ballpark art check out this mural of Ken Griffey Jr. at the Pizza Here stand with a slice of pepperoni, from his beginnings in the IE with the San Bernardino Spirit to the big show in Seattle. From The IE to The Show with Kenny Griff !, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts San Bernardino, CA, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey San Bernardino has been the starting point for several big leaguers, including Ken Griffey Jr. With the 66ers recently switching affiliations over to the Seattle Mariners, ahead lies a new chapter of 66ers history. Some usage of the navy blue and nautical green as well as the trident give nods to the parent club. When catching a game in the IE, one can expect an affordable and enjoyable family experience. IE 66ERS. The new Single A affiliate for the Seattle Mariners, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Xfinity Mobile Arena 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia 76ers website Xfinity Mobile Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,318 Trust The Process 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. Wells Fargo Center was built in 1996 and is part of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District that consists of Wells Fargo Center home of the 76ers NBA & Flyers NHL, Lincoln Financial Field home of the Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA, Citizens Bank Park home of the Phillies MLB and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). Wells Fargo Center is the current home of the Philadelphia 76ers and houses the legacy of three past won NBA championships, nine past won Eastern Conference titles, five past won Atlantic Division titles, and the potential of future glory from trusting in a process. Wells Fargo Center is not the first home of the 76ers. Although the 76ers played in a few different arenas from 1964 -1967 the majority of their games were played in the Philadelphia Arena and the Civic Center-Convention Hall. Civic Center-Convention Hall is credited as being the first home of the 76ers in Philadelphia 1964 – 1967 and was the site of an NBA All-Star game in 1960. The 76er's next home was the Spectrum 1967 from 1996. The Spectrum concerning the NBA was distinguished with being the 1970 and 1976 NBA All-Star games host. The next home for the 76ers was their current arena in 1996. The arena held the name of Spectrum 2 in 1996 and changed its name due to naming rights four more times through the years. CoreStates Center from 1996 to 1998, First Union Center from 1998 to 2003, Wachovia Center from 2003 to 2010, and finally its current name Wells Fargo Center from 2010 to the present. The 76ers started their NBA journey known as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946 and didn’t take on the name of Philadelphia 76ers until an ownership change, a franchise move to Philadelphia, and a contest to name the team in 1964. Walter Stalberg basketball fan and contestant in naming the 76ers won the name the team contest for his submission of the Philadelphia 76ers. The name Philadelphia 76ers is a nod to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia. The 76ers have a history of cultivating some of the NBA’s most talented and/or exciting players and have many well-known NBA stars as 76er alumni. In no particular order – Darryl Dawkins, Andre Iguodala, Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, and last but not least the new talent Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The 76ers haven’t won an NBA Championship title in over thirty-five years. In recent history, the 76ers organization refocused itself and pushed a strategy to obtain as many high draft picks as possible to find young NBA stars and have assets to trade for high-quality established players. The strategy became known as “Trust The Process”. From 2013 – 2017 the 76er organization lost games purposely to get higher draft picks, traded for quality players, and promised future draft picks to build a winning team. In the 2016/2017 NBA season, the 76ers had a team with two rising stars Joel Embiid (aka The Process), and Ben Simmons, and a roster of talented role players that put the 76ers in a position to win it all. Trusting the Process just might work. Food & Beverage 4 The food quality at Wells Fargo Center is standard NBA arena excellence. The venue is clean, the staff is friendly and hardworking and the arena accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. Wells Fargo Center offers all your favorite arena foods like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, popcorn, and all the other usual arena foods at reasonable arena pricing. Wells Fargo Center has a member’s only high-end chop-house-styled menu restaurant called Cadillac Grille. If you want it there’s a good chance that Wells Fargo Center has it. From The Coca-Cola products fountain sodas to a bevy of adult beverages. Souvenir cups will run you $8.75 while a 24oz can of domestic Beer will run you $13. It is recommended to try a giant slice of pizza from Lorenzo and Sons Pizza for $9 and a cup of fries from Chickie’s & Pete’s for $10. You won’t be sorry, as both foods are delicious. Atmosphere 4 Wells Fargo Center has a massive outside footprint with lots of parking surrounding the arena but the interior while very nice is a little underwhelming and not what you expect after viewing the exterior. Wells Fargo Center is more of a general arena than a bucket list venue. Wells Fargo Center provides comfortable padded seats with cup holders attached to the seat in front of you. The seat legroom and spacing are average for an NBA arena. The location of the lower Club Boxes gives those who can afford them a premium view being located within all the action but still private. The lower Club Boxes are located at the top of the lower sections. Many NBA arenas have Club Boxes located just under the highest level giving the Club Box viewers privacy but giving the viewers the same view as the first few rows of the cheapest seats, this is not the case at Wells Fargo Center. The scoreboard is the world’s first Kinetic 4K scoreboard. In layman’s terms, Kinetic 4K means that the scoreboard is big, bright, and detailed. The arena music was played loud (not overly loud) and frequently. The 76ers organization keeps the fans engaged throughout the NBA experience. Some of the latest pop music is played by a DJ on the Wells Fargo Center's incredible sound system. Franklin, the team mascot, can be found throughout the arena, taking pictures and playing with the fans. The Sixers Dancers, now integrated with male dancers, keep the spirits of the fans high with dance routines during time outs, and the Sixers Dunk Squad excites the fans with their acrobatic dunking. Most important to most fans, the members of the fan interaction team (mascot, cheerleaders, and dunk squad) all participate in the T-Shirt / Ball toss that occurs frequently at a 76ers game. The modern, spacious arena offers fabulous views from the seating bowl and access to various points of interest along the main concourse. It is spacious, offering great sightline views of the game from the seating bowl. There are a few open views of the court from the main concourse where the cannon and pre-game show. Some of the best seating is located in lower premium sections 112,113,114,102,101,124. The lower premium sections give you a wonderful center-court view. Sitting in section 124 will put you directly behind the visiting team’s bench and section 102 will put you directly behind the 76ers bench. Sitting right behind your favorite NBA stars is fun and you might end up on TV but be warned that T-Shirt and Balls will very rarely be tossed over the player benches. Sections 112,113,114 face the floor logo and are the absolute best sections to sit in for a view of the game and entertainment as well as the T-shirt / Ball tosses. Neighborhood 5 Philadelphia is a historic city with a few bucket list places to visit. Wells Fargo Center is not located within reasonable walking distance to any entertainment other than its fellow members of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District. The Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District consists of Wells Fargo Center (76ers NBA & Flyers NHL), Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA), Citizens Bank Park (Phillies MLB), and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). I suggest staying in or close to the city center where food and fun are close at hand and using rideshares to get to and from the sports venues. If the team scheduling aligns just right and you find yourself in Philadelphia a three-day weekend of fun could look like this: Get into town on Friday afternoon and see a 76ers game at Wells Fargo Center, get up early on Saturday morning, and get a Go Philadelphia Pass or a Big Bus Pass and tour some of the historic sites that Philadelphia has to offer until later that evening when you could go back to the Wells Fargo Center and take in a Flyers game, get up Sunday morning and tailgate before heading into Lincoln Financial Field for a Eagles game. I recommend doing the total tourist thing and comparing sandwiches from the overrated cheesesteak rivals Geno’s Steaks & Pat’s King of Steaks. Geno’s and Pats are 2.5 miles away from the arena and are within eyesight of each other. There are much better cheesesteaks to be had but you know you want to see what the fuss is all about for yourself. Philadelphia is a historic and modern city with many once-in-a-lifetime must-visit sites that are mostly not within walking distance or under 5 miles away from Wells Fargo Center. I recommend purchasing a Go Philadelphia Pass. The Go Philadelphia Pass gives you prepaid major discounts on most of Philadelphia’s tourist sites and gives you access to the hop-on / hop-off tour busses. I highly recommend getting at least a tour bus pass to enjoy the many attractions that Philadelphia has to offer. There are many hotels and Airbnb from expensive high-end to cheap sketchy mom-and-pop spots that can be found within five miles of Wells Fargo Center. Your choice of lodging is totally up to how much money you are willing to spend. There is only one hotel less than a mile from Wells Fargo Center. Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard is the only major chain hotel less than a mile away from Wells Fargo Center. Fans 5 Philadelphia 76er fans are not your average fans. 76er fans are proud of their city and their team. The 76ers have a history of winning three NBA Championships (1955, 1967, and 1983) and being a one-time home to NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson. The 76ers past and having two young rising NBA stars in Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons gives the 76er fan base something to be loud and proud about. According to the Philadelphia 76ers 19/20 Media guide, there was an average of 20,453 fans in attendance at home games during the 18/19 season. ESPN ranked the 76ers #1 in home fan attendance for the 18/19 NBA season. 76ers fans are involved and stay involved the entire game. The 76er fans are up and down the whole game getting snacks and drinks but will stop no matter where they are to heckle the opposing team or a referee. 76er fans chant “SUCKS” at the introduction of each opposing team starting player's name. When a referee makes a questionable call the 76er fans chant “Ref you SUCK” as loud and passionately as they can. Access 4 In general, driving will be needed to get to the arena. Once inside the arena the walkways are open and all fans including those fans who need a little help or extra room will be able to navigate without any problems. Wells Fargo Center can be affordable and easy to come and go from. Please review Wells Fargo Centers Public Transportation Options to map out how you can get to and from a game using public transport. The 76er organization recommends using Park with SpotHero and parking at one of the 6,100 lots available on-site for $29. Traffic is heavy but moves along due to the multiple exits. There are multiple entrances and ticket handlers. Ticket handlers accept paper and digital tickets. Security is standard and quick. Please review the Wells Fargo Center Security Policy. Wells Fargo Center is a modern arena with a wide concourse and easy-flowing foot traffic. Most concession lines were long but moved very fast. Very clean bathrooms are located throughout the concourse. Fans needing assistance won’t have any problems making their way through Wells Fargo Center. There are friendly and helpful staff everywhere actively looking for that occasional fan who looks like they need a helping hand. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 76ers game vs an equally matched team like the Boston Celtics is well worth the cost. The 76ers organization puts on a show and the team competes at a high level. The 76ers ticket prices fluctuate depending on the game. Marquee matchups and holiday games will be much more than when one of the losing teams in the league comes into play. For more information concerning ticket cost, I recommend reviewing a past article on Stadium Journey, How to Get the Best Seats for Your Budget. Extras 4 One point for fan participation as Philadelphia fans have a reputation for being crazy about their teams and the fans truly are passionate about letting the other team know just how much they want them to be beaten by the 76ers. Super loud and fun fans. One point for all the giveaways. Many teams skimp on the T-shirt / Ball toss and fan games for prizes; this is not the case with the 76ers organization. One point for extra clean bathrooms. The men’s rooms visited were very well maintained and clean. One point for the Rage Room. The rage room is housed in the Wells Fargo Center and at this time is only used for fans at the NHL Flyers games but the possibility of the 76ers fans being able to pay $30 and smash things for fun in this first-of-its-kind pro sports room is amazing. Final Thoughts Wells Fargo Center is a well-maintained arena with plenty of overpriced arena snacks that are too good to pass up and a team that is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. What makes the time you will spend at Wells Fargo Center amazing is the fans. The 76ers fans love to band together show the 76ers love just as much as they love to give the opposing team a hard time. Trust the Process and enjoy your time at Wells Fargo Center.

Five cities along the Atlantic Coast will be hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition. In each case, an NFL venue will temporarily be hosting the worldwide form of fútbol. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta GA Atlanta World Cup 2026 The home of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and the Atlanta United of the MLS will host matches during the World Cup competition. Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 and has a capacity of 67,382 for soccer. Minimal upgrades, including a few seating adjustments for the width of the pitch and the replacement of artificial turf with natural grass, were needed before the World Cup competition gets underway. The FIFA Fanfest in Atlanta will be in Centennial Olympic Park, just two blocks from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA Boston World Cup 2026 The Boston area World Cup matches will take place in Gillette Stadium, which is about 23 miles from Downtown Boston. Rail service will run continuously between Boston and Foxborough. The home of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution opened in 2002 and has a capacity of 63,815. It recently completed more than $250 million in renovations, including larger broadcast facilities for the worldwide press, larger videoboards, and improved concessions outlets. The FIFA Fanfest will take place in the Boston City Hall Plaza. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami FL Miami World Cup 2026 Hard Rock Stadium is the southernmost stadium in the U.S.A. hosting World Cup matches. It opened in 1987, with a capacity of 64,091. Hard Rock Stadium is the longtime home of the NFL Miami Dolphins. The major renovations at Hard Rock Stadium will include the installation of a natural grass pitch and the addition of shade barriers to protect fans from the harsh sun Miami experiences in the summer. The Miami area FIFA Fanfest will be held in Bayfront Park in Miami. Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia PA Philadelphia World Cup 2026 The home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and MLS's Philadelphia Union will be retrofitted to handle the wider pitch required by FIFA and a natural grass field will be installed per FIFA regulations. Lincoln Financial Field opened in 2003 and has a seating capacity of 78,576. The main FIFA Fanfest in Philadelphia will take place at Lemon Hill Park in East Fairmount. Satellite events will also occur in Pittsburgh, Reading, and Scranton. MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford NJ New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands will host eight matches, including the FIFA World Cup Final championship game on July 19. More than $100 million in renovations include a broadcast center for the worldwide press, upgraded Wi-Fi, signage in multiple languages, and upgraded videoboards. MetLife Stadium will also remove its artificial turf field and install a natural grass pitch. There will be multiple Fanfest locations in the New York City area. These include the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens and a FIFA Fan Village in Rockefeller Center. Note: During the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition, each stadium will be known by its geographic location instead of its usual corporate name. This is due to FIFA requirements that any local corporate sponsorship naming rights be hidden through the duration of the World Cup matches due to conflicts with FIFA’s own worldwide corporate sponsor agreements.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bryant Field 1431 C St Marysville, CA 95901 Map It! Yuba-Sutter Freebirds website Bryant Field website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 4,000 Freebirds Baseball Attending a Yuba-Sutter Freebirds baseball game at Bryant Field is a perfect way to spend summer evenings in the Yuba-Sutter region, just 45 minutes north of Sacramento, CA. The Freebirds began as one of two expansion teams in the Pioneer League in 2024; the other team is the very successful Oakland Ballers. They played their inaugural season as the Yolo High Wheelers at Dobbins Stadium on the UC Davis campus and won the Pioneer League Championship their very first year. They relocated to Marysville for the 2025 season and were renamed the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers. Early in 2026, the team rebranded as the Freebirds. According to their website, “The Freebirds name stands for freedom, confidence, and lift. A team that plays loose, flies high, and refuses to stay grounded.” Bryant Field, owned by the city of Marysville, has a historic, old-time, intimate ballpark feel, yet has the modern amenities needed for attending a ball game in the 2020’s. The city and the ball team invested in many improvements geared towards player safety and the fan experience: new lights, outfield wall padding, a new scoreboard screen, updated seating and concessions, two new clubhouses, and more. Food & Beverage 3 The first base inner concourse has a concession stand that offers plenty of your basics: burgers, cheeseburgers, cheesesteak sandwiches, four different choices of fries, three varieties of hot dogs, and snacks like nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and Cracker Jack. Prices range from $4 - $10. Water and Pepsi-brand sodas are sold at this stand. Attendants grill the burgers and other items fresh, so you’ll know you are getting a hot, fresh meal. The upgrades included a bar area down the first base seats with a drink rail and tables for conversing before and during the game. For something positively different, only the delicious Sutter Buttes beers (a local craft brewery in nearby Yuba City) are sold at this venue…none of the traditional domestic beers here. Draft beers run $8, as do canned cocktails like margaritas and Moscow mules. The bar also serves chicken or steak street tacos at a great value, three for $6. Bryant Field Bar Area, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The food looks and smells fantastic, and the result is predictably long lines. Atmosphere 4 The Freebirds and Bryant Field provide a very comfortable evening of baseball, one that most fans will appreciate. Reaching the seating bowl requires a short climb, with both steps and ramps available. Seats run behind home plate and down both baselines, with none in the outfield. The lower five rows include cup holders; the upper level features several bleacher sections, while the second level seats behind home plate are bucket‑style. Shade arrives first on the first base side and behind home. The concourse, merchandise stand, restrooms, and concessions (aside from the bar area) sit behind the grandstand. Pregame, a band plays on the concourse, but it’s so loud that holding a conversation, let alone buying a ticket, is nearly impossible. During the game, the sound operator plays those between‑pitch noise snippets; they’re not obtrusive, just irritating. Bryant Field’s scoreboard in right field is impressive. Along with the line score and current batter, it shows the pitcher’s name and ERA, pitch speed, and even pitch‑location graphics. It’s thoughtfully informative for this level of baseball. Bryant Field Informative Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Right field offers a picturesque view, with pine trees lining the outfield wall. A Dollar Tree sits beyond left field, and a net rises above the outfield fence to keep home runs from reaching passing cars. The Freebirds provide numerous between-inning games with plenty of fan participative contests, kiss cam, face painting, and more. When a Freebird homers, the ballpark lights flash in celebration. Neighborhood 3 Bryant Field sits on the east side of Ellis Lake in Marysville’s central city park area. For some things to do before heading to the game, visit Bok Kai Temple (an 1880 Taoist temple), one of Marysville’s most historic landmarks, or check out Back in Time Arcade (a retro arcade in downtown Marysville). For places to eat, try First Bite (Mediterranean). It’s three+ miles from the park, and residents rave about it. Hard Times BBQ is the place to go for smoked, slow-cooked dishes, and Thao Kitchen Thai Cuisine (the menu has a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options) rates highly amongst Asian choices. For local craft brews, head two miles west to Yuba City and visit Sutter Buttes Brewery (also serves food). If spending the night, a Motel 6 is on the other end of Ellis Lake (less than a mile walk). Yuba City has a few more of the popular hotels, including Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, and Hampton Inn and Suites. For other sports, you’ll have to head down to Sacramento for an MiLB River Cats, MLB Athletics (at least until the end of 2027), or a Sacramento Republic FC game or match. Fans 3 Attending a game here seems like a wonderful social event for the residents of the Yuba-Sutter region. Lots of families and kids, couples, friends, retirees, and more all make a presence at Bryant Field. The fans cheer loudly for good plays. They know their baseball, and a good portion stay to the very end of the game. Access 3 Gates open one hour before the first pitch. Parking is free, but because it’s located inside a city park, finding a spot can be challenging. Many spaces are already taken by residents fishing, enjoying the lake, or relaxing in the park. Marysville does have local public transit, but it isn’t conducive to attending a game, so driving remains the best option. The closest commercial airport is Sacramento International, about 45 minutes south of the ballpark. Entry is straightforward, and I didn’t notice any posted bag restrictions. A wide, open concourse greets you as soon as you step through the gate, with plenty of ramps leading up to the seating bowl, the merchandise shop, and the restrooms. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Freebirds ball game is a smart way to use your sports entertainment dollar. Other than the irritating between-pitch noise, everything is just about perfect. Parking is free, tickets run $5–$16, and concessions are reasonably priced for California. Because all tickets are mobile, it’s best to buy online so you don’t have to shout over the pregame band just to hear the ticket‑booth attendant. The team offers all kinds of promotions, including: $2 Tuesdays - Tickets, hot dogs, and beer for just $2 Wing Wednesdays - Free admission for all veterans, military, and first responders, as well as all-you-can-eat wings for just $1 Thrifty Thursdays - Buy-one-get-one 50% off on tickets and select merchandise Fireworks Fridays - Postgame fireworks lighting up the Marysville sky Spectacular Saturdays - From wrestling matches to drone shows, Saturdays will feature some of our most spectacular features this season Family Sundays - Affordable family ticket options, pregame autographs, and kids running the bases The schedule has plenty of theme nights during the season as well as several giveaway days. Extras 3 Several additional items are worth noting. The Freebirds’ $1 Million Wall is a unique contest occurring every game. If a Freebirds hitter hits a live ball off the same numbered outfield wall square twice in the same game, a drawing is held, and one associated ticket holder wins $1,000,000. Only one $1M winner is allowed for the entire 2026 season, but the promotion continues for other prizes even after that. Bryant Field $1 Million Wall, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A new Kids Zone in left field debuted in 2026, featuring inflatables, cornhole, a bouncy house, and even an air‑conditioned tent for adults. It’s quickly become a popular place, with kids racing to it from the inner concourse throughout the game. Marysville is in the middle of a revitalization push designed to spark reinvestment and encourage new development. Updates and renovations to Bryant Field are a good example of this transformation. Final Thoughts If you’re a sports fan anywhere near California’s capital, it’s absolutely worth the short drive up to the Yuba–Sutter region for a Freebirds game. The kids will be entertained, the scoreboard is impressive, the seats are comfortable, and the prices are affordable. This is one ballpark experience that’s worth the extra drive.

With the Stanley Cup Finals just around the corner, we here at Stadium Journey decided to renew our rankings of the NHL’s arenas. It's one of our favorite traditions! Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the photo or the link of each venue. The results will undoubtedly provoke discussion and endless debate among you diehards. We’d also like to remind you that the views and opinions expressed by the individual correspondents do not reflect those of all correspondents involved and we at Stadium Journey are not responsible for any emotional outbursts that will occur. As a matter of fact we encourage you to express your thoughts and pleasures or displeasure on any of our social media channels through Facebook, Instagram, Threads, "X" (formerly known as Twitter), and BlueSky. It’s ok. We’re ready for it. 32. SAP Center - San Jose Sharks 2.86 David Hegler - The SAP Center is perfect for the Sharks as it represents the city’s culture while providing impeccable views in all corners of the arena. 31. Canada Life Centre - Winnipeg Jets 3.29 Greg Venuto - The building is the smallest arena in the league, with a seating capacity of 15,294, but its size can make for a loud building when the Jets ignite. 30. Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa Senators 3.29 Greg Venuto - The Canadian Tire Centre is probably a mid-level NHL venue for atmosphere. It features solid sightlines and is a good place to take in a game with not as many amenities. The exterior of the CTC is impressive as the cylindrical structure is lit up and has nothing blocking its view. 29. Amerant Bank Arena - Florida Panthers 3.43 Lloyd Brown - Despite the large capacity of the arena, there really are no bad seats. Sightlines are excellent even in the 300 level. 28. Lenovo Center - Carolina Hurricanes 3.57 Joseph Oakes - Before each game, a local celebrity (such as an area college coach) will crank the hurricane siren to get fans pumped up. At various times throughout the game, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions will crank up. The management does a great job of incorporating hurricane and storm-related graphics and activities into the game day experience. 27. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Flames 3.57 Jim Flannery - Action at the Scotiabank Saddledome has created some fantastic memories over the years…Although this arena’s days are numbered, going to the Saddledome to take in a Flames game is still always a good time. 26. Ball Arena - Colorado Avalanche 3.57 Greg Venuto - Ball Arena is a great place to visit while in Denver to take in a hockey game. The fans are enthusiastic and the team is usually at the top of the standings. 25. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Red Wings 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Red Wings have a long and deep relationship with the Motor City. The Little Caesars Arena is a more than worthy successor to the team’s previous homes over the past century…. the Olympia and the Joe Louis Arena. 24. Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia Flyers 3.71 Greg Venuto - The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey. 23. UBS Arena - New York Islanders 3.71 Greg Venuto - The Arena, right next to Belmont Park, has undergone minor tweaks and has established itself as a great place to take in a hockey game or any event it hosts. 22. Enterprise Center - St. Louis Blues 3.71 Greg Venuto - The arena seems a bit older than some of the modern buildings but a recent renovation has kept the arena relatively up to date. 21. Rogers Arena - Vancouver Canucks 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Rogers Arena has an attractive exterior, featuring silver paneling with blue highlights. It is really wedged into Downtown Vancouver with viaducts on both sides of the arena. 20. KeyBank Center - Buffalo Sabres 3.86 Dave Cottenie - KeyBank Center is a solid NHL facility, and a trip to the Sabrehood is worthwhile. Fans in attendance are pretty loud and the chant of “Let’s Go Buff-A-Lo” can be heard often. 19. Honda Center - Anaheim Ducks 3.86 Paul Baker - While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not. 18. T-Mobile Arena - Vegas Golden Knights 3.86 Lloyd Brown - When you are building a new venue in Las Vegas, a simple utilitarian building will just not do. The ownership’s expertise in entertainment, along with Populous’ expertise in venue design has created a great facility for hockey fans in Las Vegas. 17. Grand Casino Arena - Minnesota Wild 3.86 Greg Venuto - The State of Hockey theme is reinforced throughout the stadium. With enthusiastic fan support in a rabid hockey market, the Grand Casino Arena is clearly worthy of a Stadium Journey. 16. Nationwide Arena - Columbus Blue Jackets 4.00 Marc Viquez - The Nationwide Arena is a fine place to watch an NHL game. The sightlines, food and drink, and neighborhood provide the opportunity for a wonderful night watching hockey with friends and family. 15. Delta Center - Utah Mammoth 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Delta Center has been around for nearly 35 years, but it has undergone several major renovations over the years to keep up with the changes in the sports facilities industry. 14. United Center - Chicago Blackhawks 4.00 Marc Viquez - The building is the largest in the United States by square footage, with a capacity of 19,717 and room for approximately 3,000 additional standing-room spectators. 13. TD Garden - Boston Bruins 4.00 Paul Baker - The Boston area features some of the most rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League. 12. Prudential Center - New Jersey Devils 4.00 Steven Kee - The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century.” The Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007. 11. American Airlines Arena - Dallas Stars 4.14 Eric Moreno - If you’re a hockey fan, The Hangar needs to be a stop on your bucket list, and if you’re a sports fan, add it as well. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either way. 10. Climate Change Arena - Seattle Kraken 4.29 Greg Venuto - The Space Needle might be the most visited attraction in Seattle, but Climate Pledge Arena is quickly becoming a must-see venue for sports fans and concert devotees. 9. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Maple Leafs 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Scotiabank Arena remains among the premier venues in the league and MLSE has done a spectacular job keeping the arena relevant for the last two decades and continuing to revamp and upgrade the experience. 8. Capital One Arena - Washington Capitals 4.29 Gregory Koch - The experience at a Washington Capitals game is top-notch. The crowds here are excellent, the product on the ice is outstanding, and the atmosphere is one of the best in the league. 7. PPG Paints Arena - Pittsburgh Penguins 4.29 Patricia Beninato - As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. PPG Paints Arena holds 18,187 for hockey, with great views from every seat, which are all comfortable and well-spaced. 6. Madison Square Garden - New York Rangers 4.29 Greg Venuto - Madison Square Garden is special, from the lobby to the box office, the team store, and the exhibits that commemorate special events. MSG is always deserving of a Stadium Journey and not just for hockey. 5. Bell Centre - Montreal Canadians 4.29 Dave Cottenie - In Montréal, hockey is like theatre. Fans do not head for the exits during play or hang out in the concourses during the game. Hockey is paramount in Montréal and everything else is window dressing. 4. Bridgestone Arena - Nashville Predators 4.43 David Welch - Hockey in Nashville is an outstanding experience, from the in-game entertainment to the energy on the ice. What truly sets Bridgestone Arena apart, however, is the vibe of Broadway just steps from the front doors – the country music, party atmosphere that seamlessly carries inside and helps make Smashville one of the NHL’s most unique, fan-friendly destination. 3. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Kings 4.43 Andrei Ojeda - With Crypto.com celebrating its [27th] season, the Kings have had their share of great moments, rewarding their loyal fanbase with a contending team during most seasons as well as their two Stanley Cup triumphs. 2. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oilers 4.47 Jim Flannery - It would be pretty easy to rest on your laurels if you run a well-liked facility like Rogers Place. But management has chosen not to do that, instead continuing to work on improving the fan experience for anyone who comes to the arena to see the Edmonton Oilers play. 1. Benchmark International Arena - Tampa Bay Lightning 4.57 Chris Green - The Tampa Bay Lightning have made game day a full experience. From the pre-game festivities and fan zone outside the arena’s main entrance, in an area dubbed Thunder Alley, you can easily see why fans flock to the arena for outdoor watch parties during the playoffs.

Clowns put on a show before the game. Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It was a joyous celebration in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Clowns return for the first time in decades to bring their style of baseball and entertainment to 15,000 fans at Victory Field. The new version of the Clowns is part of the Banana Ball Championship League, and they barnstorm the country with the likes of the Savannah Bananas. However, to many, this is the Clowns home, and the party started early. ​The parking lot of Victory Field was fenced off and turned into a huge block party. There was a stage with performances, multiple concession tent areas, and food vendors that got the party rolling well before the first pitch. There was even a makeshift entrance that featured players of the past on giant banners. It was not only a celebration but a history lesson. Some of the players featured on the banners included Sam Brinson, Samuel Hairston, Connie Morgan, Maimie Johnson, Toni Stone, and Hank Aaron. They all wore the team uniform from the heyday of the 1940s and 1950s. The highlight came when the current team walked through the plaza, high-fiving fans and making their way onto the stage for a song-and-dance routine. A few moments later, the gates opened, and everyone made their way into the stadium. Fans flock to the pre-game block party. The atmosphere felt a little different from the last time the Bananas played. Sure, there was plenty of fan engagement, but it appeared that the Clowns did their homework on what it would be like to entertain a crowd in the mid-1950s. The Clowns featured two on-field hosts, Brandon Bomer and Jarius Jones, in post-war era attire, who rapped and sang during the team introductions, paying tribute to the men and women who once played for the club. They were joined by former MLB player Jackie Bradley Jr. and Little League star Mo’ne Davis, while other players ran onto the field carrying flags displaying the numbers of former Clowns players. The presentation was both respectful and educational, giving fans unfamiliar with the original Indianapolis Clowns and their barnstorming history a meaningful look into the team’s legacy. ​Jesse Cole, CEO and creator of Banana Ball, told the Indianapolis Recorder that the Clowns were the pioneers of this form of baseball. ​“They were the first to do so many things in sports, first to sign women, first to bring the show and entertainment and fun to the games, and we want to present it and pay tribute to it and do it the right way and continue the story.” ​The respect was portrayed through black-and-white images on the stadium’s video board, graphics that mirrored the TV dials of a bulky Cathode Ray Tube, and a brass band that entertained the fans on the diamond before the game. There was a cavalcade of side attractions that included a man jumping through hoops, a stadium juggler, and a contortionist who grabbed and bent his body in various ways to pick up loose bats. The team even performed their version of "Shadow Ball", a famous routine that began with the original Clowns. Team members would pretend to throw a ball around the infield, then finish the performance in slow motion before erupting into dancing. Clowns manager and former NL MVP Ryan Howard signs autographs before the game. The homage to the late 1940s and early 1950s highlighted an era in Indianapolis baseball history. A time when the Clowns drew quite well at the old Victory Field, later renamed to Bush Stadium. The Indians former public address announcer, Norman Beplay, recanted those days to The Indianapolis Star in 1985. "In 1948, when we (the Indians) drew darn near 500,000, the Clowns drew 96,000 to 97,000 for about 20 games." ​Once the game began, things seemed normal. The ball game, with its unique rules, went smoothly and featured various trick plays, a few runs scored by the opposing Party Animals team, and a few more interesting characters. A player even somersaulted onto home plate after scoring a run. That changed quickly when trick Clowns pitcher Mat Wolf took the mound. The trained rodeo clown brought out a barrel, did a flip off the rim, and threw a pitch to the delight of thousands. A few innings later, the Clowns brought their mascot, Peanuts, to pitch to a batter, making him the first mascot to do so. Peanuts retired the only batter he faced. Peanuts, the Clowns mascot, pitches to a live batter during the game. “The people of Indianapolis were incredible this weekend,” said Media Relations Coordinator Maddie Warren. “A lot of work went into making that preshow reflect everything behind the 'why' of bringing the history of the Clowns into Banana Ball. I’m so glad that the impact was felt.” ​It should be noted that the original Clowns left Indianapolis after the 1949 season for Western New York, and returned for several games in town in the following years. They eventually went on a full barnstorming schedule a few years later and continued with the format until 1989. However, by the mid-1980s, the team was playing in front of crowds of 500 to 1,000, and they couldn't afford the rent at the old Bush Stadium. The Clowns last game in Indiana was against the semi-pro Jasper Reds on June 16, 1988. The team never got rid of the Indianapolis identifier because it became part of their brand, much like the Harlem Globetrotters, who never played in Harlem. The last known appearance by the Clowns in Indianapolis is said to have been on August 15, 1971, when they played the Indianapolis All-Stars. However, this version looks to be around for a very long time and possibly back for a few more times in the proceeding years. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and on his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Sam Lynn Ballpark 4009 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Map It! Bakersfield Train Robbers website Sam Lynn Ballpark website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 3,500 Baseball in Bakersfield Baseball has been part of Bakersfield, CA for 85 years, and Sam Lynn Ballpark has welcomed generations of fans through its gates. Built in 1941, it hosted multiple California League clubs before the Bakersfield Train Robbers of the independent Pecos League made it their home in 2017. One unique aspect of Sam Lynn Ballpark is the sun sets behind center field, causing games to start much later (usually 7:45pm) than the traditional game time. It’s been known to have a few delays of game because of the sun in the batter’s and catcher’s eye. Calling Sam Lynn ‘historic’ is being kind as some spots are worn out, run down, or just not working, but the county has started breathing life back into the place. A $1.4 million renovation package is underway, with a freshly paved parking lot already finished. Over the past two years, the park has upgraded the press box, revamped the home and visitor locker rooms, renovated the snack bar, improved the restrooms, and extended the big blue batter’s eye slightly. The Bakersfield Train Robbers last won the Pecos League championship in 2018 and have made multiple division and championships appearances since. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand is open selling basic ballpark fare at reasonable prices: hot dogs, nachos, Frito pies, peanuts, chips, soda, water, and beer. Prices range from $2 - $4; it’s easy on the wallet. Beers include Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, and Estrella ($5/can or $2 on Mondays). An attendant cooks the hot dogs fresh on the grill. It’s simple, but enough and inexpensive. Atmosphere 2 The ballpark has three main seating areas. Traditional green fold‑down stadium seats sit behind home plate and extend halfway down the third base line. A party‑style area with a tent sits behind the third base dugout. On the first base side, fans will find blue fold‑down stadium seats, while a set of bleachers runs down the right field line toward the foul pole. The seats are generally comfortable, some include cup holders, and leg room is about average. Two rows of seats are right behind the net; these fill up fast and are the best for those with mobility issues. The party area on the third base side blocks the left field views for some seats. Sit closer to home or on the first base side to avoid that. Seats are general admission so feel free to move around and get different perspectives. A medium think net hangs in front of the grand stand and first base seats; not the bleachers. The pregame music is terribly loud; forget about talking with friends while that’s going on. If that kind of noise bothers you, bringing noise‑canceling headphones is a smart move. Things do quiet down once the game actually starts. The Train Robbers mix in plenty of in‑game entertainment, including 50/50 raffles, trivia contests, the chicken dance, kids running the bases, YMCA, Sweet Caroline, and more. Center field features a massive batter’s eye, with trees lining the outfield walls. Lots of foul territory is behind the home plate area. The field is in rough shape; it looks like a rugby match has just ripped through it. The dot matrix scoreboard doesn’t work, so you don’t know balls, strikes, outs, etc. A Train Robber places runs after each half inning on a manual board in right field. It’d be better if the announcer called some of the game or summarized each half inning. Sam Lynn Ballpark - Manual Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Fans may need to bring a sweat shirt as it can get chilly after the sun sets in the early part of the season. Neighborhood 3 Sam Lynn Ballpark is two miles north of the downtown area, the closest destination for a pregame meal or place to spend the night. Some recommended eateries are: The 18hundred (American-inspired), Hon Ramen (Japanese), and Moo Scratch Kitchen (gourmet burgers and milkshakes). Bakersfield has several breweries to enjoy a cold one: Centro Cali, Lengthwise, and Tremblor, though most are not downtown. Several hotels are nearby (but not walking distance) and include Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Marriott brands. Visit or stay at The Padre Hotel, a historic boutique hotel built in 1928. The ballpark is adjacent to Kern County Museum (a historic museum with more than 56 historic buildings on 16 acres of grounds) and is worthy of a visit. For other sports in Bakersfield, you’re out of luck during the summer season. The winter season delivers the Bakersfield Condors and a first‑rate AHL arena. Fans 2 Train Robbers fans are a hardy bunch. You’ll hear cowbells ringing after big plays, and a healthy number of hecklers scattered throughout the crowd. There’s even a dedicated fan club. And the fans stay locked in on the action; they kind of have to, considering the scoreboard doesn’t work. Access 3 Traveling to San Lynn Ballpark is best by vehicle. Bakersfield does have bus service but the closest stop is still a mile from the park. Meadows Field Airport, a small regional airport serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines, is less than 15 minutes from the ballpark. Plenty of free parking is available on a newly paved lot. There’s no security check or bag rules which makes entering a breeze. The stands and concourses do not get congested. A good portion of the seating requires the ability to climb steps; be cognizant of that if you have mobility concerns. Updated restrooms are available. Return on Investment 3 A Train Robbers game is an affordable evening out. Admission is $10 (cash or credit), with $2 Mondays. Concessions are very reasonably priced. And, parking is free. Fans can purchase Train Robbers t-shirts, jerseys, and caps at the entry gate. Extras 3 It’s encouraging to see Kern County investing in much‑needed updates to the ballpark. $2 Mondays is a pretty good deal. The Train Robbers honor the memory of Nick Danbrowney who tragically died in a car accident in 2025 by retiring his #26 jersey. A scholarship fund is being introduced in his name. “The Bakersfield Train Robbers Fan Club has pledged to donate $500 each season to the scholarship fund his family plans to establish, ensuring Danbrowney’s legacy will continue to inspire future athletes.” Final Thoughts Attending a Train Robbers game won’t wow you but the fans are strong, the price is right, and it’s baseball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 McBride Stadium 204 NW 13th St Richmond, IN 47374 Richmond Flying Mummies website McBride Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 3,000 Flying Mummies Bring Back Summer Ball to McBride Stadium The Richmond Flying Mummies are members of the Northwoods League, which returned baseball to Historic McBride Stadium in 2026. The ballpark had been absent from summer collegiate baseball for two seasons; however, Mummies ownership strives to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Baseball’s presence at John Cate Field at McBride Stadium dates back to August 1936. The site, once a gravel pit, was rapidly converted to replace Exhibition Park, which burned down the previous year. Originally named Municipal Stadium, it opened for legion ball with funding from the Works Progress Administration. ​The first professional team was the Richmond Roses, the Class D affiliate of the Boston Braves, which began play in 1946. The 1947 home opener saw the Roses notch a 4-1 victory in front of 1,559 fans in cool, windy Indiana springtime weather. The club compiled a 202-220 record over three seasons and attracted 58,039 fans during the 1948 season, the highest total of any affiliated club at the stadium. In 1949, the independent Richmond Robins were established but were soon replaced after one season by the Richmond Tigers of the Ohio-Indiana League. The Detroit affiliate featured future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, who posted a 7-8 record in his first year of pro ball in 1950. ​ However, in December 1951, Detroit withdrew its affiliation, citing instability with the league and the scarcity of players due to the military draft. It would be 44 years before another professional minor league baseball club would return to the city. ​ McBride would continue to host American Legion and high school baseball during the next four decades, but the years of baseball took their toll on the diamond. The playing field was uneven and in bad shape; it was recrowned thanks to efforts by Richmond High School baseball coach John Cate. ​ Cate would later manage the Richmond Roosters of the Frontier League, the first professional baseball team at McBride in 43 years. The ballclub would capture two league championships in 2001 and 2002. ​ The Roosers relocated in 2006 and were replaced with the Richmond River Rats of the Prospect League in 2009. They would leave after 7 seasons and be replaced with the Richmond Jazz of the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League from 2016 to 2023. The Flying Mummies name was chosen for two reasons. The Wright Brothers lived in Richmond from 1881 to 1884, with Wilbur graduating from Richmond High School. Richmond is also home to two mummies from Egypt. A 3,000-year-old mummy was purchased in 1929 and is housed in the Wayne County Historical Museum, and another one is on display at the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History on the campus of Earlham College. Food & Beverage 3 There is a main concession stand at the ballpark that includes food, snacks, and beverages. All purchases are cashless. The items include hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, fries, nachos, popcorn, and pretzel bites. ​ The beverages include domestic options of Miller and Coors products and craft specialties, including 5th Inning Amber Kolsch, which is produced by 5 Arch Brewing in nearby Centerville, Indiana. Cocktails and fountain drinks are also available. ​ The ballpark features tater tots and includes them in hot dog and burger combo packages. This is because Jon Gries, best known for playing Uncle Rico in the movie Napoleon Dynamite, is one of the owners of the Mummies. ​ Atmosphere 4 The 1,874-seat ballpark is highlighted by its classic wooden roof grandstand and has received a fresh makeover ahead of baseball’s return. New exterior signage and updated red-and-white paint reflect the colors of the Richmond High School Red Devils, adding to the stadium’s revitalized appearance. There are roughly 14 rows of wooden and plastic seating beneath the roof. A new press box was built at the top of the seating bowl. The wooden columns are a reminder of ballparks of the past, and the view of the game is vaguely interrupted by them. The stadium’s original lights are also part of the nostalgia at the old ballpark. ​ The small ticket window greets customers as they walk up the hill from the parking lot. The two window concession booths have almost the same menu, and the crowds are around the same in number. The team shop is open and sells team merchandise, including jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and posters. ​ Down the left field line is plenty of green grass for kids to run around. The sloped area extends all the way behind the left field wall. Mummies management hopes to include a new party deck area sometime in future seasons, along with chair back seating added to the seats under the grandstand. There is a first baseline porch that includes all-you-can-eat, plus a few drinks for one price. It provides a nice vantage point for the ballpark. Down below is a kids' area with inflatable rides and activities. Neighborhood 3 McBride is nestled into a residential community in Clear Creek Park, and it is adjacent to several Little League fields. It is a type of town where one can leave their doors unlocked or take a stroll at 3 a.m. without fear. It is also a reminder of what small towns might have felt like a few decades ago when minor league ballparks were almost everywhere to be found. ​ There are no dining options within proximity of the stadium, and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat. Little Sheeba's offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo's Italian Grill is another fine option. ​ There are quite a few national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker's has some of the best hot wings in the area. Roscoe's Coffee Bar and Tap Room has an extensive craft beer selection, on-site roasted coffee, and a spacious, relaxed atmosphere. Fans 4 The fans turned up 45 minutes before the gates opened for the Mummies first game. A line formed soon after that, signaling the return of summer ball to McBride. The lines featured fans wearing team jerseys, caps, and a few from years past. The first game featured one of the largest crowds in recent memory. Access 3 Even though Richmond is a small town, it is easy to get lost when trying to find McBride Stadium, as there are no road signs to the ballpark from either I-70 or SR-40. It is best to use GPS when arriving from I-70 or US-40. ​ There is a small grass parking lot and additional parking spots on the residential streets that surround the stadium. For busier games, the lines are long, so the concession stand will be long, but management stated that additional points of sale will be added in the future. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices start at $15 for grandstand seats. Mondays feature $1 hot dogs for the first hour after the gates open. Fridays feature fireworks after the game. Tuesday Nights feature a free appetizer for the first 500 fans at Texas Roadhouse. Thirsty Thursdays feature discounted beer prices. There is also a list of other promotional nights at the stadium. ​ Concession prices are reasonable and include $4 hot dogs, $3.50 fountain drinks, and $4.50 12-ounce domestic beers. Combo specials (fries, tots, and a soda are $10). Merchandise items include caps and t-shirts around $25 to $30. An official Flying Mummiers jersey is $40. Extras 3 McBride Stadium earns a point for its fresh new look, nostalgic vibes, and what the future holds. It is a small ballpark that captures what it was like post-war in the United States. The surrounding neighborhood and city park also add to its charm. ​ Final Thoughts The Flying Mummies ownership group is committed to making McBride Stadium the place to be during the summer months in Richmond. Gone are the days of mom and pop operations, and in return, what is hoped to be a mixture of excitement on and off the field. Fans looking for a vintage baseball atmosphere will find it at this 90-year-old ballpark. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Capital One Park 1600 Scotts Crossing Road McLean, VA 22102 Capital One Park website Georgetown Hoyas website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 300 Hoyas Baseball in Northern Virginia Located in Tysons, Virginia, bounded by elevated metro tracks and a highway interchange, Capital One Park is Northern Virginia's newest baseball stadium. Opened in 2023, the ballpark is located in Capital One Center, a mixed use development adjacent to Capital One Headquarters that also includes a hotel, a concert hall, shops, and restaurants. During the spring months, Capital One Park is the home of the Georgetown University Hoyas baseball team. The Hoyas have played in several different venues over the past few years, but beginning in 2024, they have played their home games at Capital One Park. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a window down the right field line at Capital One Park. Burgers, hot dogs, and assorted snacks and soft drinks are available. The prices are reasonable, and only credit cards are accepted so be prepared. Atmosphere 3 Capital One Park is a small, intimate ballpark, with 300 chairback seats located behind home plate. Some of the upper rows are in the shade. On a hot day late in the season, this will seem nice, but not so much on a chilly day in February or March. There is also a large set of bleachers down the left field line and some picnic tables down the right field line for groups. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action. That being said, there is not much going on here other than the game itself. Music is played during breaks in the action, but that's about it. You'll have a good view of the action no matter where you sit, which is certainly a plus, but watching the game is about all you'll be doing when Georgetown is playing. Neighborhood 5 Although Capital One Park has a McLean address, the area surrounding the stadium is more properly classified as Tysons, one of the fastest growing business districts in the country in the heart of Fairfax County.. Tysons is regarded as a classic example of an edge city - an area of the suburbs that feels more comparable to the downtown area of a city. In fact, due to severe restrictions on heights of buildings in the District of Columbia, this feels more like a classic downtown than Downtown DC does. As mentioned above, the park is part of Capital One Center, which also contains a concert hall, several shops and restaurants, the Watermark Hotel, and Capital One headquarters itself. The Perch is located on the roof of Capital One Hall and features food trucks, a beer garden, a putt-putt course, a pizza place, a taqueria, and more open space to hang out. There are plenty of other places to hang out in Tysons as well. The area is famous for not one but two giant shopping malls, Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria, which offer a wide variety of shopping and dining including the original Apple Store. Founding Farmers is a popular American restaurant, and Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse famous for its large salad bar. Whatever you want to do, you will probably find it in Tysons. Fans 2 Most of the fans are friends or family of the players on the Hoyas or their opponents, although there are some others who come to check out the team as well. The fans who do show up are knowledgeable about the team, as many of them come to most or all of the games. Access 4 How easy it is to get to Capital One Park depends on what time of day you are coming. Rush hour traffic in Northern Virginia is some of the worst in the country, and it is especially bad in Tysons, where numerous highways converge with not enough space to accommodate all movement between them. If you are coming any other time, traffic should probably be lighter, and you can take your choice of the Capital Beltway, State Route 267, or State Route 123, among others. We suggest using a GPS app such as Waze to take you around traffic and on the best possible route. Once you arrive, bear in mind the lot adjacent to the stadium is closed for construction as of 2026. You will need to park in one of the other lots in the Capital One complex, such as the one across the street from Wegman's on Capital One Drive South. If you take your parking ticket to the ticket booth, they will stamp it and you will only pay $5 when you exit the garage. The Silver Line of the Washington Metro runs right by the stadium, with the McLean station a short walk away. On a weekday, the lot may be used for parking by commuters using the Metro to head into DC, so plan accordingly. Restrooms are available, including a family restroom, and are of a sufficient size for the crowd, although the metal toilets and sinks are an odd touch that seems out of place here. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are just $10, with parking costing only $5 as long as you get it validated. This is an above average value considering how nice the stadium is. . Extras 2 Look on the concourse for the statue of Bruno the Bear, the official mascot of Capital One Park. Bruno is based on a real bear who made headlines in October 2022 after he was spotted roaming the streets of Tysons and the surrounding area. Also look for the giant statue of a melting blue popsicle. It is certainly an interesting choice architecturally, but a unique one as well. Final Thoughts Georgetown baseball has had many homes over recent years, playing in Maryland, DC, and now, in Virginia. Capital One Park is a gorgeous new stadium and Georgetown has managed to take full advantage of it since moving here.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dignity Health Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, CA 93301 Bakersfield Condors website Dignity Health Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,641 Depositing Fun at the Bank Editor's Note: The City of Bakersfield and Dignity Health announced that they were entering a naming rights agreement for the city's arena and convention center. The rebranding took place in March 2025. With an average of 273 days of sunshine annually, it’s tough to imagine anyone in Bakersfield spending an afternoon indoors, let alone with a large sheet of ice. Since the Condors of the ECHL flew into town, many Californians felt the weather was overrated in comparison to the excitement experienced inside Rabobank Arena. If you’ve been away from Bakersfield for a bit, both the names Rabobank Arena and the Condors may seem foreign to you. The arena opened as “Centennial Garden” and the team was formerly known as the Bakersfield Fog until 1998. The team was originally affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks, but began a partnership with the Minnesota Wild before the 2010-11 season. The 10,000 seat arena was constructed in 1998 at a cost of roughly $38 million. The naming rights were sold to Rabobank in 2005. The arena itself is owned by the city of Bakersfield. While hockey has been in club form since 1940, Bill Cosby has been roaming the earth since 1937 and was given the nod to open the arena on October 2, 1998 as the arena’s first performer. Editor’s Note: The venue name changed from Rabobank Arena to Mechanics Bank Arena after the two banking companies merged. Food & Beverage 4 On a Saturday afternoon in which the Condors were competing with the NFL playoffs for sports fan affection, I was pleased to see all of the concessions open and bustling. Some of the more common stadium fare included a hot dog ($4), nachos ($4.75), chicken buffalo ($6.50), chicken tender ($6.75), foot long corn dog ($4.50), fried chicken sandwich ($5), French fries ($3), garlic fries ($4), and kettle corn ($6). For those interested in Mexican fare, “Chili Peppers” offers a taco salad ($5.50), supreme nachos ($5.50), wild monster nachos ($9.75), chicken burrito ($4.75), taco plate ($4.50), fiesta fries ($4), chili cheese fries ($4), fried burrito ($2.75), or taquitos ($3.50). At “Franks A Lot,” the hot dog lover can get a foot long Chicago (chili dog or charro $7), foot long hot dog ($6.50), or frito boat ($2.75). Possibly named after the game the team was hosting this very year, the “All-Star Grill” had options such as cheeseburger ($5), pizza ($6.75 personal pie), big dog ($6.50), kicking chicken sandwich ($4.25), the cowboy burger ($6.50), kid’s meal ($3.50), ice cream cone ($4.25), or an ice cream cup ($4). The “City Deli” offers fare such as hot & cold turkey, ham, roast beef, and pastrami sandwiches ($6.50), green salad ($4.75), chicken Caesar salad ($5), peanuts ($3.25), candy ($3.50), or a chipper basket ($3). If the kids are clamoring for some of their favorite treats, try “The Kid’s Stop.” Cookies (2 for $2.50), large candy ($3.50), small candy ($2.50), pretzels ($2.75), chips ($2), churro ($2.50), and cracker jacks ($3) are all available. In beverage form, fans can have soda (kids $1.75, small $2, medium $3.50, large $4), bottled soda ($3.50), bottled water ($3.50), orange juice ($3.50), ICEE (medium $2.75 and large $3.50), or coffee ($2). Options for the older fans include bottled beer ($7), draft beer ($7.50), large Corona ($12), call drinks ($7.25), margarita ($8), or wine ($5.50). Some of the beer choices at the $7.50 size include Bud Light, Coors Light, Heineken, New Castle, Modelo, Tecate, and Firestone (local). Atmosphere 4 The afternoon started out with one of the more exciting player introduction pieces that I’ve seen in all of sports. A video montage appeared on the scoreboard, the lights dimmed, and the fog machine started spraying. After the montage, fans heard AC/DC’s “Thunderstuck,” which I know is a bit aged, but few songs do a better job of pumping up the fans. Even better was that the fans were cheering “Con-Dors” in lieu of “Thun-der” as the word “Condors” appeared in white lettering on the LED ribbon surrounding the arena. Fans would then be treated to “Welcome to the Jungle” before the first drop of the puck. The Condors offer two mascots, Colonel Claw’d and Baby Cal. Both spent a significant amount of time up and down the aisles at the arena. I was particularly impressed by Baby Cal, perching on many of the railings during the game, although I would be curious if OSHA would be so impressed. The two spend an equal amount of time antagonizing the fans from Ontario. During the final two minutes of the first period, the “McMuffin Madness” was announced and all fans would receive a free McDonald’s Egg McMuffin if a goal was scored. It was a interesting sequence as all fans were on their feet, reacting to every play in hopes of a goal. During breaks, members of the staff rode around on the ice in a golf cart with a slingshot attached to the back. This would quickly bring the fans to their feet as that very slingshot was delivering t-shirts to a few in the arena. My favorite segment was the “Chuck-A-Puck” contest where fans purchased pucks that I assume were made of foam because at one point during the night a helmet was placed at center ice and all fans tossed their pucks towards the helmet in hopes of being closest for a prize. Again, I assume OSHA was not in attendance because I would imagine a few of these pucks would inadvertently fly in a direction not intended and cause some problems. The only part of the entertainment that I wasn’t very impressed with was the “mascot races” segment that was shown on the video scoreboard. It received relatively little crowd reaction and wasn’t much more than the mascots running around. They should take some notes from “Bango” of the Milwaukee Bucks on how to make these segments entertaining. Neighborhood 3 While Bakersfield is a bit away from some of the major markets in California, it is still the 11th largest city in the state and has a variety of entertainment to enjoy. Probably the most notable site is Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace. After 5 PM, you can get dinner as well as check out the sights on the facility. You’ll see the Bakersfield Arch, bronze statues of country greats such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Elvis, and some vivid colors on the exterior of the facility. While you are in town, you may also want to check out the Fox Theater, Bright House Networks Amphitheater, Red Mill Park, or the sculpture at the Cancer Survivors Plaza. As far as food goes, my first recommendation would be to go straight to the Padre Hotel. Beyond observing the beauty of this historic hotel, there are food options for every palate. The Belvedere is clearly for the upscale customers while Brimstone offers hardwood floors, billiards, music, televisions and pub food. The Prairie Fire, which is a second floor rooftop bar, has firepits, cabanas, and a warm breeze for patrons to enjoy. Also on site is a coffee shop known as Farmacy and a lounge called Prospect, offering small plates and great drinks. Another popular spot is the Wool Growers Restaurant, one of the many places to get Basque food in Bakersfield. Here, you’ll start with the bottomless soup, bean, and salsa before getting treated to some of the favorites including the oxtail stew or beef tongue. KC Steakhouse is another local favorite for the carnivores, offering live jazz and blue music while you enjoy your meal. If you’re looking for some Mexican food, the Mexicali Restaurant offers some of the best around. They offer dishes such as Mexican pizza, tostadas, chicken flautas, but everyone seems to love the margaritas best. Goose Loonies has become a popular spot as they offer framboise, a very enticing fruit beer for the patrons. Some of their more popular food dishes include the pitas/hummus, Santa Fe chicken salad, suicide wings, gyros, and falafels. Lastly, I should mention Mama Roomba as it’s a popular Caribbean-style restaurant in downtown. The locals caution to make reservations before arriving as seating is tough to come by. Some of the favorites here include the tri-tip with chimichurri sauce, calamari, sweet potato fries, and tortilla soup. Fans 3 The fans were engaged from the beginning, likely because the Southern California rivals were in town. While the cowbell has become a cliche in sports, the Condors fans had them in large numbers and used them tastefully throughout the contest. The player fights certainly received the most fan engagement. When a fight had ended there was a roaring applause often provoked by a Condors player as Offspring’s “Smash” played over the PA system. After every goal, fans would jump to their feet and participate in singing the “Hey song” as the team celebrated. When they were not celebrating goals, you could hear them chanting “Let’s Go Con-Dors!” As the clock counted down for the final moments, it appeared that all fans were on their feet to show their support. Access 4 While Bakersfield is not quickly accessed from the Los Angeles or San Francisco markets, it’s not far from Interstate 5 and easily accessed from Routes 99 and 58. The arena itself sits downtown, but I experienced little traffic congestion going to or coming from the game. When you enter the arena, you’ll be greeted by a sizable concourse (only one) that leads down to the lower level seating to a staircase to the upper levels. The upper level has horseshoe shaped seating, broken up by a wall that hangs banners. It seems that they could have opened up the arena here (where the wall is situated) and allowed fans a view from the concourse. The lower level encircles the ice and is broken up by the Budweiser 5-Hole Suite immediately behind one of the goals. The arena has 11 upper level suites on the east end above all other seating and 15 suites on the lower level that surround the ice. The scoreboard is 4-sided with a video screen in middle. Aside from that, simply the penalty tracker, score, shots on goal, timeouts, and time remaining are shown. A video ribbon also surrounds the arena above the first level. The parking is plentiful south of the arena for $5 and has easy in and out access. If you are willing to walk a bit, you can probably find some free spaces. Separating the arena from the parking is a group of railroad tracks. There is a footbridge that crosses over the tracks, but many of the trains that passed that day seem to go by quicker than it’s worth to climb the stairs to cross the bridge and climb down the opposite end. The venue offers six restrooms, but unfortunately most are rather small for a newer arena. While they seemed to handle this day’s crowd just fine, I would assume they would quickly backup during any concert. Return on Investment 4 The inexpensive parking coupled with the reasonable ticket prices make this a very sound investment. Upper level seats run for $8-$11 and lower level seats go for $16-$24. There are price tiers depending on the day of the game, with admission being up to $3 higher for Friday and Saturday games. Other offers include the “Tickets and Grub” promotion where fans get two tickets, two hot dogs, and two sodas for $25 (or two turkey sandwiches for $3 more). On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games, fans can purchase a $25 ticket to the “Red Riot Zone.” This gets fans a lower level seat in section 101, a hat, banner, and t-shirt. Any of these offers can be a great value as the Condors seem to be one of the best attractions in town! Extras 5 Rabobank fares very well in terms of extras as there are many things to observe in and around the arena on gamedays. In front of the arena, fans will find Centennial Plaza. On warmer days, a fountain will spurt jets of water into the air for children to enjoy. If nothing else, it’s a great photo if you are able to catch the water in mid-air. Also found here is a stage, engraved bricks commemorating the city’s centennial (1998), artwork, and sculptures in a large fountain. In the concourse, fans can find a variety of items to keep them entertained. The Condors Kids Club offers a bouncing castle, prize wheel, and miniature hockey rink. Throughout the concourse, fans could fill out applications to win seats on the glass. This was open to all fans and when the winner was announced, he was shown on the video board. When you enter the main entrance, to your immediate left is a beautiful glass atrium with views of the outside plaza. If you need to get away from the game, it’s a great place to hangout and check out the weather outside. There is also an area known as “The Space Between,” which appears to be a small pub removed from the hustle of the concourse. Another great place to get away and have a drink! Before you cross the railroad tracks, look up and take a gander at the street sign. With a green background and white text like a normal street sign, you’ll see KOЯN Way, complete with the backwards “R.” The band “KOЯN” is from Bakersfield and their 2006 World Tour began at Rabobank Arena. You’ll also find a plaque in front with images of the band members. At one end of the arena, you’ll find a wall with the Condor logo and retired numbers from the franchise. The players shown here include Paul Willett (16), Paul Rosebush (17), Glen Mears (26), Jamie Cooke (28), Steve Dowhy (74). Fans can spend a few minutes or even a half hour perusing the Bob Elias Kern County Hall of Fame. This display, which stretches seemingly 100 feet, honors athletes from all sports that have made their mark in Bakersfield. Roughly 180 plaques with photos and commentary are on display. The west concourse pays homage to some of Kern County’s founders and famous contributors including Charles Napier, Caesar Chavez, Buck Owens, and Kevin Harvick. Rabobank Arena hosted the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic. Final Thoughts While Bakersfield continues to grow, the Condors remain one of the top entertainment options in central California. For a very reasonable price, you can check out the Condors and even the Division I basketball Cal State Bakersfield in the same day. My recommendation would be to try and catch a game against their Southern California rival, the Ontario Reign, but surely any game will leave fans fulfilled.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21286 Baltimore Rhythm website Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 1,200 Home Of Rhythm Nation The Baltimore Rhythm plays in the 94x50 League, which is a professional minor league basketball organization operating nationwide. The team hosts its home matches at the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena, situated on the Goucher College campus in Towson, Maryland. The venue opened in 1991. The 1,200-seat arena was built as part of the expansion of the original Lillian Welsh Hall. Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena, but at the game we attended, there was a small table with snacks and slices of pizza for sale. The prices were low, but you should assume you'll only have a quick snack at the game, not a full meal. Atmosphere 2 The arena is very nice, but it is basically a high school-type setup. As you enter the arena, you will find wooden grandstands sitting along two sides of the court. The only thing I found interesting is how far away the grandstands sit from the actual basketball floor. They do offer floor-side seats for Rhythm games. Neighborhood 4 The Goucher College campus has been used for a few scenes in the Netflix series House of Cards, so expect to recognize the stone buildings from a few scenes there. Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Downtown Towson has many options for good food and drinks. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Fans 2 The only real fans who attend the games are friends and family of the players. Compared to the crowds that we have seen at other local 94x50 League teams, the fan attendance is quite low. Access 4 Goucher is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a busy area, and traffic can be bad at times. The college itself is pretty and quite suburban. You will find plenty of parking close to the arena, although a night game may mean that parking could get tight at times. Return on Investment 4 The games are under $20 to attend. So, although the level of play is quite low, the free parking and cheap admission make this a great value for sports fans. Extras 3 A DJ is playing music at the game, providing a loud yet enjoyable atmosphere. There is a small spirit squad and an on-court MC trying to get the small crowd engaged. Goucher College has a nice little athletics hall of fame located in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena lobby. Final Thoughts The Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena is a pretty basic, low-level arena located in a nice suburban setting in Baltimore. Unfortunately, the Rhythm is not experiencing the higher crowd levels seen around the league.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Prudential Center 165 Mulberry St Newark, NJ 07102 New Jersey Devils website Prudential Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 17,625 The Devils are Rock Solid in New Jersey The New Jersey Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007. It was a $375 million move from the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford and would give the three-time Stanley Cup champions a first-class building to call home. The Devils played at the Meadowlands for nearly 30 years. This move was to help revitalize the City of Newark. The Prudential Center was to be the cornerstone of this revitalization, which included the Newark Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium (since demolished) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The arena has become a more viable and proven candidate to be the city’s symbol for that sign of revitalization. The arena is a sight to see and deliberately meant to draw your eyes’ focus to it with its red & black exterior and cylindrical glass corners three-story corners. Outside are statues that pay homage to hockey, and the GRAMMY Museum Experience is attached to the Prudential Center with a separate exterior entrance. Food & Beverage 5 The concessions at The Rock are top-notch and offer quite a bit of variety, along with local staples that set it apart from other buildings in the league. There is a little bit of everything to sample and taste. There are a few new stands: Street Taco Cantina (Sect 2, 12, 107, and 133), Piez Italian Eatery (Sect. 4, 16, and 130), Black Board Burgers (Sect 130), Sumo Dogs (Sect. 4), and Mighty Quinns barbecue (Sec. 4). The more adventurous eater may try the sumo dog, a foot-long dog topped with wasabi relish, togarashi cheese sauce, teriyaki sauce, jalapenos, and nori. NJ Steakhouse (Sect. 101), Bayonne Diner (Sect. 1), The Chicken Coop (Sect. 6, 101, and 111), Jersey Grind (Sect. 12 and 111), and Glatt’s Kosher (Sec. 4, 19, and 123) will offer more traditional arena food from steak sandwiches, burgers, chicken tender baskets, hot dogs, french fries, and pulled beef sandwiches. The local variety is also present and includes the Goya Ironbound (Sect. 4 and 118). The stand is influenced by the nearby Ironbound section of town and offers Portuguese cuisine. The Mojo Rotisserie Chicken Plate includes a mojito-marinated half-roasted chicken served with a side of white rice and black beans. You will also find a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich, cheesesteaks, and zeppoles at The Taste of the Boardwalk. There are 100 varieties of beers, wines, and ciders at the arena, including local favorites such as Kane, Carton, Forgotten Boardwalk, 902, and Jersey Girl. The national favorites from Bud and Coors are also here, along with cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 The Prudential Center has created a fan-first culture that begins with greeters welcoming folks to the game as they exit the escalators. Outside the arena is Championship Plaza, a huge gathering space before the game that is home to a 22-foot, 6,000-pound stainless steel hockey player statue. On the other side of the building is the Martin Brodeur statue, which was dedicated in 2016. The future Hall of Famer and NHL leader in career wins, shutouts, and a host of other records weighs in at 1,000 pounds. It is a nice tribute to one of the game's best netminders. The Devils incorporate 3D graphics projected on the ice that move back and forth from the fire, ice, and other vivid images. It is home to the largest center-hung video digital scoreboard providing fans with information, replays, and highlights. The 89,000-pound scoreboard is almost four stories tall and was created to provide the ultimate live experience at the arena. The team’s official mascot N.J. Devil skates onto the ice waving a glowing pitchfork before the game. Later, he can be found throughout the building in the stands banging a drum, posing for photos with fans, and cheering on the Devils after every score. The team also employs a live organist Pete Cannarozzi who has his area for fans to pose for pictures on the lower mezzanine section. The team’s official goal song is “Howl” by Gaslight Anthem, the easy-going arena-rocker song popular with the home crowd. All of the seating provides vantage points of the ice and are not obstructed by the copious amounts of championship banners and retired numbers hanging on all four sides from the ceiling. The seats are plush and cozy, providing an ample amount of leg space. The atmosphere is heightened when the teams play against rivals New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. The building is cashless at the box office, team shop, and all concession stands. There are Reverse ATMs with zero fees available at multiple kiosks. 12”x14” bags are permitted, and anything larger, except child care or medical bags, isn’t permitted. There are also 6 family restrooms located on the main and upper concourse. There is also complimentary wheelchair access. Neighborhood 3 The Prudential Center is in a nice little pocket in Newark where fans can easily walk to great places to eat and get back and forth through mass transit. The Ironbound District is easily one of the state’s premier neighborhoods and worth a visit even after a night of hockey. The Ironbound neighborhood is a mixed-use of residential homes, retail, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, clubs, and parks located half a mile from the venue on Ferry Street. The predominantly Portuguese neighborhood is home to some of the best Spanish-Portuguese establishments in the metropolitan area. The Iberian Peninsula, Iberia, Spanish Tavern, and Mompou are just a few of the restaurants where one can enjoy flavorful and classic dishes from Spain, Portugal, and Brazil (rodizio). Redd’s Biergarten is home to the 5-Hour $5 Happy Hour six days a week from 2-7 pm. The German Beer Garden has an urban flare and provides guests with a gathering place featuring multiple bars, televisions, and long communal tables that encourage socializing. Mad For Chicken has wings, tenders, kimchi fries, fried dumplings, and kielbasa bites. A few other recommendations include Chateau of Spain, Ferry Street BBQ, and Hobby’s Deli. Fans 3 The fanbase is strong at home games, especially with the current season that sees the club fight for first place in the division. The Devil fan is hardcore, but many will point out their low attendance figures (close to 90 percent to capacity). They play in a market with two other NHL teams within an hour’s drive from one another, but with consistent winning seasons, you might see larger crowds at The Rock. Access 5 The Prudential Center is 2- blocks from Newark Penn Station, providing services to New York City and other points in New Jersey via Amtrak, PATH, NJ Transit, and Newark Light Rail. A PATH train ticket costs $2.75 (one-way) and stops at Greenwich Village, the 9/11 Memorial, and Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and Hoboken and Jersey City in New Jersey. The PATH will also take visitors to 33rd Street in Manhattan, several blocks from Times Square. The parking lots range from as low as $15 to as high as $30. One option is to park at the Iberia Restaurant for free in the Ironbound district–if you grab something to eat or drink–and walk the seven blocks to the arena. Various lots near the arena offer varying prices. Inside the building, the spacious concourses are separated into two sections offering fans easy access to seating assignments, concessions, bathrooms, and exits. Traffic inside moves freely during game action but will get crowded, like most other hockey arenas, during intermission. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket will depend on who the Devils are playing. A single-game ticket against its arch-rivals, New York Rangers, can fetch close to $100 and will more likely sell out closer to game time; tickets on the secondary market will sell for half the price. The two team’s buildings are separated by a short PATH Train ride and will sell out when the Blueshirts are in town. The Devil’s other rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, will cost much less but are no less intense as they are hated as much as the Broadway Blues. Affordable options include visits from Toronto, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Ottawa, and Chicago that will cost under $30 in advance. The return on investment depends on your price point. The concession prices tend to be high but are in line with other NHL venues, and parking is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost at MetLife Stadium or venues in New York City. The modern building also provides comfortable views of the rink and easy access to all sections and concourse levels. Extras 4 The arena receives one point for the Jersey-inspired food, including Taylor ham, zeppoles, Italian hot dogs, and disco fries. These are items you won’t find at other NHL arenas and are inclusive. You can also wash it down with a local craft beer or cider. A second point is awarded towards the organization’s history dating back to 1982 when the club arrived from Denver. There are murals of former greats, trophy cases featuring the club's three Stanley Cups, and the Brodeur statue. The retired numbers of Hall of Famers Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Brodeur also make everyone know whose building this is. The arena also displays almost every high school hockey jersey in the state. The arena received a third point for being one of the first NHL buildings that partnered with KultureCity to provide sensory training to its staff for customers with autism. There are sensory rooms, social stores, and sensory bags for customers and parents with children on the spectrum. The Rock gains another point for the biggest video scoreboard in the league. The newly installed board provides an innovative way to connect fans to the game on the ice and through social media. Final Thoughts The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game. With the Devils playing winning hockey, the experience will only improve at “The Rock.”

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Starlight Stadium 1089 Langford Pkwy Victoria, BC V9B 4B4 Canada BC Lions website Starlight Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,000 On the Road at Home The BC Lions of the Canadian Football League have been making the rounds of their province in the past couple of years, from Touchdown Pacific in Victoria in 2024 to games at Starlight Stadium in nearby Langford (since 2025), as well as games in Kelowna starting in 2026. While BC Place is still the team’s main home venue, their fans have responded well, and traveled, for games in these nearby cities. Starlight Stadium opened in 2009 and primarily serves as the home stadium for Canadian Premier League soccer’s Pacific FC. The venue is also used by Rugby Canada and by the Westshore Rebels, a junior Canadian football team. The color scheme trends toward purple and white, for Pacific FC, but does include signage showcasing all the teams that play here, including the BC Lions’ orange and black during CFL games here. The facility holds 6,000 fans and has seating along both sidelines, as well as behind one end zone. Food & Beverage 4 Perhaps not surprising given this is Canada, the beer and alcohol selection has a lot more variety than the food selection when it comes to concessions here, and the food choices are also a little spread out. For example, there is only one tiny concession stand under the press box (south) side, which boasts no main dishes except hot dogs. This almost led me to give a much lower rating for this section, until I found a much larger concession area nestled next to the endline (west) stands, which adds chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, poutine, cheeseburgers, and veggie burgers to the mix. Prices start at 8.50 CAD for the hot dog and go up past 17 CAD for chicken tenders with fries, but you can find chips and candy for around 4 to 5 CAD. Alcohol starts at 9 CAD. The opposite (north) side doesn’t have any fixed stands, but instead boasts several food trucks serving such items as burritos, gyros, and baked potatoes, with prices starting around 15 CAD for a meal. There is also a VIP area (Gate C at the “hidden” back side of the venue) which adds a few more options for fans who want to make their way to that side. Atmosphere 4 The VIP area is a lot of fun, with plenty of games for kids and adults; think cornhole, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, samples from drink vendors, a well-stocked BC Lions team gear store, and even a working water feature. The staff also carries over a lot of traditions from their time at BC Place, including a sing-along, fan contests tossing touchdowns or kicking field goals, and the ever-popular, though no less weird, hot dog toss – these babies are dubbed “mustard powered meat missiles” by the in-game host. The BC Lions mascot is on hand for selfies and to toss a ball around with the kids, while the BC Lions cheerleaders are there to bring the crowd alive before the home team comes onto the field. The Lions even bring along their inflatable tunnel for the team to run through, flags waving – everything you have come to expect from a major sporting event. All the seats on the press box and endline sides are also covered, which is a major plus that you don’t see at most sports venues. Fans will be very grateful for this perk, especially during summer days with 2 pm start times, when the sun is already high in the sky, or last year when it rained during the Lions at Langford game. Neighborhood 4 Langford, BC boasts a population of just over 62K, a 12K increase in the past five years. As such there is plenty of shopping and dining to be found near Starlight Stadium, as well as great views of the water along the beautiful Vancouver Island coastline, only a few miles from the facility. That said, you really don’t have to drive anywhere at all if you are looking for things to do before or after a Lions game at Starlight Stadium – the venue is right next to Westhills Arena, and there are several restaurants within a few hundred feet of the stadium, as well as a city park, bowling alley, and even a rock-climbing center. The city park serves as sort of an anchor location for all these different entertainment options, making this part of the city a great place for the community to come together. Fans 4 Starlight Stadium only holds 6,000 fans, but the venue was almost entirely filled, and most fans were decked out in the bright orange of the BC Lions. Fans are there to have a great time, with the cornhole and other games in use throughout the whole game. The team gear stand seemed to do a brisk business as well, and there were lines at the concession stands for a big chunk of the game – the food trucks on the north side had the shortest lines, while the small stand under the press box had the longest lines, if that helps you make your decision. Access 3 The only potential downside of attending a BC Lions game at Starlight Stadium is getting here – Vancouver Island is exactly that, so the only way to get here is either to fly over, which can be pricey, or ferry over from the mainland if you don’t already live here. The airport is on the north end of the Sannich Peninsula, meaning maybe a 45-minute drive to get to the venue once you land, or a half hour drive from Victoria proper. Once you get to the facility there is free parking, but the lots closest to the stadium tend to fill up quickly, even if you get there an hour and a half early. The good news is there is additional parking just down the road past the city park, in a commercial shopping center – that area includes mostly non-retail businesses, so you should be able to find an empty space easily enough, and the walk is not far. Unfortunately you cannot walk freely around the entire venue (the east end is closed off), so if you park near the front of the facility like most people do, you will have to walk all the way around to get to the press box side, and if you want to enter at Gate C, you’ll have to walk up the hill and all the way around using a kind of hiking path along the street behind the stadium. The good news is that you only need Gate C to pick up a VIP pass; if you already have your ticket, you can enter at Gate A or B and get to the far side just by walking around inside the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Attending a BC Lions game at Starlight Stadium is absolutely worthwhile; tickets start at only $40 for reserved (covered) seats behind the west end zone or on the press box side. Concession prices are typical for sports venues, but that is balanced by the free parking. This quaint venue has great sightlines, you can get really close to the action, and there are all manner of free activities going on inside, what with the games and promotions, so you can absolutely have a great time here without breaking the bank. Extras 4 The BC Lions staff does a great job carrying over the traditions from BC Place to Starlight Stadium, so nothing feels like it is missing from the normal CFL game day experience. The smaller venue is also probably a little easier to navigate, so as long as you are willing to cross over the water, you can’t go wrong seeing your favorite team on the road, but really, still at home. Final thoughts Vancouver Island is a great place to visit, with great views of the water and fabulous seafood. But more importantly, it is also now home to football – what could be better than that trifecta?

The WHL found that they were settling into the reality of the NCAA eligibility changes in the 2025-26 season. Ready to host the Memorial Cup in Kelowna at the end of May, it was a big season in the WHL. At the beginning of the season it was reported that the expansion team set for Chilliwack, British Columbia would not begin in September of 2026 but rather 2027, leaving the new franchise as a bit of a question mark. Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers led all players with 108 points while Cameron Schmidt of the Seattle Thunderbirds tallied a league leading 51 goals. Rookie Michal Orsulak of the Prince Albert Raiders had the top Goals Against Average with 2.22 and Joshua Ravensbergen of the Prince George Cougars posted a stellar .919 save percentage, earning him the Del Wilson Top Goaltender Award. The Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for the WHL Player of the Year was awarded to Bryce Pickford of Medicine Hat. The Edmonton Oil Kings once again had the best season at the turnstiles, averaging 7,645 fans per game. The Everett Silvertips were dominant during the regular season and playoffs posting a massive 117 points on the year. Everett rumbled through Portland, Kelowna, Penticton and Prince Albert to earn their first Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions, only losing 2 games in the process. The Silvertips will join the host Kelowna Rockets in the Memorial Cup at the end of May. The annual WHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.61 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all. Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets. How is your list different from ours? What do we have right? What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025-2026 Rankings of the Western Hockey League Experiences... N/R - Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Penticton Vees, Prince George Cougars, Spokane Chiefs, Wenatchee Wild Stadium Journey needs your help!! If you are interested in writing reviews for Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Spokane or Wenatchee, contact Stadium Journey! 17. Assiniboine Credit Union Place - Brandon Wheat Kings - 2.86 Andrew Kulyk - Andrew Kulyk - Home for the Brandon Wheat Kings is Assiniboine Credit Union Place, a 6,000-seat arena built as part of a larger convention/exhibition complex called Keystone Centre. It was built in 1972 and has undergone numerous renovations. The franchise is the easternmost franchise in the Western Hockey League and ranks in the upper end of attendance in the league. 16. Accessso ShoWare Centre - Seattle Thunderbirds - 2.86 Josh Eastern - The Seattle Thunderbirds are a junior hockey league team that plays in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League. They play in the ShoWare Center located in Kent, WA which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. It was opened in January of 2009. The Thunderbirds played at Mercer Arena before moving to Key Arena. In 2009, the T-Birds moved south to the ShoWare Center. It is a multi-purpose arena that is mostly used for hockey. It is a great setting for hockey. 15. Brandt Centre - Regina Pats - 3.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Brandt Centre is a hockey arena located in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Opened in 1977, its primary tenant is the Regina Pats, a junior hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The arena is part of a larger interconnected complex called Evraz Place, which offers exhibit space, curling venues and other public facilities. 14. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Hitmen - 3.43 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and is among the busiest arenas in the country as it is also the home of the Calgary Flames, Calgary Roughnecks and AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. 13. Angel of the Winds Arena - Everett Silvertips - 3.43 Dennis Morrell - Angel of the Winds Arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. 12. SaskTel Centre - Saskatoon Blades - 3.43 Andrew Kulyk - True story. Back in 1983, a Saskatoon-based investment group put together a deal to buy the NHL St. Louis Blues and move them to Saskatoon, a city that was off the grid for most hockey fans. Plans were put in place for a new arena to replace a dated historic downtown venue that had served the city well. Front office staffers were hired, and moving plans were put in place. And then it all derailed when the NHL Board of Governors refused to support the move. Lawsuits went flying from all sides, and in the end the Blues stayed put in St. Louis. Out of the disappointment of that debacle came a gleaming new arena and showplace for hockey in Saskatoon, an arena initially dubbed Saskatchewan Place. Fans who liked the old and creaky downtown barn weren’t happy with the move. But with numerous renovations, expansions, and now a showplace for some major events, the arena is now embraced within the community. 11. Co-Op Place - Medicine Hat Tigers - 3.57 Jim Flannery - Until the fall of 2015, the Medicine Hat Tigers spent the entire history of their franchise playing in the Medicine Hat Arena, located just east of the city’s downtown core. The Tigers relocated to a brand new arena at the start of the 2015-16 season; after 45 seasons in the Arena, it was time to move into a more modern facility. Originally called Canalta Centre, it was specifically designed to Memorial Cup specifications in the hopes of luring the CHL championship to Medicine Hat in the near future. Now called Co-op Place, it has room for 3,000 more fans than Medicine Hat Arena did, includes 22 luxury suites, 350 club seats on the south side between the blue lines, a lounge, and state of the art technology throughout. 10. Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland Winterhawks - 3.57 Paul Hilchen - Portland hockey dates back to the 1910’s with the Portland Rosebuds. The most recent team not named the Winterhawks was the Buckaroos, who played in the Coliseum from 1960-1975. The franchise has had much success during their tenure in the Rose City, including winning the 1998 Memorial Cup, and a current run of back to back to back to back Western Conference championships. Memorial Coliseum is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architecture and glass walls that adorn the outside of the building. Some within Portland have questioned the practicality of having two buildings side by side that serve exactly the same purpose, while others have outwardly called for its demolition so a baseball stadium could be built on the site. Whatever side of the spectrum one finds themselves on, no one can deny the fact that the building has a great amount of history and character. 9. InnovationPlex - Swift Current Broncos - 3.71 Jim Flannery - In a small facility like the InnovationPlex, it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the energy up in the place. A couple thousand people, many with cowbells, can get the place rocking in no time at all. With the game viewable from standing room in the main lobby right at ice level, audience members downstairs almost feel like they’re right in the game, just inches from the play. And even the worst seats in the main viewing bowl are only 11 rows back from the ice, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. 8. Temple Gardens Centre - Moose Jaw Warriors - 3.71 Jim Flannery - After a four-year stint in Winnipeg, the Western Hockey League’s Warriors moved to Moose Jaw in 1984. They played their games at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre, better known as the Crushed Can, for many years, but in 2011 the team moved to a brand new facility right downtown, known as Temple Gardens Centre. The $61 million arena seats 4,465 people, which is the equivalent of about 13 percent of the entire city population when the place is full. In addition to the rink area, it also features an eight-sheet curling club, a banquet room, and other meeting rooms. It has played host to a number of major events, including the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and concerts by A-list performers like Alice Cooper and Carrie Underwood. But the Moose Jaw Warriors are the centrepiece of entertainment in the building. 7. Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria Royals - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Victoria Royals may seem a bit isolated, being located on Vancouver Island. However, Victoria is an excellent tourist destination, and the Victoria Royals can definitely be a part of the excitement. The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre provides a solid junior hockey experience, and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. 6. Langley Events Centre - Vancouver Giants - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - In 2001, Vancouver, British Columbia, was granted an expansion team. The Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home and enjoyed decent success there. The Giants took home the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League Champions in 2006 and eclipsed that feat with a Memorial Cup the following season. The Giants have produced several NHL players, including Cody Franson, Evander Kane, Brendan Gallagher, and Milan Lucic. In 2016, the Giants moved away from the oversized Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, to the Langley Events Centre. Built in 2009 and more appropriately sized for junior hockey, Langley Events Centre is a ways from central Vancouver, but serves the suburban cities. 5. VisitLethbridge.com Arena - Lethbridge Hurricanes - 3.86 Jim Flannery - VisitLethbridge.com Arena opened its doors in 1974, in anticipation of the 1975 Canada Winter Games. The Sportsplex (as it was then known) was designed for a multitude of purposes. The arena converts easily to a number of different applications for curling, concerts, hockey, basketball, banquets, etc. The Lethbridge Hurricanes ice hockey began their history as the Winnipeg Jets in 1967 and have been in operation ever since. They changed their name twice while in Winnipeg before moving to Calgary and becoming the Wranglers in 1977. They remained in Calgary until 1987 when they relocated to Lethbridge and were renamed once again, becoming the Hurricanes, a name they have stuck with now for more than 30 years. 4. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oil Kings - 4.00 Jim Flannery - The Oil Kings returned to Edmonton for the 2007-08 season and have been have found an audience. Owned and operated by the Katz Group, which also owns the NHL’s Oilers, the Oil Kings are drawing good crowds, and winning consistently. The Oil Kings spent most of their history playing at what is currently known as Rexall Place (formerly Northlands Coliseum). But starting in the fall of 2016, the Oil Kings have relocated to the new downtown arena, called Rogers Place. It is the newest, most modern arena in hockey and without a doubt the premier place to watch the WHL. 3. Art Hauser Centre - Prince Albert Raiders - 4.00 Jim Flannery - Playing at the Art Hauser Centre, the Prince Albert Raiders have been one of the more successful junior hockey teams in Saskatchewan. Between 1977-1982 the Raiders won four Tier II junior national championships in six years. After graduating up to the WHL for the 1982-83 season, the Raiders went on to win the Memorial Cup in 1985 as the top junior team in the country. The Raiders have produced 72 players who have made it to the NHL, including Brad McCrimmon, James Patrick, Wes Walz and Mike Modano. And all of them have paid their dues in this little arena in this little city. 2. Toyota Center - Tri-City Americans - 4.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Tri City Americans, representing the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the State of Washington, are one of the flagship original franchises of the Western Hockey League. Its origins began in Calgary, before city hopping to several locations throughout British Columbia, with a 5-year stop in Billings, Montana along the way. They have been located in Tri Cities since 1988, and have played in the Toyota Center in the bedroom community of Kennewick since the arena opened that same year. The facility also doubles as a theatre, offering a season of Broadway musicals and other stage shows. 1. Marchant Crane Centrium - Red Deer Rebels - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Nestled almost exactly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, the residents of Red Deer share a healthy split of allegiances between the two major Alberta cities’ NHL clubs. Both the Oilers and Flames are well represented in Red Deer, however, when it comes to Junior Hockey, there is no question as to who is king. The Red Deer Rebels have been members of the Western Hockey League since 1992. Founded by Terry and Wayne Simpson, the Rebels have seen quite a few future NHL players walk through the doors and also enjoyed some team successes. The ultimate team successes for the Rebels came in 2001 when the Rebels, led by future NHL players Jeff Woywitka and Colby Armstrong, saw Doug Lynch score the biggest goal in Rebels history, an overtime goal to defeat Val d’Or in the Memorial Cup Final.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Eddie Stanky Field 307 N University Blvd Mobile, AL 36608 South Alabama Jaguars website Eddie Stanky Field's website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 5,000 South Alabama Baseball Baseball has long been part of Mobile’s identity. Known as one of America’s richest baseball cities, the Port City has produced Hall of Famers such as Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Willie McCovey, Billy Williams, and Ozzie Smith – more Hall of Famers than any other city in the world besides New York and Los Angeles. But beyond those legendary names, Mobile’s baseball story also includes Eddie Stanky, the fiery former Major Leaguer who helped shape college baseball in Mobile. The Jaguars have built one of the Sun Belt’s proudest baseball programs, with 13 regular-season conference championships, 11 Sun Belt Tournament titles, and more than two dozen NCAA Regional appearances. Before becoming a coaching icon, Stanky enjoyed a successful 10-year big league career, earning four All-Star selections, appearing in three World Series, and playing alongside Jackie Robinson. After managing the Cardinals and White Sox, Stanky arrived at the University of South Alabama in 1968 and transformed the Jaguars into a Sun Belt powerhouse. Over 14 seasons he compiled a remarkable 490-195-2 record, and guided South Alabama to five NCAA Regionals, firmly establishing the program on the national stage. Stanky’s connection to Mobile proved stronger than professional baseball itself. In 1977, he famously accepted the Texas Rangers' managerial job, only to resign after one game and return to Mobile, where he felt most at home. When Eddie Stanky Field opened in 1980, he came out of retirement to coach four more seasons. Today, the stadium remains a lasting tribute to both Stanky’s legacy and South Alabama’s proud baseball tradition, one that includes 17 conference championships, 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, and more than 150 players drafted into professional baseball. Food and Beverage 3 There are two main concession stands at Eddie Stanky Field, located along the first and third base concourses. The menu sticks to classic ballpark staples, with options such as chicken tenders, hot dogs, Conecuh sausage, cheeseburgers, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and candy available throughout the game. Prices remain reasonable for a college venue, generally ranging from around $3 to $8 depending on the item. Fans can also purchase combo meals that include a souvenir Coca-Cola cup, with hot dog combos typically priced around $10, and cheeseburger combos priced around $11. Alcohol is also available throughout the stadium. Domestic options like Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light are sold in 16-ounce cans, while premium selections such as Michelob Ultra and White Claw are also offered. One unique local touch is the stadium’s signature beer, Spotted Tail Jaguar Ale, brewed by Mobile’s own Braided River Brewing Company specifically for South Alabama athletic events. This locally crafted ale adds a distinct Gulf Coast flavor to the game day experience here, serving as a cool nod to the city’s growing craft beer scene. Atmosphere 4 When you arrive at the ballpark, it’s hard to tell Eddie Stanky Field is almost 50 years old. The stadium’s exterior remains sharp and welcoming, anchored by a statue of Eddie Stanky at the main entrance, where the legendary coach still seems to greet fans arriving for another night of Jaguar baseball. Also, in a fitting nod to Mobile’s nickname as the Azalea City, vibrant azalea gardens surround the entrance area, giving the ballpark a distinctly Gulf Coast charm. Once inside, fans are welcomed by a spacious concourse that stretches beneath both sides of the grandstand, with concession stands, restrooms, and a pop-up team store offering a solid selection of South Alabama gear. The layout feels clean, accessible, and refreshingly modern for a venue that is now more than four decades old. South Alabama has done an impressive job preserving and showcasing its proud baseball tradition throughout the facility. Along the concourse walls, banners, pennants, and displays celebrate decades of Jaguars success, reminding visitors that this is one of the Sun Belt’s flagship programs. Down the third base line, the Baseball Ring of Honor serves as a centerpiece, featuring a bust of longtime coach Steve Kittrell alongside plaques honoring former Jaguar greats. Additional displays highlight South Alabama’s NCAA Regional appearances and the long list of MLB talent developed here. Over 50 players have advanced to the big leagues from South Alabama. The seating bowl itself maintains a classic, no-frills design with 15 rows of red bleacher seating wrapping around blue chairback seats behind home plate, while the two-story press box and Stadium Club suite add a touch of premium comfort. However, one of the biggest upgrades to the facility in recent years is the pristine new turf playing surface installed in 2025, which has injected fresh life into the stadium. The modern field not only enhances playability and durability, but also gives Eddie Stanky Field a polished, updated appearance that matches many newer collegiate venues. In addition, beyond the foul lines, a party deck in left field brings an energetic college atmosphere, often filled with alumni grilling and gathering throughout the game. The South Alabama soccer complex is visible beyond right field, and a somewhat dated scoreboard with a small videoboard is visible above left field. Neighborhood 4 Mobile offers plenty for travelers who want to experience more than a baseball game. Spread across a wide stretch of the Gulf Coast, Alabama’s Port City offers enough food, history, nightlife, and family attractions to easily fill an entire weekend. Around the University of South Alabama campus, visitors will find no shortage of dining options, from casual favorites like Mellow Mushroom and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to local staples such as Foosackly’s for affordable chicken fingers. Dreamland Bar-B-Que, one of Alabama’s most iconic barbecue chains, is also nearby and remains a must-visit for first-time travelers wanting a true taste of the state. Airport Boulevard and Old Shell Road are also lined with countless restaurants, sports bars, and chain options, making the area around Stanky Field highly convenient for fans. A little bit further away, Dauphin Street, the heart of downtown nightlife, blends historic architecture with lively bars, music venues, and local restaurants in a setting often compared to a smaller, more relaxed Bourbon Street. Colonial Fort Condé provides a fascinating glimpse into Mobile’s French colonial roots through reconstructed fortifications and interactive exhibits, while the iconic USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park allows visitors to explore a World War II battleship, submarine, and extensive military aircraft displays. Families will also enjoy the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Theatre, which feature hands-on science exhibits and immersive giant-screen experiences. Bellingrath Gardens and Home, located just outside the city, showcases breathtaking seasonal floral displays and one of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful historic estates. For beachgoers, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are less than an hour away each, offering white sand beaches, fresh seafood, and classic coastal relaxation. Fans 3 South Alabama has long established itself as one of the Sun Belt’s premier baseball programs. With attendance regularly ranking among the nation’s better mid-major programs, South Alabama’s baseball culture is deeply ingrained within the university. More than any other sport on campus, Jaguars baseball has the most prestige, built on decades of championships, postseason appearances, and a pipeline of major league talent. When the crowd is engaged, Eddie Stanky Field offers a uniquely patriotic atmosphere, as South Alabama’s red, white, and blue color scheme gives the ballpark an almost Team USA-like energy. While attendance can fluctuate depending on the opponent and on team performance, marquee matchups consistently bring out some of the best crowds in the region. The stadium’s attendance record came in 2018 when 4,500 fans packed the venue for a showdown against Alabama, creating a standing-room-only environment. Rivalries against in-state powers like Alabama, Auburn, Troy, and regional foes such as Southern Miss routinely bring packed houses as well. Access 3 Getting to the University of South Alabama can take a little patience, especially on weekday afternoons when Mobile traffic begins to build. Located in northwest Mobile near the intersection of Old Shell Road and University Boulevard, the campus sits several miles away from Interstate 10, meaning visitors will likely encounter plenty of stoplights and steady traffic regardless of which direction they are arriving from. Travelers coming from out of town will typically use I-10 before connecting to I-65 north toward the Dauphin Street exit, followed by a straightforward drive west toward campus. While this route itself is simple enough, it is wise to allow extra travel time, particularly before first pitch on busy weekends, or on days when larger events are occurring around the city. Once fans arrive on campus, however, the experience becomes much easier. Ample parking is available around the nearby Mitchell Center lots just steps from Eddie Stanky Field, making gameday parking relatively stress-free compared to many larger college venues. Entry into the stadium is efficient, and the spacious concourse design allows fans to move comfortably throughout the ballpark without dealing with major congestion, even when there are larger crowds. Return on Investment 4 Eddie Stanky Field delivers one of the better values in college baseball, especially for fans looking to experience a program with deep tradition without spending a fortune. The best way to remember the ticket prices is that the red bleacher seats down the first and third baselines are $12, while the blue chairbacks behind home plate are $18. There are also five rows of chairback box seats located in front of the grandstands with tickets at $25 each. Even for bigger conference matchups, tickets to baseball games here are easy to find, making the experience accessible for both locals and traveling baseball fans. What truly makes the return on investment stand out, however, is the history attached to the program. South Alabama baseball carries a level of tradition and professional pedigree that many casual fans may not realize, and watching a game at Eddie Stanky Field feels like stepping into one of the Gulf South’s hidden baseball treasures. Between the intimate atmosphere, passionate fan base, and long list of MLB talent developed here, a trip to Mobile provides a quality college baseball experience that feels underrated on the national stage. Extras 4 One of the cooler touches around Eddie Stanky Field is how South Alabama continues to honor the players who helped build the program into a Sun Belt powerhouse. Down the left field line sits Jon Lieber Clubhouse, which opened in 2017 and is named after a former Jag pitcher who played at South Alabama in 1991 and 1992, before going on to a successful 15-year Major League career. Inside the clubhouse is David Freese Weight Room, named after another South Alabama baseball legend. Freese played for the Jaguars in 2005 and 2006 before spending 11 seasons in the majors and earning 2011 World Series MVP honors with the Cardinals. Also nearby is Luis Gonzalez Hitting Facility, named after the five-time MLB All-Star and 19-year veteran who played for South Alabama from 1986 through 1988. Gonzalez remains the only player in program history to have his baseball number retired by the Jaguars. Eddie Stanky Field has also played a major role in Sun Belt Conference baseball history, hosting the league tournament 12 times, more than any other venue, with the first tournament held here in 1980 and the most recent in 2014. Even before the current stadium opened, the 1978 Sun Belt Tournament was played on the original field that once occupied the same site. Over the years, the Jaguars have clinched five Sun Belt championships on their home field, adding even more history to the ballpark. The stadium also briefly served as the home of professional baseball in Mobile during the mid-1990s. The independent Mobile Bay Sharks of the Texas-Louisiana League played at Stanky Field in 1994 and 1995, bringing professional baseball back to the Port City for the first time in nearly a quarter century. The Bay Sharks proved wildly popular, drawing more than 100,000 fans per season during both years they played at the stadium. That success ultimately helped pave the way for affiliated baseball to return to Mobile in 1997, when the Double-A Mobile BayBears began play at newly constructed Hank Aaron Stadium. The BayBears would spend the next 23 seasons in Mobile before eventually relocating to North Alabama and becoming the Rocket City Trash Pandas. For baseball fans visiting Mobile, one attraction that absolutely deserves a stop is the Hall of Fame Walk located in downtown Mobile. The Port City is home to five National Baseball Hall of Famers – Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Willie McCovey, and Ozzie Smith – more than any city in America outside of New York and Los Angeles. The Hall of Fame Walk celebrates Mobile’s incredible baseball legacy through plaques, monuments, and displays honoring each legend throughout the downtown waterfront area. Visiting the Hall of Fame Walk before a South Alabama baseball game makes for a great stop.

Photos by Paul Baker & David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Delta Dental Park @ Hadlock Field 271 Park Ave Portland, ME 04102 Portland Sea Dogs website Hadlock Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,868 Home of the Maine Monster The longtime home of the Portland Sea Dogs underwent a name change in 2024 when local medical insurance company Delta Dental entered into a multi-year naming rights agreement with the team. However, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that uses the facility’s formal name. To almost everyone around, the home of Maine’s favorite ball team continues to be Hadlock Field. The ballpark is named for longtime Portland High School baseball coach and physics teacher Edson J. Hadlock Jr. The Sea Dogs began competing in the AA Eastern League in 1994 as the Florida Marlins’ affiliate. In 2003 the Sea Dogs switched affiliations to the nearby Boston Red Sox, which only strengthened the bonds between the city and team. When the city of Portland was awarded an Eastern League expansion team in 1992, the city renovated Hadlock Field, which was being used at the time as a high school field. To this day, Hadlock Field is used by both the Portland High and Deering High School baseball teams. Over their existence, the Sea Dogs have won one Eastern League title along with six division titles. The Red Sox-Sea Dogs affiliation shows no signs of slowing down, as the clubs are currently contracted to be affiliated through the 2030 season. Game Action at Hadlock Field. Photo by Paul Baker. Food & Beverage 4 At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like Hadlock Field would offer much more than a traditional concessions experience. Most of the stands, tucked away under the grandstand, have a real old-school feel to them. But a closer look shows a decent variety of food available and some local treasures hidden within the old menu boards of Hadlock Field. The main stands offer standard ballpark fare. In between the Fenway Franks, burgers, pizza slices, chicken tenders and the like are more unique items, such as full-sized batting helmets filled with french fries, buffalo chicken subs, and steak and cheese subs. A few uniquely Maine items are worth checking out: Red Snapper hot dogs and of course, lobster rolls. Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to a Sea Dogs game, as in addition to the usual fried dough, candy and ice cream are two local “must have” items. First is the Whoopie Pie, which is so ubiquitous to Maine that it is used as one of the team’s alternate identities. The other may be the most popular concession item at Hadlock Field, the Sea Dog biscuit. The biscuit is two chocolate chip cookies with a scoop of Gifford’s vanilla ice cream in between. Coca-Cola products are featured at Hadlock Field. As you would expect in a craft brewing hotspot like Portland, the microbrew game is impressive here. Local brews from Allegash, Geary’s, Sea Dog, Baxter, Red Hook, Shipyard, Harpoon, Sebego and Sam Adams can all be found at the microbrewery stand on the first base side of the stadium. Atmosphere 4 While Hadlock Field’s physical constraints limit what Sea Dog staff are able to do in many regards, the staff here pack every game with plenty of activity, distraction and noise designed to keep the younger and casual fans in attendance engaged and entertained. Theme nights and giveaways fill the schedule, and activities between every half inning take place on the field, meaning that whether you are visiting Portland for the baseball action or not, you will leave entertained. A statue of the Sea Dogs’ mascot, Slugger the seal greets fans at the entrance to Hadlock Field. This is a popular spot to meet before or after the game and to pose for a picture. The actual Slugger, a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, is one of the more entertaining mascots in the minor leagues and is integral to the gameday presentation. Unique to Hadlock Field are the “Trash Monsters,” mascots who also serve as trash cans. Young fans line up to throw out their garbage into the mouths of the “monstahs” throughout the game. It can’t be fun to be the poor intern in that costume during the hot summer months. Anyone who has spent any time in Red Sox Nation can testify how dedicated and intense fans are in this part of the country. The Sea Dogs’ affiliation with the Red Sox guarantees that the fans in Portland know the players well and are invested in their success. Unfortunately, Sea Dog fans share some bad habits with their parent fans in Boston, in that they are always in motion, blocking views and distracting fans from the action going on down on the field. Hadlock Field Grandstand from Center Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 4 The city of Portland is often mentioned among the top destinations in all of minor league baseball. The city features a thriving arts scene and is a favorite amongst foodies. In particular, if you love seafood, you won’t find a city with a greater diversity and quality of restaurants than Portland. In addition, Portland has an active craft beer scene, with several fine breweries located in the immediate area. Shoppers will flock to nearby outlet malls in Kittery, just to the south of the city, or Freeport, just to the north. What keeps Hadlock Field from receiving a perfect score in this category is that it is located away from the city center near I-295. Most of the city’s attractions are a short drive away. For the best of what Portland has to offer, head down to the Old Port neighborhood. This historic district, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and fishing piers, is the tourist, culinary and cultural hub of the city. Some of the best seafood you’ll ever have is found in the Old Port, as food is practically taken right from the ocean and put on your plate. The boutiques, shops and bars that line the crooked, hilly streets and docks of the Old Port make this one of Maine’s top tourist destinations. Maine dubs itself “Vacationland,” and whether your idea of relaxing involves a sandy beach, an amusement park, a museum, a day on the bay or hiking through the woods, you’ll find what you need in and around Portland. Check out VisitMaine.com for more details. Fans 4 Even after two decades as the Red Sox AA Eastern League affiliate, the Sea Dogs continue to pack fans into Hadlock Field. In 2025 the team attracted over 5,800 fans per game, good for fourth in the league rankings. The team’s affiliation with the nearby Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park is 107 miles away) ensures that the fans in Maine are knowledgeable about the team and passionate about the action taking place down on the field. It’s a shame that more of them don’t sit down and watch the game for a while. Video Board at Hadlock Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Hadlock Field is easy to get to, located just a few blocks from Interstate 295. Simply take the Congress Street exit and follow the signs to the ballpark. Parking is available in surface lots around the ballpark, including at the adjacent Fitzpatrick Stadium. On-street parking is also available but pay attention to signs for hours and restrictions. Fans will enter Hadlock Field onto a concourse that stretches underneath the length of the seating bowl. The small but well-stocked team store will be immediately to your left, with concession stands lining the wall in front of you. The concourse can get crowded when the park is filled, but generally fans should have no issues getting around. Rest rooms are located on either side of the ballpark and are plenty big enough for a typical Sea Dog crowd. Due to the presence of the Portland Expo Center next to Hadlock Field, the seating bowl of the ballpark is irregular, running from about first base around to deep left field. Most of the seating consists of green folding plastic stadium seats, with some metal bleachers along the top of the seating bowl and in deep left field. An inner walkway runs along the length of the seating bowl, separating the box seats from the reserved and general admission seating. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Sea Dog games range in price from $15-$29. Children, seniors and members of the military receive a $1-$3 discount depending on the type of ticket purchased. Waiting until gameday to buy your tickets will add a two-dollar surcharge to them. For an extra three dollars, fans can purchase Assurance tickets, which allows for transfer of tickets to another home game should plans change. Parking in the many lots around Hadlock Field costs between ten and twenty dollars. Unfortunately, the ample free on-street parking that could be found around the ballpark is not available on most nights. Pay attention to parking signs in the area if looking for on-street parking. Extras 5 The Sea Dogs have a staggering number of alternate identities to honor local foods and notable Maine things. Of course, each identity comes with its own amazing set of gear. Check out the team store or site for your Whoopie Pie, Bean Suppah, Red Snappah, Lobstah Bake, and Candlepin swag. Hadlock Field is loaded with touches designed to evoke memories of the ballpark’s Maine location. Keep a look out for the lighthouse hidden beyond the centerfield fence which rises after every Sea Dog home run and victory. Hadlock Field has many features meant to mimic their parent club’s ballpark in Boston. In left field stands a 37-foot-tall replica of Fenway’s Green Monster, known here as the Maine Monster. Hadlock has its own version of Fenway’s Monster Seats, located high above the right field wall over the Sea Dogs bullpen. Located on the concourse is every Sea Dog team and award winner since the franchise’s inception in 1994, as well as the Sea Dog Hall of Fame. There is also a display listing every Sea Dog alumnus to make the major leagues. Each season, every Sea Dog alumnus to play for the Red Sox has his jersey displayed on the façade of the press box. Every season, the Sea Dogs end their season with their “Field of Dreams” game, in which the players emerge from a corn field in center field to play their finale. Final Thoughts Hadlock Field is often named among the top minor league ballparks in the nation. This may have more to do with where it is rather than what it is. Hadlock may not be the most modern minor league ballpark, but it is filled with enthusiastic, knowledgeable fans and plenty of kitschy touches. A day spent at Hadlock Field and the Old Port is one of the top Stadium Journeys you’ll ever experience! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

The 2025-26 Ontario Hockey League season seemed to bring as much drama off the ice as there was on the ice. At the beginning of January, the league was rocked with the news that longtime Commissioner of the OHL and President of the CHL, David Branch, had died. Rumours of expansion were abound with the belief that the USHL teams from Muskegon and Youngstown were headed to the OHL. This would turn out to be not the case as it is believed that USA Hockey blocked these moves. Expansion is still in the forefront for the league as some neutral site games were announced for Cornwall in the 2026-27 season. It was also announced that the Guelph Storm will be hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. The Kitchener Rangers were the story of this season. The Brantford Bulldogs were the best team during the regular season with 106 points. The London Knights had the best attendance once again, averaging 9,051 fans per game. However, it was the Rangers running roughshod through the playoffs to take the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions, their fifth. The Rangers will be heading to Kelowna to represent the OHL in the Memorial Cup. Marek Vanaker of the Bulldogs scored 47 goals while the Saginaw Spirit’s Nikita Klepov tallied 97 points. Ryan Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s was the top goaltender with a 2.07 GAA and .923 save percentage, winning the Jim Rutherford Trophy as goaltender of the year. The Rid Tilson Trophy for the Most Outstanding Player went to Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers. The annual OHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.59 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all. Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets. How is your list different from ours? What do we have right? What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025-2026 Rankings of the Ontario Hockey League Experiences. 20. CAA Centre - Brampton Steelheads - 2.57 Dave Cottenie - The home for the Steelheads is CAA Centre. The city owned arena opened in 1998 and has a capacity of 5,000. It is an appropriate home for OHL hockey as it housed the Brampton Battalion from 1998 to 2013, before they moved to North Bay. A familiar story for OHL hockey in the GTA is once again brewing, low attendance and an uncertain future. 19. Dort Financial Center - Flint Firebirds - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - When Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were a number of eyebrows raised. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. 18. Dow Event Center - Saginaw Spirit - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - Saginaw provides a decent hockey experience for Junior Hockey. The Dow Event Center is one of the nicer OHL venues from the exterior. The Atrium can be found on the north side of Johnson Street and offers a warm, welcoming feeling for fans coming out of the cold, Central Michigan winter. Glassed in and spacious, the Atrium is a great place to meet friends before the game and also houses security and the ticketing windows. The upper rotunda features hanging banners of significant, former Saginaw Spirit players. These include Ryan McDonough, Jack Combs, Josh Shalla, Vince Trocheck, Dylan Sadowy, Brandon Saad, T.J. Brodie, Tom Pyatt, Eric Locke, Brad Walch, Patrick McNiell and Jake Paterson. 17. Harry Lumley Bashore Community Centre - Owen Sound Attack - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The Owen Sound Platers were to be sold to a businessman out of town which would require relocation. The “Super Six,” would come together to purchase the team and keep them in Owen Sound. Brian Johnson, Dr. Robert Severs, Fay Harshman, Frank Coulter, and Peter and Paul MacDermid, a group of local business owners, would keep that can-do attitude alive in Owen Sound and the Attack have remained viable and competitive in the Ontario Hockey League. The hard work culminated in the Attack’s 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions and a berth in the Memorial Cup. 16. TD Civic Centre - Brantford Bulldogs - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - When the Hamilton Bulldogs found they would be homeless for two years as the FirstOntario Centre undergoes renovations, owner Michael Andlauer found a landing spot in Brantford, Ontario, famously the childhood home of Wayne Gretzky, and signed a lease with the city for at least three years. The Bulldogs have since committed to Brantford with a new arena in the works and a long-term lease signed, leaving their time at the Civic Centre very limited. 15. WFCU Centre - Windsor Spitfires - 3.29 Marc Viquez - The WFCU Centre is the home of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. The building has a seating capacity of 6,450 for hockey and was built for $71 million. The new home to the Spitfires ensured that the club would remain in Windsor for the foreseeable future. The arena replaced the 84-year-old Windsor Arena that the Spitfires had called home since 1975. The new WFCU Centre was a much-needed replacement for the aging arena and resulted in the building hosting the 2017 Memorial Cup. 14. Sadlon Arena - Barrie Colts - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - In a mind-splitting thirteen months, the City of Barrie built the home for the Barrie Colts. Granted an expansion team for the 1995 season, work frantically began for what is now known as Sadlon Arena. Opening its doors in 1995, Sadlon Arena also became the home of the Colts, who have played nearly all of their home games just west of Highway 400. The Colts were originally a Junior B franchise established in 1946. The Colts have come a long way, earning a Hamilton Spectator Trophy for the best record in 2010 and a J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2000 as OHL Champions. Barrie was not foreign to top-level junior hockey either, as the Barrie Flyers took the ice from 1945 to 1960, earning a pair of Memorial Cups. The franchise line leads them to the current Sudbury Wolves. The Colts are currently owned by Howie Campbell and are also known as the final hockey stop for Hockey Hall of Fame member Dale Hawerchuk, who was the coach in Barrie before his tragic death in 2020 after battling stomach cancer. 13. Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens - North Bay Battalion - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - In 2013 the Ontario Hockey League made a triumphant return to North Bay, Ontario. After the North Bay Centennials had their run from 1982 to 2002, they left for Saginaw, Michigan under a cloud of mistrust and bad feelings. The hockey light would shine again in the Gateway to the North after the local fans provided next level support for the Nipissing Lakers, a newly formed university team. Brampton Battalion owner and Trivial Pursuit founder Scott Abott would bring his OHL team from outside of Toronto north to the banks of Lake Nipissing in search of greater fan support. Moving the team to a military city like North Bay made the team name and moniker suddenly make a whole lot more sense. 12. Progressive Auto Sales Arena - Sarnia Sting - 3.71 Marc Viquez - The Progressive Auto Sales Arena is home to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. It has a seating capacity of 5,500 and sits on the campus of Lambton College. The building debuted in 1998, four seasons after the Sting arrived, and features 43 luxury suites, two full-size NHL rinks, and a full-service restaurant. 11. Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough Petes - 3.71 Robbie Raskin - The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success are their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. 10. Erie Insurance Arena - Erie Otters - 3.71 Patricia Beninato - If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena. 9. Sudbury Community Arena - Sudbury Wolves - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Sudbury Community Arena, simply put, is an old-school hockey barn. The exterior of the Sudbury Arena has a classic red brick entrance that is true to its age. The arena is guarded by a bronze statue of singer Stompin’ Tom Connors, author, and performer of the famous “Hockey Song.” One of Connors’ big hits was “Sudbury Saturday Night” which is the reason for the commissioning of the statue. The southeast corner of the arena is where the most unique item in all hockey resides. In the rafters hangs a real taxidermy wolf. When Sudbury scores a goal, the wolf travels out over the ice towards the visiting team bench on a pulley system. It stops over the bench, shakes around a bit, and heads back to the southeast corner. There is nothing like this anywhere. It may be kitschy, but it is amazing. 8. Canada Life Place - London Knights - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - It is difficult to argue with the success that the London Knights have achieved on the ice. Since the Knights were purchased in 2000 by Mark and Dale Hunter and Basil McRae they have earned six J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions and three Memorial Cups and CHL champions. What is even more shocking is that not long before the Knights set the record for the greatest regular season in the entire Canadian Hockey League (59-7-2 in 2004-05, with a 31-game unbeaten streak), they set the record for the worst season in the league (3-60-3 in 1995-96).The Knights play in one of the premier venues in the OHL. The second-largest venue in the league, Canada Life Place, was built in 2002 and was key to the turnaround of the team. Originally known as the John Labatt Centre, the facility replaced the venerable London Gardens. In 2024, Canada Life purchased the naming rights. Canada Life Place has hosted the Memorial Cup on two occasions, in 2005 and 2014. 7. Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa Generals - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. 6. Slush Puppie Place - Kingston Frontenacs - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. Slush Puppie Place offers an atmosphere for Frontenacs hockey that is among the best in the OHL. Outside of the arena, in the northwest corner sits actual ruins from the original Fort Frontenac. Across Ontario Street is the current Fort Frontenac, which is a Canadian Military venue. The exterior of Slush Puppie Place is attractive with light coloured brick. The south side of Slush Puppie Place is Tragically Hip Way, a portion of Barrack Street that Kingston City Council renamed in honour of the famous Kingston band. 5. Sleeman Centre - Guelph Storm - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Sleeman Centre is a unique facility as it is built inside a shopping mall. As a result, the majority of fans will not enter through the main doors on Woolwich Street. Parking entrances off of Macdonell Street having fans enter through the south side or through the Old Quebec Shoppes, the remnants of the mall, is far more popular. That being said, the front exterior of the Sleeman Centre is attractive with light siding and tinted windows. It is not a hulking structure, and is almost inconspicuous from the front. 4. GFL Memorial Gardens - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Greyhound name has been linked to hockey teams in Sault Ste. Marie since 1919. The name was selected as a jab to their rivals, the Sudbury Wolves as a “greyhound is much faster than a wolf.” The Senior A Greyhounds would win the Allan Cup in 1924. The current iteration of the team began as an NOJHL expansion team in 1962 which would transition to the OHA in 1972. The OHA would eventually become the Ontario Hockey League. The team is currently owned by medical executive Tim Lukenda. The Greyhounds achieved ultimate success in 1995 when they won the Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League Champions in front of a home crowd in Sault Ste Marie. The Greyhounds have also won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 1985, 1991 and 1992. The importance of the Greyhounds and the 1995 Memorial Cup is immortalized on the sign coming into town where it is emblazoned with the home of astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar. 3. Meridian Centre - Niagara IceDogs - 4.14 Robbie Raskin - Meridian Centre is best described as clean, bright, spacious, and new-feeling, even though it’s now a decade old. It also manages to avoid the cookie-cutter bowl shape with many modern rinks; an asymmetrical layout keeps things interesting. The defining quirk of the arena is its topographical situation. The arena is located in a deep ravine, at the bottom of the high land upon which downtown St. Catharines is perched. In fact, the roofline of the arena is mostly even with street level of the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rising above it. Fans don’t enter at ground level and climb up to their seats, as usual. Here you actually enter from the roof and descend into the arena. 2. TD Place Arena - Ottawa 67’s - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. 1. Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - Kitchener Rangers - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - In 1963 Kitchener businessman Eugene George facilitated the move of the Guelph Royals, affiliate of the New York Rangers, west to Kitchener. George purchased the team from the Rangers for $1 when their Rangers sponsorship ended in 1967 and turned them over to the season ticket subscribers in one of the most unique community-based, not for profit ownership models ever. The Rangers maintained the colours and identity of their former parent team and became one of the cornerstone franchises in the current Ontario Hockey League and greater Canadian Hockey League. The Rangers have pumped out a ton of NHL talent, including a number of Hockey Hall of Fame Members, and enjoyed the ultimate success in 1982 and 2003 as Memorial Cup Champions. Home for the Rangers is the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Built in 1951 as a “mini–Maple Leaf Gardens” The Aud has morphed over time to remain a viable and treasured venue with some of the best reviews for any arena in its class. Rumblings about replacing the Auditorium seem to have dissipated and it is set to become the oldest venue in the OHL very soon. The arena itself, now part of a larger sports complex, is named after longtime mayor of Kitchener, the late Dom Cardillo.

The Cotton Bowl in Dallas, during the Red River Rivalry (Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey) A new study found that Texas was home to four out of 10 of the stadiums in the US with the worst food quality. Claiming the worst spot was the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas, home to the annual Red River Rivalry game between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners. The study analyzed Google reviews for nearly 200 stadiums in the US and examined how frequently visitors mentioned the food quality and whether or not those reviews were positive or negative. The Cotton Bowl came in with a staggering 74.7% negative reviews. Other Texas schools that made up the 10 worst were Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, home of the SMU Mustangs; the Alamodome in San Antonio, home of the UTSA Roadrunners; and Rice Stadium in Houston, home of the Rice Owls. Land-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, which is the largest sports and entertainment venue on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, came in as second-worst in the country with 72.09% negative reviews. The stadium plays host to two college football HBCU football classics and has played host to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the past. Third-worst was War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, with 70.18% negative reviews. Currently home to minor league soccer and high school football, War Memorial Stadium traditionally hosts at least one game for the Arkansas Razorbacks each season. According to the findings, Major League Baseball stadiums generally outperformed football venues. Stadiums such as Petco Park in San Diego, home of the San Diego Padres, and Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, home of the Cincinnati Reds, had review ratings of just 11.4% and 21.1% negative, respectively.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 John Cropp Stadium 570 Wildcat Court Lexington, KY 40506 Kentucky Wildcats softball website John Cropp Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,417 ‘til the Battle is Won On a campus where basketball reigns supreme and the reach of “Big Blue Nation” touches nearly every corner of athletics, softball has still carved out a loyal following of its own at the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats first took the field in 1997 under founding head coach John Cropp, who built the program from the ground up and guided it through the 2018 season. During his tenure Kentucky developed into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender in the SEC, making multiple NCAA Regional and Super Regional appearances, while also reaching the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history in 2014. When Kentucky opened its new softball facility in 2013, the venue was named John Cropp Stadium in recognition of his role in establishing and growing the Wildcats softball program into a nationally respected one. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at John Cropp Stadium are fairly standard and lack much creativity, offering the usual ballpark staples such as hot dogs, pizza, chicken tender baskets, and fries. A small collection of snacks including soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jack rounds out the permanent menu. What helps elevate the experience a bit are the food trucks parked beyond the right field corner. These rotating vendors provide more specialized options than the main stands, but also expand the dessert offerings with frozen lemonade, cotton candy, and Dippin’ Dots. Soft drinks come from the Coca-Cola family of beverages, while beer and seltzers are available throughout the stadium, though the alcohol selection mostly sticks to familiar domestic choices. Atmosphere 3 John Cropp Stadium blends Kentucky blue and gray with steel and aluminum accents to create a clean, modern appearance that mirrors the overall design used throughout Barnhart Athletic Complex. The main grandstand stretches from one cut of the outfield grass to the other, and features three central sections of chairback seating behind home plate, flanked by aluminum bleachers down each line. Beyond the outfield fence a terraced berm wraps from the right field foul pole into center field, giving fans another relaxed viewing option. A large videoboard in left field displays virtually every piece of information a fan could want during a game, including batting averages, detailed hitter and pitcher statistics, pitch speed, inning-by-inning scoring, and ball-strike-out counts. Smaller scoreboards mounted to the press box provide additional inning and score information throughout the game. Music clips and sound effects are used heavily during play, sometimes becoming a bit repetitive in the later innings, though the overall presentation is not much different than what is commonly found at a Minor League Baseball game. Between innings, the entertainment shifts to scoreboard features and occasional on-field contests. Neighborhood 4 John Cropp Stadium sits within Barnhart Family Athletic Complex, alongside Kentucky Proud Park and the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex on the southern edge of campus. The complex borders residential neighborhoods and sits across the street from the State Arboretum of Kentucky. Elsewhere around Lexington, there is no shortage of sports and cultural attractions. The spring sports calendar overlaps with the schedule of Lexington SC of the USL Championship soccer season, while summer baseball brings the Lexington Legends into action. Visitors can also explore Kentucky Horse Park, tour the Mary Todd Lincoln House, or visit Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington. Bourbon tourism is also prominent, with the Distillery District featuring names such as James E. Pepper Distillery and Wild Turkey. Dining options around the city are plentiful as well. Local favorites include Tolly-Ho, Joe Bologna’s, Wallace Station, and Bourbon n’ Toulouse. Fans 3 Big Blue Nation supports Kentucky softball well, though the atmosphere can occasionally feel a bit reserved. Visiting fan bases with larger traveling contingents can sometimes create more noise than the home crowd itself. The Wildcats generally draw around 1,000 fans per game, with SEC conference series typically pushing attendance numbers a bit higher. Access 3 Lexington sits directly along Interstate 75, making the city relatively easy to reach from places such as Knoxville and Cincinnati. Even so, the University of Kentucky campus remains roughly 20 minutes from the interstate, and the drive into campus follows busy city thoroughfares that are prone to congestion and lengthy stoplights. Once at Barnhart Family Complex, parking is available near John Cropp Stadium, though many fans use the lots along College Way and walk a short distance to the gates. Entry into the facility flows through a spacious plaza area that helps alleviate congestion before games, although rivalry matchups can still create lengthy lines prior to first pitch. Inside the ballpark, concourses are wide enough to move comfortably, and the exterior walkway behind the seating bowl offers the easiest route to most sections. Access along the third base side is somewhat restricted, though it does not significantly impact seating access. During games with larger crowds, concession lines can spill out into the exterior concourse and create occasional bottlenecks. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets for conference games run around $14, while non-conference game tickets cost closer to $11. Reserved seating starts at approximately $17. Pricing feels fair overall, though it does stand out slightly in a conference where several programs still offer free admission. Concession pricing falls in line with what would be expected at a major college sporting event, and combo meals can save fans a small amount on larger orders. Extras 3 The plaza area outside the seating bowl includes several activities geared toward younger Wildcats fans, including inflatables, face painting, and craft stations. Kentucky’s mascots “The Wildcat” and the younger “Scratch” make regular appearances throughout games, frequently walking the concourse, interacting with fans, and posing for photos. The outfield wall also highlights Kentucky softball’s postseason accomplishments, including appearances in the NCAA Regionals, Super Regionals, and the Women’s College World Series. Final Thoughts As with most of the athletic programs at the University of Kentucky, softball takes a backseat to the love of basketball, but the latter is still a highly supported program that offers a highly fan-friendly and entertaining experience for attendees. John Cropp Stadium also provides multiple seating options, from traditional stadium seating to drink rails along the upper-level walkways, as well as tiered grassy seating in the outfield. The venue even allows visiting fans access to their own bullpen, which is a nice plus.