You most likely have never heard of the Paris Pirates, but they were a Class C minor-league baseball team that played for half a season in 1934. Their brief journey is a friendly reminder that if you build it, sometimes they don’t come. However, over 90 years later, small towns follow a similar formula to the small Texas town. Paris had been home to several professional clubs since 1896, and it featured interesting names, including the Red Snappers, Bearcats, North Stars, Rustlers, Survivors, and my favorite, Parasites. Membership was steady through the teens and twenties, but the town would go six seasons with professional baseball; primarily due to not having a proper ballpark. Talks of a new grandstand began the winter before for a semi-pro baseball team. At the time, amateur ball was seen as a better option than one in a professional circuit. However, once talk of a modern structure began circulating, the East Texas oil boom produced operating capital from newly wealthy baseball enthusiasts, representatives from the West Dixie League and East Dixie League looked at placing a team in Paris. In January 1934, a five-year lease was executed for the ballpark property, providing for the construction of a 1,000-seat grandstand and perimeter fencing on the site of the former ballpark. The estimated cost of construction was $2,500, with an additional $500 designated for grading the field. A further $500 was raised to help finan The modern stadium had 20 boxes, bleacher sections down each foul line, showers and locker rooms, and restrooms for men and women. Every piece of timber for the grandstand was made out of oak except the foundations and posts made of bois d’arc. “These stands and fences will be here for a long time after we are gone, bearing fire or a tornado,” said J. King, a supervisor in charge of the construction. The stadium would become the property of the citizens of Paris, with the town underwriting the project cost on the assumption that “you furnish the park and we’ll furnish you the team.” In February, Paris was awarded a franchise in the West Dixie League. Work began on March 20, 1934. The name Pirates was chosen by a committee of fans the morning of the first game that was scheduled for the afternoon. Two winners picked the name from a name-the-team contest sponsored by the club and the Paris News. The winning contestants won season passes for the season. There is no mention of why the name was chosen or why it was selected by the winners. Opening day included city and county offices closed, local schools dismissed at 3 o’clock, and Paris store owners allowing employees to leave work early to attend the game if they so wished. A parade with a live band, players, and firemen led a procession down North Main Street towards the entrance of the new ballpark. Around 800 fans packed the covered wooden grandstand for the opening afternoon game, and a near tragedy was narrowly missed. The game was delayed in the second inning when a section of the stands was vacated when foundation blocks, weakened by water, began to slip slightly. Fans were vacated from the upper portion of the grandstand without injuries. The stadium was named League Park, and it was sandwiched between East Hickory and East Center Street. Attendance was lackluster from the start, and it appeared that more fans would watch a game from behind the outfield walls. The cost to enter was 40 cents for men and 25 cents for women, but reports told of folks paying 5 or 10 cents to stand on top of a truck and watch the game from outside the outfield fencing on East Center Street, leading to local sports editor Dub Furey, Paris News, to quip. “The Paris fans will turn on in greater numbers to watch the proceedings from outside the park than inside is a distinct reflection on our citizenship as well as our baseball fans.” The distinctive dimensions led newspaper reporters in other cities to comment on the short left field porch that was only 251 feet from home plate, while the right field fence was 315. A 17-foot screen was erected behind left field after 25 home runs were hit during a four-game span, and perhaps a majority were hit off the bat of Lou Frierson, who on May 30 made history. The 27-year-old outfielder hit five consecutive home runs and added 8 RBIs in a 17-12 loss to the Jacksonville Jax. In the four-game stand, Frierson went 9 for 17 with 8 home runs and 13 runs batted in. Soon, the Bucs imposed a rule that counted home runs over the left field fence as a ground-rule double. The next day, another record was set when 16-year-old rookie Harold Wells connected for 7 consecutive hits in a 20-12 victory for the Bucs. Frierson went would have a ten-year career playing for a whopping 17 different clubs before hanging up his spikes after the 1942 season. His 40 home runs in 1934 were the most in his career. However, not much is known about the teenage Wells who seemed to disappear after the 1934 season. Despite these record-setting accomplishments, the team struggled to win on the field. It resulted in low turnouts at the gate and financial headaches for team owners Wayne Windle and Fred Nicholson, who decided to switch a June 21 home stand with the Tyler Governors to the East Texas Association Fair Grounds in Tyler without public notice. When the Daily News contacted team owners, Windle and Nicholson sent a telegram to the newspaper with the following message. “Because of the constant loss of money in Paris, we are forced to turn the situation over to the league at present. We don't know if or where they will place the club. We are indeed sorry you are not notified of the games (with Tyler) being transferred, as the league office is now handling the situation.” The Bucs dropped their final game 19-3, sputtering to a 17-45 record. Windle and Nicholson could continue with a new club in town, transferring a new team from another city in the league or another classification. There was a possibility of beginning the second half with a new club, but nothing materialized. The Bucs relocated to Lufkin, Texas, where a crowd of 1,000 welcomed the new club dubbed the Lumbermen. Baseball was a tough sell in town, and fans “talk a good support for the team” but won’t purchase a ticket to watch a game. It is unknown how much money was lost on the season, but many in the know said that the club was close to breaking even, especially since the city paid for the construction of the stadium. How Windle and Nicholson left town left a sour taste in the mouth of Furey, who was more than happy to wax poetic about it the next day in his daily newspaper column. “The whole thing is regrettable. Two sides agree. One keeps its pact, and the other fails. For whatever reason and however well it may be justified, the fact remains that the club owners agreed to do something they failed to live up to, and that, as we see it, has sounded the death knell of baseball in Paris.” League Park would never host a minor league team but house semi-pro, amateur, and high school baseball for the next few seasons. When professional baseball returned in 1946 after the war, a new stadium was constructed three-tenths of a mile west on East Hickory Street with standard dimensions. Baseball would fare better this time around, lasting until 1957. Sadly, pro ball or summer collegiate baseball would not return to Paris. However, the site of League Park still exists with a ball field called McGill Field. The Boys and Girls Club sits to the left of the playing field. The Paris Pirates are a blip, like many other franchises, in minor league baseball history. Omitted from the mind of the collective consciousness, the strategy of building a stadium to lure a franchise hasn't changed. Almost a century later, cities across the country hope to find civic pride with a baseball team. A few find it, while others strike out. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 TD Place Stadium Lansdowne Park 1015 Bank Street Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3W7 TD Place Stadium website Year Opened: 1908 Capacity: 24,000 Panda In the National Football League it is the Super Bowl. In the Canadian Football League it is the Grey Cup. It is the biggest game of the season that draws the most interest and possibly the biggest crowd. In USports, it is not the Vanier Cup that is the signature game of the year, it is actually the Panda Game. The annual rivalry game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens has become the signature game of the season drawing by far the biggest crowd out of any USports game. The game was first played in 1955 at Lansdowne Park, where it is currently played. The donation of a stuffed Panda, named Pedro, gave the game its name. The early games were often associated with hijinx as “Pandanappings” were a regular occurrence. The folding of the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL and disrepair of Frank Clair Stadium forced the Panda Game to be moved to Keith Harris Stadium on Carleton’s campus for the 1997 and 1998 games. The loss of revenue after being forced into a smaller venue exacerbated the already poor Carleton financial situation aiding in the decision to fold the program after 1998. The Panda Game was revived in 2013 along with the Carleton Ravens program. In 2014 the game returned to Lansdowne Park and the newly renovated TD Place Stadium. Attendance began to grow exponentially to the point where Panda has outdrawn the Vanier Cup National Championship game every season since 2015. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience at TD Place Stadium is excellent. All of the expected stadium staples are available including hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, candy and poutine. What takes the concessions to the next level is the focus on local favourites. Gabriel Pizza has a strong presence at TD Place Stadium. Other local favourites include Shawarma Palace, Lois & Frima’s Ice Cream and Maverick’s Donut Company. There are a number of alcoholic options available. The beer selection is decent including Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, Mill Street Orange and Goose Island IPA. The Firth’s Tavern stand offers a full bar selection. The soft drink of choice at TD Place Stadium are Pepsi products. Atmosphere 4 TD Place Stadium is one of the most unique in the world. It is located at Lansdowne Park, which has served as the exhibition grounds in Ottawa for over a century. It is embedded in The Glebe neighbourhood, which has a personality of its own. The main entry to TD Place Stadium is from the west, where a number of condominium buildings stand on Bank Street. The stadium consists of two separated grandstands on the north and south side of the east-west oriented field. The north grandstand is the older of the two and doubles as TD Place Arena, longtime home of the Ottawa 67’s and former home of the Ottawa Senators. The arena is under the seating of the north grandstands and the field can be seen from the south concourse of the arena. The south stand is the newer of the two and is a split level grandstand. A bronze statue of coach Frank Clair stands at the southwest corner opposite of the northwest corner stage. The west endzone has the log cabin social area/club with rail stands above it. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, construction of the new arena beyond the east endzone was visible. The videoboard is located on the west side, shading more to the north rather than south. It can be a bit difficult to see from the northeast. There are no real markings for either university within the stadium. A nod to the significance of the Panda Game somewhere would be a good addition. The gameday production is very simple at the Panda Game. The stands are divided with one school taking the north side and the other the south side. The game is organized by each school in alternating years, and which grandstand each school populates also alternates. Each team enters the field from their particular inflatable with pyro from opposite corners of the south side. Announcements are fully bilingual. Both team mascots, Rodney the Raven and Gee Gee roam the sidelines. Both teams' cheerleaders perform at halftime and get the crowd into the game from field level of their respective sides during play. One of the main traditions of the Panda Game is that fans of both teams meet the players on the field after the game has concluded. This has been embraced as part of the event. Neighbourhood 5 TD Place Stadium is located on the grounds of Lansdowne Park in The Glebe neighbourhood in Ottawa. The Glebe is a unique neighbourhood that is south of Parliament, which would be typically viewed as Downtown Ottawa. There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink. Some options include Craft Beer Market, Joey Lansdowne, Med Supper Club and Irene’s Pub. There are quite a few other sports options in Ottawa. TD Place Stadium is also the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks and Atletico Ottawa. TD Place Arena is directly under the north grandstand and is the home of the Ottawa 67’s and Ottawa BlackJacks as well as other uOttawa and Carleton rivalry games. Kanata is the home of the Ottawa Senators and Ottawa Charge. The campuses of uOttawa and Carleton are not too far from The Glebe. The Gee-Gees host a number of athletic teams, including football, hockey and basketball. The Ravens also host football and hockey and are well-known for their massively successful basketball team. Ottawa is one of the top tourist destinations and the capital of Canada. There are a ton of other tourist options for fans. Just some of the options include Parliament of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, Canadian War Museum, Supreme Court of Canada, Rideau Canal and Byward Market. At Lansdowne Park on Sundays from May until late October is the Ottawa Farmers’ Market, which directly coincides with the Panda Game. There are a ton of options for fans who wish to stay in Ottawa. Heading north towards Parliament is the best option where the Best Western, Hilton and Hampton Inn are all reliable Fans 5 The Panda Game is the best attended game on the entire USports calendar. It has enjoyed sellout crowds for a number of years. Each grandstand is dedicated to a particular school, which is delineated on ticket selling platforms. The volume from each school’s fans is excellent, adding to the atmosphere. It must be mentioned that there have been some disorderly incidents over the years that are related to Panda. Some of the language from one school's fans to the others can definitely be colourful as well. Access 3 TD Place Stadium is located on the grounds of Lansdowne Park in The Glebe neighbourhood of Ottawa. It is found on the east side of Bank Street and Exhibition Way, just north of the Rideau Canal. Lansdowne Park is less than 1.5 km south of Trans-Canada Highway 417. However, traffic in Ottawa is quite significant, so getting to the stadium can be an issue. Parking at Lansdowne Park is extremely limited and on site parking is not sold for the Panda Game. Also, parking in The Glebe is very limited and street parking is strictly enforced. The best plan to get to TD Place Stadium is to take public transit. There are bus stops on Bank Street and a Panda ticket equals a free ride before and after. Fans should consult the OC Transpo website for maps and schedules. There is a whole new level of security for the Panda Game. Lines can be huge and gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. There are plenty of extra fences all over the stadium and added security personnel. It is highly recommended to plan to enter the stadium as early as possible to avoid missing anything. At the game that was reviewed, fans, mostly students, were still entering the stadium with less than five minutes remaining in the first half. Lansdowne Park and TD Place Stadium are active construction zones as of this writing, so getting around is a bit of a challenge. There was no 360 degree path at the game that was reviewed. Washrooms have always been a bit of an issue at TD Place Stadium with a number of portable washrooms around the stadium, something that will most likely be addressed with the replacement of the north stand. Return on Investment 4 Panda Game tickets are definitely priced at a premium event level as compared to the usual prices for Ottawa or Carleton football. Standing room tickets start at $56 and seats start at $79. A price increase is understandable considering the significant upgrade in security features and personnel working at TD Place Stadium as compared to a normal game. Transportation could be free using public transport and concession prices are priced at a premium game level. That being said, although the investment is high, the return is top notch. The Panda Game is THE USports football game of the year and there is no experience that is quite like it. Attending a Panda Game is really a must for all Canadian university football fans and a right of passage for Carleton and uOttawa students. Extras 4 An extra mark for the tradition and longevity of the Panda Game, with the first one being played in Ottawa in 1955. An extra mark for the Panda Game as the preeminent game of the USports football season. An extra mark for legendary SNL comedian Norm MacDonald’s Panda game experience. An extra mark for overcoming previous student behaviour issues and making the current Panda experience one that the City of Ottawa and the two universities are fully behind. Final Thoughts The history and longevity of the Panda Game provides an atmosphere that is unlike any in Canadian university football. TD Place Stadium is a great venue for the game and provides the perfect situation for the schools involved. Definitely a bucket list item for Canadian football fans. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

The Double-A level of Minor League Baseball consists of the Eastern, Texas, and Southern Leagues. Each Major League Baseball team has one affiliate at the Double-A level, accounting for a full 30-team slate. In 2026, the Texas League Champions were the Amarillo Sod Poodles; Southern League Champions were the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Eastern League Champions were the Reading Fightin’ Phils. Justice Bigbie of Erie led the way with a .331 average, Jake Gelof of Tulsa had 34 home runs, and Josue De Paula of Tulsa had 104 RBIs. Manuel Rodriguez of Biloxi led all pitchers with 13 wins, and Luke Murphy of Rocket City had 18 saves. The 2026 season also meant that Springfield played their final season as the Cardinals before a 2027 rebrand. The 2026 season in Double-A baseball saw new stadiums in Richmond and Chattanooga. Stadium Journey had brand new reviews for the new stadiums as well as updated visits in Rocket City, San Antonio, Wichita, Amarillo, Harrisburg, Akron, Hartford, and Portland. The annual Double-A rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where many different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment, and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.84 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2026 Rankings of the Minor League Baseball Double-A Experiences. 30. Nelson W. Wolf Municipal Stadium - San Antonio Missions - 3.14 (Texas) Eric Moreno - Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium was truly a wonder to behold when it opened. However, it is easy to see that the stadium has seen better days. With the focus of the owners fully zeroed in on their new ballpark, there haven’t been any real updates to the facilities here in quite a while. However, the clock is ticking on it, and if you’re a fan of minor league baseball, there is a ton of history to take in at the Wolff. Get a game in when you can. If nothing else, it’s an affordable way to spend a few hours in the Alamo City. 29. Arvest Ballpark - Northwest Arkansas Naturals - 3.29 (Texas) Dave Cottenie - Taking in a baseball game at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale is a great idea for the whole family, and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals provide a great experience. It’s only natural for fans to want to make return trips! 28. Mirabito Stadium - Binghamton Rumble Ponies - 3.43 (Eastern) Dave Cottenie - A trip to Upstate New York and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies is a great way to take in some Minor League Baseball. Mirabito Stadium offers a solid facility for baseball. There is plenty of fun in Rumbletown. 27. Synovus Park - Columbus Clingstones - 3.57 (Southern) David Welch - Renovating a historic stadium comes with the risk of it losing its original charm, but Synovus Park succeeds in both honoring its past and offering a comfortable, modern fan experience. While not flashy, its authenticity, character, and thoughtful updates create a great atmosphere for minor league baseball. 26. Whataburger Field - Corpus Christi Hooks - 3.57 (Texas) Eric Moreno - Whataburger Field shows its age a little, but is still beautifully done and in a great location. Whether you’re taking in another game, visiting one of the many museums, or just heading to the beach and dining on first-class seafood, there is plenty for any visitor to do. If you ever find yourself on the Texas Gulf Coast, visit Whataburger Field – but be mindful of the heat. 25. Prince George’s Stadium - Chesapeake Baysox - 3.57 (Eastern) Richard Smith - Prince George's Stadium is showing some age in its 30-year frame, but it is still a quality minor league stadium that is presenting a nice level of baseball talent. Hopefully, the planned updates will make quite a difference. 24. UPMC Park - Erie SeaWolves - 3.57 (Eastern) Marc Viquez - UPMC Park was a fun night at the ballpark. The pre-game ceremonies, food options, merchandise variety, and vantage points place it in a category all of its own in the Eastern League. When you add the city of Erie to your travels, you have a pleasant weekend to spend along the lake with friends and family. 23. Momentum Bank Ballpark - Midland RockHounds - 3.57 (Texas) Terry McCutchen - Midland RockHounds Baseball is the only professional baseball option within 250 miles. As such, the leadership and game presentation could easily become stale, with the staff here counting solely on their monopoly to sell tickets and bring in crowds. Instead, they have chosen to offer an experience that is fun for all ages and different levels of baseball acuity. Whether you are spending one night in Midland or an extended time, attending a Midland Rockhounds game should make the to-do list. 22. Delta Dental Stadium - New Hampshire Fisher Cats - 3.57 (Eastern) Paul Baker - A Blue Jays farm team in the middle of Red Sox territory has to work harder to keep the fans coming, and the Fisher Cats staff do a great job filling Delta Dental Stadium year after year. While this may not be the most memorable ballpark out there, there’s plenty going on in Manchester to make a Stadium Journey to the Granite State worthwhile. 21. TD Bank Ballpark - Somerset Patriots - 3.57 (Eastern) Andrew Kulyk - The Eastern League pulled a bold move by siting a franchise in this city. Steeped in baseball history, a track record of success hosting independent baseball, and a strong marketing connection with the New York Yankees. It all comes together with a comfortable, if not extraordinary, baseball experience here in Somerset. 20. Kessler Federal Park - Biloxi Shuckers - 3.17 (Southern) Matt Colville - The Shuckers play at Keesler Federal Park, which opened midway through the 2015 season. This 6,000-seat ballpark is situated less than 100 yards from the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Biloxi is also known as a casino destination, and the ballpark sits right in the middle of all the casino action. 19. CarMax Park - Richmond Flying Squirrels - 3.71 (Eastern) Lloyd Brown - CarMax Park is the Richmond area's first new nest for baseball in 40 years, and the Flying Squirrel fans are going nuts over it. 18. FNB Field - Harrisburg Senators - 3.71 (Eastern) Marc Viquez - FNB Field is a fun ballpark to visit with its own distinct vibe and design. It is not like your other minor league ballparks, and attending a game can be an adventure that won’t hurt your wallet. 17. Dabos Stadium - Montgomery Biscuits - 3.86 (Southern) Lance Sutehall - Dabos Stadium is a beautiful ballpark to come visit when stopping by Montgomery. It serves the Biscuits baseball team very well and is a fun place to spend a Summer evening or Saturday. Make sure you get a biscuit while you are watching the Biscuits! 16. Regions Field - Birmingham Barons 3.86 (Southern) Lance Sutehall - Regions Field has become part of the core of downtown Birmingham. With housing and restaurants now surrounding the ballpark, the once downtrodden downtown area has seen a resurgence. A Barons game day is an excellent experience for a single person, date night, or a family outing. 15. Covenant Health Park - Knoxville Smokies - 3.86 (Southern) David Welch - Despite there being some challenges that impact the overall experience, the Smokies have done what they can to mitigate the impact they make on the experience. Baseball at Covenant Health Park is one that will surely only improve as more of the surrounding area takes shape. 14. 7 17 Credit Union Park - Akron RubberDucks - 3.86 (Eastern) Dave Cottenie - When visiting the Rubber Capital of the World, taking in some baseball is not a bad idea. The Akron RubberDucks at 7 17 Credit Union Park will fill the void and have fans QuAkron with delight! 13. Dunkin’ Park - Hartford Yard Goats - 4.00 (Eastern) Vinny Martin - 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. 12. Peoples Natural Gas Field - Altoona Curve - 4.00 (Eastern) Paul Baker - There are many fantastic ballparks scattered throughout the AA level of minor league baseball. Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona has to be considered among the best. It’s a fun place to catch a game, filled with energy, enthusiastic fans, and plenty of entertainment to distract you. Plus, it’s hard to beat the view! 11. Erlanger Park - Chattanooga Lookouts - 4.00 (Southern) Lloyd Brown - In addition to being a wonderful place to catch a ballgame, Erlanger Park is an outstanding example of adaptive reuse of a former industrial site into a community asset. 10. Dickey-Stephens Park - Arkansas Travelers - 4.00 (Texas) Dave Cottenie - A trip to Dickey-Stephens Park to see the Arkansas Travelers is a great way to spend a summer evening or weekend afternoon. The Travs offer great value in a unique setting at a family-friendly price. A must for all baseball fans. 9. Hadlock Field - Portland Sea Dogs - 4.14 (Eastern) Paul Baker - 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! 8. Blue Wahoos Stadium - Pensacola Blue Wahoos - 4.14 (Southern) Matt Colville - Nestled within 27.5-acre Community Maritime Park, the stadium features open green spaces, a public marina, and walking paths; since opening, it has also become a cornerstone of downtown redevelopment. With its intimate setting, modern amenities, and breathtaking backdrop, Blue Wahoos Stadium has secured its place as one of minor league baseball’s premier destinations. 7. Equity Bank Park - Wichita Wind Surge - 4.14 (Texas) Terry McCutchen - Equity Bank Park is well worth the time and effort it takes to get to Wichita, Kansas. Whether you are a ballpark collector or a casual baseball fan, Wind Surge games and their stadium are well equipped to create a pleasant experience. 6. Hodgetown - Amarillo Sod Poodles - 4.29 (Texas) Terry McCutchen - While Amarillo may not lead most people’s vacation lists, Hodgetown should definitely be on the short list of minor league parks baseball fans want to attend; it offers amenities and perks that many other baseball stadiums are unable to duplicate. 5. Toyota Field - Rocket City Trash Pandas - 4.29 (Southern) Gregory Koch - A Rocket City Trash Pandas game is a fun experience from start to finish. Not only do you get to see a professional baseball game at a great price, but the fun that happens between innings will keep the whole family entertained, even fans who don't care about baseball. One of many zany team nicknames that joined the minors around that time, the Trash Pandas are living up to the hype that built up when they moved to Madison. If you are in the Huntsville area, be sure to make the trip to Toyota Field to see a Trash Pandas game. It is one of the top stadiums in minor league baseball. 4. Route 66 Stadium - Springfield Cardinals - 4.29 (Texas) Meg Minard - Route 66 Stadium radiates baseball. It’s about the game; a baseball purist's dream. At close to twenty years old, Route 66 Stadium and the Springfield Cardinals continue to be a perfect place for baseball enthusiasts and other fans to spend their evenings. Rebrand incoming!! 3. FirstEnergy Stadium - Reading Fightin’ Phils - 4.29 (Eastern) Dave Cottenie - Baseball fans who feel that they have experienced it all and have not been to see the Reading Fightin Phils are fooling themselves. The atmosphere at FirstEnergy Stadium is truly unique and a trip to see the Fightins will not disappoint. One part museum, one part ballpark, and one part carnival. Does it get better than this? 2. ONEOK Field - Tulsa Drillers - 4.57 (Texas) Terry McCutchen - The Tulsa Drillers offer a wonderful game-day experience in a beautiful urban setting. Based on the promotion and giveaway schedule, most games offer either a discounted experience or a souvenir upon entry. The in-game entertainment keeps fans of all ages engaged and helps bridge the gap between innings. 1. Riders Field - Frisco RoughRiders - 4.57 (Texas) Terry McCutchen - Frisco RoughRider games are a wonderful experience; the setting is beautiful, and the game presentation is top-notch. Concessions here are above average, and the options are plentiful, even though the prices are slightly higher than other teams at the same level of play. Riders Field is a must-visit location for any baseball fan and can easily be included in a multi-stadium vacation due to its proximity to many other minor league and independent league ballparks.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02908 Providence College men's soccer website Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Defend the Chap Anderson Stadium is home to the Providence College soccer and lacrosse teams. Located next to Schneider Arena, the Stadium is part of the overall upgrade and consolidation of the school’s athletic facilities. Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium is named in honor of Mike and Maura Chapey, class of 1986, who donated one million dollars, and Board of Trustees member Karl and Kerri Anderson, class of 1988, who donated $1.5 million towards the construction of the facility. Providence College started fielding soccer teams in 1968. The Friars have qualified for 11 NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2024. They reached the national semifinals in 2014. The women’s soccer team has qualified for three NCAA tournaments (1993, 2021 & 2023). Food & Beverage 2 Local favorite Saugy Franks operates a shack on the Anderson Stadium concourse. There’s a very basic menu available here, with hot dogs, pretzels, chips and drinks comprising all the available options. On the plus side, no items costs more than five dollars. No alcohol is permitted at Providence College soccer games. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks into Anderson Stadium. On cold fall Rhode Island days, you can expect to see a bunch of hot Dunkin’ beverages in the stands. Atmosphere 3 If you’re coming to a Friar soccer game expecting a rowdy time like you’d see at a European game or maybe even a North American professional game, you’re going to be disappointed. A college soccer game is usually a much more laid-back experience. There are no supporter sections here, and no student sections to be found, either. There’s not a lot of room for a college game day operations crew to insert themselves into a soccer game, especially when you compare it to other sports played on campus. That’s not to say that a college soccer game is a boring experience, it’s just different than other college sports. There’s a large video scoreboard in the northeast corner of the pitch at Anderson Stadium. It’s put to good use with graphics and videos throughout the game, although if you happen to be attending an afternoon game, it may be a bit difficult to see. The sound system is excellent, and music is played before the game and at halftime. The PA announcer keeps fans informed of substitutions and other game information in a workmanlike manner. Many fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the field and are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support. If you want to feel the real energy at Anderson Stadium, head to the berm on the south side of the pitch. That’s where many of the younger fans in attendance hang out, running around and making noise throughout the game. They may not always be paying attention to the game, but hey, they’re having a blast! You may even see some of these youngsters on the field at halftime playing soccer or taking shots on Providence’s legendary mascot, Friar Dom. Game Action at Anderson Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Anderson Stadium is part of a sprawling complex on the northern edge of the Providence College campus which houses most of the college’s athletic, fitness and social facilities. Located nearby are many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Schneider Arena, Lennon Family Field, Ray Tracey Track and Alumni Hall. The Elmhurst neighborhood where Providence College is located is a residential, working-class neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of the Friars’ basketball team, is located here. The loss of the Bradley Café, a popular student hangout, in March of 2026 was a huge blow to the PC community, but the owners have vowed to rebuild. For fans looking for a place to eat near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers and LaSalle Bakery, where some of Providence’s finest baked goods can be found. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options. Fans 3 The Friars draw decent crowds to Anderson Stadium. Crowds can vary in size depending on opponent, time of year and day of week, but you’re guaranteed to get a dedicated group of fans no matter what the size. With a good portion of the Friars’ schedule consisting of local opponents, you’ll often see a decent turnout by fans of the opposing team. As mentioned before, many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the pitch and are enthusiastic with their support. There’s a significant presence from local youth teams at Anderson Stadium, and the youngsters bring their own energy to the game. While there’s decent support from the student body, there’s no organized student section at Anderson Stadium. National Anthem at Anderson Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To reach Anderson Stadium, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to reach. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop right next to Schneider Arena, adjacent to Anderson Stadium. With the majority of fans driving to Friar soccer games, parking is at a premium. Luckily, there is plenty of parking in the area. There is a two-level parking garage attached to the west grandstand of Anderson Stadium, as well as lots within walking distance of the facility. Many fans will opt for the on-street parking available on Huxley and Admiral Streets. Seating at Anderson Stadium consists of metal bleachers in the grandstands on either side of the pitch, with some individual stadium seats around midfield of the main (west) grandstand. There is a berm on the south side of the field. The younger fans in attendance keep this area buzzing with activity throughout the game. Fans are able to walk completely around the stadium, with views of the pitch and standing room available at all points. Restrooms are located in Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Friar soccer games is free, as is parking in the garage adjacent to Anderson Stadium. No items on Saugy’s regular menu cost more than five dollars. Fans are able to bring their own snacks into the game with them. As the season progresses through the fall months and the weather turns colder, it’s common to see lots of Dunkin’ coffee in the stands. Anderson Stadium Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 Providence College’s conference championship seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances for both the men’s and women’s teams are honored on the wall of the east grandstand. Fans wishing to see the Friars’ NCAA hockey championship trophy will find it in the lobby of Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium. Final Thoughts Providence College is a small school with a big history in intercollegiate sports. They have been working hard to improve their on-campus facilities, and Anderson Stadium is a worthy result of these efforts. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035 New England Patriots website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 64,628 The Patriots’ Place The New England Patriots are the most successful team of the Super Bowl era. They have won six Lombardi Trophies and played in twelve Super Bowls overall. The rest of the National Football League had hoped for a reprieve from the Patriots Dynasty after the end of the Brady/Belichick years, but the 2026 season saw a surprise return to the top of the standings and another Super Bowl trip for the team. Younger fans may be surprised to learn that for much of their history, the Patriots were far from a model franchise. The early Patriots did not even have a permanent home, and had to roam around Boston for years playing games. Nickerson Field, Harvard Stadium, Fenway Park, and Alumni Stadium all served as home fields during the team’s formative years. When the team built itself a permanent home, it was the substandard Schaefer/Sullivan/Foxboro Stadium. Relocation rumors hounded the team for years until Robert Kraft, a longtime fan and season ticket holder, bought the team and stadium in the 90s. In 2002, Gillette Stadium, a $325 million privately funded stadium, opened right next door to its predecessor. The Patriots immediately began to make the area not only a football venue, but an entertainment, dining, and shopping destination. In 2006, construction began on Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center adjacent to the stadium. Patriot Place has proven to be so successful that imitators have become almost a standard feature in new stadium designs. Super Bowl Championship Banners at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 With an active tailgating scene and dozens of dining choices located just steps from Gillette Stadium’s front door, you may not expect much from the facility’s concessions. While Gillette Stadium may come up short on signature food items and high-end options, expanding variety and upgrading quality have been a focus in recent years. Stands are located around the outer edge of the Gillette Stadium concourse, organized by the types of foods they offer. You may have to do a little searching to find what you want. All the stadium basics are covered, with stands that sell pizza, burgers, sausages, chicken, and BBQ. Portable carts selling drinks and snack foods line the inner edge of the concourses. Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. As you may expect, the beer game is strong here, with national brands sold alongside local craft favorites. The Taproom or Draft Kings Lounge feature the most extensive selections. Of course, the Patriots feature their own branded beer, Forever New England Gameday IPA, brewed in collaboration with Cisco Brewing. A complete guide to Gillette Stadium’s concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 5 The tailgating scene in Foxboro isn’t mentioned among the league’s elite, but Patriots fans can hang with any NFL fanbase when it comes to pregame parties. Gillette’s rural location means there’s lots of room around for, well, lots. While it’s much more family-friendly at Gillette than it ever used to be, remember, this is still an NFL venue. This may not be the best place for kids. If tailgating isn’t your thing, you can always check out Patriot Place before or after kickoff. The experience at Gillette is dominated by the new 22,000 square-foot scoreboard and lighthouse on the northern end of the stadium. The scoreboard contains 20 million pixels and measures over half an acre. Patriot Plaza features live music, games, and numerous photo ops before games. The 12-foot-tall Tom Brady statue has become a focal point of this area. The elaborate pregame show has the team taking the field to Carmina Burana, Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train,” and AC-DC’s “For Those About to Rock.” Highlights of the Patriots game day experience include the End Zone Militia firing their muskets after every New England score. Several social gathering areas, including the Optum Field Lounge, the Bud Light Party Deck, and Encore Boston Harbor Terrace, provide alternative viewpoints for fans to watch the action. As is the case in many NFL venues, attending a Patriots game has become a multimedia experience. The team combines their giant video board, excellent sound system and social media channels to keep even the most casual fan engaged and entertained throughout the contest. The team has created ways for all fans, from the most diehard to the most casual, to enjoy their time at Gillette. Fire Pit at Patriot Place. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Gillette Stadium sits on what was once a lonely stretch of Route One, which contained only a harness racing track and a trailer park. Today, the site of the old Schaefer Stadium is the home of Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center that has grown to include a four-star hotel, entertainment complex, and outpatient health center. Fans visiting Foxboro can choose between numerous eateries ranging from casual dining to fine fare, from brew pubs to fancy steakhouses. Fans can bowl at Splitsville Alley, throw axes at Crazy Axes, or play pickleball at Eleveno Pickleball. Movies play at Cinema de Lux, and live music is performed at Six Strings. Visitors can tour a cranberry bog in the fall and go for a skate in the winter. Fans looking to stay at Patriot Place will find a Hilton Garden Inn and Renaissance Hotel steps from the stadium. Visit the Patriot Place website for more information. Fans 5 The Patriots continue to sell out every game at Gillette Stadium, a streak that dates back to the opening of the facility. Some may characterize the Patriots faithful as spoiled, as younger fans have seen just four losing seasons this century. But the anticipated lengthy rebuild after the Brady/Belichick years never really materialized, and the fanbase has seamlessly pivoted to the Maye/Vrabel leadership group. Fans at Gillette are loyal, loud and proud, showing up consistently in weather that would keep many fanbases home watching the game on television. The days of the Patriots being the “fifth team in a four-team city” are long gone. The Patriots can legitimately lay claim to being the top dog in Boston, and after spending a Sunday afternoon in Foxboro, it would be hard to argue that statement. The End Zone Militia Pose with a Fan at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Gillette Stadium is located in the small town of Foxborough, MA (alternatively spelled Foxboro), a town of almost 19,000 residents situated about halfway between Boston and Providence, RI. This location, picked for Schaefer Stadium due to its apparent convenience at the intersection of Interstates 95 and 495, has always had problems with accessibility. Gillette Stadium is located on Route One, a busy four-lane road. It is the only way into and out of the stadium complex. As you might imagine, traffic backs up for miles in both directions on game days. The Patriots constantly tweak their systems to try to get visitors moving as quickly as possible, and while things move better than they ever have in the past, give yourself extra time to arrive and leave Foxboro. The Foxboro MBTA station has a stop behind Gillette Stadium, providing service to Boston and Providence. There are numerous parking lots surrounding the stadium and all along Route One. Staggered pricing and exit times have been implemented to try to alleviate wait times in the area. Fans will access Gillette Stadium via one of three entry gates. Renovations to the north end of the stadium have improved flow greatly and provided an entry plaza for fans to congregate pregame. Three sets of ramps lead to the upper levels of the stadium. Concourses, while busy, are large enough to move about without issue. There is ample standing room available on all levels of the facility. Handicapped seating is plentiful. The concourse is filled with concession stands, both permanent and portable. Lines can be long, particularly at halftime. Restrooms are plentiful and clean considering their busy usage. Just time your visits wisely. Be aware that Gillette Stadium is a cashless facility with a fairly aggressive clear bag policy. What can and cannot be brought into the stadium is advertised in all parking lots. Pay attention and save yourself a long walk back to your car. Any veteran Patriots fan will tell you that the key to avoiding the legendary Gillette traffic is to arrive early and stay a bit after the game. Luckily, with Patriot Place next to the stadium and the excellent tailgating scene, this is not the worst plan. The Patriots will even pay you to stick around and let the traffic ease. Read on… Return on Investment 3 For the 2025 season, the Patriots ranked 15th in the NFL in terms of cost according to the Team Marketing Report Fan Cost Index. With the building of many new stadiums in recent years, the cost of Patriots tickets, while continuing to rise, have dropped relative to other teams. While concession prices remain high, recent parking initiatives undertaken by the team have helped to improve value a bit. The Kraft Corporation owns the parking lots that surround the stadium, and changes in parking structure have been implemented to reduce wait times. Now stay with me, this might get complicated. The lots on the stadium (east) side of Route One must be purchased in advance. Prepaid spots are guaranteed and cost $25. Parking on the west side of Route One is now free (unbelievable, right?). The catch? Egress from these lots after the game is slower than the lots on the stadium side of the road. There are also “delayed release” lots, from which you cannot leave for 75 minutes after the game. The Patriots will pay you to park, in the form of a $50 Visa gift card, if you agree to park here and stay a while after the game. Truth be told, if you try to leave Gillette right after the game you’ll probably sit in traffic this long, so this isn’t a bad deal. There are still private lots along Route One, which cost between $40-$60 to park in. Complete parking information can be found here. The Final Play at Foxboro Stadium Marker at Patriot Place. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 5 The newest feature in Patriot Plaza, a 12-foot-tall bronze statue of Tom Brady, welcomes fans to Gillette Stadium. The sculpture sits atop a hexagonal-shaped base, signifying the six championships Brady won while in New England. The renovations to the north end of the stadium deserve an extra point. The new lighthouse (which now actually looks like a lighthouse) is accessible during off hours for tours, featuring views of both the Boston and Providence skylines. In the fall, the views of the area’s foliage are spectacular. And let us not forget about the largest outdoor scoreboard in the country. Also located in Patriot Plaza, the Patriots Hall of Fame houses memorabilia from throughout Patriots’ history. Among the notable pieces here are the team’s six Super Bowl trophies and the snowplow from the infamous “plow game” in 1982. The End Zone Militia has a vantage point many Patriot fans dream of. From their post just beyond the north end zone, they fire off a 21-musket salute after every New England score. The display of the Patriots’ six Super Bowl banners in the south end zone is the perfect complement to the renovations in the north end zone. Final Thoughts With the new wave of billion-dollar megastadiums built in recent years, Gillette Stadium may now feel a bit like a throwback, but the continued upgrades to the facility continue to provide the Patriots with an enviable home-field advantage as they try to launch another dynasty. ------ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Schneider Arena 331 Huxley Ave Providence, RI 02908 Providence College Friars men’s hockey website Schneider Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 3,030 Welcome to Friartown Schneider Arena was built in 1973 at a cost of $1.8 million to bring the Providence College hockey team back on campus. Today, it serves as home to Providence College’s men’s and women’s hockey teams. In addition, many local youth teams call Schneider Arena home, as do the Rhode Island Interscholastic State Championships. The building underwent a massive makeover in 2013, which completely changed the building, making it one of the premier on-campus facilities in the nation. The arena was named after the Reverend Herman D. Schneider, O.P., the founder of Providence College hockey and a longtime teacher at the school. It was built to bring the popular Friars hockey team back on campus, as they played their home games at various rinks around Providence, including the old Rhode Island Auditorium. Ironically, before 1973, the school’s basketball team played on campus at Alumni Hall, and the hockey team played off campus. In 1973 the basketball team moved off campus to play at the Providence Civic Center and the hockey team moved back on campus into Schneider Arena. The Friars compete in the Hockey East conference along with many of the top teams in New England. They have qualified for 17 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four on five occasions. Providence College won the national championship in 2015. 52 Friar alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Schneider Arena Exterior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 There are a pair of concession stands in Schneider Arena’s lobby. They feature your basic arena food, including hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and nachos. There’s a good selection of snacks, including pretzels, assorted candies, popcorn, giant cookies, and even hummus. To sample Schneider Arena’s marquee menu items, fans must leave the arena and head outside, where local food trucks set up shop in the plaza. On the night of Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, local favorites Saugy Hot Dogs and Hot Potato were present. Under the Calabria Pavilion of Champions, fans can purchase alcoholic beverages and sometimes even items such as Chick-fil-A sandwiches. You’ll have plenty of time to duck outside during intermission, grab a bite to eat and be back at your seat for faceoff! Coca Cola products are sold at Schneider Arena. Concession stands feature a variety of beer and wine, plus a lineup of Friar-branded brews, including Forever Friar Light Lager and Hux Hard Seltzer, brewed at the Guild. Atmosphere 4 With Schneider Arena’s tiny size and low roof, you would think it would be a loud place with an intimidating atmosphere for visitors. While Providence College has had a lot of success over the years at home, Schneider Arena is not as intimidating a venue as perhaps it should be. We at Stadium Journey often say that the atmosphere at a college game is driven entirely by the student section and pep band. While the pep band does their thing throughout the game and there’s usually a good turnout by the student body, they don’t make a whole lot of noise and are quite reserved when compared to other student sections in the area. Even worse, many of the students leave well before the end of the game, no matter the score. Schneider Arena is a very attractive facility, with a crisp four-sided video board hanging at center ice. This board is put to good use with replays, videos, graphics and crowd shots. Younger fans in attendance will certainly enjoy the trivia contests, youth team skates, and other diversions presented during play stoppages. The Friars put on a slick, professional show, with plenty of music, camera work, hype videos and energy provided by the in-arena emcee and PA announcer. National Anthem at Schneider Arena. Photo by Paul Baker. Neighborhood 3 Schneider Arena is located on the northern edge of the Providence College campus near many of the college’s athletic facilities. Also nearby are Glay Field, Anderson Stadium and Alumni Hall. The Elmhurst neighborhood where Providence College is located is a residential, working-class neighborhood without any dining or lodging options in the immediate vicinity, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent eateries. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to many of the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of the Friars’ basketball team, is located here. The loss of the Bradley Café, a popular student hangout, in March of 2026 was a huge blow to the PC community, but the owners have vowed to rebuild. For fans looking for a place to eat near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers, and LaSalle Bakery, where some of Providence’s finest baked goods can be found. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options. Fans 3 Attendance to Friars’ hockey games remains consistent year in and year out, averaging about 2,700 fans per game. This lands Providence squarely in the middle of the nationwide Division One attendance rankings. Unlike many schools New England, hockey is not the top athletic attraction at the school, as Friar basketball rules the scene at Providence College. Still, hockey fans in Rhode Island are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the country, and those at Schneider Arena are no exception. You’ll find fans who have been coming to the rink for decades alongside locals. Unfortunately, the student section isn’t as large or as loud as you’d expect. It’s quite a letdown after watching the students stream in before opening faceoff through their dedicated entrance in the back of the building. With many of the Friars conference foes in Hockey East located close to Providence, you can expect to see a good turnout from visiting fans at Friars games. Schneider Arena Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Access 4 Given Schneider Arena’s location close to both Interstate 95 and Route 146, most fans will drive to Friar hockey games. Parking is plentiful around the arena, in the lot or garage adjacent to the facility or on local streets. RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop directly next to Schneider Arena, which stops hourly at the facility. Check the RIPTA website for complete schedules and maps. Fans enter Schneider Arena into a bright, attractive lobby, which contains the concession stands, rest rooms, a souvenir stand and displays honoring Providence College’s long hockey history, including the championship trophy won by the Friars in 2015. Fans will enter the arena through one of three vomitories which lead from the lobby to a walkway which completely encircles the arena. All the seats at Schneider Arena are individual silver stadium seats. The seating bowl is raised about three feet above ice level, putting fans right on top of the action and ensuring excellent sight lines from all seats. Unfortunately, the presence of numerous safety railings and the walkway make some seats less desirable than others. You may want to avoid the first few rows in the upper level due to foot traffic on the walkway. Schneider Arena is a small barn, but it’s easy to get around here. Lines can form at concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, but they move quickly. Return on Investment 3 Providence College utilizes variable pricing for their games. Tickets for most conference games cost $40 per ticket, with some games priced at $30 per ticket. Free parking is available in a small parking garage adjacent to Schneider Arena as well as on-street all around the facility. Concessions are priced similarly to other area facilities. Extras 5 Extra points are awarded for the displays all around Schneider Arena honoring Providence College hockey’s history. There are murals adorning the lobby walls highlighting Providence Frozen Four teams, Olympians, and alumni who have played in the NHL and PWHL. Plaques commemorating Friar All-Americans, both male and female, line the outer façade of the luxury boxes. The 2015 NCAA Championship trophy is proudly displayed here as well. Inside the arena, banners honoring conference championships, NCAA tournament and Frozen Four appearances by both the men’s and women’s teams are hung directly on the walls of Schneider Arena. An exception is made for the enormous 2015 Championship banner. Retired numbers for Friar legends Lou Lamoriello, Ron Wilson and Cammi Granato are displayed both in the lobby and on the walls of the arena. Providence’s mascot, Friar Dom, earns an extra point for being one of the more unique mascots in the country. He can be found interacting with fans and skating on the ice throughout the game. Final Thoughts Providence College is one of the rare New England colleges where hockey is not king of the school’s sports scene. This fact does not diminish Schneider Arena’s charm. This cozy rink is one of the more aesthetically pleasing college arenas in the entire nation. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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

Photos by Andrew Kulyk and Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 PK Park 2760 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Eugene, OR 97401 Eugene Emeralds website PK Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,000 When a Duck is Your Landlord Not actually a standalone Minor League Baseball ballpark, PK Park is located on the campus of Oregon University. This is the baseball home for Oregon Ducks college baseball, and is directly adjacent to their massive football venue, Autzen Stadium. Opened in 2009, the Eugene Emeralds quickly moved from the old Civic Stadium, where they had played for 41 seasons. But make no mistake, this ballpark is first and foremost a home for college baseball. The green and gold colors, the branding on the facade, entryway, and even on the field is that of the Ducks. Even the name, “PK Park”, is not some sort of corporate sponsor, but rather the initials of former Ducks athletic director Pat Kilkenny, who spurred a fundraising drive to have this stadium built. This and several other reasons have the Emeralds facing some tough decisions on where to call home moving forward. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions here aren’t bad. The fixed stands and several vending carts line the single concourse, which all have a view of the playing surface. There’s the Mercian stand, offering beef or chicken tacos for $4.75, along with various quesadillas for $10-$15. Brisket Mac and cheese, beef sliders, Philly cheesesteak or a foot-long hot dog go for $17. Assorted burgers and even a veggie burger run from $13-$19. Bottled Pepsi products for $6.25, Gatorade for $6.75 and water for $5. Various brands of canned beer run from $11 to $17. One interesting menu item is a Chicago deep dish pizza, costing $15 for a quarter pie. Atmosphere 4 Despite the omnipresent Ducks branding, the Emeralds make a good attempt to tie in their own branding to a game night experience here. Sluggo the mascot is a hilarious entertainment distraction. The building itself pays tribute to the green technology and respect for the environment in design and appearance. The team enjoys robust fan support and acceptance, irrespective of the major tenant which occupies this ballpark. Inflatable Sluggo at PK Park. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 2 There is not much of a neighborhood at all, unless you have a thing for vast oceans of parking. Downtown Eugene is a few miles away, and the immediate area around the ballpark is tailor-made for college football and the accompanying tailgate scene. The region offers endless opportunities for hiking, bike paths, communing with nature. As for this ballpark, it’s pay to park and attend a game and nothing much more to come with the experience. Fans 4 Not a fair comparison but on the night this evaluation and visit was made, it was game 3 of the Northwest League championship playoffs and not an empty seat to be had. The fans were loud, intimidating, and into every aspect of the game. Overall, the team is in the middle of the pack in league attendance, averaging 1,900 fans a game in this ballpark that seats just over 4,000. PK Park Grandstand. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Arriving by car is pretty much the only way to attend a Eugene Emeralds game. Surface parking is in abundance, but prepare to pay $6 to park, and there are several office parks in the immediate neighborhood where one can park for free and walk a few steps. Just be forewarned that some of these lots have strict no parking warnings for games and towing enforcement. Short version of advice… just pay for the parking and be done with it. Return on Investment 4 Along with the $6 parking, be prepared to pay $15 to $25 for a reserved grandstand ticket. The team does run specific ticket discount ticket promotions throughout the season, so it's always good to check their website. Concession prices are surprisingly reasonable for this day and age. Beer Bat at PK Park. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Extras 2 The Sasquatch branding and logo is the team’s attempt to make this ballpark experience their own. It is an uphill battle given the venue’s focus on the Oregon Ducks. Their high energy mascot is named Sluggo, and plays heavily on the region’s Sasquatch folklore. Final Thoughts Despite on-field success and good attendance, the Eugene Emeralds days may be numbered in this stadium. First, the facility falls short of Minor League Baseball standards for team and practice facilities. A bond measure to build a new stadium closer to downtown was defeated by the voters, and the new plan is to relocate the franchise to nearby Medford, where feasibility studies are underway for a new $90 million multi use stadium in their downtown core. For now, the Emeralds are committed to play in PK Park though the 2027 season. Beyond that? Stay tuned.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Providence Park 1844 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97220 Portland Timbers website Providence Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 25,218 Taking the Timbers to the Top Stadium travelers who are exploring and checking out the venues in Major League Soccer might easily dismiss the Portland Timbers and their stadium experience. “Old and shabby former ballpark: “Too old and run down”. “No glitz like some of the newer places”. Big mistake. Providence Park has been the home for the Portland Timbers since 1975, but the grounds have been used for soccer going way back to 1893, and the current stadium opened in 1926, making it the oldest continuous use soccer venue in North America. The conversion from a baseball combination configuration happened in 2011, with another expansion taking place in 2019, bringing seating capacity to just over 25,000, perfect for MLS. Inside and outside, the game day event is without parallel, offering modern amenities in an old school setting. Food & Beverage 4 With the most recent renovations came a more varied concessions lineup, and Providence Park has no shortage of different food and beverage options to match up to most interests. Prices are a bit on the high side. Zenner’s sausage, a local staple, offers the standard all beef hot dog ($8), vegan dog ($9), bier brat ($11.50), a 1/2 lb Zenners dog ($14) and the 1/2 lb Zenners Decade Dog, stuffed with mozzarella, marinara and pepperoni (19.26). Popcorn runs $11, a pretzel $8. Bottled soda $8.50. Dasani water $6. Coffee or hot chocolate $5.25. BBQ pork sandwich $16.50. Loaded Mac and cheese $16, with the basic Mac and cheese $12.50. There is a Hawaiian themed stand offering nachos ($17) or a Hawaiian bowl ($14-$22). The Viva La Fiesta stand offers Mexican food from nachos to bowls to burritos ($16-$22). Canned or draft local and craft beers run from $13 to $14.50. Atmosphere 5 The energy here is pretty much off the charts, starting with the architecture, old school concourses, and history and memorabilia everywhere, done in woods and decor to announce that this is the Pacific Northwest. The team draws well, and the end zone supporters section is rocking throughout the entire contest, spewing out fireworks and green smoke when the home team scores. It all starts when just walking up to the stadium, the main marquee still using old school letters on a chargeable marquee, and ivy crawling up the discolored brick walls. Head over to the newer grandstand on the opposite side, and the stadium facade is bathed in neon. Portland Timbers Supporter Section in Action. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 5 How many superlatives can be made for this true “neighborhood ballpark”: tightly nestled in the city’s Goose Hollow neighborhood. There are restaurants, there is shopping, there are tightly wound residential neighborhoods offering just the right mix of energy and urbanism that separates stadiums like this one from peer venues located in the countryside and surrounded by little more than oceans of asphalt to store cars. There is a lot going on outside, buskers, street vendors, fans mingling and socializing and just soaking it all in before and after the game. On the way out the door, there are multitudes of sausage vendors selling their delicious street food, and the streets are full of the aromas of brats and hot dogs grilling, Fans 5 The Portland Timbers have some of the most passionate and dedicated fan support in Major League Soccer. Several key elements define their soccer culture. The team consistently draws over 22,000 fans per game, and many sellouts. Demand for tickets is consistent. The Timbers Army fan supporters section in the north end of the park is regarded as one of the noisiest in the league. And the stadium itself, so intimate, a vertical bowl design and surrounded on three sides with canopies makes for a noisy game day atmosphere. Providence Park Grandstand. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Being in such a dense commercial and residential neighborhood, parking is a chore and a challenge. There are just a few private lots, and the Civic Retail Garage at SW Morrison and 18th, but they fill up quickly and are expensive. There are additional parking garages about a 10 to 15 minute walk, and streets around the stadium are a big bottleneck after matches. So here is a better plan; take the TriMet MAX light rail to and from the game, parking for free along the lines and hopping the rail to and from the game. The fare is only $2.50 and there are two lines, Red and Blue, converging at the Sunset transit Center on the west side of the stadium, just steps from the entrance. Busses and trolleys also offer game day service right to the venue. Return on Investment 3 Game tickets start at $25 to $40 depending on the game night and opponent, with standard reserved seating along the sidelines going between $50 to $90. For those seeking a premium experience, there is the all inclusive spaces like the Toyota Terrace, or other VIP packages which bring the range anywhere from $100 to $275 per ticket. Add in the above average concession costs, and the experience could become pricey. Timber Joey Celebrates a Timber Goal. Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey. Extras 3 The most iconic ritual and spectacle is that of “Timber Joey” on the sidelines cutting a slab of log every time a Timbers player scores a goal, or awarded to the goaltender in the event of a shutout. This is a ritual going back even before 2008, when the original legend, “Timber Jim Serrill” retired. Final Thoughts The urban experience, the iconic old school stadium, classic and charming yet modern, the entire “Wrigleyville” feel if one compares this place to that Northside neighborhood in Chicago. All of this is what makes a game day at Provence Park stand out as much more than just ordinary. At 100 years old, Providence Park isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Plan your game and make it happen.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Eakes Athletics Complex 73 Eakes Drive Buies Creek, NC 27506 Campbell Camels website Eakes Athletics Complex website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 586 It's Hump Day! Campbell University is located in Buies Creek, NC, and competes in the Coastal Athletic Association. According to legend, Campbell's athletic teams are known as the Camels because, after the campus completely burned to the ground in 1900, architect Zachary Taylor Kivett encouraged his friend, school founder J.A. Campbell, to rebuild the campus by saying "Time's wastin'. I thought Campbells had hump on them." Whether the story is true or not, Campbell adopted the unusual nickname in the 1930s and it has stuck ever since. Campbell's men's and women's soccer teams play their home games at the Eakes Athletics Complex, a 586 seat stadium that was built in 1986 and renovated several times since then. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand located out of a shack in between Eakes Athletics Complex and the softball stadium. The menu here is very basic - popcorn, candy, nachos, soda, and water are all you will find. The stand opens shortly before kickoff and closes shortly after halftime, so if you are going to buy food or drink here, be sure to do so when you still have a chance. Still, we recommend eating before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 Campbell is a very religious Baptist school, so it may not surprise you to learn that there is a pregame prayer given by the PA announcer over the PA system. Other than that, however, this is the standard soccer game experience you will get at many other small Division I colleges in the area. The seating is along one sideline and consists of a mix of chairbacks and bleachers. It is all general admission, but you should have no problem grabbing a chairback for most games if you get there early. There are only a few rows, so everything is very close to the action on the field. The sun will be in your eyes at the start of evening games, so be sure to bring a hat. Neighborhood 2 Campbell University is located in the tiny town of Buies Creek, NC, between the somewhat larger towns of Lillington and Dunn on US 421. Its population is just over 2,000. Other than a couple of fast food places on campushere is not much else to choose from. Even Lillington and Dunn have mostly fast food places - we say they're larger, but they're still pretty small. This campus is in a very rural area and there is not much around. At least you will pass by some scenic farmland on the way in. Fans 4 Although the Eakes Athletics Complex only seats 586 fans, the Camels draw pretty well relative to capacity. The stands will be mostly filled with some fans standing at the top. If they are playing a nearby school, expect to see some visiting fans as well, especially if it is a larger school like one of the ACC powers in the Research Triangle (Duke, UNC, NC State.) Many of the fans are friends and family of the players, but there are also some people who live locally and are fans of the school. There is not much else to do in Buies Creek, so those who live here will head down to Campbell to check out an athletic event some nights. This is a case of a stadium being just the right size for the crowds the team draws. Campbell could have built a bigger stadium with many empty seats, but they chose not to, and it has worked out for them. Access 4 Campbell University is easily accessible from US 421, although it is far from any major city. If coming from the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill), it is about an hour drive. The drive in is gorgeous as you pass by scenic farmland and drive up and down the hills. Once on campus, there is a lot right next to the stadium with plenty of space to park. You will enter down by the bottom of the lot and then walk up a small hill to the top of the bleachers, then back down to your seats. Restrooms are by the entrance and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Campbell University soccer games is free, with the possible exception of conference and NCAA Tournament events. Concessions are affordable albeit limited. Overall a Camels soccer game is an excellent value. Extras 2 One star for the giveaway table with posters and other promotional items. A second star for the banners honoring the Camels' NCAA Tournament apperances. Final Thoughts Buies Creek, North Carolina may be off the beaten path, but if you're a soccer fan who finds yourself in town, you will want to head to the Eakes Athletics Complex to check out a Campbell Camels soccer game. The team with the quirky nickname has found a fine home here with a fan base to support it, and for good reason. This may not be the fanciest or largest college soccer venue in North Carolina, but it is a hidden gem for those who are in the know.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Memorial Stadium 3300 Wabash Ave Terre Haute, IN 47803 Indiana State Sycamores website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 12,764 Indiana State Football - Go Trees! Memorial Stadium was built in 1924 and was the home to everything in town, from baseball games, high school football, 4th of July celebrations, soccer matches, and circuses. The original horseshoe-shaped grandstand seated 16,000, and for the size of Terre Haute, was quite large and impressive. It featured an aesthetically pleasing arch at the entrance that was dedicated to the memories of all who served the country during the First World War. That all changed when the Indiana State football team took the field for its home opener in 1967; the natural grass field was replaced with AstroTurf, becoming the first outdoor venue to feature synthetic grass, and three years later the original grandstand was demolished in favor of permanent seating that also included locker rooms, concession stands, bathrooms, and a press box. The only remaining piece of the original structure was the memorial arch and the outfield wall. In essence, Memorial Stadium was built in 1970 and not 1924 as it boasts. There were plans for additional changes that would have included another 12,000-13,000 grandstands on the north side of the field to increase capacity to 26,000, but those plans appeared to run out of favor by 1976–the same year the Sycamores joined the Missouri Valley Conference and reclassified as a Division I football program. In 1996, the visiting bleacher section was razed in favor of a landscaped knoll that serves as the general admission section. The artificial turf would be permanently removed in favor of the updated field turf in 2009, but for all intents and purposes, the stadium remains almost unchanged since the major renovations had been completed in time for the 1970 football season. The Sycamores football program has seen limited success on the field, and their tenure at Memorial Stadium may be coming to a close shortly. The only exception was the 1983, 1984, and 2014 seasons when the club qualified for the playoffs. The 2014 squad made it to the second round before losing to Chattanooga 35-14. It was the program’s most successful season in 30 years and a chance for the hometown crowd to get behind its football team. The university and the city hope to construct a new football stadium downtown, with various sites having been reported. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers three concession areas underneath the grandstand that feature the same items. There is also a small kiosk that is beer-only, but alcoholic beverages are available at the three main concession stands. Finally, there is a Glover Ice Cream stand featuring five flavors. The items are basic, but ones that many will find familiar at college football stadiums. Hot dogs, brats, chili cheese dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches range in price from $4.50 for a hot dog to $7 for a chicken sandwich. Pepsi products are available in bottles for $5. The beer options include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch Light, Goose Island IPA, and Terre Haute Cream Ale. NÜTRL Seltzers are another option. The prices range from $9 for a domestic can to $ 12 for the craft Terre Haute Cream Ale. Atmosphere 2 There is not a bad seat in the house at Memorial Stadium, and the school provides a spark from their mascot, Sycamore Sam, cheerleaders, marching band, and the dance troop, the Sparkettes. However, the atmosphere is rather tame for college football. There do not seem to be any traditions, except for “The Walk,” where students, locals, and alumni walk over a mile from downtown and stop at every bar or watering hole along the way to Memorial Field during homecoming ceremonies. Terre Haute is filled with classy joints, and it is too bad this type of revelry is not spread out throughout the season. However, one can find multiple tents from numerous Greek and non-Greek organizations during the warmer months, and there will always be a collection of die-hards at the game. An interesting part of the stadium is the general admission section, which consists of a grassy knoll where fans are invited to bring out blankets and lawn chairs to watch the game. It is a unique vantage point in comparison to the metal bleachers at the main grandstand. Underneath the grandstands are hollow hallways and spaces that would be ideal to house a few more concession and souvenir stands (the current souvenir stand is a couple of tables and racks outside of the main entrance). This is where you hear the vibration of the marching band during certain points of the game. The grandiose feature is the original arched entrance that has been left intact since 1924. It is a work of art, and one should take a couple of looks around the base and rows of the structure. It houses two small ticket windows and displays the names of servicemen who fought in the First World War. So revered is the entrance that, if the Sycamores were to relocate downtown, the entrance would be saved from demolition. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Stadium is situated between a commercial and residential area of town. Rick’s Smokehouse and Grill is within walking distance of the stadium’s lot, along with a few fast-food chain restaurants. A little further down Wabash Avenue are a few local places worth checking out after the game. Sonka’s Irish Pub and Grill has a wonderful selection of craft beer on draft and even better food. The Terminal is highly recommended for shareablaes, flatbreads, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant serves wings, poutine, pork tenderloin sandwiches, shrimp tacos, chicken parmesan, and pot roast Manhattans. A few buildings away, the Copper Bar serves cocktails, pizza, and more entrees, including Italian beef, Nashville hot chicken, and salads. The Ballyhoo Tavern (The Bally) is where you will find a great college atmosphere, plus Pizza King pizza. This part of downtown features two museums that are affordable. The Larry Bird Museum is free and is a room full of memorabilia, video displays, and interactive activities to honor Indiana State’s most famous alum. The Vigo County Historical Society features three levels of memorabilia and exhibits from an old-fashioned Coca-Cola stand, a mini-version of downtown Terre Haute from 1915, and a flight simulator over the Wabash Valley. The price of admission is $7, and they have a real working vintage Coca-Cola machine. The Hulman Center is where the school’s basketball teams and volleyball team play their home games in downtown Terre Haute. There is a chance that one could watch a football game during the day, and an event at the arena in the evening. Fans 2 The fans in Terre Haute are, at times, fickle about the university’s sports teams. It is hard to imagine witnessing a football game with a near-capacity crowd. Then again, there has not been a lot to cheer about since 1984, when the Sycamores last appeared in the NCAA Division I Championship playoff. There have been a few winning seasons, but I sometimes wonder where the fans are since the town could easily support consistent crowds during the warmer parts of the season. Access 3 Memorial Stadium is less than two miles away from campus, and parking is ample around the facility. There are friendly parking vendors to help direct you to the perfect angle for parking in the grass lot, and you are never far away from the entrance to the stadium. The stadium is also a few miles away from I-70, and there are two options for arriving depending on whether you are visiting from east or west of town. Return on Investment 3 Adult tickets (ages 19 and older) cost $15, while child tickets (ages 2–18) cost $5. Homecoming games have a $3 surcharge per ticket for both adult and child tickets. Vehicle parking is free. Food and drink prices include $4.50 for a hot dog, $5 for a bottle of Pepsi, and $9 for a domestic beer. More people gather at the party tents outside the stadium than in the grandstand during Homecoming festivities. Extras 2 The original arch entrance built in 1924 still welcomes fans to the game. It is one of two structures; the outfield wall is the other, left over from the original stadium. The second point is the festive Homecoming activities outside of the stadium, featuring tents, grills, outdoor games, and an alumni tent with free food. Final Thoughts I have attended quite a few games at Memorial Stadium in the last 15 years, and I would recommend that anyone take part in homecoming festivities. However, as an alumnus, it's time for Indiana State University to put its football program on the map with either a brand-new stadium or major renovations to its current facility. Here is hoping for progress in the Wabash Valley. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Xander Loosvelt, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Allen Fieldhouse 1651 Naismith Dr Lawrence, KS 66045 Kansas Jayhawks website Allen Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 15,300 The Birthplace of Basketball One of the most iconic venues in college basketball, Allen Fieldhouse, also known as “The Phog,” provides one of the best home-court advantages in the entire sport. The stadium serves as the home of the Kansas Jayhawks men’s and women’s basketball teams, who are a part of the Big 12 Conference. Since its opening in 1955, the stadium has undergone major renovations across multiple eras to bring the building to its current design. It has played host to NCAA tournament games, concerts, NBA Exhibition games, presidents, senators, and more. The Phog is unique, intricate, well-designed, loud, and represents everything about college basketball from the hardwood to the nosebleeds. Food & Beverage 4 As a whole, the concessions experience at Allen Fieldhouse contains what you generally would expect to find at a basketball game alongside a few special items. What gives it extra points is its quantity, as there are three levels to the concourse that all contain food. Outside the general stadium foods, specialty items include pulled pork sandwiches, a Philly Steak/Cheesesteak stand, Boba, Street Tacos, Empanadas, and more, with a mix of local and standard businesses. The quality is about what you’d expect from the stadium, while the prices are mostly fair all around, with stands only accepting cards. The dominating soda brand is Pepsi, and while general alcohol options are served, craft beer is generally not available. The street tacos and pulled pork sandwiches cost a little more than the others, but for good reason – they’re delicious. Those two are definitely items worth checking out when walking the concourse. Atmosphere 5 This is a bucket list experience. If you only ever see one college basketball game, let it be in the Phog. The stadium has seating completely around the arena with visible sight lines, no matter where you are. Though the arena mostly contains benches, there is chairback seating available in the upper sections of the lower bowl on either side. The classic yet modern scoreboard style hangs prominently above the court, visible on all sides, with constant replays that are especially prevalent for home team highlights and questionable calls. The band, spirit squads, and mascots are active and engaging the crowd throughout the game. The mascots will even go into the crowd to high-five and interact with the fans. The music is loud throughout the stadium and somehow manages to be heard over the roaring crowd. The stadium's sound quality is strong, and the architecture allows for the sound to bounce off the walls. The best part though has to be the pregame scoreboard videos - absolute cinema that gives every person in the arena chills. The north side chairback seating is probably the optimal spot because it gives you access to all 3 concession levels, allows you to see the logo the right way, provides the most comfort, and puts you in the middle of everything. However, no matter where you sit, you’ll have a good view of the game and a great time watching thanks to the dynamic atmosphere created by all the little aspects coming together for an event to remember. Neighborhood 5 Allen Fieldhouse is located in the center of campus at the University of Kansas, which is not too far from most of the local restaurants, while also feeling separate from the busier areas in Lawrence. While there isn’t necessarily an array of options right next to the stadium, a short drive or Uber away from the stadium are several well-renowned local restaurants and breweries, including Jefferson’s, Limestone Pizza, and Free State Brewing. If none of those sound appetizing, plenty of other options still exist around the same area and throughout the city. Lawrence isn’t exactly known for its attractions, but when you take a closer look, you can find some smaller activities, such as an escape room place called Breakout Lawrence, or take a visit to the Dole Institute of Politics. If you're still in the sports mood, you can check out the newly renovated David Booth Memorial Stadium that serves as home for the football team, or even Rock Chalk Park, which houses the track, soccer, and softball teams. For the most enjoyable and accessible stay, The Oread and The Eldridge will be your go-to hotels that are closest to the heart of Lawrence, while the DoubleTree by Hilton is a viable option for a small commute while remaining slightly removed from the noise and business of the city. Overall, the food and lodging options are high in quantity with above-average quality, while the attractions are lower in quantity but still maintain an overall decent quality. Fans 5 Simply put, Allen Fieldhouse has one of, if not the best, fan bases in college basketball. The stadium is nearly always at capacity, if not exceeding it, and is near the top of the conference and the nation for fan attendance. The crowd is loud, routinely exceeding 120 DB of noise and staying engaged from 90 minutes before tip-off until the final buzzer. (In fact, Allen Fieldhouse holds the Guinness World Record for the Loudest Crowd Roar at an indoor sporting event.) The crowd stays involved and only gets louder when things start to go the other team’s way. Fans remain in their seats, rarely getting up even at halftime. The students will even stand the entire game while frowning upon sitters. There's a host of fan traditions, including waving the wheat, the pregame alma mater, Rock Chalk chants, distracting the other team at the free throw line, and more. Above all else, Jayhawks fans ensure that as long as they're in the arena, a dull moment will never be had. Access 4 As a whole, the Phog is a pretty accessible stadium, and its only glaring issue is the lack of parking around the arena. If you're flying in for the game, you’ll have to go through Kansas City International, and more than likely rent a car to make the 50-minute drive to Lawrence. Luckily, the airport is really easy to navigate when arriving or departing, and the hotels are all within walking distance or a very short drive from the stadium. The downside is the fact that parking surrounding the stadium is rather difficult, and with limited space, the best idea is to buy a pass ahead of time. Traffic exiting the arena and the city also isn’t great postgame, but it’s manageable overall. Walking into Allen Fieldhouse is pretty easy, as the security process is simple and the concourse can be easily navigated thanks to the plethora of signs. There’s enough room on the concourse’s three levels that rarely overflowing is a problem, but you can’t see the court unless you're actually in your seats. Handicapped seating is also available if needed. Return on Investment 3 With all prices you’ll have to pay considered, your return on investment is about what you’d expect for a men's college basketball game. The average ticket price range is between $90 and $300, and most will land around the $150-$200 inner range. Food and drink prices can vary, but let's overestimate and say you spend around $35 on concessions. Taking into account the potential of renting a car for a weekend trip, which can bring your total cost north of $300 but probably less than $400. It’s certainly not cheap, but the all-around experience in Allen Fieldhouse ensures that your money is well spent. Extras 5 So many things decorate the stadium and add to the experience, including the host of championship banners, retired numbers, and recognized players. The staff is friendly and helpful, you can find multiple places to buy team merchandise, and even a few kids' activities are present. In fact, there’s a whole hallway filled with player photos and team accomplishment banners. All this, and yet the most impressive part is far and away the Booth Family Hall of Athletics that serves as a hall of fame for Kansas athletes and sports, including a special emphasis on James Naismith, the inventor of basketball and KU’s first basketball coach, and Forrest C. “Phog” Allen. Final Thoughts Allen Fieldhouse is a special place for the sport of basketball because it's where basketball was invented and first played. It would be easy to let somewhere as historic as this speak for itself, but all the additions over the years to maintain a modern style and update the venue as the program’s history expands have only added to the experience. It may be a little on the expensive side for college sports, but it’s easy to see why the price of admission is high once you enter the building. It’s so easy to get immersed in the atmosphere, find yourself singing along with the fans during traditions, and feel a sense of pride in what Allen Fieldhouse represents as one of the original stepping stones to what college basketball has become.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Shebek Stadium 3031 N Tillotson Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Shebek Stadium website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,500 Chirp Chirp at Ball State Baseball *Formally approved in February 2025, the facility was renamed Shebek Stadium, in recognition of a $5 million gift by Indianapolis businessman and former Cardinals pitcher Mike Shebek. Baseball has been played at Ball State University since 1920. The Cardinals are members of the western division of the Mid-American Conference and have captured eight division titles, four regular season titles, and one tournament title. There have also been three trips to the NCAA regionals in 1965, 1969, and 2006. A new era for the program began in 2016 when the university completely renovated its 45-year-old Ball Diamond. The results feel more like a brand-new facility since the new ballpark bears little resemblance to the previous stadium. A $20 million fundraising effort renovation included new dugouts, modernized press boxes, grandstands, and concession stands. The field has a capacity of 1,500 and has added a FieldTurf surface to the infield and outfield that allows the Cardinals to compete in nearly any weather condition. The locker room has also been upgraded and features individual wood lockers for each player plus a team area with a large-screen television and computer workstation. The benefits of the new stadium help assist Ball State in recruiting, as other schools in the region have also upgraded their ballparks. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand underneath the grandstand and outside of the playing area. The lines can get long during heavily attended games, but the crowds move swiftly. You will find your basics such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, nachos, peanuts, candy, and Pepsi products. It is enough to keep you satisfied during the game but not fill you up. It would be recommended to enjoy dinner somewhere else in town before or after the baseball game. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark provides great seating that is up close and personal. The field is always in pristine condition, and there are various spots down the right and left field lines to enjoy the game while hunched over the fence with plenty of space to have the kids run around. The atmosphere will depend on the weather, opponent, and promotion. When it’s Senior Day, the crowd is rather large and boisterous, but when commencement is taking place down the street, the crowds are somewhat tepid. The customer should expect a somewhat relaxed atmosphere with baseball being the number one factor for why people are there. If you enjoy baseball without all the noise and gimmicks of the minor leagues, then a Ball State game will satisfy your old-school needs. Neighborhood 3 There are not many options to choose from within walking distance, but Muncie is a small town, and your best choices for nightlife or dining would be downtown or near the shopping center to the north. A few downtown options include Scotty’s Brewhouse, Savage’s Ale House, and Cleo’s Bourbon Bar. Amazing Joe’s offers giant tenderloins and steak dishes. Savage’s Ale House is your typical brewpub that features juicy burgers, chicken wings, and a bevy of fried appetizers. Try the aloha burger. Downtown Muncie features Elm Street Brewing Co, The Guardian Brewing Co, Heorot Pub and Draught House, and the Fickle Peach. You will find great beers, pub food, and a college atmosphere during your visit. Fans 3 Most of the fans in attendance are die-hard Cardinals fans. Many of the supporters can be heard talking about the fundamentals of the game, errors that the players made on the diamond, and past stories of former greats. Ball State has a friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated fan base, a nice little touch to this small-town ballpark experience. Access 3 The ballpark is located north of the main campus off Tillotson Avenue, directly across from Scheumann Stadium, home of the Ball State football team. Parking is free, available, and plentiful on-site. Once inside the ballpark, it is easy to get around, and bathrooms are located adjacent to the concession stand. Arriving at the game can be a little tricky since the baseball field is not identified on most GPS systems. I would suggest searching for the football stadium, and you will easily find it across the parking lot. There are various ways to enter Muncie off of I-69 but make sure you take Exit 241 onto IN-332 towards town; it is the easiest and most direct way to campus and only eight miles away. If you decide to follow other routes to town, you may find yourself waiting at a train crossing or two on your way to the game. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free to baseball games, much like many other small collegiate ballparks in the region. There are many new and modern baseball facilities in the state, and each one is a vast improvement over its predecessor. They are worth a visit and affordable on anyone’s budget. Extras 2 One extra point for the modern facility that is perfect for collegiate baseball during the truculent Indiana spring season. A second extra point for the synthetic field will hold up quite nicely during wet March and April games during the season. It may take a little getting used to watching from a baseball purist, but the college kids seem to enjoy the playing field. Final Thoughts The original baseball field was quite charming and had a very unique aura about it. The wooden grandstand creaked, seemed a bit off-center, and the faded lime green paint added a little character to the rickety structure. The new ballpark is nothing like that and is quite an impressive-looking facility. The stadium fits in very nicely with the other athletic fields at Ball State University and should provide an excellent day of watching college baseball for anyone in attendance. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email Marc at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 B. T. Harvey Stadium 865 Westview Dr SW Atlanta, GA 30314 Morehouse Maroon Tigers website B. T. Harvey Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 9,000 Our House The Morehouse Maroon Tigers play their home games at B. T. Harvey Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, right next door to another D2 football program, the Clark Atlanta Panthers. The two football fields are less than one mile apart, making them the second-closest pair of college football stadiums in the US. Only Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, are closer, at less than half a mile apart. B. T. Harvey Stadium opened in 1983 and holds a total of 9,000 spectators. While the facility itself has fallen into disrepair, the venue still boasts a great band (the “House of Funk”), wonderful concessions, and fabulous sightlines. Unfortunately, very few fans attend games here. Food & Beverage 4 B. T. Harvey Stadium has two concession stands on the home side, including a Zaxby’s and a Sideline Snacks by Chefskinnzllc. Zaxby’s offers chicken, chips, a cookie, and a drink for $12 in ready-to-go grab-n-go bags. However, almost no one buys from Zaxby’s thanks to the other option, Sideline Snacks, which offers burgers, wings, and fried fish. The food at Sideline Snacks is so good that it has lines out the door the entire game. The food is cooked fresh right outside the main entrance of the stadium and brought inside by runners every few minutes. Even the fish pieces are battered by hand as you watch – no frozen fish sticks here. The only downside is that Sideline Snacks is so busy they tend to run out of food by the fourth quarter, even with a small crowd on hand. Combos run $13 to $18 for a burger with fries, a burger with wings, wings with fries, or fish with wings and fries. You can also buy individual items for less money, and beverages like bottled Coke products for $3. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at B. T. Harvey Stadium is not bad. While the facility itself is showing obvious signs of disrepair, the sightlines are good, and you can get really close to the field. There are alumni and other organized groups set up in tents behind the south end zone and next to the north end zone, with food and beverages and even gas or charcoal grills. You can also sit in the first couple of rows of the grandstand – there is only one grandstand at the venue, on the west side. The band also does a great job, especially the drum majors and color guard. They perform in the middle of the field during halftime, then move directly in front of the grandstand for their big finish. The band also performs before the game, except on special event days like Senior Day, when those events become the pregame show. Neighborhood 3 B. T. Harvey Stadium is located in a rundown part of the city, so there isn’t much to do close to the venue, and you may not want to spend too much time in that area anyway. However, you are also less than 3 miles from downtown Atlanta and all its myriad attractions, such as the World of Coca-Cola, the Olympic torch from the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. Six Flags Over Georgia is also in the Atlanta area. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy even more college football, Atlanta is home to no fewer than four different college teams, including Clark Atlanta University right next to Morehouse College. The city is also home to the College Football Hall of Fame and the Atlanta Falcons. Being so close to the big city, there are plenty of hotels to choose from to fit any budget, as well as hundreds of restaurants to match any type of food craving. Fans 1 Unfortunately, almost no fans come out to football games at Morehouse College; there are nearly as many band members as fans, and many of those in the stands are supporting the visiting team. So the stands may seem almost empty, but on the plus side, that means you can pretty much sit wherever you want, as close to or as far from the field as you choose. Access 4 Getting to B. T. Harvey Stadium is a lot easier than you might expect; the facility is less than half a mile off I-20, using Exit 55A or 55B depending on whether you are going east or west. The stadium property practically sits underneath the freeway. For parking, there is a small grass lot across the street from the main entrance, and I also noticed some people parking on campus and walking from there. But if you are feeling bold, there is actually a narrow gap in the fence in front of the main entrance. Alums and others in the know drive through it and park on the grass right next to the stadium. I think this area is intended for the groups set up in tents behind the south end zone – the Outfield Fence tailgating area – but there is plenty of space, and no one stops anyone from parking there. There is plenty of room to move around the concourse because of the crowd size, and there are plenty of bathrooms. You can also skip the line if you eat at Zaxby’s instead of Sideline Snacks, though very few people made that tradeoff. The only reason this section’s score isn’t higher is the stadium design: the bathrooms and concessions all have weird dogleg hallways you have to use to get in and out. There is also no signage telling you where the bathrooms are, so I saw many people asking the staff where to go. Return on Investment 3 There are no tickets to attend games at B. T. Harvey Stadium, but even free admission isn’t enough to draw many fans. The stadium is perfectly fine, and you get a great performance from the band, as well as a low-stress college football experience where getting in and out is easy and you don’t have to fight any crowds. But there is also no mascot and nothing beyond the football game during breaks in the action – no games or contests. So I am not sure I would recommend it, given that the same city has three other college football options, including one less than a mile away. They might cost more, but they might also be a bit more exciting. Extras 2 The P.A. announcer mixes it up a bit by naming first downs and touchdowns after different Maroon Tiger notables. You might hear “That’s a Coach Sherrod first down” or a touchdown named for First Lady Cynthia Harris Bowman, the school president’s wife. You can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the stadium; you can even grill out during the game if you choose. Final Thoughts Unless you go to a game such as homecoming, you likely won’t see much energy or very many fans at B. T. Harvey Stadium for a Morehouse Maroon Tigers football game. So if you want to see Morehouse at its height, like the good old days, I would recommend planning your visit around homecoming. If you can’t make it then, you may want to wait until next season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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