Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Taffy Abel Arena @ James Norris Event Center 1000 Meridian St. Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783 Lake Superior State Lakers website Taffy Abel Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 4,000 Jewel of the North A school with an enrollment of less than 1,500 in a city of less than 20,000 has earned the NCAA Ice Hockey National Championship three times. Lake Superior State University is a public university in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on the opposite side of the St. Marys River from its twin city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Lake Superior State Lakers began playing hockey at the NAIA level in 1966. After a pair of NAIA National Championships, they made the big jump to the NCAA and became a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. The Lakers returned to the CCHA after its revival in 2021 after a period in the WCHA. In the late 80s and 90s the Lakers were dominant, with 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, four times making it to the Frozen Four and winning the National Championship in 1988, 1992 and 1994. Some Laker alumni include Bates Battaglia, Jim Dowd, Blaine Lacher, Brian Rolston, John Grahame and Doug Weight. Home for the Laker is the Jewel of the North, the Taffy Abel Arena. It is located inside the James Norris Event Center, named for the hockey icon and former owner of the Detroit Red Wings. The Taffy Abel Arena is an on campus arena that was built in 1976 and has undergone a few significant renovations. The arena is named for Clarence “Taffy” Abel, an NHL player who played for the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks in the 20s and 30s and was from Sault Ste. Marie. He was also a silver medalist in the 1924 Winter Olympics, where he was the flagbearer for the US Olympic team. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands in both the lower and upper concourses. The menu is fairly simplistic and offers typical arena fare including hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, fries and poutine. Coca-Cola products are the contracted soft drink in the arena. There is also a small selection of macro beers available. The highlight of the concessions at Taffy Abel Arena is probably the hand scooped ice cream at the Zack and Mac Ice Cream stand. Atmosphere 5 The exterior of the James Norris Event Center is very simple with brown brick and a maroon roof. There is a distinct lack of signage outside the center however, there are a few interesting items outside. Game day is signified with a pickup truck towing a parade-style float in the form of a ship parked at the corner. A huge anchor reminds fans of the nautical theme that athletics at LSSU employs. If lucky, a Lakers victory will bring the players out for the ringing of the Victory Bell after the game. After entering the Norris Center, the 70s vibe continues with brown brick and tile everywhere. However, it becomes clear that LSSU takes their athletics seriously and the school is adamant that achievements need to be commemorated. The lobby of the Norris Center is full of markings and memorabilia. The Wall of Champions is found above the Norris Center entrance and trophy cases house memorabilia for mostly other sports rather than hockey. Just outside the Taffy Abel Arena entry, which is plastered with Laker markings, fans will find the five national championship trophies the Lakers have earned each encased in their own glass display. Entering the Taffy Abel Arena there are more nods to Laker history. Displays on the main level concourse, which is at ice level, include a history and explanation of the Victory Bell, a history of the Cappo Cup rivalry series with Northern Michigan, a display outlining all of the players who have played for the Lakers according to their number, a history of Laker coaches and displays for each of the three NCAA National Championships the Lakers have earned. Front and center in the lower concourse is a small team store. After ascending the staircase to the seating level, the nostalgia continues. The upper concourse features a whole new set of Laker markings and history. Highlights include encased, historic jerseys, a list of all Laker All-Americans, Lakers who have made it to the NHL, a timeline with a history of Laker Hockey, a map marking the homes of each of the current Laker players and banners for the Lakers who have played in the Olympics. New for the 2026 season is the Lakers Ring of Honor, which is found on the east side above the suites. Biographies for each of the members, Bill Crawford, Dan Angelelli, Domenic Monardo and Jim Dowd, are found on the opposite side in the concourse. The ice surface is oriented from north to south and the best view of the center ice logo is from the west side. Around that logo is an outline of Lake Superior. A simple four-sided videoboard with lower ring hangs above center ice. The perimeter of the rafters, which are Laker blue, are littered with banners commemorating conference championships, tournament championships and the five national championships. An eagle-eyed fan will even notice that there are anchors painted into the center red line. The upper concourse is behind the seating and is somewhat open. The gameday production of a Laker game is also strong. The Lake Superior Soundwave Pep Band makes their entrance by parading through the upper concourse to their section at the south end. Players take the ice from the south through a large inflatable ship to a modernized version of “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The band performs throughout the game and the direction is excellent with the band never being played over by other music or announcements. The mascot, Seamore the Seaduck, takes part in the pre-game ceremonies and interacts with fans. Neighborhood 3 Taffy Abel Arena is located on the campus of Lake Superior State University. There are a few spots for pre and post game food and drink. Some options include Wicked Sister, Prime Cuts, Lockview Restaurant, Antlers, Jose’s, Pure Country and Frank’s Place. The Lakers are one of the schools who compete in hockey at the Division I level and other sports at Division II. The Lake Superior State Lakers are pretty much the only game in town along with other Laker teams including basketball and women’s volleyball. For something a little different, fans may want to consider the I-500 Snowmobile Race. The big race is held in early February. Other sports options would require heading north, across the border. The Algoma Thunderbirds of USports and the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are options. There are a couple of other tourist options in the area. Some options include Soo Locks, Museum Ship Valley Camp and River of History Museum. For fans who wish to stay near campus, the Holiday Inn is very close. Fans 3 Taffy Abel Arena is one of two on-campus arenas where the capacity is larger than the enrollment of the school. For the 2025-26 season the Lakers averaged over 1,100 fans per game. The previous season they averaged just over 1,000. This ranked them ninth and eighth respectively in the nine-team conference. The game that was reviewed, the 2nd of the 2026-27 season, had nearly 2,100 fans in attendance, but was also during Great Lake State Weekend, the equivalent of homecoming. The fans in attendance are loud and supportive. A small, but dedicated, student section is found in the southeast corner, near the band. There is room for improvement, however, the small enrollment and small population are definite roadblocks. Access 4 Taffy Abel Arena is located in the Norris Center on the campus of Lake Superior State University. It is found on the southwest corner of Meridian and Easterday. It is ½ mile east of Highway I-75 and 1 km south of St. Mary's River. It is minutes from the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. Getting to campus will not be difficult at all, however, coming from the north will probably require a wait at the border. There is parking on site that will cost $5. Public transit is very limited. There is a Dial-A-Ride program in Sault Ste. Marie but it is difficult to say if it would benefit the hockey crowd. Getting around the Norris Center and Taffy Abel Arena is not too difficult. It is an older arena, so stairs are part of the adventure. The plastic arena seats are on the narrow side. The washroom facilities are decent inside Taffy Abel Arena. Return on Investment 5 Lake Superior State hockey is very affordable. Tickets for the Lakers are $20 for adults with discounts for Seniors and Students. Prices for concessions are good and parking is pretty cheap. The atmosphere at a Laker game is top notch and fans will definitely have a great time, with money left to come again. Extras 4 An extra mark for the unexpected success the Lakers have enjoyed despite being a very small school. An extra mark for the Cappo Cup rivalry series with the Northern Michigan Wildcats. An extra mark for playing the Canadian National Anthem before games along with the Star Spangled Banner. An extra mark for the namesake of Taffy Abel Arena, a player who was born in 1900. Final Thoughts Taffy Abel Arena is the Jewel of the North and taking in a game there is a must for college hockey fans. It may not be fancy or shiny, but it has character and trumpets the accomplishments of the Lake Superior Lakers as loud as possible. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bright-Landry Hockey Center 65 N Harvard St Allston, MA 02134 Harvard Crimson hockey website Bright-Landry Hockey Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,095 Bright-Landry, Big City Hockey has been played at Harvard University since 1898. Harvard’s first ever hockey game was played on January 19, 1898 on a frozen pond in Franklin Field. The Crimson lost to Brown that day 6-0, but their rivalry continues today, making it the oldest continuing series in the country. Harvard has played on the site of the Bright-Landry Hockey Center since 1956. The Donald C. Watson Rink was the original on-campus home of Harvard hockey. In 1978 the facility, which offered little in the way of amenities for fans or players, was renovated. The original roof was retained, and the arena was installed underneath. The “new” arena opened on November 19, 1979, with a game between the Crimson and the 1980 United States Olympic Team. The rink was renamed the Bright-Landry Hockey Center in 2013 to honor Harvard hockey player Alec Bright, class of 1919, and alumnus C. Kevin Landry, class of 1966 and family, whose donations helped to fund the arena’s 2014 renovations. The Crimson have qualified for 27 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four 13 times. Harvard won the national title in 1989. Harvard has won the Beanpot Tournament, Boston’s unofficial college hockey championship, 11 times. 59 Harvard alumni have played in the National Hockey League. In addition, Harvard’s women’s team, which also plays at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center, has qualified for 12 NCAA tournaments, reached 6 Frozen Fours, won 15 Beanpot Tournaments, and won a national title in 1999. 24 Harvard alumni have gone on to play professional hockey. Food & Beverage 2 The menu at Bright-Landry Hockey Center sticks to the basics. There is a concession stand near the entrance, along with a smaller stand on the south end of the arena that opens when there’s a big crowd present. This is just a place for snacking. Hot dogs and nachos anchor the menu, along with snack items. Coca-Cola products are featured at Bright-Landry. Adult beverages are also available, with Sam Adams beer featured. It’s not the same as in the old days, when fans would have to dash over to Dillon Hall next door to grab a beer during intermission, but it’s much more convenient. Harvard Men's Hockey Display at Bright-Landry Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 3 The gameday experience at a Harvard hockey game is fairly typical of most college hockey rinks. There’s a clear video board hanging at center ice that is put to good use, but which is partially obstructed from many points by the banners hanging throughout the arena. The promotions table near the main entrance hands out free roster sheets, posters, raffles and the nightly silent auction. Harvard hockey history is on display throughout the Bright-Landry Center, in both traditional in modern ways. Stadium Journey has visited Harvard several times, and a consistently disappointing aspect of the experience is the lack of a pep band and student section. While you will get a good turnout for the big games (i.e. Yale), Crimson hockey games are not high on the priority list for much of the student body. Predictably, this has a dampening effect on the atmosphere. All the other aspects you would expect are here, including a crisp video board, excellent sound system and enthusiastic PA announcer. The arena uses lights effectively as part of the gameday experience during pregame festivities and after Harvard goals as well. With New England being the home of a great number of Division One hockey teams (20, to be exact), and many of them within easy driving distance, it’s not unusual to see a great turnout by visiting fans here at Bright-Landry. Unless you’re wearing a Yale sweater, you’ve got nothing to worry about. This is a very family-friendly place to catch a game. Neighborhood 4 The Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located in the Soldiers Field Athletic Complex, which is located on the opposite side of the Charles River from Harvard’s Cambridge campus, in the working-class Boston neighborhood of Allston. While there is little in the way of attractions on the Allston side of the Charles, Harvard Yard is less than a mile away across the Anderson Memorial Bridge and up John F. Kennedy Street. Harvard Square, lined with shops and restaurants, is right here, too. This is hardly the bohemian center that it was in the days of yore, but there is no shortage of dining choices in the area. Stadium Journey recommends trying a burger and a shake at Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage. The Harvard campus is one of Boston’s top attractions in its own right. Take a walking tour of the campus if you are so inclined, and take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as thousands of others have done. Remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck. If you’re visiting Harvard from out of town and would rather explore the city of Boston, downtown is just a few miles away. Visitors looking to enjoy the working class charm of Allston and Brighton will find no shortage of bars and restaurants a short drive from the arena. Game Action at Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Fans 3 Harvard lags behind Boston’s other four Beanpot schools in terms of attendance. The Crimson draw just over 2,000 fans per game, which puts them a bit under the national average. Fans who come to the Bright-Landry Center are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team, even if they’re not the most vocal fans out there (would you expect any different at an Ivy League school?). The dedicated student section, dubbed the “Crim-Zone,” is rarely filled with Harvard students, as the students who do show up tend to spread out around the arena. A rowdy student section just wouldn’t feel right here, anyway. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, the Crim-Zone was filled with random fans rather than students, who do turn out in decent numbers. Access 4 While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located across the Charles River, in the Allston neighborhood of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities, including Harvard Stadium, Levietes Pavilion, O’Donnell Field and Jordan Field. Even on its best days, the city of Boston is a difficult city to drive in. The best way to get to the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is to take Storrow Drive to the Soldier’s Field Athletic Complex. If you must drive to a Harvard hockey game, bring along someone who knows the crooked streets of Boston well. Once you arrive at the Soldiers Field Athletic Complex, parking is located throughout the facility. The recommended method of travel to Harvard is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. The 66 and 86 busses stop directly in front of the athletic complex. For more information, fares and schedules check out the MBTA website. The Bright-Landry Center features a concourse which completely circles the rink. Seating consists of individual plastic crimson seats throughout the seating bowl. The small size of the arena ensures great views throughout. Standing room is available at most spots on the concourse. While lines can get long at the concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, they move quickly. Display of Every Harvard Hockey Team Ever. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 2 Harvard utilizes variable pricing for their hockey games. Tickets range from $25-$35 depending on the day of your visit. Premium games include Yale and Boston College, while Ivy League rivals make up the middle tier and ECAC and non-conference foes are priced at the least expensive level. Parking will cost an additional $20. Concessions are priced a bit on the high side, but not outrageously so. Harvard is a bit more expensive than other college hockey rinks in the area, but still offers an affordable entertainment option for local fans. Extras 5 Harvard showcases its lengthy hockey history throughout the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Floor to ceiling murals line the arena walls. Award winners, Olympians, coaches and championship teams are all highlighted. Photos of every hockey team to ever represent the school are displayed on the far side of the rink. Banners honoring the school’s Beanpot and conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and national titles hang from the rafters. Notable among the banners is a crimson number 4, retired in honor of former Harvard player, hockey coach, and athletic director Bill Cleary. It is the only number that has been taken out of circulation in any of Harvard’s 42 varsity sports. No Division One school in the nation can boast more varsity sports than Harvard. Trivial Fact: Bill Cleary was Ryan O’Neil’s stand-in during filming of the 1970 movie Love Story. The fact that the first game ever played at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center featured the 1980 United States Olympic team is worth a final extra point. Bill Cleary Retired Number Banner at Bright-Landry Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts Bright-Landry Hockey Center is a simple, but attractive rink that fits the needs of the Crimson program perfectly. Featuring just enough modern amenities while honoring the lengthy history of Harvard hockey, this is a worthy addition to any Boston hockey road trip. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ray Twinney Recreation Complex 100 Eagle Street West Newmarket, ON L3Y 1J4 Newmarket Hurricanes website Ray Twinney Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 3,700 Rock You Like A Hurricane During the 2024-2025 Ontario Junior Hockey League season, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens played a few “neutral site” games in the town of Newmarket, Ontario. Newmarket has an interesting past as a hockey city, as the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Newmarket Saints, from 1986 to 1991, and the Newmarket Royals of the OHL from 1992 to 1994. The games were well attended and resulted in the announcement that the following season the Canadiens would move permanently to Newmarket to become the Hurricanes. This was the second iteration of the Hurricanes in the OJHL, as the previous team played from 1975 to 2019 before moving to Milton to become the Menace. The original team began in Newmarket in 1975 as the Flyers, rebranded to the 87’s in 1987 and again as the Hurricanes in 1997. Home for the Hurricanes is the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex. Located in the town of Newmarket, which has a population of almost 88,000, the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex has been a pillar of Newmarket hockey since 1985. It has been the home to Newmarket hockey at the OJHL, OHL, and AHL levels. The Recreation Complex is named after Ray Twinney, the mayor of Newmarket from 1979 to 1994. Food & Beverage 4 The Ray Twinney Recreation Complex has one concession stand in the lobby, outside the arena. Bart’s Bites offers the typical arena fare including hot dogs, sausage, chicken burgers, and chicken fingers. Snacks like popcorn, nachos, chips, and candy are also available. Bart’s Bites takes concession options to the next level with pulled pork and a variety of Dunn’s Products, including Montreal Smoked Meat Egg Rolls, peanuts, and Black Cherry Soda. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice. Alcoholic beverages are available at a separate table and are provided by a local brewery, Market Brewing Company. Atmosphere 3 Ray Twinney Recreation Complex is a large complex that includes a pair of ice pads and a swimming pool with a number of outdoor athletic fields on the grounds. It is a bit confusing as to where to head inside for a Hurricanes game, as there is a lack of signage indicating a main entrance. The exterior is fairly attractive with brown brick and blue accent siding. The entrance fans should head to is on the east side where the Canadian flags fly. Inside the lobby, fans are greeted by a portrait of former Newmarket mayor Ray Twinney, whom the complex is named after. In the lobby, there are temporary tables where tickets and alcohol are sold. There are a few interesting items in the lobby worth checking out. A number of portraits are framed honouring Newmarket hockey players who went on to play major junior hockey or higher. There are a few framed jerseys for the Newmarket 87’s, who won a Buckland Cup in 1996, and the original Hurricanes, who won in 2010. There are also framed jerseys for K.J. Ramolla and Kevin Lord, former Newmarket players who passed away. A large trophy case has a number of local artifacts in it, including some associated with the OHL’s Newmarket Royals. The highlight of the case, however, is the Newmarket Redmen banner honouring the 1933 Memorial Cup Champions. Inside the arena, the ice surface is southeast to northwest oriented. The best spot for a picture of the centre ice logo is from the northeast. The main arena is simply named Arena 1, which is curious, as the secondary rink has a corporate sponsor. The seating bowl consists of eight rows of blue, plastic arena seats, with the first row elevated above ice level for improved sightlines. Protective netting encircles the entire ice. A full 360-degree walkway is behind the seating with some railings for standing room. A few banners hang in the arena, including ones that honour the founder of the Newmarket 87s and the Buckland Cup champions of 1996. There is also a banner for the Newmarket Hurricanes that were Buckland Cup champions in 2010. The game-day production at a Hurricanes game is fairly simple. At the game that was reviewed, there were some audio issues, and music before the game and during stoppages was sporadic. The PA announcer is decent. Typical promotions, including a 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck, are Newmarket staples. Neighbourhood 3 Ray Twinney Recreation Complex is in the Glenway Estates neighbourhood of Newmarket. It is generally a residential area, but there are some spots for pre- or post-game food and drink not too far on Yonge Street. Some options include Villa Risi, Big Bone BBQ, Flame Cafe and Cynthia’s. There are also a number of large chain restaurants. The Hurricanes are pretty much the only game in town. However, their location north of Toronto makes a road trip to see the rival Aurora Tigers or King Rebellion very simple. Other tourist options in the area include Elman W. Campbell Museum, Newmarket’s Riverwalk Commons, and the Holland Marsh. Six Flags Canada’s Wonderland is just minutes away and could be a destination early in the season. For fans wishing to stay in Newmarket, the Comfort Inn, Fairfield, and Best Western are good options. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJHL can be a bit of a challenge as the curation of attendance figures is sporadic. The original neutral site games for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens drew well over 500 fans per game, and the first game of the new Hurricanes drew over 1,000. The Hurricanes seem to have settled into a regular attendance of between 250 and 350 fans per game. The game reviewed did not have published attendance, but was mainly a friends & family crowd of possibly 100. That being said, the game was early in the season on a Tuesday evening, which surely mitigates attendance. Access 4 Ray Twinney Recreation Complex is located in the Glenway Estates neighbourhood of Newmarket. It is found on the west side of Eagle Street between Crossland and McCaffery. It is approximately 5 km west of Highway 404 and 5 km east of Highway 400. Getting to the arena will probably require driving through some residential areas; however, traffic in Newmarket should not be an issue. There is plenty of parking on-site that is free. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are bus stops on Eagle Street. Fans should consult the York Region Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex is not that difficult. Entry into the arena is at ice level, so fans will have to traverse some stairs to get to their seats. Season seats do not appear to be reserved, so seating should be wide open for fans. The exterior of the complex can be confusing as there are a number of entrances. Fans should head to the east side where the flagpoles are for entry to the Hurricanes game. There is no significant signage there. The washroom facilities are adequate at the complex. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Newmarket Hurricanes are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for minor hockey players. Tickets can be purchased at the door with cash or card or beforehand online. The game that was attended was “Twoonie Tuesday,” which provided a few concession specials. Otherwise, concession prices are reasonable, and parking is free. The product on the ice is solid, and the venue provides a comfortable atmosphere and great sightlines. For the best crowd, a weekend game is the best plan. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex as not only a current OJHL venue but previously an AHL and OHL venue. An extra mark for the former Newmarket OJHL iterations still having a presence in the arena. An extra mark for Twoonie Tuesday providing some special concession items at just $2. Final Thoughts The return of the OJHL to Newmarket has been an improvement from the Jr. Canadiens days in Toronto. The long-term viability of the franchise is still a wait-and-see, but there is no reason why the Hurricanes should not be successful. Ray Twinney is a comfortable venue with great sightlines also. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Fargodome 1800 N University Dr Fargo, ND 58102 North Dakota State Bison website Fargodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 18,700 Bigger on the Inside One of the newest programs in FBS, the North Dakota State Bison joined the bowl-eligible league in 2026, competing in the Mountain West Conference. Their home venue since 1993, Fargodome has been the site of many FCS playoff runs, and provides a stellar atmosphere for college football; this stadium doesn’t have moments of silence – they have moments of thunder. The indoor venue may not look like much on the outside, or perhaps even on the inside, but the energy inside the building is incredible. Combine a great tailgating scene outside the stadium with a raucous fan base, as well as all the bells and whistles you might find at a Power 4 school, and you have got yourself one heck of a home field advantage. The Bison have achieved a 0.874 win percentage in Fargodome since it opened, higher than Michigan, Ohio State, and even the Alabama Crimson Tide. And while they were in the FCS for most of that time, there is no doubt they will continue to excel as this program moves into what’s next. Food & Beverage 5 There are a slew of concession options inside Fargodome, and as much variety as anyone could ask for. Each of the four sides has a stand or two that offer the same basic items such as hot dogs, nachos (with regular chips or Doritos as the base), pretzels, popcorn, and the like. But in addition, there are specialty stands on each side as well – you may have to walk around to find the food item you crave. For example, there is a stand offering chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches near one corner, a stand offering Philly cheesesteaks on another side, a burger joint somewhere else, and even a full bar selling a variety of beer as well as mixed drinks. You will also find Domino’s pizza locations, Cold Stone stands, Maui Wowi locations, Dippin’ Dots kiosks, and cinnamon-glazed nut stands, as well as a few grab-and-go areas selling beer, bottled water, soda, and snacks such as chips and packaged candy. Some of the prices tend to be high, like $15 for Philly cheesesteak, but there are reasonable options as well, such as $5 for a hot dog or $7 for Cold Stone. So you should be able to find plenty of choices to help you stay on budget, if needed. Atmosphere 5 It sounds cliche to say they pull out all the stops at North Dakota State football games, but at Fargodome they actually do! The fun begins with tailgating outside; if you park on the west side you’ll literally have to walk through a sea of gold and green tents to get to the venue (more on this later). Then, once you get inside, there are lights and festivities galore. The NDSU Gold Star Marching Band starts things off with a performance prior to kickoff, including music and their signature formations of a gold star, spelling out N-D-S-U, and the Bison logo. The band actually earned a real gold star from the U.S. Army in 1923 for their band excellence, so their name is not just marketing. The band also has green and gold LED lights on their uniforms, so part of their performance is done with the stadium darkened. The band is followed by fireworks and an intro video, after which the team runs through spurts of flame as they come onto the field, accompanied by the song Thunderstruck. There are also flags waved by the pep squad, and the NDSU mascot makes an appearance with the kickoff kid of the game, who delivers the game ball to the referees. Fireworks are also set off again every time the Bison score – I am surprised they are allowed to do it, but mega impressed. The noise from the fireworks is also really loud, making it all the more exciting to see them. You would not expect the crowd noise to be as loud as it is all game long, given the size of the facility, although being indoors probably helps. It also doesn’t hurt that almost every fan in the place is rocking gold NDSU gear, and hammering their inflatable thunder sticks, especially during kickoffs and on third downs. During breaks in the action the staff also plays loud, modern dance-type music, keeping the fans engaged and moving all game long. Neighborhood 5 I have visited over 350 different football stadiums, and I can honestly say I have never seen a neighborhood around a sports arena quite like this one. There is a Candlewood Suites literally in the parking lot of Fargodome, and you can see a Buffalo Wild Wings across the way (easily walkable from the facility). The Fargo airport is also right across the street – I am not sure you could technically walk to it given the security fencing, but you could certainly watch the planes take off and land if you were standing outside the stadium. There are also other hotels within sight of Fargodome, and a few other restaurants close by as well. Herd and Horns is a massive Bison-themed sports bar just down the street, known for burgers and craft beer, while Labby’s is famous for its pizza. There is so much right by the stadium that if you wanted to, you could fly into Fargo airport on Thursday or Friday before the game, and literally never have to leave the vicinity of the stadium all weekend long. Fans 4 While Fargodome might not quite fill up on game day, this really is a great fan base. The fans outside tailgating are super friendly, and always willing to offer you a drink or some food as you walk through the tent city, even while gently heckling you for wearing the wrong school colors. There are people everywhere on the west side of the facility, playing cornhole, grilling out, sipping a cold one, and just having fun and soaking up the NDSU game day atmosphere. Inside the stadium, almost every fan is dressed in gold, and their inflatable thunder sticks are banging constantly, creating a huge roar inside the stadium. These fans also know the rules of the game, and will absolutely let the refs have it when they miss a call or make a bad one. Access 4 I mentioned earlier that Fargo airport is just across the street. In addition, I-29 goes right by the airport and Fargodome, making it simple to get here from either the north or the south. There is plenty of parking right around the facility as well (costing only $10 per car), so even if you are running late you should still be able to find a spot within a very short walk. Once inside, there are plenty of concession stands, so there aren’t any lines to speak of when it comes to getting food and drinks. There are also several grab-and-go concession areas set up inside, which help keep the lines down too. The only potential negative when it comes to access is that the bathroom lines tend to stack up all of a sudden at the end of each quarter, but even those lines move very quickly, clearing the logjam in a few minutes. You are also able to walk all the way around the concourse to get to your seat, which is not always the case at sports stadiums and arenas these days. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at over $50 for conference games at Fargodome, which may seem a bit on the high side if you are still thinking about NDSU as an FCS school. In reality, however, $50 is probably lower than average for FBS football. I think seeing a game here is worth that price, although I am not sure I would pay more than the minimum – the venue is small enough, and the sightlines are great from anywhere, so I don’t think you need to spend more for a “better seat”. Extras 4 There is an escalator on the east side which you might assume takes you to the upper deck – it actually takes you up to the football offices, where you can walk through the NDSU Hall of Fame, and take a look at all the trophies and other awards this program has won. The Bison have won 18 National Championships in their football history so far, with eight before they joined FCS and 10 since, with all the latter in the past 15 years (including threepeating and fivepeating during that span). You will see these accolades represented all over the concourse; it is no wonder this program was ready to make the jump to FBS. One other pro tip – there are several bathrooms at the top of the escalator, including three family restrooms and a mother’s room. No one realizes those are there, so if the lines are too long downstairs you could always try this option. Final Thoughts An absolute powerhouse on the FCS stage for the last 15 years, North Dakota State is now ready to test their mettle against the best college football has to offer; their home field, Fargodome, also has a top-notch atmosphere. This is definitely a team, and a stadium, worth checking out as you make your own way across the college football landscape – Horns Up All the Time!

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack 5857 NY-96 Farmington, NY 14425 Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack website Year Opened: 1962 Rural Racing in New York Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in Farmington, New York is a minor horse racing track in upstate New York with small field sizes and not too many frills. There is a small casino attached to the track, and like at most horse tracks you can watch and bet from here on horse racing at other venues around the country, or bet on the live races that happen on site Monday through Wednesday during April through November. Post time is usually at 12:55 pm. Food & Beverage 3 There is a full bar inside, as well as a concession stand which offers items such as pizza, hot dogs, salads, and sandwiches. The food is decent and the prices are comparable to what you will find at small sports venues anywhere. To give an idea of the prices here, slices of cheese pizza cost around $5, while jumbo hot dogs are around $8. Beer starts at $6, while non-alcoholic drinks cost $3 to $4. Atmosphere 3 The seating at Fingers Lakes racetrack is fairly comfortable, with both bucket-style chairbacks and bleachers with backrests available trackside, while padded chairs and tables can be found inside. There are multiple TVs inside so you can watch the racing action, and the scenery outside is very pleasant, with lots of greenery and trees in the distance. Unfortunately, it is a little hard to win much money here – a lot of the races only feature 4 horses, and the largest field sizes each day may only have 6, which doesn’t attract a lot of betting action. And with only 4 horses running in some races, that means the track doesn’t offer some of the exotics like trifectas and superfectas on those races. Nevertheless, Finger Lakes gives you a pleasant outing where you don’t have to fight any crowds and can just enjoy a peaceful day watching the ponies. Neighborhood 2 Farmington, New York is a small town that is more of a pass through to other towns rather than a destination itself. There are a number of low-cost hotels in the area that cater to the patrons at Finger Lakes, but the attractions other than the gaming center around a historic Quaker church, antique stores, and local parks. There are a couple of restaurants in the area which are worth checking out, but most notable for sports fans may be Eddie O'Briens Grille and Bar, which offers pub fare and multiple TVs so you can watch basketball, football, and other games depending on what time of year you visit. Fans 2 Given that this venue doesn’t have night or weekend racing, it shouldn’t surprise you that there is very little traffic here on the average race day. On the plus side there will be plenty of room to spread out, and you won’t have to wait in line for concessions. The small crowd sizes here may make you wonder how they can afford to stay in business, however. Access 4 Finger Lakes Racetrack is located about 25 minutes from Rochester, New York, the closest major town, or slightly more than an hour from either Buffalo or Syracuse. Being off the beaten path it may take some time to get here, but once you do there is free parking right out front, and it is easy to move in and out – given its small size it won’t take more than 2 or 3 minutes from the time you park to the time you get to the track itself. Return on Investment 3 I have mixed feelings about Finger Lakes Racetrack; on one hand I appreciated the low-key environment with its lack of crowds and no long lines to place bets. I also loved the rural setting, and I had a pleasant time just watching the races. However, I was bothered by the small field sizes and not being able to make more interesting wagers. Programs here only cost $1.75, and there is no cost to get in the door – there rarely is for horse racing, since they make their money on the gambling. There is also no cost to park, so the only thing you really have to spend money on is food, and of course, wagering if you do any. Extras 2 There is a little bit of horse-themed decor on the exterior, which I appreciated, and I did enjoy the different seating options. Final Thoughts I personally enjoy visiting different horse racing tracks around the country, and I am glad I went to Finger Lakes. But I am not sure I would go back here; I enjoyed doing it once, but there are other tracks nearby with more amenities and more interesting racing.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website IMSA Weekend website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 IMSA’s Visit to the Brickyard While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, North America’s premier sportscar series hadn’t run there since the early 2010s. While events like the SRO Indy 8 Hours and the SCCA Runoffs have been held here in recent years, IMSA’s return in 2023 was heralded as a return to the promised land. While the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series initially increased the length of its race to 6 hours, 2026 saw the standard two-and-a-half-hour race return to the weekend schedule. Food & Beverage 3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers ($9.50-$10.25), chicken fingers ($12), and pork tenderloin baskets ($12.50) are all available, as are soda ($5-$7), bottled water ($5), and beer ($8.25-$9.25). Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda Plaza. Atmosphere 4 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offer fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are, and renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines, and with the addition of the endurance race to the weekend, the feeling in the air is also more electric. IMSA fans love the endurance aspect of sportscar racing, and bringing one to Indy adds to the history of this racetrack. Neighborhood 3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you’ll see both the past and future of the area all within a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. Also, on Thursday night before race weekend begins, a fan festival is held here with various race cars on display, driver autographs and Q&A sessions, and live music taking place. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indianapolis just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track. Fans 4 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades.The pre-race fan walk during this year’s IMSA weekend was packed full of attendees, and the decrease in race time from six hours to the standard two hours and forty minutes wasn’t a detractor for attendance at all. Access 4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the facility. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the property’s exit.Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the venue, though many of the lots require pre-purchased parking passes. That said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to IMSA weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are relatively well priced; general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Friday, $50 for Saturday, and $60 for Sunday, with a 3-day general admission ticket costing $120. Reserved seating tickets range from $100 for Friday only in the Hullman Terrace Club to $515 for the full weekend – compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500, this is an absolute steal. Every ticket also includes infield access, as well as access to the paddock and the pre-race fan walk. Parking starts at $10-$25 for Friday and goes up to $25-$75 on weekend days. Camping at the track ranges from $70-$145 (outside the track in Lot 2) to $600-$1,500 (various infield Oval Turn 4 spaces). Extras 4 Several autograph sessions are held throughout the weekend, including all the IMSA WeatherTech Series teams. The track also has several event stores set up throughout the facility, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as from the drivers. Before the main races on Saturday and Sunday, fans can come walk on pit road during the grid walk, as well as watch pit stop demos and meet the drivers and teams before the green flag falls. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield and is open during race days – fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and enjoying the history of the sport of racing. Final Thoughts Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and IMSA weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this now annual stop on the IMSA calendar. Sportscar fans will have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than four racing series taking to the speedway during the event.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 IMSA website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 IMSA Racing in Virginia The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. It hosts multiple racing events during the season, including SRO, Trans-Am, SVRA, and GridLife. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly. IMSA weekend is without a doubt the biggest race weekend of the year at this track, which means this is a must-see for sportscar fans in the area. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Cafe. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and more. To make it easier for fans to order, the cafe also has several bundle options that generally run in the $10 range for a main item (burger, chicken, etc.), fries, and a drink. In addition, the track has snacks, ice cream, and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up throughout the bigger race weekends down in the paddock area. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Thankfully, during IMSA weekend various food trucks set up near the paddock and fan zone to offer alternative food and beverage options for fans. Atmosphere 5 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner, including the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend long. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harken back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns that the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened a few years ago inside the turn 1-4 area on driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch. Neighborhood 1 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors. While there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, which is where you can find the closest places to eat. There you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites or Courtyard by Marriott, or the newly opened Caesar’s Resort. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs. Fans 4 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekend, and know everything about the sport they love and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everyone from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. IMSA has seen a resurgence of fan numbers in recent years, and the crowds at VIR reflect that. Filled camping sites and packed hillsides mean the racers are performing in front of large crowds that love racing, and it is a welcome sight. Access 2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads; State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston. There are no major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to the signage pointing them towards the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for IMSA weekend at VIR start at $60 for Friday or Saturday tickets, $70 for Sunday, $80 for the weekend, and $90 for all three days. Car corral packages are available for $80 to $170. VIP hospitality tickets range from $360 to $450 for three-day access, all together putting tickets in the standard range for IMSA. However, considering that this weekend features no less than five different IMSA race series competing on track, this is a great value for how much racing you get to see during the event. Extras 4 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to the post-race celebrations. The venue also erects TV screens at various points around the property for fans to see the action around the track while it’s happening, meaning you won’t miss anything regardless of where you decide to watch the race from. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets and autograph sessions, so fans can see the stars up close. IMSA itself also hosts various autograph sessions during the race weekend, giving fans the ability to meet their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing – the track is big, technical, and exciting. Fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it is easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make your visit worth the trek.

Image courtesy of iStock image by Mitay_PG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Skull and Crossbones Stadium 1031 Nightmare on Elm Street Eerie, Transylvania 131313 Skull and Crossbones Stadium Year Opened: October 31, 1913 Capacity: 13,013 This Stadium is a Fright to Behold College football is known for its many rivalry games, such as the Oklahoma/Texas game or the Washington/Oregon contest each season. However, there is a lesser-known game each year on October 31. This contest takes place at a neutral site in Eerie, Transylvania, and it pits the squads from Washington Werewolves against the Boston Ghouls. It is popularly known as the Monster Mash rivalry game. Food & Beverage 4 Skull and Crossbones Stadium offers a wide variety of concessions designed to meet the tastes of both the dead and the undead. These stands offer everything from the basics at the Trick or Treats stands to the more luxury fare found at the Cauldron Kitchen, Crypt Café, Spellbound Sweets and Ghoul Grill locations. The Trick or Treats stands feature several Halloween standards including candied apples, candy corn, spellbound snacks, and several pumpkin-flavored specialties. Some of their more unique offerings are people’s fingers and heads on lettuce. They offer a wide variety of potions, including Fanta Orange sodas, Bloodied Mary’s and Jack O Lantern Daniels adult beverages. Pumpkin Spice lattes are also available. Atmosphere 5 Gamedays at Skull and Crossbones Stadium get underway just after sundown as the full moon comes out. Fans love to set up early at the Trick or Treat Tailgates, which take place in a graveyard filled with tombstones, coffins and crypts. Unlike normal tailgates which are designed to create energy, activities at these tailgates are best described as a “dead zone”. These tailgates feature all types of frightful foods, potions and the “Cry Like a Banshee” cheer contest, which determines which school has the best blood curdling scream. Musical entertainment is provided by bands including Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, the Screech Boys and the Crypt Keepers. Image courtesy of iStock image by Alfieri As gametime approaches, the fans from both teams conduct a Lantern March to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, the excitement builds, as each of the teams emerge out of the crypt tunnel, bursting through a wall of fog and lightning to the sounds of the skeleton drumline. The fans howl with delight at this spellbound experience. Skull and Crossbones Stadium offers several Con-Cession stands where you can buy your fan gear. Our advice is to be very careful as you shop, as the stands are staffed by escaped convicts convicted of all types of murder and mayhem. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood surrounding Skull and Crossbones Stadium can be described as something out of the “Living Dead”. It is filled with entire subdivisions composed of haunted houses and mansions, graveyards, dark forests, spooky schools and frightful traffic jams. Nearby accommodation can be found at the Eerie Howliday Inn, Murder Motel Six, the Haunted Hilton or the very popular Bates Motel. Popular restaurants near the stadium include Wawful House, the Stake and Brew and Witch-A-Burger. Fans 4 Both the Werewolves and the Ghouls boast of very loyal fanbases. They proudly wear the black and orange colors of their respective teams. After a touchdown the Werewolves fans howl at the moon, while the Ghouls fans typically screech in support of their team’s, as the goblins grind out the yardage. Fans can keep up with the action on the two huge Vampire videoboards at the back of each of the “end of your life” zones. The stadium has Poltergeist Patrols to help keep things under control if the “spirited” fans get too rowdy. Access 3 It is a good idea to get an early start for game nights at Skull and Crossbones Stadium. Traffic can be a monster, and when you reach the stadium the lines to get in can be frightfully long, as the stadium operates with just a skeleton staff. However, season ticket holders and premium seat holders can get in quicker through the Broomstick Express Lanes. Return on Investment 4 Tickets prices are a frightfully expensive for the once-a-year event…. It will cost you an arm and a leg (literally!) Parking in the auto graveyard is no trick or treat either. We encourage fans to take the complimentary Skull and Crossbones Shuttle to the game, as it will drop you right at the stadium gates. You will howl with the delight at the money and time you’ve saved! Concessions are attractively priced, which is a good thing, because when you are a ghost or skeleton, the food tends to go right through you! Extras 3 Fan Duel operates several Crystal Ball betting locations for fans who want to wager on the winner of the game. Very few fans leave their seats at halftime, as the bands from each institution conduct a “battle to the death” band competition, featuring such favorites as the themes from Thriller or Ghostbusters. The Werewolves and the Ghouls play in the NFL (Nighttime Frights League). The Baltimore Ravens recently departed the league saying Nevermore! They have moved to that “other” NFL league! Final Thoughts Skull and Crossbones Stadium is not for the weak of heart. However, if you want your stadium experience to be memorable… it should be on your “to do” list.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Galaxy Stadium 2526 Mac Davis Lane Lubbock, TX 79407 Texas Tech Red Raiders website Galaxy Stadium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 60,454 Football at Texas Tech Galaxy Stadium originally opened in 1947 as Jones Stadium, in honor of university benefactors Clifford B. and Audrey Jones. Seating was added on the west side to expand seating to 44,000 in 1959. After replacing the grass with state-of-the-art Astroturf in 1971, seating was added, and upgrades were made incrementally through 2003, when Tech added the $52M Spanish Renaissance building on the west side of “The Jones” to house luxury suites and club-level seating. Field turf replaced the Astroturf in 2006, and the university continued to upgrade the stadium by adding club level and end zone suites through the 2010s. In 2023, Tech began a massive investment in its program, pledging nearly $250M into the south end zone to develop the Dustin R. Womble Player Development Center, a multi-level facility that houses football operations, party decks, field-level club spaces, and luxury suites; new entry gates were added during the history-making project as well. With construction completed in 2025, combined with a 15-year naming rights agreement with Galaxy and a rabid fanbase, Texas Tech has created one of the biggest home field advantages in the Big 12 Conference. Food & Beverage 4 If you crave it, the concessions at Galaxy Stadium more than likely offer it. Located on both the ground and second level of the concourse, there are 17 permanent concession stands plus five portable concession kiosks and five self-serve grab-n-go locations. Touchdown Tavern, one of these self-serve marketplaces located in the south end zone, offers smashburgers, nachos, flatbreads, hot sandwiches, and chicken strips in addition to drinks and candy. There is little wasted space under the stadium structure that is not assigned to concessions, souvenirs, or stadium support, which helps to alleviate long lines. Most of the stands serve the same basic items, including drinks, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, pickles, and candy, while also having their own specialty item or two. Some of the more appealing specialties available at the facility are barbecue, roast beef sandwiches, sausage wraps, and burgers. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider, which means Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Dasani water, and Powerade are among the offerings. Regular concession stands serve two sizes of fountain drinks in cups (no souvenir cups are available), while bottled drinks are available in the grab-n-go locations. HTeaO is a sponsor of the Red Raiders, so they offer two sizes of regular, coconut, and Georgia peach sweet and unsweet tea. Alcohol is available in all concession areas, including the self-serve spots, with options that should please any palate. Beer choices are nearly unlimited here, including nearly all popular brands plus local craft favorite Two Docs. Other alcohol options range from multiple brands of seltzer water, buzz balls, hard iced tea, canned margaritas, and VGM’s gin and juice. Atmosphere 5 The gameday atmosphere in Lubbock is top-notch. The Red Raiders have averaged more than 55.000 fans per game since at least 2015, ranking in the top 30 nationally and consistently playing games at well above 90% capacity. Fans can get loosened up and game-ready by visiting one of two tailgating areas: Raider Alley, the primary spot for pregame activities, is located in the Engineering Key on the south/southwest side of Galaxy Stadium, while RaiderGate, a student-centered tailgate area open to students and their guests, is located in the R-3 parking lot. Tech fans generally take full advantage of pregame activities and bring their heightened energy into the stadium before kickoff. The 400-strong Goin’ Band from Raiderland and 10,000 animated students help to make up the basis of a rowdy crowd. With nearly 60,000 black-and-red-clad rabid supporters, the Texas Tech Red Raiders play in one of the best home field environments that the NCAA offers. Even during a non-conference game that kicked off prior to noon, the excitement of the crowd was extremely high. Neighborhood 4 Texas Tech University is located in the northeastern quadrant of Lubbock, adjacent to an older residential neighborhood that reflects decades of wear and change. As Lubbock’s modern growth expanded primarily toward the southwest, Texas Tech was able to increase its campus footprint by purchasing houses and lots as they became available. At the same time, the State of Texas’ construction of the Marsha Sharp Freeway, which runs just north of campus and Galaxy Stadium, further reshaped the area. By the early 2000s, the neighborhood surrounding the university had become a striking mix of new hotels and restaurants, small midcentury homes, and aging or deteriorating businesses – a landscape reflecting both the rapid growth of Texas Tech and the changing character of Lubbock. There are numerous hotels at all price levels less than a mile from the gates of Galaxy Stadium. Some of these include Hampton Inn & Suites University, The Overton Hotel, Residence Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott, among others. Availability is limited during football weekends, so reservations should be made as early as possible. Culinary choices are wide-ranging near campus as well; there are choices that range from national fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants to local burger joints, hangouts, and dive bars. In addition, just a few of many drive-thru options include Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Raising Cane’s, and Firehouse Subs, while local favorites include Spanky’s, Wrecked Burgers and Brews, Torchy’s Tacos, Logie’s, Cheveland, and Ground Zero Sports Bar. The possibility of staying within walking distance of restaurants, nightlife, and Galaxy Stadium creates a wonderful situation for out-of-town visitors. Fans 5 Red Raider fans are loyal and generally bleed red and black. Texas Tech is also usually considered the third or fourth most popular university in the state of Texas. As such, and with Lubbock being located on the South Plains at the base of the Texas Panhandle, many miles away from the larger metropolitan centers of the state, Red Raiders often have an underdog mentality. Regionally, however, Texas Tech has a stranglehold on fandom as a powerhouse where most citizens have at least a passing knowledge of Red Raider sports. The average Tech fan hails from a smaller West Texas city or town, with blue-collar roots and tending to be loyal and hard-working. These fans gather on Saturdays in the fall to root for their favorite college team as hard as they work. Access 5 Located on the northwestern corner of the Texas Tech campus, just south of the Marsha Sharp Expressway (Highways 62/82), Galaxy Stadium is easily accessible. Most campus lots near the stadium are designated for season ticket holders, but single-game and free parking options are available across the freeway from the stadium along 4th and 5th streets. These lower-priced lots have game day shuttle service for only $6, or fans can walk to the facility – these lots are located approximately a mile from the northwest corner of the venue (Gate 3). Texas Tech also has quality maps and game day information posted on their website. Return On Investment 4 Fans attending Texas Tech football games should feel they are getting their money's worth. Ticket prices for Power 4 football have risen dramatically in the past several years, but Red Raider ticket prices remain near the average for most seating options. With dynamic pricing based on the opponent and the selected seat, some early season non-conference games are accessible for as little as $40. Conference game ticket prices, on the other hand, range from around $70 to $250 depending on the opponent, which is similar to most other NCAA Division I schools in the Big 12 and Southwest region. Concession prices are not outrageous when it comes to major sporting events: bottled water costs $3.50, Cokes are $5.50, beers cost $9.85, snacks run $5 to $8, and entrees cost between $10 and $15. After you consider that free parking is an option (with a walk or $6 shuttle ride to the stadium), a fall Saturday in Raiderland is a fairly affordable entertainment option. Extras 4 Grab-n-go markets that offer entrees as well as snack options deserve extra recognition. At halftime during an early fall Saturday game with temperatures soaring into the high 90s, many fans retreated to the concourse for relief, but waiting time for concessions remained only a couple of minutes across the board thanks to these quick-moving areas. Even with a crowd of nearly 60,000, both foot and car traffic flowed quickly and smoothly. Parking was plentiful in and around campus, with free parking options available a short $6 shuttle ride away. A map that is clear and easy to understand is available on the university website to assist with game-day parking, which also warrants an extra point. Despite its size, Lubbock is a college town. The entire South Plains of Texas bleeds red and black, as most of these citizens consider themselves Red Raider fans (unless they are alumni of another major university). This fanaticism is evident when driving through some of the small towns nearby, or when visiting local stores and seeing numerous people and businesses adorned in Texas Tech garb – this writer thinks that level of enthusiasm deserves added recognition as well. Final Thoughts Texas Tech, as a member of the Big 12, competes at the highest level of NCAA athletics. Galaxy Stadium and the surrounding area match this level as far as amenities and opportunities to spend time before and after ball games. Visitors will also find that navigation in and around the Texas Tech campus is not difficult, and most fans you encounter are friendly, even if they bleed red and black. Even though Lubbock and Texas Tech may not be listed among top-level bucket list items to visit, fans are sure to be pleasantly surprised with their time in the Hub City.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Thompson Field 867 Washington Street SW Blacksburg, VA 24061 Virginia Tech Hokies website Thompson Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 2,028 A Home For Hokie Soccer Since 2003, Thompson Field on the campus of Virginia Tech has been home to the Hokies' men's and women's soccer teams. With 2,028 bleacher seats and standing room for about 1,500 more, the stadium has proven to be a fine venue to watch soccer. Renovations occurred in 2005, when restrooms were added, and 2008, when a gameday operations center was built. Virginia Tech men's soccer's best result was in 2007, when they advanced to the College Cup, the NCAA soccer equivalent of the Final Four. However, the Hokies fell 2-0 to Wake Forest in the semifinals. The women's soccer team advanced to the College Cup in 2013, but like the men six years earlier, fell in the semifinals, this time to Florida State. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at Thompson Field, located directly in front of you as you enter the stadium from the parking lot. Hot dogs and nachos are the only things that could really be considered meals, with other options including soft pretzels, popcorn, candy, peanuts, and bottled water and soda. The only thing that costs $5 is a souvenir bucket of popcorn for $10. If you just want a popcorn and not the bucket, that's still only $5. Keep in mind this is a cashless facility, so bring a credit or debit card. Atmosphere 4 A set of bleachers towers over Thompson Field along one sideline, providing benchback seating for just over 2,000 fans, although it rarely fills up. There is also some standing room near the corners at field level which some fans prefer, although you should have no trouble finding seats if you want to. Although animals are not permitted in Thompson Field (with the exception of service animals) there is a grassy area behind the goal near the parking lot that is not considered part of the stadium, and some fans will set up chair or blankets, bring their dogs, and watch the game from there. Like at other Virginia Tech sports, just before the match starts, :"Enter Sandman" will play over the PA system and the crowd will cheer, clap, and jump along with the music. Although it isn't as intense as it would be at football or basketball, it is still a fun thing to participate in. The Virginia Tech mascot, the Hokie Bird, often makes an appearance at games, although he may leave pretty soon after he shows up so pay attention if you want to see him. A large videoboard is located in the far left corner. In addition to the live feed of the game, it also shows a rotating set of game statistics. Neighborhood 4 Thompson Field is in the middle of the Virginia Tech campus, and you will likely need to head off-campus if looking for a place to eat. Nearby Main Street offers many options, including the Hokie House restaurant and bar, P.K.'s Bar and Grill, and cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Nepalese. Blacksburg may be in a remote location, but it is a fine college town. Most of the businesses cater to students or others associated with the university, given the population in this area. Fans 4 Virginia Tech draws between 500 and a thousand fans to a typical home game, with the crowd ranging from longtime Tech fans to youth soccer teams to other families with small kids. The Virginia Tech students show up in force as well, typically cheering from the leftmost section of the bleachers. The Corps of Cadets makes themselves especially known in terms of both turnout and passion. Virginia Tech is one of six senior military colleges in the country, but one of only two (along with Texas A&M) where the military corps is part of a larger civilian student body. This situation leads to one of the more unique college student sections. Access 3 Virginia Tech is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the Southgate Dr. Exit off of US 460 and it will take you right to campus. Fans visiting Thompson Field should park in Lot 1, right next to the stadium. If attending a weekday game (regardless of the time of day) you will need to pay for parking through the ParkMobile app, which will cost about $2 an hour. On weekends, there is no cost to park. Some spaces are reserved for permit holders between 7 AM and 5 PM Monday-Friday, but as weeknight games typically start at 7 PM, with gates opening at 6, this should not present a problem. If attending the odd weekday matinee game, don't park in any of the spaces with orange lines. After 5 PM or on weekends, those spots are fair game. ' Restrooms at Thompson Field are located in a building on the opposite side of the bleachers from the entrance. The one downside here is that a clear bag policy is in effect. Considering the small crowds Virginia Tech soccer draws relative to other sports on campus, this seems unnecessary. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all regular season Virginia Tech soccer gams is free of charge. The only costs will be parking, if you go on a weeknight, and concessions, if you choose to buy them. Overall, a Virginia Tech soccer game is an outstanding value. Extras 2 The pregame playing of "Enter Sandman" is worthy of an extra star here. Look for the signage honoring Virginia Tech postseason appearances in soccer. Final Thoughts From the playing of "Enter Sandman" before the game even starts, to the moment the referee blows the final whistle, a Virginia Tech soccer game at Thompson Field is an outstanding experience. While it doesn't get anywhere near the attention in the fall that the Tech football team does, Hokie fans and anyone who's passionate about soccer will want to head on down here to check out a game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Robert W. Plaster Sports Complex 1015 E Grand St Springfield, MO 65897 Missouri State Bears website Robert W. Plaster Stadium website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 17,500 Mo State The Missouri State Bears have come a long way since their days in the NCAA’s Division II. The football program here began in 1909 and later spent 43 years in the FCS, before Mo State joined the FBS and Conference USA in 2025. Robert W. Plaster Stadium underwent some massive renovations as part of the transition, and now boasts new field turf, enhanced concessions, and upgraded LED lighting. The new lighting is even used as part of the game day atmosphere – the lights are strobed and the stadium darkened at key moments in the game, including before kickoff and at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Other amenities include features such as fireworks, drone shows, and two different party areas, creating a wonderful football experience for your visit to Springfield, Missouri. Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide variety of concession options at Plaster Stadium, including burgers, brats, hot dogs, BBQ nachos, wraps, and even loaded baked potatoes, which are not something you see at many sports arenas. There are also pretzels, chips, candy, nacho chips with cheese, and popcorn served in a football-shaped bowl, as well as flavored popcorn and other snack options. The concessions vary a little – there are slightly different options sold in the different seating areas, although they are mostly the same. For example, in the double and triple letter sections on the west side (upper level), the two stands in the middle offer wraps, spuds, and BBQ nachos, while the two stands on the ends trade these for burgers. The concession prices are also a little higher here than you might see at other stadiums, for example $12 for a burger and $8 for a pretzel with cheese. In addition to these concessions, there is also the Bud Light End Zone on the south side, featuring Anheuser-Busch products in custom-branded Mo State cans. Soda, bottled water, hot cocoa, and a variety of alcoholic beverages (including beer, canned cocktails, and seltzer) are also available throughout the facility. Atmosphere 5 Plaster Stadium has a great atmosphere on game day. There is a great tailgating scene outside the venue, as well as a party platform on the east side known as The Clif. There are also a few standing areas on that side, along with the student section and the Missouri State band. The mascot spends his time on that side as well, helping keep the fans engaged. Missouri State has a great band with a huge number of performers, including a fantastic halftime show with a lot of props. The flag twirlers surround the members of the band as they go through their routines, such as spelling out M-S-U in script and forming the school logo. Before kickoff the band creates two triangles for the team to run through when they take the field. The logos around the field really pop, including the retired numbers displayed on the east side, and there are also letters spelling out MO STATE across the seats on the west side. However, the best part of the evening is really the fireworks – when they play the National Anthem, the staff fires off red, white, and blue rockets from the top of the east side. The display continues every time the Bears score, and they also have unique performances for certain games, such as a Halloween-themed drone show during my most recent visit. The staff also offers special concessions and merchandise giveaways on particular weekends. Neighborhood 5 Springfield, Missouri is known as the Queen City of the Ozarks, but also as the birthplace of the famed Route 66. There are signs all over town celebrating the famous highway, which was established in 1926 and ran through eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica, spanning almost 2,500 miles. Fun fact: Chapman Stadium, home of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, is the only FBS Stadium that actually sits along the original route – there are even markers embedded in the sidewalk next to the stadium to mark it. When it comes to football in Springfield, however, BearFest Village is the central pre-game tailgating, entertainment, and food truck hub for Mo State. BearFest Village is directly north of Plaster Stadium, with both located right on campus. Students even have their own section, and 2 hours before kickoff all the fans here line up to form a tunnel for the band, pep squad, mascot, and football team to walk through on their way into the stadium – be sure to get there early if you would like to participate. After the game, a few great spots to check out are Ebbets Field Restaurant & Pub, a nod to the Brooklyn Dodgers and known for its burgers and wings, or Pappy’s Place for Ozark pit BBQ, a more hickory and vinegar version than its more well-known Kansas City and St. Louis BBQ cousins. There are also plenty of hotels in the area across all price ranges; near the stadium you can find everything from Best Western on the low end to Moxy (downtown) or Walnut Street Inn (bed and breakfast) on the high end. There is also a Buc-ee’s location in Springfield, if you are a fan of the famous chain and happen to be traveling along I-44. Fans 3 Mo State has a great fan base, with most fans decked out in Bears Maroon. Because the team plays in Conference USA, you may see some home games scheduled on Tuesday or Wednesday nights, which don’t draw as many fans as you will see on a typical Saturday. Plaster Stadium has a capacity of 17,500, with attendance lately averaging over 12,000 per game – the stadium might not be full every game, but there will be plenty of crowd noise. The students and fans on the east side tend to be the most engaged and loudest, but those standing in the Bud Light End Zone on the south side just might give them a run for their money. Access 3 Getting to Plaster Stadium is pretty easy, with not too much traffic and plenty of parking right around the stadium, even if you arrive close to kickoff. The closest parking is reserved for those with suite tickets, but you should always be able to find room in the parking deck a couple blocks from the venue, at a cost of $20 (although on my last visit they didn’t make me pay). Once you get inside the facility, however, the access is a little wonky. The seating is divided into three separate zones, and you can’t move between them once you enter, as re-entry is not allowed. The first zone is the upper deck (double and triple letter sections), which you enter from behind the west side. You have to walk up the ramp (or use the elevator) to get to the second level before they scan your ticket. The second zone is the lower level on the west side, with entry at ground level on the north or south ends. Individuals seated in this zone are the only ones who can walk over and access the Bud Light End Zone, so make sure you pay attention to what ticket you buy if you want to sit in a certain place. The third zone is the east side, with its own entrances on that side. The east side includes The Clif, as mentioned above, as well as a few standing areas if you prefer not to sit. I did appreciate the layout on the east side, as they have walls and no seating in front of the stairs, so your view can’t be blocked by those going up and down. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at around $20 to attend football games at Plaster Stadium, which is a steal for the atmosphere you will find here; students get in for free, which is a nice plus. While concessions are on the high end and parking may not be free, $20 is on the low end for FBS football. For that price you will also get to see fireworks throughout the game, great performances by the band and pep squad, a fun mascot, and potentially additional shows or features as well, depending on the game. There is also a fun crowd, and the opportunity to rock out in one of two party areas inside the facility. Extras 4 While most of the seating at Plaster Stadium is bleachers without backs, the upper deck does offer some chairback benches, painted maroon so they are easy to spot – these are located in the middle-most triple letter sections (back portion of the upper deck), as well as in all the double letter sections (first few rows of upper deck). There are also several team gear stands inside the venue; some of them are satellite stands with a smaller selection, but it isn’t a far walk to find one of the main stands, which offer a few more items. Final Thoughts I would absolutely recommend a visit to Plaster Stadium to see the Missouri State Bears. In the past this might not have been considered a bucket-list sports destination, but things are really looking up lately for Mo State, and their move to the FBS has really changed the game here. The facility is much improved since its FCS days, and though the access may be a little stilted, if you pick the right seats you will have a fabulous time. Go Bears!

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Aikens Stadium 1301 Ralph Shockey Drive Winchester, VA 22602 Shenandoah Hornets website Aikens Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 300 Oh, Shenandoah! Located in Winchester, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah University's athletic teams are known as the Hornets and compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The Hornets' field hockey team competes at Aikens Stadium, Shenandoah's newest athletics facility that opened in 2022. Previously, the field hockey team shared Shentel Stadium with the football team and numerous others. Aikens Field is shared only with the women's lacrosse program, which plays in the spring while field hockey plays in the fall, making scheduling easier. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at Aikens Stadium, located out of a window on the right side of the press box. Walk up a small set of stairs from the bleachers and it will be right in front of you. The menu is pretty basic, with candy, chips, hot dogs, and bottled soda and water being your only options. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, but we recommend you eat before the game. Atmosphere 3 There are several areas at Aikens Stadium where fans can watch the game from. A set of metal bleachers is located to the right of the press box. A small hill separates this area from the field, so you will be up higher and farther back than you would be at many stadiums. There are also some Adirondack chairs to the right of the bleachers and at field level, but these are often marked as reserved for special guests, especially the field level ones. They are more comfortable than the bleachers, but the ones at bleacher level have the view blocked off by light poles. As is typical at field hockey at this level, there is not much going on other than the game itself. If you're a fan of the sport, that's fine, but there is little else going on here for entertainment. The scoreboard at Aikens Field shows all of the basic information - score, clock, and quarter. It also had space to show time remaining on penalty cards, but this area was not functional when we visited. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are several restaurants located near the stadium, ranging from sports bars to barbecues to homemade ice cream. Since Shenandoah's campus is located near the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 3 Shenandoah draws a little under a hundred fans to a typical home game, mostly friends and family of the players on one team or the other. That is pretty typical for field hockey at this level. Many of those who show up come to almost every home game, so they are knowledgeable about the team and the players. The fact that the seating is spread over a wide area makes the stadium feel more empty than it is. Access 3 The nearest highway to Shenandoah's campus is Interstate 81, and it is easily accessible via Exit 313B. Fans coming from the east or west will need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way, and while these are not full-blown highways, you can usually make good time. Once you get on the Shenandoah campus, there is a large lot next to the stadium. There is also a smaller lot which you will likely pass first, but these spaces are all reserved and regular fans cannot park here. There is one single person restroom on the left side of the press box. There will often be a wait for this, but if necessary, there are restrooms in nearby buildings as well. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Shenandoah field hockey games is free, and concessions are reasonably priced if limited in selection. Overall, this is a great value, but there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 The many different seating options for fans to watch the game are worthy of an extra star here. Final Thoughts It is nice that Shenandoah field hockey has their own home, as the football stadium was far too spacious for the crowds they drew, and the many different events on the field made scheduling difficult. While they still won't draw large crowds, and this is not an elaborate setting, field hockey fans in the northern Shenandoah Valley will still have a good time taking in a match at Aikens Stadium.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Owings Mills East Field Hockey Field Mustang Way Owings Mills, MD 21117 Stevenson Mustangs website Owings Mills East Field Hockey field website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 250 A Horse is a Mustang of Course, of Course Stevenson University is located in Owings Mills, Maryland, about a 25 minute drive northwest of Baltimore. Several of the school's athletic teams, known as the Mustangs, play their home games at a complex of fields on Stevenson's East Campus. In addition to soccer, baseball, and softball fields, East Campus features an artificial turf field that is home to the Mustangs' field hockey team. While many Division III hockey teams are forced to share bladed turf fields with other sports such as soccer or football, the Mustangs have the surface typically used at higher levels, which resembles old-fashioned AstroTurf that is long obsolete in other sports. This enables the ball to roll better and leads to a style of play that is more fast-paced and exciting. Food & Beverage 2 A table is located as you enter the field hockey stadium at Stevenson University, selling a small menu of concession items. Hot dogs, chips, and candy are your only food options, while bottled water, soda, and Gatorade are available to drink. Occasionally they will offer special concession items. For instance, when Stadium Journey visited, they were selling pink-frosted cupcakes for Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Prices are very reasonable, with nothing costing more than about $5. Atmosphere 3 Stevenson's field hockey field is nicer than many you will see at the Division III level. For starters, just having a field designed for field hockey is not something you see at every school at this level. As mentioned above, many are forced to share bladed turf fields with sports like soccer or football. The artificial turf field at Stevenson was designed for field hockey and enables a faster-paced, more exciting style of play. The one downside is that a running track surrounds the field and puts fans far from the action. There are several vantages points here fans can watch the game from. There are two small sets of bleachers along the sideline, and it may be hard to get a seat here if you show up late. Some fans also stand along the fence surrounding the field or bring their own chairs and sit on the hill behind the bleachers in between the field hockey and baseball fields. Music is played pregame, after goals, and between quarters, but it is not loud or intrusive. Neighborhood 4 Owings Mills is located in the northwest suburbs of Baltimore, and there is plenty to do near the Stevenson campus. Terri's Cafe is located just around the corner and is a great place to get breakfast or brunch before the game, with great food and friendly service. However, they close at 2 PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays, so be aware if traveling to a weekend game. There are several shopping centers just down Owings Mills Boulevard with everything from burgers to wings to Mexican and Peruvian food. Fans 5 Stevenson draws a good crowd for this level of field hockey, averaging 100-200 fans a game. The fans are deeply knowledegable and passionate about the team and pack the bleachers, fence and hill. Even some Division I teams struggle to draw this many fans to field hockey. While it is still a small crowd compared to certain other sports, given the context here, this earns a high rating from us. Access 4 Owings Mills Boulevard is located just off I-795, and Stevenson's East Campus is about a mile away. There are several lots here, and how crowded they will be depends on what else is going on in the complex that day. You should be able to find a seat, but you may have to walk a bit, especially if you arrive late.. On the other hand, if a soccer game is ending shortly before field hockey starts, arriving later may actually make it easier to park. Restrooms are available in a big building by the entrance and are sufficient for the crowds the Mustangs draw. They are shared by the entire complex so may get more crowded if there are other events going on. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Stevenson field hockey games is free of charge. Concessions are reasonably priced as well, even if the selection is quite limited. Overall, a game here is an excellent value. Extras 1 The many different vantage points to watch the game from is worthy of a bonus star here. Final Thoughts While Stevenson's field hockey team may not be the most popular one on campus, fans of the sport will find a fine facility here with a fan base that exceeds many you will see at this level. If you're in the Baltimore area, head on down to Stevenson's East Campus to check out a game and you will not be disappointed.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium 350 N Razorback Rd Fayetteville, AR 72701 Arkansas Razorbacks website Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 76,212 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on the campus of the University of Arkansas. The stadium is on the west side of campus and has been home to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team since 1938. In that timespan the Hogs have played 336 games and won more than 62 percent of those contests. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium originally opened as University Stadium on September 24, 1938, with room for 13,500 spectators; the first game ever played here was against Oklahoma A&M (now known as Oklahoma State University). The stadium moniker was almost immediately changed to Bailey Stadium, after then sitting Arkansas Governor Carl Bailey, but in 1941 received the proper name of Razorback Stadium. Then in 2001 in honor of the late Donald W. Reynolds, the stadium was given its current name, while the playing field was named in honor of former athletic director and winningest head football coach in Arkansas history, Frank Broyles. During the 2016-17 offseason the Broyles Athletic Center was demolished as part of a $160 million renovation and expansion of the stadium. The expansion added 4,800 seats and new premium seating in the north end zone. This expansion boosted the capacity of the stadium to 76,212 – the actual increase in capacity is fewer than 4,800 seats because some club seating on the east side was eliminated to add additional suites, but the current total capacity is close to the all-time single game attendance record of 76,808, which was set on September 25, 2010, versus the Alabama Crimson Tide. Food & Beverage 3 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium features a variety of concession options, with several types of food and an assortment of Coca-Cola products. The main stands offer all your basic fare, such as hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos. These food items range from $5 to $15, while beverages range from $5 to $15. There are also locations for craft beer, at prices ranging from $12 to $15 depending on your selection. The rest of the menu features local and national vendors, including Pizza Hut, Gusano’s Pizza, Slim Chickens, Yarnell’s Ice Cream, and my favorite, Wright’s BBQ. Wright’s offers a limited menu: a pulled-pork sandwich costs $15 while a brisket sandwich costs $18. Carts and kiosks throughout the stadium also sell Philly cheesesteaks, meatball subs, and Italian sausage. A spacious food court near the main team apparel store provides seating for diners. In addition, the Popcorn Chicken Hog offers a combo of popcorn chicken and a drink; this stand was added in 2016. Although the stadium provides plenty of variety, nearby restaurants offer better food and value. Atmosphere 4 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium’s setting is one of the more picturesque places in the SEC. The stadium’s upper deck view of the vistas and surrounding Boston Mountains on the south side show off the beauty of The Natural State. The festive game day atmosphere begins several hours before kickoff with tailgating around campus. While almost all the tailgating spaces must be rented, there are areas reserved for free tailgating; if interested, you can visit the Arkansas Razorbacks’ game day information website. Besides tailgating, there is so much to do and see here before the game, as Razorback Athletics provides a free pregame atmosphere in Hog Town. This includes inflatables for kids, live music, TVs, and food and drink vendors. Also at Hog Town, two hours before kickoff you can witness the Hog Walk, when the football team walks into the stadium while the pep band and spirit squad welcome them. In addition, on the north side of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium near the Pit (a colony of white tents) is Frank Broyles Athletic Center. Inside, fans are welcome to walk through the history of Arkansas football, from the early beginning through the changing of conferences from Southwest to Southeastern, including numerous artifacts and trophies, especially the ones from the 1964 National Championship. Also, fans can visit the Razorbacks apparel shop for an updated selection of Razorbacks gear. As game time approaches, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium becomes a sea of red, with the Razorback Marching Band setting the stage by forming a huge ‘A’. This formation becomes a reality when the announcer introduces the marching band; the band then marches the length of the field while playing “Arkansas Fight”. When they finish there is an ‘A’ symbol that stretches from the Razorback locker room all the way to midfield. The band then plays “Arkansas Fight” again while the crowd roars, as the Razorback football team enters the field from the north side of the stadium, through a tunnel attached to Broyles Athletic Center. Above the athletic center is a massive scoreboard, the biggest in the SEC and fourth largest in college football; it measures out to a little less than 6,300 square feet. Every time the Hogs score fireworks are launched off the center’s roof, while during the game the spirit squads and the three Razorback mascots – Big Red, Pork Chop, and Boss Hog – signal the crowd for certain cheers. Throughout the game the fans stand and are very vocal, cheering and of course Calling the Hogs. Calling the Hogs is the ritual where Arkansas fans raise their arms while moving their fingers in unison, while unleashing a high-pitched yell of the words “Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Razorbacks!” – it is unique and interesting to hear 70K fans in unison Calling the Hogs. Neighborhood 4 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is on the west side of the University of Arkansas’ campus in Fayetteville. Fayetteville’s population of around 80K is just slightly more than the capacity of its football stadium, making it the third largest city in Arkansas. The city is on the outskirts of the Boston Mountains within the scenic Ozarks, and while the area seems to be safe for walking, the terrain is very hilly, especially throughout campus. Fayetteville is a model college town. The University of Arkansas is just a short walk from Dickson Street, the city’s main artery; Dickson Street has a long list of bars, restaurants, and other entertainment options for visitors. There is a long list of places to choose from on Dickson Street such as Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese or Pickleman’s Gourmet Café. There is plenty of live music as well, so be sure to check out George’s Majestic Lounge. If you want to avoid the college bar scene on Dickson Street, then Foghorn’s has two locations around Fayetteville, serving up beer and wings, with its closest location right across the street from the school’s baseball venue, Baum-Walker Stadium. But my favorite eatery to visit while in Fayetteville, Catfish Hole, is just up the road – if you are a catfish person, this place will be high on your list. The lodging around campus can be scarce, as on football game days the city of Fayetteville almost doubles in population. However, there are a few choices in the area; in downtown Fayetteville the Chancellor Hotel is a great choice, or there is a Staybridge Suites near Baum-Walker Stadium. There are also chain hotels, such as Candlewood Suites and Hampton Inn off I-49 at the MLK exit, and if you can’t secure lodging in Fayetteville, then check out historic Fort Smith. Fort Smith is about 45 minutes south of Fayetteville off I-40. Fans 3 There are plenty of serious Razorback fans, one of the most recognized being Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, a member of the 1964 National Championship team. Mr. Jones, along with his wife, have put a stamp on the Razorbacks program with the building of the Jerry and Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Building. Razorback fans also have a common purpose when attending a Razorbacks game, and that is Calling the Hogs. No matter the size of the crowd, the fans stand for much of the game and are well engaged in everything from the band performance to the spirit squad cheers, as well as in the action on the field. Overall, the fans are certainly knowledgeable and passionate when it comes to rooting for their Hogs. Access 3 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is nestled in the hills of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The location of Fayetteville itself can make access difficult for visiting fans, as the campus is amid a large collection of hills in the Boston Mountains. Once you arrive in Fayetteville, the parking is just like other major football programs, with parking close to the venue only for donors or season ticket holders. However, general parking is available for $25 at Harmon Avenue parking garage located north of Center Street, or you can park for free at Baum-Walker Stadium, which is about a mile from the football field. Parking spaces are filled in on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there is shuttle service provided to and from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium beginning four hours prior to game time. There are plenty of entrances into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, and going in brings an old time feel, as the entrances are small. However, the stadium concourses are wide enough for an easy transition around the stadium, although the signage can be very confusing for first-time fans; once you see a map or have walked around the stadium a little the transition becomes easier. The best way to reach the upper decks is by using the ramps, as the elevators can have a long and frustrating wait. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium also has seating areas for those with disabilities to watch the game; if needed check with the ticket office to make sure you can be accommodated. Easier access to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium can be achieved by getting to Fayetteville early and getting some decent parking, leaving more time to enjoy the pregame atmosphere of Razorbacks football. However, leaving after the game is a little more time consuming – although the entry and exit routes are well-planned and will get you to your destination, the tight area around the stadium is packed. As a result, some fans just hang out and maybe have a postgame tailgate until the traffic whittles itself out. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Razorback games range between $50 and $270, which is very reasonable for teams in the SEC. Just plan well in advance because Arkansas uses flex pricing, with tickets prices rising as demand to certain games, such as LSU for example. There is free parking if you choose to seek it out, and the walking distance from that garage isn’t that much different than the walk from the general paid parking. Concessions prices are a little high for most items, however, so if you are looking to get the best monetary return on your trip, then eating before or after the game would be your best option. Overall, the return on investment here is above average to excellent, for a wonderful football atmosphere in what some will argue is the best football conference in the country. Extras 5 The setting is great, with the stadium’s south side upper deck view showing the Boston Mountains. The atmosphere is also festive during tailgating, and seeing the live mascot Tusk VI paraded around the stadium is unique, with the cheerleaders standing above the cage – after it circles around, Tusk VI’s cage sits in the corner of the stadium for fans to see throughout the game. Besides the above, there is also the tradition of the Razorback players running through the ‘A,’ along with all the years of history of Razorback football on display throughout the stadium, both of which provide special extras for fans visiting Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The official game program is also complimentary for all fans. Final Thoughts A trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas anytime is a wonderful adventure, as you travel into one of the most scenic college campus towns in the country – the Natural State motto is truly appropriate for this campus nestled in the Boston Mountains. There are plenty of reasons to visit Fayetteville for any college football fan; the fans are pleasant and the atmosphere unique, but the tradition of Calling the Hogs makes the trip a must: WPS – Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie!

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 GFL Memorial Gardens 269 Queen St. E Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Y9 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds website GFL Memorial Gardens website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 4,923 Faster Than A Wolf “A Greyhound is faster than a wolf.” Those were the words of coach George McNamera when the question of naming the new hockey team in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in 1919 was posed. The name Greyhounds was chosen as a direct response to their rivals in Sudbury, the Sudbury Wolves. The original junior version of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds joined the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League in 1962. The NOJHL squad gave way to the current version of the team that joined what is now the OHL in 1972 as an expansion team. The seminal moment for the Soo Greyhounds, as they are commonly referred, came when coach Muzz McPherson convinced Canada’s Hockey Dad, Walter Gretzky, that his son Wayne would be in good hands for the 1977-78 season to begin his junior career. The Hounds are currently owned by Tim Lukenda. Home for the Greyhounds is GFL Memorial Gardens. Replacing the venerable Sault Memorial Gardens in 2006, the city owned arena was originally named the Steelback Centre. After a couple of corporate names, including the bankrupt Steelback Brewing, GFL Environmental signed a 10 year naming rights deal and brought the “memorial” back into the arena name. Food & Beverage 3 There are four main concession stands in the four corners of the concourse. They feature the same menus which contain typical arena fare. A couple of original items on the menu include breaded cappelletti and donut holes. Otherwise, hot dogs, pizza, fries, popcorn and the like populate the menus. Pepsi products are the contracted soft drinks in GFL Memorial Gardens Beverages are mainly found on the ends in temporary carts. Typical beer selections are found here along with a couple of local craft brews from Soo Falls Brewing. Also, the team branded “Hound Town Golden Ale” brewed by Northern Superior Brewing is available. The Coffee House may also be of interest as they sell specialty coffees, including those with spirits. The Molson Canadian Hockey House, a sit down, full service restaurant in a partitioned section of the concourse is open 1.5 to 2 hours before game time for fans. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of GFL Memorial Gardens is attractive with brown brick and silver accent siding. The main entrance is on the northwest side of the building and there is also plenty of glass to add to the exterior decor. The north corner of the exterior is the Sault Ste. Marie Memorial Tower, which was built in 1948 and part of the original Sault Memorial Gardens. The Memorial Tower is a living memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the first and second World Wars. The beacon at the top lights red at night to signify the “passing of the torch from the fallen.” Also around the exterior are framed maple leaf bricks for the Sault Ste. Marie Walk of Fame. Some members around the arena include Phil and Tony Esposito, Ron Francis, Ted Nolan and curler Brad Jacobs and his team. Entry into GFL Memorial Gardens brings fans right into the concourse. The box office is at the north corner near the Memorial Tower. Inside the arena, the ice surface is oriented northeast to southwest. The best spot for a centre ice picture is the northwest side. A crystal clear video board hangs above centre ice, the perfect size for the arena. A supplementary simple hockey scoreclock is found on the wall in the east corner. The rafters are littered with banners including banners for the 1985, 1991 and 1992 OHL Champions and 1993 Memorial Cup Champions. There are 20 championship banners in all but unfortunately they all look pretty much the same with Memorial Cup and league championship banners not looking much different than the division banners. At the northeast end hang the banners for the retired numbers of Ron Francis, Adam Foote, Craig Hartsburg, Joe Thornton, Jeff Carter and Wayne Gretzky. The number of John Vanbiesbrouck has also been retired but after making some unfortunate comments while working with the Greyhounds, his banner was removed. On the northeast wall the display for the Legends of Hounds Hockey is a new addition honouring Mike Oliverio, Wayne Groulx and Chris Felix. For even more Sault hockey history, the Hockey Hall of Fame is found in the stairwell of the north corner. There are a number of interesting artifacts, including a full size Wayne Gretzky portrait from 1977. An item that sets the GFL Memorial Gardens apart is the local art found on the wall at the southwest end. The wooden and stained glass pieces of Indigenous art bring the whole arena together and give it a sense of Northern Ontario and uniqueness that can’t be found in other arenas. The gameday production at a Soo Greyhounds game is not too complicated. The players enter the ice from the southwest end through a smoke machine, red light and small, illuminated pillars. The mascot, Dash, is found throughout the arena interacting with fans and leading cheers and on the ice for pregame and promotions. Typical promotions are found here including a 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck. The speaker system is of good quality and the PA announcer has a good balance of informativeness and excitement. Neighbourhood 3 GFL Memorial Gardens is located in Downtown Sault Ste. Marie. There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drinks. These include Shooters, Peace Restaurant, Blaster Powerhouse, View, and Outspoken Brewing. The Molson Canadian Hockey House is also open 1.5 or 2 hours before the game and is located inside the arena. The Greyhounds are definitely at the top of the sports food chain in Sault Ste. Marie. Other sporting options include the Soo Thunderbirds of the NOJHL and Algoma University Thunderbirds basketball. A quick hop of the border will bring fans to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan where the Lake Superior State Lakers play hockey as well as the Soo Eagles of the NOJHL. Other tourist options in Sault Ste. Marie include the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, Sault Ste. Marie Museum, Soo Locks, Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site and Sault Ste. Marie Boardwalk. For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Holiday Inn and Quality Inn are just steps away. Fans 4 Fan support for the Soo Greyhounds is pretty good. At the time of writing, early in the 2026-27 season the Greyhounds averaged over 3,300 fans per game. The game that was reviewed, a rare Thursday evening game, welcomed over 3,200 fans. This is a bit of a drop from the previous season where they averaged over 3,800 fans. The Greyhounds rank near the middle of the OHL in attendance, 8th for the current season, 9th for the previous season. The crowd in attendance is pretty much glued to the game and are louder than expected. There is audible concern among fans that the current fanbase is aging quickly and worry that younger counterparts are not participating. It must be noted that Sault Ste. Marie has a declining population and is a smaller sized centre at 72,000. Access 4 GFL Memorial Gardens is located in Downtown Sault Ste. Marie. It is on the west corner of Queen and Ron Francis Way about 4 km from the Trans-Canada Highway. Getting to the arena from out of town will require some traversing of city streets, however, traffic should not be a huge issue if leaving early enough. There is parking in the lot at the Gardens although it fills quickly. There is also a mall on the other side of Bay Street where many people park. There are also a few other lots in the Downtown area. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are buses that run along Queen and Bay. Fans should consult the Sault Ste. Marie Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around the GFL Memorial Gardens is not too difficult, however, the concourses do get a bit crowded at times. The washroom facilities are good at the venue. Security protocols are not arduous at the Gardens. However, with security procedures always changing, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and GLF Memorial Gardens websites before heading out for the most up to date security information, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 There is good value in a Soo Greyhounds game. Hounds tickets are $29 for the premium area, essentially between the blue lines. Tickets drop to $25 or $21 in different areas and there are some discounts for kids. Parking can be found for free and concession prices are decent. The product on the ice is solid and it is not over-produced, in a solid, comfortable atmosphere for major junior hockey. A great return for the investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the long standing Dog Fight rivalry with the Sudbury Wolves. An extra mark for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds being good enough for the Great One. Coach Muzz McPherson is also credited with suggesting Wayne Gretzky wear the number 99 as his hero, Gordie Howe’s number 9 was already taken. According to McPherson “Two 9s are better than one.” An extra mark for the return of the “Memorial” to what is now the GFL Memorial Gardens. Final Thoughts Hockey is a staple in the Great White North and Sault Ste. Marie is no different. Taking in the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds at GFL Memorial Gardens is a great experience in a top notch venue. It was good enough for the Great One and it's good enough for you! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Savanna Bananas will play in 79 stadiums across 74 cities in 3 countries next year. They will perform in minor and major league ballparks, as well as a few non-traditional venues converted into baseball diamonds. One of them may be the most peculiar setup they have ever played in. ​ Historic Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, will host the Bananas vs. Texas Tailgaters game on June 26, 2027. The 77,622-seat football stadium has hosted Notre Dame football since 1930 and will host its first baseball game in 'Banana 360,’ with two diamonds set up in each corner of the field. ​ The format will include a game on two fields, with the clubs swapping fields between innings. It is designed to ensure that everyone at the game has a prime view of the action in the massive football-only stadium. ​ The two-diamond field setup was Jesse Cole's idea, and he had been candid with the staff about what could be done with fans seated near or at the top of the larger stadiums on the Banana Ball Tour. ​ “We responded to fan feedback and observations on how to make the experience better for everyone attending a game at the college football stadiums,” Media Relations Coordinator Maddie Warren said. ​ Beyond teams swapping corners of the field every inning, the backstop and outfield netting may also move. The ‘Banana 360’ field setup will only be used at the Notre Dame game this summer, even though there will be games played at other football stadiums at Auburn, Louisiana State, and Baylor. ​ “The 360 model is a way of improving fan observations at the larger stadiums on the tour,” Warren added. “This year, we’re excited about the 360 model and will give it everything we have, with plans to make it feasible at other stadiums in the future. If you are a fan of traditional ballparks, the same two teams will play a game at Notre Dame’s baseball stadium, Frank Eck Stadium, on June 24. The stadium holds 2,500, and capacity will not be increased for the game. Warren said this was also based on fan feedback from people who enjoy watching Banana Ball in a small, intimate ballpark. ——— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 USG Arena at Blackhawks Ice Center 1801 W Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Steel website USG Arena website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 2,000 USG Arena at the Blackhawks Ice Center The Chicago Steel have been a member of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a junior hockey league, since relocating to the Chicagoland area in 2000 from Fargo-Moorhead, where the franchise was known as the Ice Sharks. The organization called Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville home from 2000-2015 before moving its home games to Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva from 2015-2025. The move to Blackhawks Ice Center beginning the 2026-2027 season places the Steel in a newly expanded, state-of-the-art facility on Chicago’s West Side at 1801 W Jackson Boulevard near the Chicago Blackhawks / Chicago Bulls United Center. The facility is also the official Chicago Blackhawks training center. As one of the two new rinks added to the facility, the USG Arena may be the standard for Junior league hockey venues. With seating for up to 2,000 spectators (on opening night they announced a sellout of 1,600), the arena includes a center-hung video scoreboard, ribbon boards, NHL-quality lighting and audio, full broadcast capabilities, and premium party decks. The Chicago Blackhawks (Wirtz Corporation) bought the team from Larry Robbins in July 2023. Larry Robbins ownership erased their dismal playoff record, and the team has become a powerhouse in the USHL, winning championships in the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 seasons. The Steel won more games than any other USHL team, won two postseason titles and two Anderson Cups as regular-season champions. They played in the final series three times and have seen 39 players with Steel ties selected in the NHL Draft, most notably 2021 No. 1 pick Owen Power, 2023 No. 3 pick Adam Fantilli, and 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini. With the move to the new home, the Steel updated their logo and uniforms. In my opinion, and many others, the new logo is not very good. It resembles the local Chicago Fire (Major League Soccer), and the colors are the same as the Dubuque Fighting Saints (another team in the league). Food & Beverage 4 The building is open daily for kids and adult hockey from 6 a.m. - 12 a.m. and has a couple of dining options. Raise the Cup Café This café complements the facility's premium dining options with a variety of pastries, including croissants ranging from $5 to $8 (plain, chocolate, almond, and ham & cheese), chocolate morning buns, and seasonal muffins. The menu also features freshly made sandwiches and wraps, such as an egg, bacon, and aged cheddar sandwich, grilled cheese ($10), Chicken Caesar wrap ($12), turkey sandwich ($14), cheeseburger with chips ($13), and hot dog with chips ($10). For a quick bite, visitors can choose from smoothies ($12) and snacks such as yogurt parfaits ($10), soft pretzels ($6), and popcorn buckets ($5). The stand also offers a full array of La Colombe coffee products, including lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, and seasonal specialties. Of course, there are soft drinks. They serve Pepsi products from $3 to $4. Gatorade costs $4, and water is $3.50. There is plenty of seating in the area. Rocky’s Table & Tap The biggest dining area, Rocky’s Table & Tap, is on the second floor and is a tribute to the late Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz. The Blackhawks boast they elevate classic rink fare with restaurant-quality execution. The menu is anchored by Rocky’s iconic fried chicken bucket ($28 full bucket and $15 a half bucket), smash hamburger or cheeseburger with fries ($12 or $13), grilled cheese and fries ($10), a Chicken Caesar wrap ($12), a full pizza ($16 cheese and $18 pepperoni), fries ($7), and nachos ($12). The dining area has plenty of seating/booths to sit down and eat. I found it odd that you have to order at the bar and then pick up the food at the end of the bar. Alcohol is available in both dining areas. They have Labatt Blue ($6), Michelob Ultra, Goose Island 312 and Daisy Cutter Pale Ale ($8), Athletic (non-alcoholic beverage) and High Noon seltzers ($9), and Guinness ($10). Wines are $11 for a glass or $40 for a bottle. Rocky’s Table & Tap is a full bar. Mixed drinks are $12 or more depending on the drink. Rocky's Table & Tap, USG Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Note: Outside food is not permitted while the concession stands are open. The workers are friendly and provide good service, but service was very slow for food on this particular night; the wait was about 10 minutes. But the game was sold out, and it was the first Steel game, so I am guessing there is a learning curve. Atmosphere 3 The venue features high-end upgrades usually reserved for NHL stadiums, including a 2-sided center-hung scoreboard and video ribbon boards on the ends of the arena. The problem with the scoreboard is if you are sitting at the ends of the arena, it can be difficult to see/read. The scoreboard shows fan interactions, out-of-town scores, player stats, and pregame videos featuring members of the team. There is also a giant-sized banner honoring the 2017 Clark Cup Championship. The facility's lobby has plenty of lounge area with tables, comfortable chairs, and dedicated quiet zones. With complimentary Wi‑Fi, abundant electrical outlets, and inviting furnishings throughout, the space provides a comfortable place to relax or meet with friends. The arena has NHL-quality arena lighting. For me, the arena is too bright. A suggestion is shutting off the row of LED lights over the stands; it would still be bright enough in the arena and on the ice. There is a lot going on at the Blackhawks Ice Center during a Steel game. The facility consists of four hockey rinks separated by the main lobby that is full of kids and parents from local hockey clubs. Speaking of the lobby, it’s very nicely decorated with the Chicago Blackhawks Championship banners. Note, I didn’t see a box office at the site. There is seating on both sides of the ice and no suites. There are two private “party” areas on each end of the rink that can be rented out. In addition, there is an ice-level party area too. The facility has a patio area that can be rented, which holds 150 people. This area offers a view of the Chicago skyline and a place for meet-ups and watch parties to corporate gatherings to team celebrations and family events. USG Arena Interior, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Rusty, a dog, is the official mascot of the team and can be seen throughout the building at certain times, offering hugs to fans of all ages. While there is no designated team store, there are a couple of areas that offer a collection of team gear that includes hats, T-shirts, jerseys, and other small items such as a Steel necklace and foam fingers. etc…. And it would not be a hockey game without the obligatory chuck-a-puck. Neighborhood 3 The area consists of Malcom X College, parking lots, some residential houses, and a highway. The Blackhawks Ice Center is just a couple of blocks south of United Center. If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a 5-minute drive away from the Ice Center and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular by Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. There is a Church’s Fried Chicken across the street on the east side of the facility. Fans 4 Historically, average crowds are around 1,000 with the exception of Blackhawks Night that usually packs the Arena to full capacity. So far this season, attendance hasn't changed with the move. Even though the place is not full, the fans there are really into the game and make watching the game fun. Many in the stands are dedicated fans who are invested in the game and are wearing Steel shirts and jerseys. Then there are a few others who travel quite a long distance to take in a contest. Mainly, the Steel appeals to a family crowd, as many of its promotions are designed to bring the little ones out. A Steel game is an ideal way to enjoy good hockey which is not too far from home. Access 5 There is an on-site parking lot. However, since the facility houses a few ice rinks, parking in the lot can be difficult. There is plenty of on-street parking. In addition, it appears they are building another parking lot to the west of the building. If you are taking public transportation: Train: Blue Line: Exit at the Illinois Medical District station, then walk a couple blocks north to the arena. Green and Pink Lines: Exit at the Ashland/Lake or Damen stations, then walk or transfer to a bus. Bus: #126 Jackson: Stops at the facility. #50 Damen: Stops directly adjacent to the arena. #20 Madison: Runs directly along Madison Street, dropping passengers off right at the United Center; then it is a couple of blocks' walk to the arena. Bathrooms are inside the arena and in the lobby. Also, plenty of staff members can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Steel games are available at three price points: $15, $22.50, and $30. These are close to the USHL average price. I found it strange that the last two rows of Sections1 and 5 on the penalty box side of the rink are bench seating while the rest of the seating is comfortable fold-down seating. The concession stands are reasonable, team merchandise ranges from about $20 for a T-shirt, $30 for a cap, and $90 for a replica jersey, and parking is free. While I did not see a box office on the night I was there, the website states you can buy tickets at the arena. Extras 2 The Blackhawks Ice Center / USG Arena receives one point for its high-definition video board that entertains the fans during stops in play and intermission. The second point is for the Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Fame / Centennial Hall located between the third rink and USG Arena area, which has memorabilia from the Blackhawks 100-year history. The Hall features rotating artifact cases and interactive storytelling of the franchise’s rich history. Admission to the Hall is free and open to the public during facility hours. The space celebrates defining eras, championship milestones, and Blackhawk personnel who shaped the team’s culture. Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Fame / Centennial Hall Memorabilia, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The third point goes to lobby that offers a comfortable place to relax and take a break. A point is deducted for not having banners for the former Steel players who have made it to the NHL. Final Thoughts Chicago loves hockey on any level, and the Chicago Steel management has done a great job of creating a professional and fun experience. The pricing is reasonable, and it's a great night out of the house in Chicago. The Steel represented the USHL and the United States in the 2015 Junior Club World Cup in Yekaterinburg, Russia, capturing the bronze medal while defeating host Russia twice during the five-game, eight-day tournament. During this tournament, the Steel wore two really nice jerseys. Sadly, they don’t wear or sell those replica jerseys anymore. These jerseys/logo would have been a better uniform than the current. Head out to USG Arena to see the stars of tomorrow. Many former Steel coaches and players have graduated to the AHL and NHL. Approximately 20 former Steel players have gone on to reach the NHL, including several first-round NHL Draft selections. In 2021 alone, three Steel players were selected in the first round.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Walter Brown Arena 285 Babcock St. Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers women's hockey website Walter Brown Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,806 A Home of Their Own The Walter A. Brown Arena Memorial Skating Pavilion is named for the original owner of the Boston Celtics and former president of the Boston Bruins. The rink served as the home to the Boston University men’s hockey team from 1971 and the women’s hockey team since 2005. When the men’s team moved to Agganis Arena in 2005, the facility became one of the few on-campus hockey venues in the country dedicated solely to women’s hockey. Walter Brown Arena is part of the Harold Case Physical Education Center, which also includes Case Gymnasium directly above the hockey rink. The arena stands on the site of Braves Field, which served as home field of the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball before they moved to Milwaukee in 1953. The Case Athletic Center stands approximately where the left field pavilion stands once stood. The Terriers have qualified for 7 NCAA Tournaments and have played in a pair of Frozen Fours, finishing as national runners-up in 2011 and 2013. Dozens of Terrier alumni have dotted the rosters of NWHL, PHF and CWHL rosters over the years. Food & Beverage 2 A concession stand underneath the grandstand is open for certain Terrier games. A basic menu is served here, featuring hot dogs and pretzels along with various candy and chips. Pepsi products are sold at Walter Brown Arena. Augmenting the permanent stand are a pair of portable stands. The beer stand offers a few choices, including Corona, Miller and Allegash. The Dippin’ Dots stand sells bottled beverages, snacks and their ice cream-ish substance. You can even purchase your Dots in a souvenir BU hockey helmet. Unfortunately, the concessions are not always open for Terrier games, so a trip to the nearby Dunkin’ or convenience store may be necessary before your visit. The Boston University Band at Walter Brown Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 2 If you haven’t visited Walter Brown Arena in a while, you’ll be pleased with many of the improvements made recently. The entire place has received a much-needed paint job and new lighting, which has really brightened up the place and removed that dark 70s aesthetic. Hanging at center ice is a crisp new four-sided video board, which is put to great use with replays, graphics, hype videos and more. The sound system is excellent, as music blares throughout the rink all game long. Unfortunately, the PA announcements do not enjoy the same clarity, and the announcer is very difficult to understand. The band is present for some games, adding much to the atmosphere when they’re in the rink. There’s a small student section at all games, and they do their best to fill the old barn with noise. You might also see Rhett, the Terriers’ mascot. Neighborhood 5 Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline border. Located right behind Walter Brown Arena is Nickerson Field, home to BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams. It is also known to baseball historians as Braves Field, which was home to the National League’s Boston Braves from 1915 to 1952. Agganis Arena, home of BU’s men’s hockey team and the NWHL’s Boston Fleet, is on the other side of Nickerson Field. Fans coming to the BU campus will find plenty of choices for dining in the area. If chains are your style, Raising Cane’s, Chipotle, Dunkin’ and Taco Bell are all within a few blocks of the arena. Otto’s Pizzeria, Sunset Cantina and El Jefe’s Taqueria are all favorites of the student body. The neighborhood features a diverse variety of food options, with excellent Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese eateries nearby. The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for giving bands like U2 and REM their first area shows, is located a block away from Walter Brown Arena. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts. Beyond Agganis Arena’s immediate neighborhood, Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, Back Bay, Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue. Boston University Logo at the Entrance to Case Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Fans 4 The growth in women’s hockey nationwide has been mirrored with a growth in attendance at Boston University women’s hockey games in recent years. BU has ranked in the top ten annually in terms of attendance, and in 2025-26 finished fifth in the nation, drawing an average of over 900 fans per game to Walter Brown Arena. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit coincided with the 2026 Icebreakers Tournament, which drew over 800 fans on a Friday night for a Friday doubleheader. There was a good turnout by the student body, and as can be expected, a great turnout by friends and family of the teams involved. The students that show up at Walter Brown come prepared with props, signs and chants designed to distract opponents and pump up the home squad. Access 4 Walter Brown Arena might have one of the most unassuming and nondescript exteriors you will ever see at a facility with its history and status. Located at the end of a dead-end street, there is really nothing to inform you that you have arrived at your destination except for a giant BU logo on the sidewalk near the entrance. The marquee over the door advertises the venue as the “Case Center,” as the building also contains, among other things, Case Gymnasium, home of Boston University basketball. Driving in Boston is a difficult proposition for those not familiar with the city. Streets are narrow and crooked, traffic is seemingly always backed up, and there are construction projects everywhere to further gum up the works. Should you still wish to drive to a Boston University game, Walter Brown Arena is actually not very difficult to get to. The BU campus straddles Commonwealth Avenue, one of the major drags in the city. The rink is located at the end of Babcock Street, a dead-end street. Detailed directions can be found here. Parking is available in a covered lot located across Babcock St. underneath the New Balance Field or in the Langsam Garage at Agganis Arena. On street parking is also available in the area, just be aware of the times that meters are in operation. The best method for arriving at Walter Brown Arena, as well as most points in Boston, is to take public transportation, known as the MBTA, or “T”, for short. The Green Line’s B train has a stop on Babcock Street just steps from the front door of the arena. Walter Brown Arena is located on the ground floor of the Case Center, which houses both the hockey arena and Case Gymnasium. Fans enter the arena’s lobby from Babcock Street or the Nickerson Field entrance. The BU Athletic Hall of Fame is located here, as are the ticket booths. Recent renovations have redesigned and modernized the lobby. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for a place. Fans will enter Walter Brown Arena at one end of the rink onto a platform that offers standing room views of the action. The concourse wraps under the seating area, with the press box and restrooms at the far end of the rink. It’s amazing to think that these tiny rest rooms served sellout crowds back in the arena’s heyday. Seats closest to the ice are individual folding seats, with molded bleachers at the upper levels. The seats a little further removed from the ice offer better views of the action. BU Terriers Huddle up Before the Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Terriers women’s hockey games cost six dollars, with discounts for youths and seniors. Group tickets cost a mere three dollars. Parking in the lot right across the street from Walter Brown Arena costs ten dollars. There is on-street parking available, but be aware of the hours of operation of the meters. Many fans avoid the cost of parking and aggravation of Boston driving by taking the T to Boston University. A one-way fare costs $2.65 and allows access to much of the city. Extras 3 Banners hang at Walter Brown Arena commemorating Terrier Hockey East titles, Beanpot wins, NCAA Tournament Appearances and Frozen Four appearances. There’s a banner at the far end of the rink honoring the figure skating team’s nine national titles. The Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Case Center lobby. Electronic displays and trophy cases honor Terrier legends and championships. A final extra point is awarded for Walter Brown Arena’s historic location. Built on the site of Braves Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Boston Braves from 1915-1953. The Case Center is located about where the left field pavilion once stood. Come early and wander around Nickerson Field to check out the parts of Braves Field that are still in use. Terriers in the Olympics Display at Walter Brown Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts Walter Brown Arena holds a storied place in college hockey’s annals, and is worth a visit by any dedicated hockey fan. While the men’s program may have outgrown this facility, it is great to see this old barn live on as home to the women’s team. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Berglund Center 710 Williamson Rd NE Roanoke, VA 24016 Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs website Berglund Center website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,672 Skates and Sticks in Star City In 1971, three premier sports venues were constructed throughout Virginia, including the Norfolk Scope, Richmond Coliseum, and the Berglund Center in Roanoke. The latter, as the premier sports and entertainment venue in southwest Virginia, has hosted several hockey and basketball teams over the years. Today, Berglund is currently the home of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the independent SPHL. It has a capacity of 8,562 fans for hockey and features eight restrooms and six concession stands at the arena. The building received $6.2 million in renovations that included a new heating system, an upgraded electrical system, and, the replacement of all of its seats. The building had hosted hockey in the past that included the Roanoke Express (ECHL) and the Roanoke Valley Vipers (UHL). The Yard Dawgs entered in 2016 and its nickname and logo pay tribute to the region’s railroad heritage. The city has a long history as a railroad hub and the arena is near the nearby Roanoke Shops and train lines operated by Norfolk Southern Railway. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of options at Dawgs games to satisfy a variety of appetites. Cheesy favorites seem to be the best-selling concession item, from mac & cheese ($4) to grilled cheese ($5) to fried cheesecake ($7). There’s also a cheesy hot dog, cheese curds, BBQ mac & cheese, and finally, cheese sticks. Of course, the classics are still up for grabs as well. They include pretzels ($5), popcorn buckets ($10), nachos ($5), Polish sausages ($5), jumbo hot dogs ($4), chips ($2), candy ($3), and sodas for $4.50 each. Bottled water is $4. Alcohol is also on tap, ranging from domestics for $7 to crafts for $9. The Big Lick Brewing Company, a local joint, has a special “Paws & Pucks” beer available for $7. Last but not least, stop by Gate 3 for a breakfast treat – you can get a delicious waffle loaded with the toppings of your choice for just $8. Atmosphere 3 A railroading town through and through, Roanoke is undoubtedly proud to have a hockey team that capitalizes on the city’s Steamtown lore. The Rail Yard Dawgs tend to put on a good show for their crowds, beginning with the blue smoke that pours into the seating bowl during the Dawgs’ entrance. Enter Sandman, whether an ode to nearby Virginia Tech or not, is still good listening and accompanies the team onto the ice. Speaking of the ice, it’s a bit swampy and watery – but what sheet in the South isn’t? Another potential detractor is the noise level of the PA announcer. No, he’s not too loud; rather, he’s much too quiet and is often drowned out by the crowd, the game, or both. But don’t let any of that stop you from getting up and getting loud when the home team scores – an electric diesel horn sounds when the Dawgs find the twine. It’s a very slick sound that’s apt for a locomotive-minded city such as Roanoke. Neighborhood 4 The Berglund Center is located near downtown Roanoke and all that the city has to offer. Two main attractions are located here and are worth a visit if you have time. Railroad geeks will want to stop at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which only seems fitting if you’re also visiting for a Rail Yard Dawgs game. This large station contains over fifty pieces of rolling stock, including two Norfolk & Western Engines, along with many other steam and electric trains. There are also wings dedicated to both automobiles and the aviation industry in the state of Virginia. A few blocks from this gem is the Taubman Museum of Art, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2008 and contains ten galleries showcasing primarily 19th- and early 20th-century art. Downtown Roanoke is also home to a plethora of dining options, from laid-back burgers and barbecues to fancy steakhouses and fine dining establishments. It all depends on your tastes, but it’s rarely necessary to wander into the suburbs for a meal at a national chain. Fans 4 There aren’t many fans to pack Berglund Center during any given home game, but the loyalists who stick around are amongst the most engaged in the SPHL. From the typical “you suck!” chants to jeering the opposing players that find themselves in the penalty box…er,… dawg pound, there’s never really a dull moment on hockey night in the Star City. Access 3 Roanoke is the cultural and commercial hub of Southwest Virginia, nestled along Interstate 81 in the Roanoke Valley. I-81 begins at the Canadian border and passes through four states before stretching across western Virginia, ultimately terminating near Knoxville, TN. I-581 provides direct access from the interstate to the downtown core and the Berglund Center is conveniently located just off this spur. The center is surrounded by a massive parking lot, and there’s a $5 charge to park here. If the parking lot sells out (or if you’d just like to nab some free parking), you can park for no charge at a few downtown garages and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the arena. The arena itself is interesting to navigate. Fans aren’t able to walk around the concourse, as it’s closed off at Gates 1 and 12. This is because part of the concourse is used as a non-ticketed lobby of sorts, housing the box office and ticketing windows. Return on Investment 3 The cheapest seats in the coliseum start at $11 and go up to $24. It’s recommended to buy your tickets on the day of the game since they never sell out. By purchasing them online in advance, you’ll be subject to lots of additional fees. The Dawgs occasionally hold $7 discount days, which is an absolute bargain that you should take advantage of. Parking is $5; or, if you’re willing to walk or take the free shuttle from downtown, it can be free. Combined with concessions, a family of four is looking at spending approximately $150 for a hockey outing in Roanoke. Extras 2 The Star City’s most famous landmark, the Mill Mountain Star, is featured on the underside of the center-hung scoreboard – a simple, yet nice touch. The Dawgs have their very own mascot (or perhaps, conductor?) named Diesel, a loveable railyard dog. What else would he be? Final Thoughts It’s a bit pricey to see independent hockey in Roanoke, but if you love old barns and quality gameplay, then it might just be the place for you. Consider chugging on down to the Star City and stationing yourself at the Berglund Center.

Photos by Rodrigo Perez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carver Arena 201 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61602 Peoria Rivermen website Carver Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 11,442 Peoria Rivermen Hockey Inside the Peoria Civic Center lies Carver Arena, and for over 40 years, it has been the home to the Peoria Rivermen, originally known as the Peoria Prancers. In downtown Peoria, the Rivermen grew up with Carver Arena, as both started back in 1982. Home to the 7th longest continually operating minor league franchise in North America, the Rivermen started in the International Hockey League and have since skipped around leagues. Since 2013, the Rivermen have been members of the SPHL. Since then, the Rivermen have won four league championships, with their latest coming after the 2022 season. Food & Beverage 3 Overall, the concession stand experience is pretty standard for most indoor arenas. There are various locations along the concourse, like the River City Kitchen, Nelson Bros, and Whiskey City Eats. With so many options, wait times are not an issue, as there are various smaller stands with a limited range of items throughout the concourse. With lots of different options and locations, the service is quick despite the lengthy lines. Along with the various eatery stands located throughout the concourse, Brewhaus Bros is the one dedicated alcohol stand that serves Domestic and Imported beers. From specially mixed cocktails to domestic and imported beer, Brewhaus serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with classic stadium snacks. Atmosphere 4 From concerts to collegiate Basketball, Carver Arena easily transforms into an ice palace for the Peoria Rivermen. With no shortage of entrances, Carver Arena remains well-lit throughout the game, making it a safe environment for everyone. Various tables surround the concourse area with information on 50/50 raffle tickets, season ticket information, and a wide variety of team merchandise. You can get as close to the action with only a few feet separating the front row and the glass. With a video board above the ice and multiple promotions, the action stays consistent even when there’s no action on the ice. Before the game, the Rivermen get introduced and run through a giant inflatable ship wheel. With the opening festivities finalized, the home team advantage is felt throughout the night. Neighborhood 4 Across the Illinois River, Carver Arena sits past the Bob Michel Bridge on W. Washington Street. With multiple parking and dining options around the vicinity of the arena, there are plenty of pre-game spots available. Kickback on Fulton, Kenny’s Westside Pub, and Ulrich’s Rebellion Room are some bars near the arena. All offer multiple food and beverage options and are just a few blocks away from Carver. In terms of eateries, Hoops Pub and Pizza, Craft309 Kitchen + Bar, Honey Sugar’s Cafe, and Roasting Company - Apollo are alternate ways to take for those just looking to grab a bite before the game. Fans 5 While the Rivermen faithful can get quiet at times, when there’s trouble, they always respond. Every goal or fiery moment on the ice is met with wild cheers from Rivermen fans as cowbells and horns blare across Carver. The Rivermen fanbase isn’t afraid to let the opposing team know that they're not welcome, with boos ringing loud and clear after an unfavorable call for the Rivermen. While Carver Arena usually doesn’t fill up, there are still plenty of fans in the stands for that home-field advantage. A special moment of the night is the call and response between the Rivermen PA announcer and the fans. After every goal, the PA announcer will ask how many goals the Rivermen have, and the crowd will respond, counting up to the number of goals that the Rivermen currently have. Access 4 There are multiple parking options, with the marquee lot being the most appealing option because of its proximity to the main entrance. When the marquee lot gets full, the Fulton lot has plenty of space in case of an overflow, which tends to happen with Rivermen games and because of the limited capacity of the marquee lot. There are also street options and parking decks around the Civic Center; parking shouldn’t be an issue. The Toyota gate entrance is the main entrance that gets you straight to the concourse. If you enter through any of the other entrances, be prepared to do some walking. Carver Arena and the Peoria Civic Center have a clear bag policy that only allows small to medium clear bags. Both hard tickets and the more modern method of mobile entry are available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $14-26 dollars, depending on whether lower or upper bowl seating. Glass and premium tickets range from $21 to 26 dollars, while upper bowl and Pilothouse will usually go for $14-16 dollars. There is also the option of skipping the ticket fees by calling the ticket office and obtaining tickets two hours before the game. With parking costing $10, a Rivermen game is affordable and fun for any night. With multiple theme nights, they usually involve specialty jerseys that can be won via a raffle at the end of the game. Some theme nights, such as Sunday Family Fun Day, offer reduced ticket prices for children and discounted concession items. Extras 3 The Rivermen receive extra praise for their inventive activities and multiple theme nights with specialty jerseys. From the classic chuck-a-puck to the trucker cam, there is never a dull moment where something interesting isn’t happening. The great-looking landscape that can be seen from any seat earns another point. Multiple banners line up the walls of the arena that showcase the club's past accomplishments and provide nods to past players. The Rivermen landscape adds to the game-day atmosphere. The promotional nights are also worthy of praise as they make an effort to make the Rivermen experience accessible to all. With multiple dates that offer reduced tickets, concessions, and extra activities for kids, it's hard to not praise the effort. Final Thoughts While Carver Arena and the Peoria Civic Center host many thrills, the Rivermen provide a unique experience that's hard to find anywhere in Central Illinois. With passion and support that leaks onto the ice, the Rivermen family makes any game an exhilarating experience. Not every city has a minor-league hockey team, making it one of the most unique experiences in Peoria.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pensacola Bay Center 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola Ice Flyers website Pensacola Bay Center website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 8,049 Welcome to the Hangar Hockey on the beaches of the Florida panhandle is something that might seem crazy to some. After all, the humid subtropical climate and year-round sunshine, combined with a location in the football-crazed south, might make hockey seem like something that wouldn't be a big draw. But for over 25 years hockey has thrived in the minor league loving sports city of Pensacola. Hockey was born on the Emerald Coast in 1996 with the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots, who played until the 2007-08 season. Then after a season of no hockey, the Ice Flyers of the SPHL were founded in 2009 and have played ever since to great success. As of 2024, the Ice Flyers have made the playoffs 13 times and won the President's Cup four times (2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16, and 2020-21). The team's nickname pays tribute to Pensacola's Naval history, which is only appropriate given the fact that Pensacola is home to one of the largest Navy bases in the country. However, the Navy base may best be known as home to the Blue Angels flight squadron, who perform all over the country throughout the year, but are based in Pensacola. The Ice Flyers play in downtown Pensacola at the Pensacola Bay Center. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Hangar’, the 8,049-seat venue opened in 1985 and was known as the Pensacola Civic Center for a number of years. From the outside the venue cuts an impressive figure, sitting at the foot of I-110 and being the first thing most people see when driving into downtown Pensacola. Food & Beverage 3 There are four full-service concession stands in The Hangar, as well as several pop-up bars located throughout the facility – there are two concession stands each on the east and west side concourses. On the west side you can find Blue Reef Grill which sells hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and pretzels, as well as Coop's Chicken Kitchen which sells chicken items such as tenders and sandwiches. On the east side you'll find Five Flags Filling Station, which sells the same items found at Blue Reef Grill, as well as Tarragona Taco Company, where you can get tacos and nachos. For drink selections Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of the Bay Center, while for alcohol local brewer Pensacola Bay Brewery has a stand set up on the west concourse offering all their signature beers (Napoleon IPA, Treasure Grove, Riptide Amber, Lighthouse Porter, Pensacola Premium, and Desoto). You will also find a full-service bar called Slap Shot Bar located in Section 124, on the open concourse on the south side of the building. Atmosphere 4 There's no denying who the main tenant is here when arriving at the Bay Center; signage of past players and championship banners take up the poles in the parking lot, as well as a giant ‘Home of the Ice Flyers’ signs sitting above the main entrance and box office, located on the west side of the building. Pensacola Bay Center has kind of a unique shape with its perfectly symmetrical square design and flat roof. Once inside the building there is one concourse on the second level, designed in a wraparound configuration, consisting of concession stands and a team store – the east and west sides do not offer views of the ice, but the north and south sides do. Pensacola Bay Center has received some renovations in recent years, the most notable being the high-definition LED scoreboard hanging at mid-ice that was installed in 2020. The new board replaced the very outdated dot matrix board from the 1990s, which was so old they couldn't get replacement parts for it. Also hanging from the rafters are the Ice Flyers two retired jersey numbers, as well as banners celebrating the teams’ four President’s Cups. During part of the season they will tarp off the upper decks, making for a much more intimate experience, but there are several $5 admission games throughout the season where they will remove the tarp, allowing fans to sit in the upper deck. The mascot is Maverick, a bald eagle dressed as a pilot, who is a constant presence at The Hangar during games. In addition, when the Ice Flyers score fans will move their fists up and down in unison; this has become sort of the unofficial cheer of the team, as almost 90% of the crowd will participate in this celebration. The Ice Flyers also do a tremendous job making sure every game has a different feel to it, with almost every night having a theme or having the Ice Flyers wear an alternate jersey. For example, this season the Ice Flyers wore jerseys modeled after Toy Story, the Cars movies, Peanuts, Ugly Sweaters, St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, and SpongeBob. Photo courtesy of the Pensacola Ice Flyers Neighborhood 4 The Hangar is located in downtown Pensacola, several blocks north of the famous Seville Quarter and all the bars and restaurants of Palafox Street. No trip to Pensacola would be complete without a trip to Rosie O'Grady's – famous for its dueling pianos and signature Hurricane cocktail drink, the place is located in the Seville Quarter, a one-block section of buildings that resemble those you would find in the French Quarter. These buildings, most of which were built in the 1800s, also feature numerous other bars and restaurants as well. Another popular place just down the street from Pensacola Bay Center is McGuire's – this place has been a fixture of Pensacola for over 40 years and gets pretty packed on weekends, with live music in over five bars. McGuire's makes for a great pregame and postgame hangout after Ice Flyers games, but you can also find plenty more bars and restaurants on Palafox Street, as well as tons lining the Pensacola Bay waterfront, about a mile south of the Bay Center. The beaches of Pensacola are located about 10 minutes away as well, where you can find plenty of restaurants and beach-related activities. With the year-round warm weather, it's also not uncommon to be able to go for a swim in the Gulf before an Ice Flyer game. In addition, plenty of lodging can be had, from cheaper hotels near the Interstate to more expensive hotels downtown. During the winter months you may find cheaper rates at some of the hotels on Pensacola Beach, should you want to stay out there. And of course, no trip to Pensacola would be complete without a trip to the National Naval Air Aviation Museum. Located on Pensacola’s navy base, this large museum has many exhibits and over 150 vintage aircraft, and is devoted to the history of naval aviation in the U.S. The famous Blue Angels are also stationed at Pensacola NAS for most of the year, but during the winter months are based in California – if you are lucky you may get to see the Blue Angels fly over while practicing. Fans 4 Year in and year out, the Ice Flyers are consistently one of the top teams in terms of attendance in the SPHL, never finishing below 4th in the League. The 2023-24 season set the record for most tickets sold in franchise history, and they also averaged 5,300 fans per game, also the most in franchise history. Many of the locals remember the days of the old Ice Pilots of the ECHL, part of hockey's I-10 corridor when there were eight ECHL teams from Jacksonville to Lafayette. The teams created fierce rivalries among themselves and brought packed houses to an unlikely hockey market; that fan support has carried over to the Ice Flyers days. The Pensacola area is also unique in that it attracts people from all over the country – with the beaches and year-round warm weather, the area attracts a lot of snowbirds from the north who flock to warmer climes in the winter. You'll encounter a lot of these people at The Hanger, and in addition, Ice Flyers games have a large military presence, with lots of people in attendance from all over the world who are stationed at Pensacola NAS. Access 4 Pensacola Bay Center is located at the southern end of I-1110, a north and south auxiliary road that connects Interstate 10 to downtown Pensacola. With the arena located about 10 miles south of I-10, the Bay Center is not hard to miss as it sits at the foot of the I-110 extension, and is the first thing most people will see upon entering downtown. There are many parking lots scattered around the arena, each charging about $10 to park. Unfortunately the free lots that used to be located about a block south, across from the cemetery, are now paid lots as well. Entering the building you can enter at ice level and walk up to your seats, or you can take the ramp up to the second level; personally I like the ice level entrance better. Once in Pensacola Bay Center everything runs smoothly, although the concession lines sometimes back up during intermissions. Return on Investment 3 Tickets in the east and west lower bowls will cost $19, while tickets in the north and south lower bowls will cost $15; you cannot find a better return on investment for minor league hockey in the south. The Ice Flyers do a great job keeping fans entertained with their constant promotions and theme nights – some of the promotions this season include wiener dog races and a Mardi Gras parade on the ice, so you don't even have to enjoy hockey to have fun at an Ice Flyers game. With the success of the Ice Flyers in Pensacola, hockey will be played here for many years to come. Extras 3 The Pensacola Bay Center is the largest indoor multi-purpose venue on the Florida panhandle, and the arena also receives the national spotlight each year as the host of the Sun Belt Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament, every year since 2021. March Madness takes over Pensacola during this week, and the Ice Flyers usually go on the road. Multiple concerts have also taken place here ever year – Michael Jackson even rented out the building for a few weeks to rehearse for his 1988 "Bad" World Tour; fans would camp out in the Bay Center parking lot every day hoping to catch a glimpse of the King of Pop. Kiss was the first event in the Bay Center when they opened the building in 1985.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Macon Coliseum 200 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 Macon Mayhem website Macon Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 9,000 Macon Mayhem – Southern Professional Hockey League Montreal, Toronto, Boston, the entire state of Minnesota – these populations are often instantly associated with hockey. Macon, Georgia on the other hand, not so much. “The Heart of Georgia” has a modest, yet very passionate hockey fan base. The Macon Mayhem are the fourth organization to play at Macon Coliseum. Hockey at the Coliseum dates back to 1973 with the Macon Whoopees, and has been the home to two other hockey organizations, the similarly named Macon Whoopee and the Macon Trax. One thing to keep in mind – when it comes to a facility such has Macon Coliseum, the team is leasing the facility and does not have control over some aspects of the overall experience. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Macon Coliseum is not going to be one of the more memorable parts of the visit. It’s not that it would be classified as bad; it’s just what you’d get at any stadium event you’d go to (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, popcorn, candy, nachos, and fountain drinks). These entrees can be combined with a drink and chips for a combo meal. Prices range from $13 for chicken tenders or bratwurst, $11 for a burger, or $9 for the hot dog combo meal. Cocktail stands are also located on the concourse; well drinks can be had for $10 while premium cocktails start at $15. Wine and 16 oz domestic beers are also available for $8. Local brewery Fall Line has a selection of their line of beers, but one of the most unique beer options is Dry County Brewing’s Macon Mayhem branded beer, Mayhem Lager. Atmosphere 4 From the outside the Coliseum has the appearance of a pyramid under construction. The main building looks similar to what it did when it was first built in 1968, but a more modern entryway was recently added, which uses a cradled M as part of the architecture. Once inside, the soaring roofline creates a very open feel to the arena. Within this vast openness an updated video scoreboard hangs over the playing surface where a much smaller one had previously been. The larger videoboard does a much better job at filling the void created by the very high roof. Seating is divided into rink side and an upper tier of seats. The far end of the arena provides for some group seating at ice level. The most popular seats appear to be toward the front of the second level of seating – these seats provide for a view with limited obstruction from the glass along the side boards. During the game the in-house MC does a good job engaging the crowd following penalties or other stoppages in play. He also provides commentary on the ebbs-and-flows of the action on the ice to help keep the fans energy up. Mac, the team mascot, is also very active throughout the game, either interacting with fans throughout the stands or riding his three-wheeler though the lobby area. While the Coliseum defiantly is not packed, there is a fun hockey atmosphere throughout the venue. Neighborhood 3 Macon Coliseum is located just across the Ocmulgee River from downtown Macon. Downtown Macon has several restaurants for many different tastes; just over a mile from the Coliseum is Cox Cafe. While the area is more industrial than a restaurant district, the food is undeniable. A bit closer to downtown is the locally renowned Rookery which is known for its burgers. Also, local brewery Fall Line Brewing Co. is just a 5-minute drive from the Coliseum. If looking to make a stay in Macon the most convenient location is the Macon Marriott at City Center. The hotel is located directly next to the coliseum and makes for a short walk. If proximity from the venue is not a priority, either the Hilton Garden Inn or Courtyard by Marriott adjacent to the Mercer campus would be good options. There is plenty to make a full sports experience from a visit to Macon. Mercer University is within a 10-15 minute drive, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is just 5 minutes away, as is Luther Williams Field, the current home of the Coastal Plain League’s Macon Bacon. History buffs may find the Harriett Tubman Museum of interest, while music enthusiasts can find museums for local artists The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, or Little Richard. Fans 4 Hockey is not typically associated with being massively popular in the southern states, and might even take a backseat to soccer. Despite the level of statewide interest in hockey, there is a very passionate fanbase for the Mayhem in Macon; many of fans come clad in game used Mayhem sweaters. Mayhem fans defiantly make their presence felt throughout the game. Many of them come equipped with cow bells that they rattle following each save from the goalie, or each time the team kills off a penalty. Even though the Mayhem’s attendance does rank toward the bottom of the league, it does not impact the overall excitement. While larger attendance numbers defiantly would increase the positive atmosphere, the current smaller crowd doesn’t create the feel of an arena lacking interest. Instead, the passion shown by the fanbase paired with the lower attendance numbers makes visitors feel as they are part of a special group of fans. Access 3 The coliseum is located directly off I-16, with just one turn to make within a quarter mile of the parking lot. The area is currently undergoing major construction, however, which can make navigating the highway a bit challenging. Making your way around the venue can be a bit of a challenge at times. The walkway is a bit narrow and can be a bit confusing to navigate once the game has started, since the handicap seating area gets blocked off. The arena is set up to encourage fans making their way around the arena to use the inner concourse, but this area does not provide views of the game. Return on Investment 4 Taking the family to a Macon Mayhem game is definitely an affordable event. Parking at $5 is comparable to what you’d pay for parking at most minor league sporting events. Most tickets range from $9 for upper-level seats to $14 for the lower level. Tickets against the glass are a bit more on the higher end at $34. Pricing is also dynamic, though, so it is all subject to change. Where affordability is lost is with the food prices – while prices are pretty much in line with what you’d expect to pay at most sporting events, the cost for what you’re getting just doesn’t seem to match the expense. This though is not on the Mayhem, as they are not the ones setting prices. Extras 3 It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes a Macon Mayhem game such a good experience. The fans who would be considered regulars show a great deal of passion for the team and the game. Players fight tooth and nail, figuratively and literally, which goes a long way in sustaining the support and admiration from the regulars. The organization also has a great mix of entertainment to complement the game; all these factors combined create a feel for visitors that many organizations miss on. The Mayhem have specialty nights for each home game, so every visit should have a certain theme or special event associated with it. Also, over the course of the season there are 7 jersey auctions, which is part of what creates a great connection between fans and players. The Mayhem Lager adds a small, but special touch to the experience. While specialty branded beers have started to become more popular, there are not a lot of organizations who have their own brew like the Mayhem have with Dry County Brewing. One thing that seemed to be missing was any acknowledgement of the teams from the past. There are no banners to recognize any of the teams who had previously played and won championships. Part of this might have to do with recent ceiling renovations the venue underwent during the summer of 2022. Final Thoughts It’s understandable why some would be skeptical about hockey in Central Georgia. The reality though is it’s difficult to go to a Mayhem game and not have a good time. There might be some shortcomings as it relates to the arena, but the entertainment the Mayhem provide combines with the game and fan involvement, create a fun evening of hockey for all.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915 Knoxville Ice Bears website Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 6,500 Good ‘Ole Hockey Top When one mentions Knoxville, Tennessee, the first thing that comes to their mind probably isn’t hockey. Football, the Volunteer brand more likely than not, is what’s usually at the front of everyone’s brains. But hockey has a decent following in the region nonetheless, perhaps fueled by the success of the nearby Nashville Predators of the NHL. Two hours east of Music City, fans are coming out in droves to see the independent Knoxville Ice Bears tear through their league each night at the Civic Coliseum. The Ice Bears were founded in 2002 as one of the charter members of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League. They spent just one season before moving to the South East Hockey League for the 2003-04 campaign. After another single-season stint in the SEHL, the Ice Bears finally joined their present circuit, the SPHL, in 2004. During their tenure in the SPHL, Knoxville has become the league’s winningest team, securing four President’s Cups and an equal number of regular-season titles. For the entirety of their existence throughout three leagues, the Ice Bears have called the Knoxville Civic Coliseum their home, ripping through opponents here on a nightly basis. The multi-purpose arena was built in 1961 and has a capacity of 6,500. The building has hosted hockey since its opening from the Knoxville Knights (1961-1968), and Knoxville Cherokees (1988-1997), and since 1992 has been the partial home to the Tennessee Vols hockey club. Before the 2019-2020 season, the coliseum went through $11 million in renovations that included the replacement of the original ice floor, the installation of a center-hung scoreboard, remodeled restrooms, the LED sports lighting has been updated to reduce glare and shadows on the rink. Food & Beverage 5 There’s an unprecedented amount of variety present among the concessions at the Civic Coliseum, so you don’t ever have to worry about going hungry during Ice Bears games. Some of the main dishes available include cheesesteaks, ultimate nachos, chicken or beef tacos, barbecue sandwiches, Polish sausages, pizzas, and hot dogs, which no venue is considered well-rounded without. There are still other items from flatbread pizzas, smoked sausages, taco salads, grille chicken salads, taco salads in a tortilla bowl, and chicken tender baskets with fries. Snacks are also served at most of the counters, from peanuts and popcorn to pretzels and potato chips. Dippin’ Dots has a cart in the arena too, as does a local coffee shop called Pedal Java. The Hockey Top Sundae is a brownie topped with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and peanuts. Alcohol is also prevalent throughout the building and includes beers, cocktails, and bottled beers from brands like Yuengling, Budweiser, Michelob, Miller Lite, Shock Top and Blue Moon are on tap for anywhere from $5-$15. Pepsi-branded sodas are $4.50 and bottled water is $4. Atmosphere 5 The Knoxville Civic Coliseum, while itself a dated venue, is a genuine old-timey barn that’s fantastic for hockey. Built-in 1961, the Coliseum had seen three franchises take the ice before the arrival of the Ice Bears in 2002. In general, the venue was already accustomed to the sport when the team made its debut. Entering the arena, you’ll be funneled into what’s called “Exhibition Hall.” This part of the building is non-ticketed, so you’ll need to get your hand stamped if you enter the seating bowl and wish to get back to the main lobby. There are a few concession options in Exhibition Hall, but there are also plenty of options in the two concourses located behind the sidelines. The Coliseum’s seating bowl consists of folding wooden seats, with enough space to hold 6,500 spectators. However, an entire end zone (sections FF through KK) has a partially obstructed view of the ice. Any fans sitting in these areas are unable to see part of the surface behind the goal line. Also, underneath this end zone is where you’ll find the venue’s restrooms. Wooden Seats at Civic Coliseum, Photo by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Whatever the Civic Coliseum lacks in flair, the Ice Bears have made up for in the area of the fan experience. The team has nailed their game day presentation, from the pre-game festivities to the in-game effects. One of the coolest bits comes during the ceremonial puck drop when orange lights flood the ice and Rocky Top is blasted over the sound system. This hit is instantly recognized by Tennessee Volunteers fans, as it’s popularly played at all Vols sporting events. It’s pretty great that the Ice Bears have adopted this tradition as well. During the game itself, the PA announcer and the sound effects work in tandem to create an amusing and fun atmosphere for everyone. One example where this is executed perfectly is when a fight breaks out on the ice: the PA guy declares the scuffle a “minor disturbance,” and the Beastie Boys’ Fight for Your Right to Party starts playing immediately. Neighborhood 4 The Civic Auditorium and Coliseum are located just east of downtown Knoxville off of the James White Parkway, a stone’s throw from Volunteer Landing on the Tennessee River. It’s a quick 3 or 4-block walk to Gay Street, the site of most of Knoxville’s happenings. Here, you’ll find the famous Tennessee Theatre, the popular shopping and dining spots of Market Square, and the retro excitement of the Sunsphere. A remnant leftover from the 1982 World’s Fair when it was held in the region, the Sunsphere is today the most recognizable structure on the Knoxville skyline. It’s worth the short elevator ride to the top to take in the commanding views of the downtown area. Additionally, sports fans must take the opportunity to visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame when in Knoxville. The Hall of Fame is the only facility of its kind dedicated solely to women’s basketball, and that’s thanks in part to legendary Lady Vols’ coach Pat Summit. This informative museum is also home to the world’s largest basketball, a fiberglass monstrosity that weighs approximately 10 tons. Fans 3 Although the crowd, in general, is pretty mellow, there are a few groups of fans that are die-hard Ice Bears fans. One particularly loud devotee chants “ICE. BEARS.” when the pre-game skate begins. The PA announcer, seemingly aware of his presence, gives pause to let the guy do his thing. A small group, cleverly named “Knocksville", is also parked behind the away team’s bench. During the game, they yell in chorus about how much the visiting team “sucks.” One fan even occasionally bangs on a drum to get the team, and the crowd, involved in the action. There’s never a dull moment during Ice Bears games, thanks to these supporters who never say die. Access 4 Knoxville is the heart of eastern Tennessee and is situated at the intersection of three major interstates. I-40, which runs west-east, provides access to Nashville and Asheville. I-75 goes to Kentucky in the north and Chattanooga in the south, while I-81 terminates just east of the city and winds in a northeasterly direction toward Virginia. The James White Parkway provides direct access to the Civic Coliseum from I-40, so the quick flow of traffic means getting to the game couldn’t be easier. Once you’re within spitting distance, you’ll find ample parking available at the venue’s lots and garages. The cost is $5, and only cash is accepted. Return on Investment 2 Ticket pricing is broken into four tiers: Silver, Gold, VIP, and Box for adults, seniors, and youths. Adult tickets range from $18-$36, seniors are $16-$36, and youth prices are $10-$36. Depending on your price points the choice is yours as to how much you want to pay for a ticket but with your prices as low as $10, it makes for an inexpensive night for a family of four. Parking is $5. Once at the game, you’ll find the food options to be fairly priced as far as sports venues go. Extras 2 The Knoxville Civic Coliseum earns a point for being able to maintain an old-timey feel while still offering modern amenities. The coliseum earns points for having just created a new mobile app, showing that the Ice Bears are committed to staying current and retaining relevance with their fan base. Final Thoughts Whatever the Civic Coliseum lacks in flair, the Ice Bears have made up for in the area of the fan experience. The team has nailed their game day presentation, from the pre-game festivities to the in-game effects. While it’s not the most glamorous hockey barn out there the Bears still offer a rewarding game day experience for fans of all ages. Anyone who enjoys the sport should find a way to get to a game on “good ‘ole Hockey Top.”

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Propst Arena At The Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW Huntsville, AL 35801 Huntsville Havoc website Propst Arena at The Von Braun Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 6,600 Havoc Rising The Huntsville Havoc is a professional ice hockey team in the SPHL. They play their home games at the Probst Arena of the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The team began to play in the 2004–05 season, following the defunct Huntsville Channel Cats of the South East Hockey League. The Von Braun Center is a multi-purpose facility with many different venues under its massive roof. The Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, a continental-style venue that seats 1,955, is a performance hall that is great for Broadway, ballet, symphonies, and concerts. South Hall and East Hall are great for conventions and trade shows. North Hall is an elegant facility to host formal food functions and dinners. There’s also a small proscenium hall named the Playhouse. It seats from 303 to 502 depending on the event. A new music hall called the MARS Music Hall was just recently added as well and is where you will see many medium-sized rock and Americana-style touring groups. The arena opened on March 14, 1975, as the Von Braun Civic Center and has been the home to lower-level hockey teams that include the Huntsville Blast (ECHL) and the Channel Cats (SHL/CHL/ECHL). The Channel Cats captured two championships in 1999 and 2004. The Havoc has added three league titles to their resume in 2009, 2017, and 2019. Food & Beverage 4 There are many good concessions staples in the facility and the prices are reasonable and the options are all very good. The items are hot, fresh, and of good quality. The basics are here hot dogs, nachos, burgers, chicken baskets, and pizza slices. The arena also has an array of local beers from the area that include Yellowhammer, Blue Pants, Below the Radar, and Rocket Republic. Atmosphere 4 The Probst Arena is an older-style arena with a large upper concourse, a smaller lower concourse, as well as a series of seats right at ice level. The views of the action on the ice are very good and there are scoreboards at either end zone of the arena. The viewing experience in the building has been improved with the addition of LED lighting and 12 new LED panels. Even though it is an older venue, Propst Arena boasts a surprisingly contemporary atmosphere. Upon entering, visitors pass through security and have their tickets scanned within a bright, glass-enclosed atrium. This welcoming entryway also serves as the central hub for the team's merchandise store and various pregame activities. Once inside the bowl, the seating arrangement is split into three main tiers. Down by the glass, the ice-level suites feature standalone high-top tables and chairs, sitting just in front of five rows of padded vinyl seats located below the inner walkway. Above this concourse sits the primary seating section along both sides, sweeping upward in a distinct bell-curve shape. The energy ramps up right away, however, with an engaging pregame light presentation and hype video cast directly onto the rink. Whenever the whistle blows, the breaks in action feature a highly entertaining, minor-league vibe, complete with fans in soda can costumes racing across the ice, a promo team chucking Styrofoam pucks into the stands, and the usual mix of jumbotron games and dance cams. The intermissions keep the momentum going with more on-ice competitions and rides on the popular "fanboni." Neighborhood 4 Huntsville is now the largest city in Alabama with a population of over 215,000 people. Downtown Huntsville is also becoming a nice quaint place for a stroll. There will be a few food and drink options down there as well. The area is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal, and the state-owned US Space & Rocket Center. The replica Saturn V at the center can be seen quite aways away, especially on the nearby UAH campus. The Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex is an old factory and mill that houses numerous small artist studios as well as food and drink from options like the Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Company. Fans 5 A sign near the ice proudly proclaims Huntsville as “The Hockey Capital of the South”, a well-earned moniker. The Havoc has great fans who know the game well and support the program nicely. The team leads the league in attendance with close to 5,000 per game. This number would be impressive in most minor and independent leagues and it is hard not to applaud the fans for their support of hockey here in the south. Access 4 Huntsville is served by several U.S. highways, including 72, 231, 431, and an Interstate highway spur, I-565, that links the two cities of Huntsville and Decatur to I-65. There is a parking garage across from the arena, as well as a few other paid lots in the immediate area. One can also often park for free at downtown parking meters after 5 pm if you are willing to walk a bit further. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Havoc game start around $20 and go up depending on what level of seating you desire. With the higher-cost seating, you get the unique experience of watching the game from your café table with ushers taking your food and drink orders, something that is rare in other minor league arenas and greatly appreciated by even non-hockey fans. The concessions are reasonably priced and offer a diversity of foods not typically found in a smaller market. Parking is generally around $5 as the lots around the Von Braun Center are owned by the city, not the team. The parking is cheap compared to venues in bigger cities. Extras 4 The Von Braun Center is a great extra all on its own. There are often multiple events going on at the same time. It is worth looking at their schedule to see what other events are happening. One should also stop at the Saturn V rocket that sits outside the U.S. Space & Rocket Center on the outskirts of downtown. Downtown Huntsville is becoming a destination all on its own. Make sure to get to the game early and wander around Courthouse Square or Big Spring Park. Fans can scan a QR code on their way into the arena to be part of the pregame light show during player introductions. Final Thoughts Huntsville, Alabama may not be what you would consider a good hockey town, but the Huntsville Havoc of the SPHL makes this a great hockey destination.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Crown Coliseum 1960 Coliseum Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28306 Fayetteville Marksmen website Crown Coliseum website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 8,500 Making its Mark in Fayetteville While not built specifically for hockey, the Crown Coliseum has been home to minor league hockey since it first opened its doors in 1997. Until 2001, the Fayetteville Force kept the Coliseum full and the fans made it loud. Unfortunately, the novelty of hockey wore off with the locals, and the team folded along with many when the CHL condensed. The next year, the FireAntz came to town and several years later, the team continues to rank in the upper half of SPHL attendance. The club acquired its current nickname after the 2016-2017 season when new ownership changed the name of the FireAntz to the Fayetteville Marksmen. The change reflects the city of relationship with the local United States Army post, Fort Bragg, as well as the native Carolina red fox. “The fox identifies with the Marksmen, as it is indigenous to the area, but is also wild, cagy, and ferocious characteristics showcased on the ice. And, much like the team, the fox exhibits a softer, cuddly side for kids, school events, and non-profit atmospheres,” team President Jeff Longo said. “With the community involvement, our mascot will be a role model for kids in Fayetteville, help bring attention to fundraising initiatives and provide entertainment at every game.” Food & Beverage 4 Crown Coliseum has an impressive spread of concessions. Just about anything you would want to find at a sporting event, the Coliseum is bound to have it. There is a huge, open area that the staff affectionately calls “the food court.” The food court features four different stands along with numerous carts. Coca-Cola is the beverage choice. Outside of the usual concessions, there are nuts, pastries, smoothies, and BBQ sandwiches. If you can’t find something you like at Crown Coliseum, you probably aren’t looking hard enough. Atmosphere 4 Even when the fans are into it, the Coliseum is bigger than most minor league arenas and it tends to drown out some of the energy. The Marksmen bring in an above-average amount of fans, yet it feels like less because the Coliseum is so big. The emptiness aside, the club knows how to make fans happy. There are theme nights, promotions galore, and many other ways for fans to get involved. The theme nights are all listed on the team’s website. There is scout night, military appreciation night, star wars night, and kids night, which is when I attended. For kids' night, each kid that bought a horn is invited to come onto the ice at intermission and blow as loud as they can. The promotions and games are generic (chuck-a-puck, dance-off, etc.). One issue the Coliseum has is the lack of multiple cameras. During games that focus on individual fans, it is hard to see them due to the lack of cameras. The Marksmen only have one camera, and it cannot focus on any one fan. In 2013, the Marksmen added an area for fans that is called “The Pub.” A simple idea, an open spot on the club level features a bar, a TV, and several tables. This offers fans a different perspective on the game at no extra charge to them. Neighborhood 1 The coliseum itself is part of a much larger complex called the Crown Center. Much like the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, the Crown Center has a small arena, ballroom, expo center, theatre, and the coliseum itself. The only problem with the Crown Center is the lack of business around it. The area offers ample parking, but few options for post-game festivities. The team tries to combat this by organizing post-game hangouts at Carolina Ale House, located not too far from the Crown Center. Fans 4 Although you may not believe it at first, these fans know a thing or two about hockey. They are loud and behave like some of the best puck heads around. The only problem is that there aren’t enough fans to fill the Coliseum. The fans that do come are excellent, banging on the boards, starting their cheers, and wearing the team’s jerseys. The only thing that detracts is the fact that the fans don’t fill the Coliseum. The Marksmen rank near the top of attendance numbers in the SPHL, yet the Crown Coliseum makes this rather large fan base look relatively small. Access 3 Fayetteville, North Carolina is part of the state’s I-95 corridor, making it an easy city to visit from anywhere on the east coast. The Crown Coliseum is only about 15 minutes off of the highway, an overall easy drive. Once inside the complex, the availability of parking is subject to what else is happening at the Crown Center. The night I attended, Bill Cosby was performing at the theatre making parking a little challenging. When the team is the only event of the night, parking is much easier. It may be a good idea to check schedules and see what else may be going on before you head out to a Marksmen game. Return on Investment 3 Even though it’s about on par, I can’t help but feel like $14 is a bit much for an upper-level ticket to a minor-league hockey game (a lower-level league as well). The story is the same with concessions. While not much more expensive than the average concessions, it just feels like you’re paying for more than what you are getting in return. Extras 3 The management goes to great lengths to try and get the town involved. These events happen about once a month and are simple ways that the team interacts with the city. There are post-game hangouts at the local Carolina Ale House, pre-game pep rallies at Hooters, meet and greets at Fazoli’s, and post-game on-ice meet and greets. One thing that amazes me about the Marksmen fans is the number of jerseys in the crowd. Normally, you expect to see a few of the team’s jerseys, but many other professional teams mixed in (especially with the Carolina Hurricanes being so close in Raleigh at PNC Arena). I don’t think I saw a single jersey that wasn’t a Marksmen one. I felt almost out of place not wearing one. The Marksmen name and logo tie in well with the local area and is a very sharp-looking design in the world of minor league hockey, When other clubs in the SPHL offer hokey and goofy designs, Fayetteville makes its “mark” with its jerseys and logos. Final Thoughts The Fayetteville Marksmen are an example of what minor league sports should be about. With a pro team only an hour away, the team knows that they have to be different from them. They embrace the city of Fayetteville and in turn, it seems the city has embraced the team. No minor league arena (or major league arena for that matter) is without its flaws, but the Crown Coliseum is an overall great place to see hockey, even if it’s not in a typical hockey market. The Crown Coliseum may not be the greatest hockey venue, but it is certainly one of the SPHL’s best.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ford Center 5600 Division St. Evansville, IN 47715 Ford Center website Evansville Thunderbolts website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 9,000 A Bolt of Thunder in Evansville It was officially announced in March 2016 that the ECHL Evansville Icemen would relocate their operations to Owensboro, Kentucky after the conclusion of the season. The team also announced that it would be on hiatus and resume play for the 2017-2018 season at the renovated Owensboro Sportscenter in hopes of building a new facility somewhere down the road. However, those plans fell through and the club wound up moving to Jacksonville, Florida. Enter the SPHL and placed an expansion franchise in town for the 2016-2017 season. The club was nicknamed the Thunderbolts after the WWII Fighter plane that was manufactured in the town. The Evansville plant produced 6,000 P-47 Thunderbolt planes and helped save the town during the war. The Ford Center is beautiful, modern, and perfect for minor league hockey with a seating capacity of 9,000 people. The $127.5 million indoor facility opened in 2009 and has been home to hockey since 2010. The cutting-edge design featuring a gorgeous interior and exterior design does not try to represent buildings of the past but set the tone for the future. The design should look as sharp now as it will 30 years from now. Food & Beverage 3 There are various concession areas throughout the main concourse that offer hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken tenders, pizza, mini corn dogs, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, and nachos. The prices are reasonable, and there is something for everyone. The more unique options are highlighted by chipotle cheddar burgers, loaded nachos with chicken or beef, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and grilled chicken sandwiches. The nachos are big enough to share for two and are a bargain at $8. If you are with the kids, they will enjoy chicken tender baskets and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. There is also a kiosk that serves falafel and baklava. Bud and Bud Light cans sell for $7.25 a can and local Carson’s Red Dawn and Tin Man Rivet are on tap for $8. Wine and well drinks are also available costing between $7.25-$8. Atmosphere 3 The game-time atmosphere at the Ford Center is somewhat peculiar. There is a lot of action taking place in the main lobby where fans enter and are greeted by staff personnel, the official team mascot, and Iceman cheerleaders. There is usually something that is given away for free and I can’t think of a better way to start your evening of hockey. Fans then hop on the escalator and move up to the main concourse toward their seats. This is where they will find the official team merchandise table, ticket information, and the Chuck-a-Puck table. It is also where they would find the majority of the concession menu items of the arena. There is a lot of synergy taking place on these two levels and one feels very energized before the game. Ford Center Escalators, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Once fans enter the seating area and get a view of the ice, which was decorated in pink graffiti for Breast Cancer Awareness Night, they might take a look around the venue to see where everyone is at. They must be patient since fans arrive at the game right before the faceoff. However, looking around one might get the feeling that hockey takes a back seat to the Evansville Purple Aces basketball program; a collection of championship banners, retired jerseys, a memorial, and memorabilia in the front lobby adorn the building. Deservingly, the Aces have been the main sporting event in town for many years. Neighborhood 3 The Ford Center is in a nice part of downtown that appears to be up and coming. Fans walking the streets before and after the game are within a stone’s throw away from the Backstage Bar and Grill, Milano Italian Cuisine, and the Children’s Museum. Less than two miles away is Franklin Street which offers a few additional great restaurants including Lamasco Bar, Gerst Haus, and Bru Burger in a renovated Greyhound bus terminal. Carson’s Brewery is an ideal spot for craft beer, especially Carson’s where one can sample 25 different beers including Vanilla Cow, Sweet Leaf, and Red Hot Harlot, a cinnamon-infused honey blonde ale. Tami will serve you quite well in the room. Tip her well. There are plenty of lodging options in Evansville. They include the Fairfield Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Baymont Inn & Suites. The only decision is price and location, but you’re sure to find a nice price somewhere in town. Fans 4 The team has averaged between 2,000 to 2,300 fans during its time in the SPHL. The Evansville hockey supporter has been through a lot during the last decade. They welcomed the Icemen into ECHL in 2010, only to lose them to Owensboro in a public fiasco with its owner, and then quickly welcomed in an SPHL team. This could be quite irksome to any fanbase, but they have shown respectable support for minor league hockey in the River City. Another interesting note is the copious amounts of different jerseys worn by the fans during the game. There must have been at least 12 different styles during my final visit to see the Icemen in Evansville. Access 4 Being a downtown location you would think it would be difficult to find a parking spot. However, that is not the case for the Ford Center. There is free parking a couple of blocks away from the arena in vast lots. Many locals complain about the distance, but the walk does not seem to be that much of a problem. Inside the arena, there are plenty of restrooms that serve men, women, and families. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Bolts games start at $13 for upper deck seats and top out at $32 for glass seats. This is common with the other teams in the league and affordable with other minor league operations. You have your choice of ticket prices and the arena has more than enough tickets on most occasions. The parking is free and concession prices are varied and reasonable. Extras 3 The Ford Center provides great views of the ice from your seats and there is not a bad seat in the house. It is a great size for a minor league hockey arena and features a wraparound concourse for easy access. One final point for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) for finally connecting Evansville to Indianapolis with the nearing completion of I-69. Instead of a 3-plus hour drive through multiple state roads and downtown squares, a motorist can drive a two-lane highway in much less time. Final Thoughts The Thunderbolts have created a new piece of history for the sport in the River City. Evansville’s history in minor league hockey is much younger compared with other teams in the league but they might just play in the best arena in the SPHL. The Ford Center is a fabulous state-of-the-art indoor venue for minor league hockey. The fanbase is strong, supportive, and knowledgeable; just give them a good product, and they will be back.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Pelham Civic Complex 500 Amphitheater Road Pelham, AL 35124 Birmingham Bulls website Pelham Civic Complex website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,100 Pelham Civic Complex – Birmingham Bulls Approximately 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabama is the suburban city of Pelham, home of Pelham Civic Complex and the Birmingham Bulls. There has been some form of hockey under the name Birmingham Bulls off and on since 1976, with teams playing in the World Hockey Association (1976-79), the Central Hockey League (1979-81), the ECHL (1997–2001). These versions of the Bulls would play at the now Legacy Arena. Hockey would make just a one-year return to the Birmingham area for the 2003-04 season, this time in Pelham with the Alabama Slammers of the World Hockey Association 2. Following a thirteen-year hockey hiatus the current incarnation of the Birmingham Bulls would come to fruition in the SPHL at Pelham Civic Complex in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food available at Pelham Civic Complex might be the deepest in all minor league sports, and quite possibly could stand up against just about any major league franchise. From burgers to dogs and sausages, to wings and pizza, entrée options are almost endless. Snacks include the usual chips and candy, but dive deep into fried pickles, fried okra, hush puppies, and even mini corn dogs. Combo meals including catfish nuggets, BBQ sandwiches, or a Cuban sandwich. Beer and liquor are plentiful as well, but beer options are more centered around domestic brands, with not much of a craft beer selection. Also, having three primary concession stands and four bars spaced around the arena helps keep lines and wait times down. Atmosphere 3 With its low roof line, it’s hard to picture a four thousand seat hockey arena inside Pelham Civic Complex. Within the playing area black seats encircle the rink, but do not make the playing area feel too small, but rather give it more of a cozy feel. The size of the arena is just about the perfect size for the Bulls and their fans. A four-sided scoreboard hangs above center ice, but given the low roof, the panels on each side are shorter than most scoreboards, even those in smaller arenas. During play the scoreboard shows a live feed of the action on the ice, and gives time, score, and shots-on-goal totals, along with any time remaining on power plays. During breaks in the action it is also used for hype videos and advertisements. There is plenty to keep fans entertained throughout the game, including fan cams, on-ice contests, and engaging music to keep fans entertained during stoppages in play. Also the team mascot, Toro, makes appearances around the arena and on ice. There is not a bad seat in the house – when choosing a seat, sitting at the top of the sections help eliminate a semi-distorted view created by a portion of the ice having glass in front of it, as the rest is unobstructed. Fans with accessibility needs have a section dedicated to providing them with a full-length view of the ice, rather than sitting mostly below the sideboards. Neighborhood 3 Pelham Civic Complex is tucked behind a row of gas stations, hotels, and regional and national chain restaurants that connect I-65 and Pelham Parkway. However, the arena has such a wide variety of choices on its concessions menu that a pre-game meal might not be necessary. If you are still looking to grab a bite before or after the game, though, nearby Creekside BBQ would be a good choice. Beer enthusiasts might also enjoy a visit to The Beer Hog with its two-hundred craft beers and sixty-five taps. Nature lovers might enjoy exploring the nearby Oak Mountain State Park with its various outdoor activities. The arena is also neighbored by Oak Mountain Amphitheater, and sits across the street from a still in-progress, mixed-use development that will feature restaurants, retail shops, and apartments. Fans 4 Fans start piling up at the arena’s metal detectors about an hour before the doors open. The inadvertent clatter of cowbells also rattles up and down the line in anticipation of being allowed in. A group of rather rambunctious fans pick the seats at the far end of the rink, right behind the visiting goalie. They have dubbed themselves the “10H8 Rowdy Bunch” – this bunch is quick to heckle anyone on the ice who is not in a Bulls sweater, by comparing their performance to that of a vacuum. Fans work themselves into a frenzy at the announcement of a power play. This is when the previously clattered cowbells are now paired with the sound of a vuvuzela, as the fans stomp and clap in hopes the Bulls are able to muster a power play goal. Access 3 Pelham Civic Complex is located less than a mile off Interstate-65 heading into Birmingham. With Birmingham being the junction of four major interstate highways (I-20, I-22, I-59, and I-65), the area is accessible from several of the metropolitan areas in the southeast. Once at the arena, most parking is to the right side of the building, and is just a short walk to the front entrance, which is the only entry point for non-season ticket holders. Season ticket holders have a VIP entrance on the main parking lot side of the building. The main lobby fills quickly as fans file in to purchase apparel, Chuck-a-Puck opportunities, jersey raffles, and 50/50 tickets. It can take a bit of work to get through the lobby at first, but as fans start moving toward their seats the lobby empties out. There are four main entry points into the rink – two doorways enter directly to a small area of seats on either side of the near end of the arena, while two other entry points are used to access seats on each side of the ice. To the left of the main entrance, fans will walk upstairs to an inner walkway that wraps two-thirds around the rink, and make their way down to their seats from there. To the right fans, walk below the stands and come through tunnels to get to the seating area; either side of the rink is easily accessible. Return on Investment 3 Prices for tickets are not substantially expensive, but they might be a tick higher than expected for minor league hockey. Typical general admission tickets run $15 plus another $5 for parking, so fans are $20 in before walking through the doors. Inside the arena, well-priced concessions do a good job balancing out the ticket and parking rates. Most snacks of substance are $6-$7, while baskets, such as entrées with fries, are $10. Extras 2 The Birmingham Bulls app allows fans to take part in interactive in-game contests, as well as check game stats in real time. In the SPHL, almost every night seemingly has a theme, gate giveaway, or jersey auction – there always seems to be something special going on at each game. Final Thoughts When you move away from the bright lights and thousands upon thousands of seats at the highest levels of professional hockey, you tend to find some of the most passionate fan bases in all sports. These levels allow fans to make personal connections with players and vice versa. Fans in these arenas care deeply about their teams, and that feeling bleeds through to the enjoyment of attending a Bulls hockey game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Emmy Smith, and Jennifer Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Ravens website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 70,745 Home of the Ravens The Baltimore Ravens gave the fans of “Charm City” a new beginning in 1996 when they started operations after the Cleveland Browns moved to the Maryland city. As part of a settlement between the league and the city of Cleveland, Art Modell was required to leave the Browns’ history and records in Cleveland for a replacement team. Since their “new beginning,” the Ravens have won two Super Bowl titles. The city of Baltimore has a history of winning teams. The Baltimore Colts won the NFL Championship game before the Super Bowl even existed, in 1958 and 1959, as well as the Super Bowl in 1971. The Baltimore Stars of the USFL were led by coach Jim Mora to that league’s championship in 1985, the final year of the league and team. And of course, the well-loved Canadian Football franchise, the Baltimore CFL Colts/Stallions, won in 1995, before the Ravens came to town and prompted their move to Montreal, where they became the Alouettes. Those seven championships show that Baltimore is a hard-nosed football town with a history of success. After playing their first two years at the venerable old Memorial Stadium, the team has made what is now known as M&T Bank Stadium home. The 70,745-seat stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years. The team continually updates the stadium in many ways each year, and it always feels fresh and new. The Ravens announced a multi-year project (2024-2026) to enhance the Stadium with significant projects. The Ravens are using a projected $430 million of the $600 million of state funds allotted for stadium improvements. The funds came with the renewal of the Ravens' lease, which will keep them in M&T Bank Stadium through at least the 2037 season. Most of the projects are now done, leaving the stadium feeling fresh as new. Food & Beverage 5 The Ravens have good-quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offer options such as beer, chili bowls, pizza, and hot dogs. Stands have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites, as well as Shake Shack. There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed Atlanta's lead and begun offering many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 From the Ravenswalk area outside the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for enjoying NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the stadium. Every play, whether on defense or offense, will have fans screaming at every detail. Even memorable team plays are carefully reviewed. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. The team has increased the entertainment and food offerings in this area, making it an even more enjoyable place to spend some time. Make sure to be in this area when the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band makes its way towards the game. One favorite here is the cocktail bar, which offers decent-priced drinks and a pretty impressive Bloody Mary bar. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” remind visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones, are amazing visual spectacles. The vertical screens in each corner enhance the game viewing options. The Ravens cheerleading squad and mascot Poe offer traditional cheering options. Note that the cheerleading squad has a male stunt squad, as well. The Poe mascot has now seen his brothers, Edgar and Allen, re-added to the mascot mix. In 2022, the brothers stood in for Poe when he went down with a devastating wing injury. The fans are happy to see all three at the game in 2023. The "MO" in Baltimore is colored differently in the end zones from the rest of the city name. This is to honor the late Mo Gaba, who passed in 2020 at the age of 14. Mo was a Baltimore super-fan who, despite battling cancer for most of his life and later losing his sight, became a favorite of all Baltimore athletes. Gaba was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in July 2020 and, in 2019, became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick written in Braille. The Ravens continue to honor Mo 3 years after his passing. The stadium signage is consistent, modern, and appropriate. Purple lighting effects are seen everywhere. The team is constantly adding new ways to enhance the purple-ness of the stadium. Signage, flashing LED lights, and screens make you see purple everywhere, just as they want. One major complaint of M&T Bank Stadium had been the lack of escalators to the upper deck. But a few years back, they added escalators to this area, so fans no longer have to hoof it up and down stairs or long ramps. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but it does suffer a bit because it is farther from downtown Baltimore. The newly opened Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium more and more critical to the Ravens’ social scene. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-the-art living and working area. Currently, the existing pavilions are closed. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Fells Point and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, though its unique collection may not be for everyone. Baltimore is, and has always been, an urban environment where you should stay aware of your surroundings. Use common sense, and everything will be fine, you will have a great time. Fans 5 Baltimore is a football town. They love smash-mouth football and have no problem if the defense wins the game by smothering their opponents. Even when there was no NFL team in the city, they embraced football variations offered by the USFL and the CFL in ways other cities may struggle to match. Fans will still respect fans who wear the opposing team’s colors, but they should not expect too much love. The fans are serious about the Ravens and defensive football. Just like at Oriole Park, the Ravens’ fans commemorate the local creation of the Star-Spangled Banner, and the love of the other big league team in town, by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot in the anthem. In other places, this would seem disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love for the country and the team. If you hear that yell at different parks throughout the country, rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. Fans also love to chant along to “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages are located in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the Ravens’ website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand. The crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 An NFL game is expensive. There is no way around it. You do get a good deal because of the high entertainment value and the extremely high level of competition. Parking costs, if done correctly and cheaply, can help alleviate some expenses. The Ravens make sure the fans know they are valued for spending their money on the team. Free programs are available for all games, and the pregame ritual of walking the Ravenswalk (located between the two Camden Yards stadiums) is a treat for all fans. Extras 5 The Johnny Unitas statue is located at the end of Ravenswalk, in front of the stadium, it is a gathering spot for pregame meetings and a place to honor the Baltimore Colts legend. A Ray Lewis statue was later added to celebrate one of the other most important Baltimore football players. Ravenswalk is the place to be and watch the excitement of the game day grow to a fever pitch. One of the few marching bands in professional football, the Marching Ravens plays at Ravenswalk and at various points during the game. This is the same band that was known as the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band and was started in 1947. The newly spent renovations and additions have made the purple colors and signage seem consistent and scream out RAVENS at every turn. Final Thoughts M&T Bank Stadium shows that the Ravens have done an outstanding job with their franchise. The fans who attend will always have a memorable game day experience and get good value.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stouffville Arena 12483 Ninth Line Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario L4A 1C2 Strouffville Spirit website Stouffville Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 335 Smells Like Hockey Spirit The Stouffville Spirit were founded in 1995 as the Stouffville Clippers in the OPJHL. They were sold before the completion of their first season to Ed Hakonson. The Clippers moniker was a nod back to the previous Stouffville Clippers who played at the Junior C level from 1970 to 1984. After being sold in that first season, the Clippers rebranded as the Stouffville Spirit and have been members of what is now the Junior A OJHL ever since. They have had modest success but had playoff issues until they took home the Buckland Cup as OJHL Champions in 2012. Chris Tanev is included among their alumni. The Spirit are currently owned by Chris Tambos, Zeev Werek, and Kenny Burrows. Home for the Spirit is the Stouffville Arena. Located in the former town of Stouffville, now part of the larger Whitchurch-Stouffville town, north of the City of Toronto, part of the Greater Toronto Area, Stouffville Arena offers a pair of ice pads and community rooms. Stouffville Arena is owned by the Town of Stouffville. Food & Beverage 3 A single snack bar concession is found in the lobby. Hot dogs, fries, chicken fingers, poutine, nachos, and popcorn are all available. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice, and coffee, tea, hot chocolate and Slush Puppies round out the beverages. There is nothing terribly original at the concession, but they won’t go hungry either. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of Stouffville Arena is straight out of the eighties. A corrugated, concrete exterior with a brown top accent is functional but not terribly attractive. Inside, the lobby also gives off those eighties vibes with plenty of dark, brown brick. There are some locally framed photos and displays that are definitely worth a look. A tribute to Stouffville’s “Mr. Hockey” Bob McNeil is one of the highlights. A collage dedicated to local product Keith Acton and a framed photo of hockey Olympian Gillian Apps boast about the local hockey scene. Inside the arena, the ice is south-north oriented with the seating on the east side. Seating consists of 11 rows of wooden benches with a steep incline for good sightlines. Seating goes right up to the top of the low-profile ceiling, such that fans can touch the support beams from the top row. Protective netting is found only at the ends. There is some indoor seating at the north end, which also houses a number of trophy cases with plenty of Stouffville hockey artifacts. Above the indoor seating are some markings delineating Stouffville Arena as the home of the Spirit. Championship banners hang at the north end, including the 2012 Buckland Cup. There are also banners honouring five-year players J.D. Smithson and Randy Johnston and Coach Pat Madigan, who died suddenly in 2008. The gameday production at a Spirit game is very simple. It is clear that the sound system is not the best, but the PA announcer does his best to make sure that announcements are as clear as possible by not yelling into the microphone. Typical promotion,s including the 50/50 draw, are present for games. Neighbourhood 3 Stouffville Arena is located in Stouffville, part of the town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. There are a few dining options for fans in the area. The best plan is to head south to Main Street. Some options include Clock Tower Grill, Saints on Main, The King’s Landing Bar & Grill, Captain Hooks Bar & Grill, and the Junction. The Stouffville Spirit are pretty much the only game in town. Stouffville is close to Newmarket, Markham, Pickering and Aurora, so OJHL rivalry games are not far away at all. Other tourist options fans may want to consider while in the area include Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, Treetop Trekking and Canada’s Wonderland. Stouffville is not terribly far from Toronto, which has a whole host of tourist options. For fans interested in staying in the area, there is a Days Inn in Stouffville. Other options in other towns are not too far. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the OJHL can be difficult as there are no centrally published attendance figures and many teams do not publish game-day attendance statistics on game sheets. That being said, Stouffville normally attracts between 250 and 300 fans per game and ranks in the top third of the OJHL. The small capacity at Stouffville Arena makes a moderate attendance seem like a full house. Fans are supportive, and the location of Stouffville makes it a good stop for many travelling fans. Access 4 Stouffville Arena is located in the Stouffville community of the town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, approximately at the southeast corner of 9th Line and Millard. It is about 2 km east of Highway 48 and 12 km north of Highway 407, so a bit of a drive through town will be necessary. There is free parking on site; however, other minor sports on the local fields there may cause parking to fill up. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are York Region Transit bus stops on Millard. Fans should consult the York Region Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around inside Stouffville Arena is not too difficult. Entry into the arena from the lobby is at ice level, so getting to the seating will require some traversing of stairs. The washroom facilities are good for this venue. Return on Investment 5 Stouffville Spirit tickets are sold for $15 with discounts for students and seniors. Children under 5 years old are free. Tickets are available at the door and can be purchased with cash or card. Parking is free, and the concession prices are not too bad. The product on the ice is solid, and fans will have a good time at the game. Extras 2 An extra mark for the number 19 banner that hangs behind the Stouffville bench in honour of Mike Robinson. Robinson was a former member of the Spirit who was tragically shot on a golf course in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, in 2025. An extra mark for Stouffville Arena as a community hub, complete with a pair of ice pads, community rooms, and a number of outdoor sports fields. Final Thoughts Taking in a Stouffville Spirit game is a great way to spend a fall or winter evening. Stouffville is a decent arena for the OJHL and has a cozy feel to it in a community that loves its hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snapdragon Stadium 2101 Stadium Way San Diego, CA 92108 San Diego FC website Snapdragon Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 35,000 A Snapshot of San Diego Soccer San Diego Football Club is an expansion team in Major League Soccer, named the 30th MLS team back in 2023. They began play in 2025 and share their home venue with the San Diego State Aztecs college football team. San Diego’s aspirations to join MLS go back to the 1990s. Despite several team entries in various soccer leagues over that time, the market lacked a suitable stadium to house the franchise. Qualcomm Stadium, then home to the NFL Chargers and MLB Padres, was too big for MLS. Balboa Stadium was considered but was deemed too old and did not have appropriate facilities for top-flight soccer. All this changed when Qualcomm Stadium was demolished to make way for a new home for college football. Snapdragon Stadium, built on the very site of the old ‘Murph, was exactly the configuration and capacity a team would need to match up with peer venues in Major League Soccer. Food & Beverage 4 Snapdragon Stadium has no shortage of concession choices, with vending carts all over the concourses, which are mostly outdoors between the grandstand and structures located along the outdoor periphery of the venue. Prices are on the high side… Bottled water is $5, canned beer $15-$17.50, with Michelob and Budweiser products the mainstay; go for the local Cutwater brew at $15.50, Dos Equis Mexican beer ($15.50-$21), and frozen margaritas are $21. Pepsi products are $7, but for $9.50 you can buy a refillable fountain soda. The local staples include hamburgers ($13.50), cheeseburgers ($14.50), all-beef hot dog ($7), Fries ($6.50), Chicken Tenders ($14.50), Popcorn ($9), Soft pretzel or cotton candy ($7.50). For the sweet tooth, there is a vending cart called Batch Box with fresh-baked cookies ($12). Some examples of specialty items include a shawarma stand with pitas to order ($17-$21), Cali BBQ offering brisket or pulled pork sandwiches ($17.50-$18.50), barbecue nachos ($17). There is a cheesesteak stand ($15-$17), and that’s where you find a true California signature item, garlic fries ($10.50). Atmosphere 3 One of the coolest spectacles to watch and take part in is the parade of fans from the supporters' section, marching into the stadium singing and chanting, waving flags, and banging on their instruments. In fact, a special gate swings wide open on one end of the venue to allow access, and the parade continues right into the concourse. That being said, the energy and panorama of that end zone supporters' section is a bit muted during the match itself, adding little to the noise and buzz in the building. San Diego Mural at Snapdragon Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 At the moment, Snapdragon Stadium is pretty much surrounded by vast oceans of parking lots. That is about to change, however, as construction is already underway for a master planned housing, mixed use, and transit-oriented development called SDSU Mission Valley, which will include 621 apartments, 30,000 square feet of retail space, and a supermarket. Further plans include tech and research space tied into San Diego State’s academic programs, parks and green space, and more housing and hotels. The first phase should open in 2028. Fans 5 San Diego FC has enjoyed incredible success at the box office, selling over 18,000 season tickets, selling out premium seats, and setting attendance records for playoff games. Yes, they made the playoffs in their inaugural 2025 season, also placing 4th in attendance in the 30-team league, trailing only the three MLS franchises that play in larger NFL-capacity venues. They continue to be a massive draw in their second season of play. San Diego FC Supporter Section at Snapdragon Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Access 4 There are two ways to access Snapdragon Stadium: by car or by light rail. The MTS Green Line trolley station is just a long penalty kick away from the stadium doors. Trains run regularly, and the fare is a reasonable $3. Prices for parking range from $25 to $50, and prepaying for a parking pass is a strong recommendation, as with the construction going on around the stadium, lots fill up quickly. There are no reasonable free parking options nearby, as the stadium property is surrounded by expressways, hilly terrain, and no adjacent residential streets or commercial properties, so either way you have to pay. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for San Diego FC matches are listed between $50 and $100, but secondary market opportunities for resale tickets can score you some better deals depending on the opponent. The pricey concessions and parking costs rapidly bring up the fan experience cost, so be prepared. Pregame Festivities at Snapdragon Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Extras 4 Worth a huge mention here is the stadium itself. Snapdragon Stadium was erected on the site of the old Jack Murphy Stadium, later renamed Qualcomm Stadium. The NFL San Diego Chargers played here. The San Diego Padres played here. Murals, photos, memorabilia, and markers depicting the great players and the great moments that happened right here can be found throughout the stadium. MLB Hall of Fame Tony Gwynn is immortalized here. All of this is a testament to San Diego sports and is done in an exceptional way. Final thoughts A sports road trip to San Diego is always an easy choice… perfect weather year-round, plenty to do and see in the region, the Mexico border and nearby Tijuana beckon for the more adventurous, and the downtown Gaslamp Quarter is a joy in itself with endless food and entertainment options and, of course, the MLB San Diego Padres. San Diego FC is a great addition to make this yet another destination of choice.