Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Central Park Denbigh Denbighshire, Wales LL16 3EW Map It! Denbigh Town FC website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 2,400 The Little Fortress The medieval town of Denbigh, translated as ‘the little fortress’, is home to Cymru North side Denbigh Town FC. Their Central Hall home was completed over 60 years ago, but recent investment has created a smart and modern stadium. The renovations have resulted in the stadium being selected to host three prestigious UEFA U19 European Championship matches in Summer 2026. The history of the town can be explored via the castle, cathedral and friary, all well worth a visit. Local accommodation options are available although harder to obtain in holiday periods. Once visitors are checked in, it’s time for some local sustenance… Food & Beverage 3 Once through the turnstiles of Central Park, the adjacent food outlet has a good selection of drinks and fast food. Prices are very reasonable, coffee (£2), cheeseburger (£4) sweets (£1). Upstairs you will find the clubhouse bar, where a variety of drinks can be purchased and consumed. Atmosphere 4 The UEFA U19 tournament fixture between Germany and Denmark brought additional branding and facilities that you will not see on a normal Denbigh match day. A mobile scoreboard was located behind one goal and the opposite touchline to the main stand given over to the press, including a large media gantry. On the same touchline there are two smart new 72-seater stands and modern dugouts. Behind both goals there are simply walkways and a couple of steps of standing provision. All the main structures are on the nearside touchline as you enter. A brand new two story community hub being the centrepiece, which attracted funding and support from the Cymru Football Foundation and various other partners. Further up the touchline is a large, older looking all-seated structure with wheelchair access and approx. 475 seats. This brings some character to the overall experience of visiting Central Park. The £200k playing surface is immaculate; at first glance appearing to be of the 4g variety rather than ‘real’ grass. Smart new floodlights add to the UEFA standard facilities. Neighborhood 4 In Denbigh itself you will find numerous options to eat and drink before heading to the match. To the south-east of the ground, on Ruthin Road, is the newly refurbished Brookhouse Mill. This converted mill brings a refined dining experience and is recommended by locals. For a more ‘British’ pre match routine, there are alternatives. Begin at the Con Amici, a smart Italian bar and restaurant with a pint of Poretti costing £6.30 and Italian culinary specials at around £25. Heading south towards the ground you will arrive at the Masons Arms, a fine sports bar showing cricket, F1, football and almost any sport where locals can cheer on their beloved ‘red dragons’. Next, as the crow flies to the stadium, you arrive at The Railway Inn, a local pub with a warm welcome and a little easier on the wallet than the higher end options. For those still thirsty, continue up Vale Street away from the stadium to the town centre where there are numerous cafes and bars. Follow signs to the Castle (Castell) for a peak into the history of this fortress town. It is a 15-minute walk uphill to the castle, worth the effort for stunning views and a modern café and visitor centre (entrance £6.80). Look up the Friary, too, and together with the castle, you can follow over 700 years of local history. Denbigh Castle, Photo by Chris Tuck, Sadium Journey Aside from the industrial estate, the tree-lined outskirts of the town are well kept, giving this town a civilized and peaceful feel (Saturday nights when the town’s two night clubs kick out may bring a different vibe…) Fans 3 Average attendance for Denbigh Town fixtures is around 300 spectators per match: a number swelled when playing the local sworn enemies of Ruthin Town FC. Other games of interest against Rhyl and Bangor can also see the locals come out in force. Away fixtures are popular as fans head to the coast for some classic ‘awaydays’. Attendees for the UEFA championship games included local children’s teams, overseas fans, groundhoppers and locals either attending or volunteering. The club and volunteers were a credit to the town, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; they managed the occasion really well. Access 2 Arriving at Manchester Airport, a hire car would get you to Denbigh in around 90 minutes. Arriving by car increases flexibility for visiting the whole of North Wales including the Snowdonia National Park. Train services are available, but only to Rhyl and an additional bus journey is needed to arrive at Denbigh itself. Alternatively, a local bus from Wrexham (Arriva T51) takes around 80 minutes. From the south, the drive from Birmingham Airport can take you via the M6 or a more aesthetically pleasing route takes you past the Mere Lake in Ellesmere where you can grab a coffee and stroll around this award-winning lake and parkland. Arriving at Central Park, the stadium and surroundings are very flat with no steps, ensuring accessibility levels are very good. Sadly, this Central Park does not have a famous zoo. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Denbigh home matches are around £8 for adults with concession prices available. Buy at the gate or in advance. Accommodation is cheaper out of season. The Tyn Yr Eithen has camping facilities and some excellent shepherds’ huts for under £50 a night (book direct with the site for cheaper prices). Overall, your biggest costs will be getting to Denbigh, once in town all facilities come at good value. Extras 2 Denbigh Town continue to produce printed programmes for tier home matches; this tradition is getting increasingly rare so make sure you buy one! The best kebab shop according to locals for ‘after match fuel’ is the Townsend Takeaway. The fast-food venue sits in close proximity to Central Park and it even has a drive-through option! Final Thoughts As Denbigh Town FC invest to get into the top tier of Welsh football, do not be surprised if they succeed. The medieval town of Denbigh is well off the beaten track, but for many these stadium journeys can be the most rewarding. You may choose Wrexham AFC, Liverpool or Manchester United for attractive football experiences in this area, however a visit to Denbigh will give you an experience that only now is European football waking up to.

Photos Courtesy of Marc Viquez Gant Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio, looks different these days and may soon transform into a modern ballpark that Mayor Donald Mason says could be the best baseball stadium east of Columbus. ​ The renovations include a $62,000 demolition project that removed the football bleachers along the left-field line. Gone are the locker rooms and restrooms, which were nearly 87 years old and did not function properly, according to Mason. ​ “We have invested about $1,100,000 over the last five years in Gant, with electric and light improvements being a major investment. We have also added protected fencing to screen foul balls from the parking lot, a pitching cage, and new outfield fencing.” The upgrades are part of the stadium's modernization for future development. According to The Times Recorder, the demolition was facilitated through Ohio's Building Demolition and Site Revitalization grant program and a portion of the $3.2 million the county received in the 2024 cycle. The electrical system is located underneath the grandstand. Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez However, a section of the old football stands remains in place because it houses the control boxes beneath the seating. Those boxes contain the $700,000 lighting and electrical systems installed in 2024. ​ Other parts of the stadium have also seen improvements in recent years, including $50,000 for netting on the first-base side of the venue and $50,000 for a new roof and netting over the bleachers. In contrast, the demolished grandstands had plumbing and mechanical issues beyond repair and had not been used for the past 15 years. ​ The expanded parking area is expected to accommodate larger crowds and is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. The project will also include modern restrooms for men, women, and people with disabilities. Gant Municipal Stadium was constructed in 1939 and dedicated on September 20, 1940, with a football game between Zanesville and New Philadelphia, with more than 5,000 people in attendance. The following year, the Chicago Cubs placed a Class C team in the Middle Atlantic League at the stadium. Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez They would play for two seasons, taking a hiatus with the league for World War II. The Zanesville Dodgers (1944-1948) and the Zanesville Indians (1949-1950) would later call the stadium home. The Zanesville Greys of the Frontier League brought professional baseball back from 1993 to 1996. Although there are no plans for a summer collegiate baseball team at Gant Stadium, the mayor said that there had been interest in organized baseball. ​“About two years ago, we were approached by an individual who asked if he could locate a semi-pro team in Zanesville. I would love that, as we had a team 35 years ago. It was great baseball.​" However, there is plenty of baseball played from March to August by Bishop Rosecrans High School and the Muskingum Valley Old-Timers Baseball Association. The nonprofit group was formed in 1954 when several local baseball players were concerned that Zanesville wouldn't have organized ball due to the surge of interest in softball. The city contemplated turning the diamond at Gant Stadium into a softball field around this time. The group is responsible for developing diamonds and keeping programs running, not for profit, but for the love of the game. It operates multiple levels of baseball, including the Junior and Senior Legion teams, comprised of 25 teams of 13- and 14-year-olds. They also operate the Junior Pioneer (ages 16-20) and the Senior Pioneers (no age limit) “We play seven days a week with up to six games on Saturday and Sunday,” said Pat Bollinger, president of the MVOTA. “For our younger players, it’s like walking into a major league stadium. It has helped a lot of people. We have one player who just retired at the age of 62. The youth baseball program is very good and draws crowds of around 100-200 people.” Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez Bollinger added that MVOTA has put in over $50-$60,000 alone this year for new sod, basepaths, and dirt. High school football has not been played on the field in over 15 years. The mayor states that there is room to develop an adult soccer field or similar to create a positive atmosphere for citizens in the evenings after work. The stadium was renamed in 1996 for Nelson T. Gant, a former slave who arrived in town in 1847 and became the city's first African American millionaire. He purchased the stadium land and then leased it to the streetcar company in 1888, which developed a park and later bought the land from him. The stadium was then built when a WPA grant provided matching funds for a new stadium and swimming pool. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 EverBank Stadium 1 Everbank Stadium Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32202 Taxslayer Gator Bowl website EverBank Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 67,814 80 Years of Gator Bowl Of the plethora of end-of-the-season NCAA College Football Bowl Games, the Gator Bowl stands out as one of the longest-tenured. Established in 1946, the Gator Bowl enjoyed its 80th edition in 2025. Normally played after the hustle and bustle of the New Year's Day games, the Gator Bowl has been a staple in Jacksonville, Florida, and is among the most prestigious of the second-tier Bowl games. Since 2012 the title sponsor for the game has been TaxSlayer.com and there was even a short tenure when the bowl was titled the TaxSlayer Bowl. The game currently features teams from the SEC, Big Ten, and/or ACC. The 2025 edition pitted the Duke Blue Devils against the Ole Miss Rebels. Home for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Built in 1995, EverBank Stadium replaced Gator Bowl Stadium and was built for the NFL. EverBank Stadium is due for a $1.4 billion renovation and should be ready for the 2028 NFL season. For the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the field is renamed the Bill Gay Grounds, making the official home of the Gator Bowl, Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium. Bill Gay was the founder of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors Inc. and the former chair of the Gator Bowl Association. Food & Beverage 3 The concession selections at EverBank Stadium are okay, but not over the top for an NFL facility. The majority of items fans will find on the menus are typical stadium fare including burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, pizza, and fries. There are several stands in the main concourse that serve alcoholic beverages and the beer selection is focused on major domestic brands. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice here and there are a few spots with self-serve options. Atmosphere 3 The main entrances for EverBank Stadium are from the east and west. The west entrance is the most significant as it has the largest gathering area in front and the statue of the Jaguar for the NFL team. The exterior gives off 1990s-era vibes with huge ramps visible from the outside. It is not unattractive and there is some glass at the main west entrance. Before heading to the stadium, checking out the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall on the west side is a good plan. The Gator Bowl makes good use of the facilities in the area. Flex Field is the practice facility for the Jags and hosts the pregame tailgate, which is free for fans to enter. Once inside, fans can head to Daisy’s Place, the covered pavilion that is home to the pre-game pep rallies for each team. There is little in the way of markings for the Gator Bowl inside the stadium, and it is clear to fans that this is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find two tiers of seating, with a massive lower level. For the 2025 edition of the Gator Bowl, the upper deck was closed off. The field runs from south to north, and the best spot for the 50-yard line logo photo is from the west. However, when choosing seats, fans will want to do some research and ensure that they are on the side of the team that they are supporting. It is not critical but will aid in the enjoyment of the game for fans who have a horse in the race. At the north and south ends, there are massive video boards, which are used well throughout the game and are crystal clear. There is a small pool that is glassed in at the upper level of the north end, but it was not in use for the 2025 game. The seats are ready for replacement as they are faded and from a vintage where making seats smaller and cramming more in was the order of the day. The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is solid. The pregame tailgate is in the Flex Field practice facility across the parking lot. Fans who enjoy the school bands will love this game as the bands perform three times, once each at the pep rally in Daisy’s Place, pre-game, and halftime. Other events take place during the week that are part of the Gator Bowl festivities. A 5K race and pep rallies at Jacksonville Beach are highlights of the week’s events. Neighborhood 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville. There are a number of spots for fans who want some pre or post game food or drink. Intuition Ale Works, Tailgate Bar & Grill, Flavorikan, All American JAX, Chart House, Southern Grill and Avenue Gril are all options. There are other sporting options in Jacksonville and some may even coincide with the Gator Bowl. EverBank Stadium is also the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just west on Adams Street are VyStar Ballpark and VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, homes of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Jacksonville Icemen respectively. UNF Ospreys basketball or JU Dolphins basketball may also be of interest for fans. Other tourist attractions in Jacksonville include the Fairgrounds, USS Orleck Naval Museum, MOSH museum and Southbank Riverwalk. Jacksonville Beach is also a good option. For fans wishing to stay near the stadium, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville is a good option. Fans 3 Second tier bowl games are often dependent on the matchup that they can secure. The Gator Bowl is no different. The 2025 version of the game featured the Duke Blue Devils and the Ole Miss Rebels. The attendance for the game was just over 31,000. This was well below what would be considered a normal Gator Bowl crowd. This lead to the upper deck being completely empty. Access 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville, just north of St. John’s River and encircled by Gator Bowl Blvd. The junction of Highway 115 and Highway 1 is just north of the area and I-95 is about 3.5 km to the west. Getting to the area, therefore, is not that difficult. There are a number of surface parking lots in the area. Pre-Purchasing parking using a parking app is a good idea, especially for fans from out of town. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are buses on AP Randolph Blvd. Fans should consult the Jacksonville Transit Authority website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the stadium is not terribly difficult, although the concourses are a bit on the narrow side. The washroom facilities are adequate at the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl start at $50 and go up to $165. When purchasing bowl game tickets, patience is a virtue and the secondary market can offer good deals closer to the game, especially if the matchup is not involving high demand teams. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking will cost some money. The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is great and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the longevity of the Gator Bowl, with the 2025 edition marking the 80th Anniversary of the game. An extra mark for the charities that the Gator Bowl foundation has donated money to. An extra mark for the 2010 edition of the Gator Bowl, which marked the final game in iconic Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden’s career. Final Thoughts The longevity of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl shows that the organizers must be doing something right. Although a second tier bowl game, fans will still enjoy the atmosphere at Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Gator Bowl once the renovation of EverBank Stadium commences. The game will temporarily be bumped to a different site and will definitely offer a different atmosphere upon its return to Jacksonville. 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: 4.43 Princess Auto Stadium 315 Chencellor Matheson Rd Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2 Canada Winnipeg Blue Bombers website Princess Auto Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 33,500 The Loudest Fans in the CFL Editor's Note: In January 2024 the Winnipeg Football Club agreed to a 10-year stadium naming rights deal with Princess Auto. The name of the Stadium was changed to "Princess Auto Stadium" in April 2024. This review, written in 2018, refers to the stadium by its previous name, Investors Group Field. Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) is home to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Colloquially known as “Home of the CFL’s Loudest Fans” (this moniker is proudly on display inside the stadium), the facility opened in 2013, and has a capacity of just over 33,000, but can be expanded to hold 40,000 fans. Located on the University of Manitoba’s campus, Investors Group Field is also used by the school’s football team for home games, as well as by the Winnipeg Rifles of the CJFL, which is a national amateur Canadian football league, from which some players “graduate” into the CFL after proving their skills. Food & Beverage 5 Investors Group Field has everything you could expect in terms of food and drink at a sports stadium. There are plenty of concessions stands behind the seats on each sideline, as well as additional options on the plazas behind each end zone. Food options at Investors Group Field include chicken tenders (regular or spicy), vegetarian perogies, turkey wings, chicken and waffle sandwiches, fried fish, multiple types of hot dogs, chili, butter chicken and rice bowls, several types of burgers (including turkey and chorizo), falafel, shawarma, salads, and pizza, plus all manner of snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, nachos, sunflower seeds, soft pretzels, samosas, vegetarian spring rolls, fries, chips, packaged candy, donuts, cotton candy, and even veggies with dip. And of course, what Canadian sporting event would be complete without poutine on the menu? If you are visiting from out of country, this is definitely a dish you should try at least once, but even if you are a local, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer variety of items available at Investors Group Field, with options available to suit any budget. Individual items start at $4 and run all the way up to $13, with combos starting at $12. Drink options are not quite as numerous, but there is plenty to get you by for a couple of hours. Selections include bottled or fountain soda, bottled water, and coffee or hot chocolate ($2 to $9 for non-alcoholic drinks), as well as beer, wine, and plenty of liquor and mixed drinks – beer starts at $7, liquor starts at $8, wine is $9, and mixed drinks are $16. Atmosphere 5 Investors Group Field is a great place to take in a football game – the fans are loud, thanks in part to the cantilevered roofs over both sidelines, and all the seats are chair backs, so you can sit in comfort and style. In addition, the Blue Bomber staff brings in plenty of entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the action. First up are Buzz and Boomer, the two bird mascots decked out in Winnipeg jerseys and helmets, who keep fans entertained along the sidelines. Next is Captain Blue, the Blue Bomber pilot who drives his biplane onto the field before the game and after every Bombers score. You will also hear cannon blasts throughout the game, courtesy of the silvery-blue cannon above the end zone, which is fired after every Winnipeg score. And in addition, some lucky fans are treated to free t-shirts, fired from a Gatling-style gun sponsored by Boston Pizza. The Winnipeg Blue Bomber players even get into the act, running and jumping into the end zone stands when Winnipeg scores, for high fives and pats on the back from fans in the front row. And then of course you have the ubiquitous fan contests, in this case weight lifting competitions and fans racing each other while inside giant inflatable hamster wheels. The crowd noise is even loud when the stadium is only half full – the decibel level inside Investors Group Field was once measured at the max level of 108. Neighborhood 4 Winnipeg is a large, sprawling town with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and things to do if you are in town for the day or for the weekend. Being on the University of Manitoba’s campus means there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of Investors Group Field except parking lots and campus buildings, but there are plenty of restaurant and lodging options within a few minutes’ drive. And if you are coming in from out of town, there are lots of hotels and restaurants near the Winnipeg airport, about 10 km north of the stadium. If you have time before or after the game, Fort Whyte Alive is a great place to visit in Winnipeg – not far from Investors Group Field, the keynote attraction at Fort Whyte is the Bison Safari on Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, where you can take a shuttle ride right up to within a few feet of the magnificent animals (Fort Whyte has a population of between 30 and 35 bison on site). There is also a small Interpretive Center on site, which features tons of activities for the kids, and if outdoor activities are your thing, there are several hiking and biking trails on the property, as well as activities on the water such as sailing. Another popular attraction in Winnipeg is touring the National Mint, where coins from around the world are made. The mint has daily tours every half hour starting at 9 am – reservations are not required but are helpful if you want to schedule a specific time. Note that the tours are better on weekdays, however, since the productions lines are turned off on weekends, but you can still tour the facility on weekends if you choose (the tour is exactly the same, except that the machines are off and the line workers are not there). Fans 4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans get credit for being as loud as they are, but sadly the facility does not always sell out – at a typical game you might only see half to two-thirds of the seats filled. On the plus side, however, a high percentage of fans are decked out in team gear, so you will definitely feel right at home if you choose to show up in your Bombers gear. Access 4 It is easy enough to get to Investors Group Field, and you can see its distinctive outline from kilometers away – the highways around Winnipeg (and much of Canada) are actually really well done, with lots of six and eight-lane divided roads laid out to speed the traffic flow; credit goes to the local city planners, it is obvious they planned ahead when building the streets here. Unfortunately the parking situation at Investors Group Field leaves a little to be desired – as expected, the stadium being on campus means there are lots of parking restrictions, and not many side streets too park along in the vicinity. Cash parking is available in the Gold and Blue lots for $20 on the east side of the stadium (or you can park in the Black value lot for $10 further away to the east), but for the closer in lots will need a pass. However, once you get inside the stadium it is really easy to move around – there are giant plazas behind each end zone you can use to get from side to side, so you can enter at any gate and still find your seat with ease. There are also plenty of bathrooms inside Investors Group Field to accommodate the size of the crowd, although as with most sports venues you may face lines at the concessions during peak periods like halftime. Return on Investment 4 Single game ticket prices for Winnipeg Blue Bombers games start at about $32 CAD, which is in line with professional sports throughout Canada, and is slightly lower than pro football games in the US. Parking is reasonable at $20, and if you are careful with your spending, you can do okay at the concessions as well. That said, with a large group you may end up spending a bit more than you would like (assuming you are picking up the whole tab), but the cost per person at Investors Group Field is a pretty good value for professional football. Extras 5 How many sports venues can boast three mascots? A lot of stadiums feature twin mascots like Buzz and Boomer, but adding Captain Blue and his biplane to the mix is really above and beyond. Furthermore, having the players themselves interact with fans by jumping into the stands when the home team scores really takes Investors Group Field to a whole new level. And don’t forget the cannon either, blue in color for the Bombers and fired after every score – again, while lots of sports venues might have one or two of these elements, very few have all three. Being the loudest stadium in the CFL is also a plus, and the staff really deserves credit for having so much fan interaction in terms of contests and giveaways. Final Thoughts CFL games are a lot of fun, thanks in part to having only 3 downs instead of 4, giving every snap the potential to turn into a big play. So if you have never been to a CFL game, or if you have but have never seen one in Winnipeg, I would encourage you to check out Investors Group Field – you won’t be disappointed.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fortera Stadium Henry St Clarksville, TN 37044 Austin Peay Governors website Fortera Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 10,000 Welcome to the Fort Named after a former governor of the state of Tennessee, Austin Peay University first took to the gridiron in the city of Clarksville as an independent team in 1930. They joined their first conference in 1947 as a part of the Volunteer State Athletic Conference before moving into the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in 1963, where they spent the better part of the next half century. During that time, the Governors played first as a part of the NCAA College Division and then NCAA Division II until 1973, when they transitioned to the then I-AA level in 1978, long before it became the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 2006. After a short run in the Pioneer Football League in the early 2000s, the program returned to the OVC. Austin Peay captured the conference title in 2019 and made a run to the FCS tournament semi-finals. That success helped lead the Governors into their best stretch of success in school history, which included back-to-back championships in the ASUN (2022) and United Athletic Conference (2023), the first time the Governors have ever pulled off consecutive conference titles. With that rise in performance, football Saturdays in Clarksville now bring a renewed sense of excitement that surrounds the game day experience at Fortera Stadium. Let's find out how the gameday vibes and pre-game activities are at the home of the Governors. Food & Beverage 3 There are two traditional concession stands, one on each side of the stadium, offering a straightforward lineup of burgers, hot dogs, and nachos with cheese sauce. The home side adds a slightly wider selection with BBQ sandwiches, chili dogs, and fries, perfect for making chili cheese fries or other topped-up variations. Typical snacks like candy, chips, popcorn, as well as the always popular stadium pickle round out the snack menu. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola family, including Powerade, Bodyarmor, and Dasani water. Around the concourse, smaller vendors help break up the routine with sno cones, gourmet popcorn, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Beer sales are limited to a single location on the home side of the stadium, but it is a highlight of local flavor; alongside standard domestics, Star Spangled Brewing’s Austin Peay-branded Governors Golden Ale and The Struggle Bus Southern IPA add a selection of Clarksville’s local brewing. Atmosphere 3 Even with a smaller enrollment, Austin Peay does an excellent job of not just filling seats, but creating a game day atmosphere many larger programs would be proud to call their own. From pregame tailgating to the energy inside the stadium, the Govs deliver an outstanding college football experience. Game day at Fortera Stadium begins when Tailgate Alley comes to life three hours before kickoff. Just west of the stadium in Lot 6, tents rise, the smell of grills fills the air, and you can hear music from a DJ. Food trucks line the lot, offering an alternative to home-cooked tailgate spreads, while two and a half hours before kickoff, fans gather along the route for the Gov Walk, cheering as the team makes its way into Fortera Stadium. Inside the gates, Fortera’s split-bleacher design creates a larger, shaded west-side grandstand topped with suites and club seating, while the east side holds visiting fans and the press box. Though the field is surrounded by an eight-lane track, the stands sit close enough to maintain intimacy, avoiding the detached feel common in multi-use venues. The home side rises about ten feet above the playing surface, combining aluminum bleachers, temporary seatbacks between the 40s, and molded chairbacks on the second tier. The north end zone features converted shipping containers turned into field-level suites, while the south end hosts a beer garden and Buffalo Wild Wings tents. The west side’s shade and amenities make it the clear choice for comfort and atmosphere. Tradition anchors the experience. A hand-crank siren signals the start of pregame, and on third downs, fans are implored to “Stomp the Fort,” the echoing of aluminum bleachers reverberating throughout the stadium. The Governors Marching Band performs during pregame and at halftime, while during breaks in the action, a mix of pop music and in-game hosting keeps the energy up. The lone scoreboard at the south end provides a video feed of the game with basic game stats of time and score, along with down and distance information. Neighborhood 4 Fortera Stadium sits on the northern edge of Austin Peay’s campus, just over a half mile from downtown Clarksville. The surrounding area has seen significant growth, blending the small-town Tennessee charm with modern development. One of downtown’s newest spots is Shelby’s Trio, a three-level building featuring the motor-themed Joe’s Garage, upscale Italian at Trattoria Di Cat’s, and the rooftop Skyline 500 Bar overlooking the Cumberland River. A few blocks away, local favorites such as Strawberry Alley Ale Works, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, and the Taproom keep downtown lively well into the evening. For a look at Clarksville’s history, the Custom House Museum and Cultural Center, less than a mile from the stadium, highlights Clarksville’s heritage, while Liberty Park along the riverbank features a statue honoring Olympic legend Wilma Rudolph, who grew up in the city. For those looking to get into nature around town, Dunbar Cave State Park, just outside town, offers scenic trails and guided cave tours. Visitors coming to Clarksville for the weekend will find the DoubleTree by Hilton conveniently located behind F&M Bank Arena, home to Austin Peay basketball. The hotel is within walking distance of the area’s shops, restaurants, and cafes. Travelers preferring easy highway access can find a range of options near the I-24 / US-79 interchange, though that area sits several miles from Clarksville’s downtown energy. Fans 4 Average attendance at Fortera Stadium sits around 6,500 fans per game, a strong showing for the university's size. The home stands are typically more than three-quarters full, creating a lively atmosphere, especially during competitive matchups. While there does not seem to be a clearly defined student section, a cluster of fans along the field-level fence line brings energy and personality, often giving the venue a rowdy edge. Given the wide dispersion of teams in the United Athletic Conference, visiting fan turnout can be light. Access 3 Interstate 24 runs locally from Clarksville to Nashville, making the trip to Austin Peay’s campus rather simple. From the interstate, it’s roughly a 15-minute drive to Fortera Stadium. Parking is available in campus lots and streets, in accordance with typical university parking regulations. Inside the gates, the facility’s split-stand layout can make it slightly tricky to move between the home and visiting sides. For most home fans, this is not much of an issue, as that side of the stadium includes the majority of concessions and amenities. Visiting fans, however, may find that the limited food and beverage options on their side require a bit of extra navigation around the south end, to reach the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices start at $15 for general bleacher seating, plus a $1.50 service fee. Reserved midfield seats are priced at $20, offering one of the best views in the stadium at a very reasonable rate. Concession prices are equally affordable, making it easy for fans to enjoy the full game-day experience without overspending. Parking is also free throughout campus, adding even more value to the outing. All told, attending a Governors game remains one of the better bargains at the FCS level; a family of four can enjoy tickets, food, and drinks for under $100. Extras 4 The exterior of Fortera Stadium recognizes Austin Peay’s conference championships, including titles from the Volunteer State Athletic Conference (1948), the Ohio Valley Conference (1977, 2019), and back-to-back crowns in the ASUN (2022) and inaugural United Athletic Conference (2023) season. Inside, the facings of both the press box and suites honor the program’s nine retired numbers, while the concourse offers a deeper look into Governors football history. Large displays feature biographies of retired players, photos of championship teams, and a tribute to College Football Hall of Fame coach James “Boots” Donnelly. In addition, at the southwest end of the facility, within Blake Jenkins Plaza, stands the Fox Walk of History, a series of concrete obelisks recognizing each of the more than 1,700 players who have represented Austin Peay football. Game days are brought to life by “The Gov,” Austin Peay’s energetic mascot. He begins the day weaving through the tailgate lots, posing for photos and hyping up fans before kickoff. During the game, he’s a constant presence on the sideline, urging fans to get loud or taking aim with his t-shirt Gatling gun, sending shirts flying into the crowd in rapid-fire bursts. Final Thoughts From the moment you enter campus until you place your backside in your Fortera Stadium seat with as good a vantage point of campus as the view of the field, you’ll be surrounded by college life and surroundings. College football is as much a part of the southern college experience, and it's proudly on display in Clarksville. It's a fun, fun football experience at reasonable ticket prices. Austin Peay provides an enjoyable environment. The Governors have built a college football experience that has grown into something special in Clarksville.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Daytona Stadium 3917 LPGA Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32124 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats website Daytona Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 10,000 The Wildcats Lair Bethune-Cookman University is in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was founded in 1904 as the Daytona Educational Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. In 1923 it merged with the Cookman Institute. In 1941 it became a four-year college, changing its name to Bethune-Cookman College. It finally achieved university status in 2007. The school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Bethune-Cookman University is renowned for its work in the field of education. It now offers 39 bachelor’s degree programs and six master’s degree programs. The school has a student body of just over 3,700 students. The athletic teams at Bethune-Cookman are known as the Wildcats. The school has had a football program since 1925. They are members of the SWAC Conference, playing at the FCS level of competition in NCAA football. Over the years the Wildcats have won two Black College National Championships (2010, 2013), as well as seven conference titles. They have participated in five FCS playoffs but have yet to win a game. More than thirty Wildcats have gone on to play in the NFL. They include Boobie Clark, Larry Little, and Eric Weems. Larry Little is also in the NFL Hall of Fame. The Wildcats play their home schedule at the off-campus Daytona Stadium. The stadium is located seven miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. The city-owned stadium was built in 1988 and has a capacity of 10,000. The field at Daytona Stadium is known as Larry Kelly Field, in honor of the late Daytona mayor who spearheaded the building of the stadium. Food & Beverage 2 After enjoying the pregame feasts among the tailgaters in the parking lot, the food and beverage offerings sold inside the stadium seem like an afterthought. The concession stands are located along the concourse beneath the stands. They offer the stadium standards, including burgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, chips, and Pepsi brand sodas. If you fill yourself up in the tailgate lot, you probably can get by with some bottled water or a soft drink during the game to quench your thirst on the often-balmy days and nights. Atmosphere 4 Bethune-Cookman football games are a sporting event, a family reunion, and a concert all rolled into one. Fans, family, alumni, students, Greeks, and locals arrive early to set up their tailgates in the grass parking lots outside of Daytona Stadium. It is a sea of maroon-clad fans and maroon tents to protect against the hot Florida sun. After the food, fun and good conversations are over it is time to head into the stadium. Daytona Stadium is a traditional stadium, with stands on both sides of the field. The home side is on the eastern side of the stadium. This side is populated by the parents, the student body, and the Marching Wildcats. It features seating for most of the crowd, with a very small suite at the top of the stands near the press box. There are three concession stands located underneath the stands at ground level. The visitors’ stands are on the west side of the stadium, with a much smaller set of bleachers. The playing surface is artificial turf, as there are multiple games played on it every weekend. This is because both Mainland High School and Seabreeze High School also call Daytona Stadium home. There is a 33’ X 16’ videoboard behind the end zone. It features replays of major plays during the game, as well as statistics at the end of each quarter. Anytime we talk about the atmosphere at a SWAC football game we must highlight the school’s band. They play a major role in how the game feels, whether you are 20 points ahead or 20 behind. Bethune-Cookman’s band is known as The Marching Wildcats. The band has over 300 members, making it the largest student organization on campus. The band also includes the Sophisticats Flag Corp and the 14-Karat Gold Dancers. The band plays nonstop throughout the game and is known for its halftime shows. Many fans come just for the band alone, leaving after the halftime program. In addition to Wildcat football games the band has performed at several NFL halftime shows, the Orange Bowl Parade, the Walt Disney World Holiday Parade, and the Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase. Neighborhood 2 Daytona Stadium is located several miles from the school campus. Daytona Stadium is owned by the city of Daytona Beach, and most of the neighborhood surrounding the stadium is part of the civic complex for the city. This includes office buildings, as well as the city’s water treatment plant. There are no restaurants, hotels, or shops along LPGA Boulevard. The stadium is just west of I-95, and there is very little in the way of shops and restaurants. However, just east of I-95, there are a great deal of restaurants, shops, and attractions to choose from. We found BJ’s Restaurant to be an excellent choice for a pregame or postgame meal or drink. This corridor also includes the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. It offers a wonderful tour and has a great gift shop. You can’t visit Daytona without stopping at the track! The closest hotels to Daytona Stadium are just east of I-95. They include the Homewood Suites and the Courtyard Marriott, which are both located along International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Our low score for this section reflects the fact that the Wildcats play more than 12 miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. Football games always suffer when they are played away from the campus of the school. Fans 3 Bethune-Cookman fans make a full day out of a Wildcats game. They arrive very early, as BBQs in the stadium parking lot are a cherished tradition. Many of the fans will decorate their tailgate in the maroon and gold colors of the Wildcats. Many of the fraternities and sororities will have tents set up for their members. You can’t be a Wildcats fan on an empty stomach! One of the traditions at Bethune-Cookman games is the Legacy Walk. This begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff. The Wildcats team bus parks outside the stadium, and team members walk through the crowds to their locker room. A team captain leads the Legacy Walk, and he holds a portrait of Mary McLeod Bethune, the school’s founder. Once inside the stadium, the fans create a sea of maroon and gold. They are energized by the combined efforts of the Wildcat cheerleaders and the Marching Wildcats. The school fight song is sung after each Wildcat score and the crowd also cheers for any major defensive stops or takeaways. The fans are also entertained by the antics of Dr. Wyld D Catt, the school mascot. They also wildly applaud the Marching Wildcats after each fabulous halftime show. We found the crowds to be very welcoming of any visiting team fans. Access 2 It is very easy to get to Daytona Stadium from either I-95 or I-4: From I-95: Take the exit for International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Go west on I-92 for two miles. Turn right at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. From I-4: Take Highway 92 exit on go east on Highway 92. Turn left at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. If you are flying in, the Daytona International Airport is less than 6 miles from the stadium. You would just head out the airport exit to International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92) and head west until you hit LPGA Boulevard. There are more than 2,100 parking spaces at Daytona Stadium. These are located on a grass lot just outside of the stadium. Tailgating is very popular at Wildcat games, so parking opens two hours prior to kickoff. You pay for parking on site. The main drawback in the accessibility of Daytona Stadium is getting in and out of the venue before and after the games. This is because there is only one way in and out of the stadium complex via LPGA Boulevard. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Wildcat game at Daytona Stadium will not break the bank, as the ticket prices are in line with what most college football games cost. A basic General Admission ticket costs $40. Tickets along the 50-yard line cost $60. The most expensive seats sold are in the VIP section atop the stands along the 50-yard line at a cost of $70. The VIP section receives special perks, including free food and beverage service and more comfortable seats. Parking at Daytona Stadium is $10. Probably the biggest cost of attending a Bethune-Cookman is related to how big a tailgate feast you want to have before the game. Many families split these costs with other members of the family. Extras 5 Daytona Stadium hosted the NAIA Football National Championship Game from 2014 through 2016. Another extra must go to the Marching Wildcats, as they play a major role in creating a high energy level in the stands at each game. The 2023 season marked the 100th year of Bethune-Cookman football. Numerous observances of the centennial were held before and at halftime of each Wildcat home game. Former UNLV and NBA basketball star Reggie Theus is the Bethune-Cookman Athletic Director and head basketball coach. Daytona Stadium is less than 6 miles from Daytona International Speedway. Even if you aren’t a race fan, it is well worth a visit. Final Thoughts Bethune – Cookman home football games are always an event to circle on your calendar. They begin with a food fest and a family reunion outside the stadium. The party continues inside Daytona Stadium with great Wildcat football on the field and a second party in the stands as the Marching Wildcats play nonstop tunes.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pete Hanna Stadium 800 Lakeshore Dr Homewood, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Pete Hanna Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 6,700 Bobby Bowden Field at Pete Hanna Stadium – Samford University Bulldogs Note that the stadium name changed from Seibert Stadium to Pete Hanna Stadium in 2023. Tucked away on the back side of Red Mountain in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Homewood is the campus of Samford University. The southern Baptist-based university with an enrollment of just under 6,000 students has been a member of the Football Championship Series (FCS) Southern Conference since 2008. Despite the smaller setting, game days on Samford’s campus come with all the feel of college football game days in the south. Food & Beverage 5 Pete Hanna Stadium has little in the way of in-house concessions stands except a couple of Coca-Cola trailers on each side of the stadium – rather they make use of several local food trucks from the surrounding area, which provide fans with a wide variety of choices. Cricket’s Sweets & Treats with different flavors of lemonade is a popular option on hot afternoons, and other food trucks serve many high-quality options. Dog Nation specializes in combination hot dogs, sausages, and burgers, while another popular truck is Hollywood Grill, which serves Philly sandwiches, burgers, wings, and variations of fries. Taco Tuesdays serve to build your tacos and quesadillas, and Blacktop Bistro also has a well-rounded menu. Overall, the food choices at Pete Hanna Stadium are wonderful. Not only do they give fans a great variety of options, but a high level of quality. Samford does not permit alcohol consumption on its campus, so needless to say, there are no sales of beer, wine, or other spirits. Atmosphere 3 Pete Hanna Stadium blends seamlessly with the surrounding buildings. The use of brick archways at the entry points is consistent with the architecture that is a common theme around campus. The stadium itself is a bit on the small side but has a very cozy feel, right down to miniature hedges along the stands. The smallness of the stadium does help put fans on top of the action and provides great views of the play on the field. Stadium seating is comprised of two main sections of bleacher seating, built into the hills surrounding the stadium. Seating runs between the 15-yard lines on each side of the field. The west, home side of the field has a small section of nine rows of individual seat backs between the 40-yard lines. Throughout the game, most of the dead time during timeouts is filled by engaging fans in Samford football trivia, player-centered pieces, and advertisements. The marching band does play in response to big plays and scores, but for the most part, the scoreboard features play the bigger role in the game day entertainment. With the eastern stands facing directly into the setting sun for most of the game, the best bet is to go with a seat in the western bleachers. This will not only eliminate the constant distraction of the blinding sun but will also drop the temperature considerably. As of the 2023 season, the north end zone is amid major stadium upgrades which will see $65 million in renovation that will include a walkway that connects the east and west stands. Academic, student recreation and student-athlete services will also be part of the project. Neighborhood 3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the major thoroughfares through Homewood – Samford serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential areas. Homewood is also full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than four miles from Homewood’s city center and has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ just 5 miles away. A bit of what might be a controversial take: while Dreamland is a well-known, exceptionally good barbecue spot throughout the southeast, locals might point you to SAW’s Juke Joint for the best in Birmingham. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of the Samford campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near the Samford campus. Fans looking to make an overnight or extended stay near the Samford campus can find a Courtyard by Marriott less than 2 miles away. A bit further, but still in the area, is Aloft in the Homewood city center. Fans 3 Game days on the Samford campus have the feeling that this is the only thing of interest for the entire university on those days. As the morning moves on, the university’s quadrangle fills with what feels like the entire Samford student body. As game time gets closer, fans flock to the entrance of the University Center building in anticipation of the Bulldog Walk. The walk is the unofficial ending of tailgating on the quad, as fans begin picking up and the quadrangle's population begins migrating to Pete Hanna Stadium. Samford fans do a great job packing the house. While they may not create an intimidating football environment for the visiting team, they are into the game and react accordingly to key moments throughout the game. It is typical for Samford to nearly fill the 6,700-seat Pete Hanna Stadium during each home game. This near-capacity crowd week in and week out helps create an atmosphere that makes college football game days such a special event. Access 4 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 is a relatively straight shot to campus. Those coming from the east or west on Interstate 20 must navigate a couple of bypasses before reaching Samford. It is not necessarily difficult; just a few extra off-highway miles to navigate. Upon arriving at Samford, parking is free at any of the several parking lots around campus. These can fill up fast, so the best bet might be to head to the parking deck at the back of campus and look for a shuttle bus toward the stadium and tailgating area. Pete Hanna Stadium has two entry points for general admission fans, with the third point of entry for students to easily access the student section. The eastern entry point past the statue of Bobby Bowden allows fans to access the seating behind the visiting bench, while Gate F allows fans to enter the western stands. Given the current construction, fans are not able to access the opposite side of the stadium, so fans will need to enter through the gate where their seat is located. As the renovations are completed the two sides will be connected by an arched, brick walkway, allowing fans to go between the east and west sides of the field. In all, getting to and around Samford is rather simple, but with a limited number of access points to campus, getting back on the road following the game can be a bit of a challenge. The inaccessibility of a whole side of the stadium is also a bit of a letdown, especially when it limits access to certain food trucks. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets run $15 to $30, depending on ticket availability for each game, with reserved seating going for between $30 and $40. Games with the $15 general admission tickets are a great deal, but ticket prices increasing by 100% for more sought-after games do seem to be a sizable hike. Concessions prices at the handful of concessions trailers are inexpensive when compared to what most stadium concessions run. Food truck prices are a bit higher, but fans are getting a much better quality of food than they would at most other stadiums, so a couple of extra dollars is well worth it. With free parking, the overall investment into a day of college football is worth the cost. Extras 4 Samford has been the starting point for many successful FBS coaches. Jimbo Fisher, Terry Bowden, and Pat Sullivan, to name a few, but none has been more notable than the two-time National Championship coach Bobby Bowden. Not only has Bowden been honored with the field being named after him, but a statue outside of the main entry point welcomes fans to the stadium. Hillside seating along the berm in the northeastern corner of the stadium is a nice option for fans looking for something different than typical bleacher/bench seating. Three to four hours before the start of the game, the Bulldogs offense has a walkthrough in the quadrangle among fans; this draws the interest of a handful of attendees. The second floor of the neighboring Pete Hanna Center is home to the Samford Sports Hall of Fame. The display honors the athletic heroes of Samford and the history of the teams that represent the Bulldogs. Final Thoughts Regardless of the size of the campus, football at southern schools has a different feel to it. While many schools of comparable size as Samford in different regions of the country may have the feel of “just a football game day”, the whole feel of game day at Samford is that a whole day is an event. From the pre-game tailgate setup in the campus quad to the Bulldog Walk, the overall experience is one of enjoyment, from the pre-game festivities to the final whistle of the game.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Morrison Stadium 1804 California St Omaha, NE 68102 Union Omaha website Morrison Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,000 More Than a Baseball Town Unless you are a true USL League One sicko, soccer is most certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Omaha. You are much more likely to associate the city with the College World Series, the Old Market District, or, if you are like me, Union Pacific and train infrastructure. But if you give it a chance, you'll find a successful soccer club nestled in a surprisingly vibrant city. Union Omaha has built a strong following despite its relatively short history. The club spent the past few years playing in Papillion at Werner Park, home of the MiLB's Omaha Storm Chasers, and now temporarily resides at Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University while its permanent home is being built in downtown Omaha. While Morrison Stadium is clearly a temporary venue for the club, it still offers a quality experience and serves as a home for soccer culture in the Midwest. Food & Beverage 3 One of the few aspects that reminds you this is a temporary home is the food and beverage selection, which is not much to write home about. There are two concession windows along the main stand offering stadium basics such as Coca-Cola products, snacks, pretzels, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and more. Prices are reasonable, the quality is average, and if all you want is a drink, there are card-operated vending machines scattered throughout the concourse for grab-and-go options. What does stand out is the drink selection, which is heavily supported by local craft beer offerings. Multiple Union Omaha-themed craft beers are available alongside domestic beers and seltzers at drink kiosks located in the corners of the main concourse. A special shout-out goes to the Union Omaha Vienna Lager and Fairy Nectar Hazy, both produced by local breweries. Atmosphere 3 A common concern with temporary stadiums is the atmosphere, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the experience. First, Creighton has a beautiful campus to walk through before reaching the stadium, and Morrison Stadium's exterior blends seamlessly with the rest of campus. There is one main stand along the west sideline with a concourse overlooking the field. This is where you'll most likely enter the stadium and find the concession stands, merchandise tent, restrooms, and championship banners commemorating the success of Creighton soccer. Below the concourse sits the main seating bowl, featuring blue chairback seats on the lower level and a second deck consisting of premium seating. The south end houses the supporters' section, the north end contains group seating with oversized plastic beach chairs, and the east side features general admission with tiered grass seating. If you don't mind sitting without a chairback, I recommend general admission, as it offers the same sightlines at a lower price. During the match, the stadium filled in well, especially considering this is a temporary home for a third-division soccer club. The atmosphere is relaxed. There are chants throughout the match, but most people are there for a fun night out while casually supporting the local team. It feels like many of the attendees are regulars, with fans spending the pre-match catching up with one another while kids find a patch of grass behind the concourse to play pickup soccer. While it is not the most intense environment, the crowd clearly cares about the success of its team, and the soccer never takes a backseat to the communal atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 This was my first visit to Omaha, and it quickly became one of my favorite mid-sized cities. Morrison Stadium sits on Creighton's beautiful downtown campus, less than a mile west of the Capitol District, home to Charles Schwab Field, CHI Health Center, and the famous Matt Bar & Grill. Roughly the same distance to the south brings you into downtown and the historic Old Market District, characterized by brick-lined streets, quirky shops, dessert stores, restaurants, and breweries. While you're there, I recommend Brickway Brewery & Distillery for a drink and Chic Bao Bao for some fried rice. It is also worth visiting the Durham Museum. Housed in Omaha's original Union Station, it serves as both a railroad museum and a museum highlighting Omaha's history. On Tuesdays, admission is only $5, making it one of the city's best values. Omaha is an extremely walkable city, so honestly, the best thing you can do is explore it for yourself because it has much more to offer than first meets the eye. Fans 3 The fans at Morrison Stadium are about what you would expect for lower-division soccer. Attendance ranks around the middle of USL League One, and considering the club is still waiting for its permanent home, there is nothing to hang their heads about. While not particularly vocal, the fans are knowledgeable about their players and attentive to the action on the pitch. Many locals spend pregame and halftime catching up with friends around the stadium, giving the fanbase a very communal feel. As the team settles into its new stadium, attendance numbers should only continue to grow. Access 4 Morrison Stadium is located on the campus of Creighton University in Omaha's Capitol District and is within walking distance of many downtown attractions, including the Old Market District. If you're driving, there are several paid lots surrounding the stadium, and regardless of which direction you approach from, you'll find signage directing you to the parking areas. Once inside, the concourse is easy to navigate. It sits above the seating bowl and wraps around roughly three-quarters of the stadium. Restrooms are located in the corners, and exiting after the match is simple thanks to the wide concourse. Return on Investment 4 Perhaps the biggest strength of an already enjoyable experience is the value offered by a Union Omaha match. Parking prices vary by lot, but you shouldn't expect to pay more than $20. General admission tickets cost $16.50 at the gate, which was actually a few dollars cheaper than buying online. Once inside, concession prices are reasonable, with food ranging from $3 to $12 and beer and seltzers hovering around $7. The club also routinely offers attendance giveaways, providing fans with a free souvenir to take home. Extras 2 There isn't much in the way of extras, which is understandable given the temporary nature of the venue. The stadium does feature a beautiful downtown skyline backdrop. At the match I attended, the giveaway was a Union Omaha hand towel with the trim featuring the national flags of every country represented on the roster—a thoughtful touch that deserves some credit. Final Thoughts Is this the best experience in USL League One? Probably not. Is it the worst? Certainly not. Morrison Stadium offers a clean, enjoyable venue for this level of soccer, and while it is well worth a visit, I am excited to see what Union Omaha's new downtown stadium will bring.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Mat-Su Miners 2075 Glenn Highway Palmer, AK 99654 Mat-Su Miners website Hermon Brothers website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 1,300 __________________________________________________________________________________ Rally in the Valley Mat-Su is shorthand for Matanuska-Susitna, the borough in which the town of Palmer, Alaska is located. Palmer is the home of the Mat-Su Miners, one of the five teams in the Alaska Baseball League. The team began play in 1976 as the Valley Green Giants, an expansion team owned by the Alaska Goldpanners, another ABL team. In 1980 the team severed ties with the Goldpanners and rebranded to its current moniker, which it has used since. The Miners play their home games at Hermon Brothers Field. The field was built in 1976 by a crew of volunteers, and has seen constant renovations over recent years. Over the past two decades nearly every structure on the site has been newly built or renovated thanks to efforts by volunteers and grants from the community. The field was named in honor of the Hermon brothers, owners of Hermon Brothers Construction, who were instrumental in the building of the field. The Miners have won nine ABL championships and two National Baseball Congress World Series, in 1987 and 1997. Over seventy Miner alumni have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including Craig Counsell, Jeff Brantley, Steve Trachsel and Brandon Duckworth. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand located on the concourse behind home plate. It serves up a decent array of food, consisting mainly of standard ballpark fare. Anchoring the menu are hot dogs and burgers, with ballpark favorites such as nachos, pretzels and popcorn available. Of course, there are snacks sold here as well, including ice cream treats, peanuts, candy and cracker jack. A few unique items can be found on the menu. Hot dogs can be supersized into a “Miner Dog,” or enjoyed on a stick as a corn dog. If your diet requires alternates to a standard burger, the Miners have you covered, with veggie burgers and turkey burgers available. Add some chili to your dog or nachos, or enjoy a cup on the side. Want some soup? You can order a cup of noodles. Coca-Cola products are featured at Hermon Brothers Field. The beer stand has a good selection of adult beverages, featuring craft brews from Bear Paw and Denali Brewing alongside wine and canned drinks. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at Hermon Brothers Field is a fairly simple one. Fans looking for the typical wacky shenanigans and over-the-top promotions so common at ball games today will be missing out. A Mat-Su Miners game features a more traditional experience, lacking all that noise and distraction. Music is limited to between innings (kudos for the classic rock and hockey organ playlist), and PA announcements are limited to sponsor reads and lineup changes. There are free raffles for fans, and plenty of room for younger fans to run around chasing foul balls. It’s enough to distract you from the mistakes made throughout the game by the folks running the PA and scoreboard. Hopefully they were just having a rough night during Stadium Journey’s visit. The Miners Huddle Up Before a Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Given Herman Brothers Field’s location on the Fairgrounds, there’s not a whole lot in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark to attract visiting fans. However, there is plenty to do a short drive from the park in “The Valley.” Downtown Palmer is just a couple of miles away along Route One to the north. Among the many options along this route are The Noisy Goose, the Palmer Alehouse, and Turkey Red. Visitors to the area will also find several local lodging options along Route One in the downtown area, including The Pioneer Motel and the Valley Hotel. Additional choices can be found in nearby Wasilla. If your tastes run towards the major chains, Anchorage is a 45-minute drive away. Of course, the area surrounding the town of Palmer offers an infinite number of attractions for the visiting baseball fans, whether you head north toward Denali National Park or south towards the city of Anchorage and beyond. If you choose to keep your focus solely on baseball, all five teams in the Alaska Baseball League are located within a three and a half-hour driving radius. If you time your trip to Alaska wisely, the Midnight Sun Baseball Game is held every year on the solstice in Fairbanks, a few hours to the north of Palmer. For a more complete look at all the adventures awaiting you in Alaska, visit TravelAlaska.com. Fans 3 Since the Alaska League doesn’t release official attendance figures, it can be tough to accurately gauge crowd size, but Stadium Journey visited Palmer on a beautiful Thursday night, with a good-sized crowd on hand. If forced to estimate the size of the crowd, I would guess it approached 500. As is the case with many of the ballparks in this circuit, it’s a community affair at an ABL game. Many of the fans seem to be regulars, and know each other well from years of attending games together. Even if you’re an outsider or wearing the opposition colors, you’ll be welcomed. Sportsmanship rules the day in small parks like Hermon Brothers Field. Game Action at Hermon Brothers Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Hermon Brothers Field is located adjacent to the Alaska State Fairgrounds, right off of State Route 1, the main route to Anchorage to the south. The ballpark’s entrance is located near the fairgrounds’ Red Gate. Fans will enter the ballpark behind the centerfield fence, and will walk around the field to the seating areas. The Miners provide a pair of golf carts to shuttle those fans around who may not be up to the long walk around. Seating is available in many sections. An old wooden grandstand is located behind home plate. This is reserved for season ticket holders. Metal bleachers are stretched out down both foul lines, along with picnic tables and some open areas for fans who want to bring their own chairs. In an interesting quirk, the last row of all the bleachers come equipped with plastic bucket seats attached to them. A paved path stretches around the facility, and while it could use a little maintenance in spots, it serves to make passage around the ballpark easy. Concessions, merchandise, and restroom buildings are easily accessible and lines are not an issue. For that spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains, and to keep the sun out of your eyes during the game, choose seats on the first base side of the field. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Miners game is only four dollars for adults, with youth admitted for two dollars, and seniors, children under age five, and members of the military admitted for no charge. Parking is free in the large lot next to the field. Factor in affordable concessions, and the Miners are a very affordable entertainment option for sports fans in the Valley region. Distracted by the View at Hermon Brothers Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2 There is a display on the back side of the press box/main grandstand structure that lists every player to ever play for the Miners since their inception. Each player is listed on a colored tile. These tiles are color coded depending on if the player reached the majors, played professionally, or served in the military. It’s an extensive and unique display. Another extra point is given for the breathtaking backdrop enjoyed by Hermon Brothers Field. If you sit on the first base side of the field, you may find yourself losing focus from time to time as your gaze wanders from the action on the field to the spectacular peaks of the Chugach Mountains in the distance. Final Thoughts Hermon Brothers Field is one of those quaint, small-town ballparks that make stadium journeys so special. With high-quality baseball being played on the field at a most affordable price, you’ll enjoy your visit to Alaska. And oh, that view! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Lee Jordan Field @ Loretta French Sports Complex 18100 Old Glenn Highway Chugiak, AK 99567 Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks website Lee Jordan Field website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 600 Keep Your Chin Up! Lee Jordan was an Anchorage newspaperman who moved to Chugiak and started a weekly paper there. He served as mayor of Chugiak-Eagle River before those towns combined their governments with the Municipality of Anchorage in 1975. Jordan was instrumental in establishing youth baseball programs in the town. The main ball field at the Loretta French Sports Complex was named in his honor in 2016. Mr. Jordan passed away in 2018. Loretta French was an advocate for children and seniors in the town of Chugiak, and was instrumental in getting the facility that now bears her name built. In 2011 Jordan organized an exhibition game between the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and Athletes in Action Fire, an independent summer collegiate baseball team playing out of Fairbanks. The game, played at the Loretta French Sports Complex, was such a success that the Fire relocated to Chugiak and rebranded as the Chinooks. The franchise has won one Alaska Baseball League Championship, while playing in Fairbanks, in 2007. The team has yet to win a title while in Chugiak. Some notable alumni to play for the Chinooks are Josh Donaldson, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Connor Menez. Food & Beverage 2 There’s a small concession stand in the building at the center of the Loretta French complex. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels and nachos are served here. If you’re looking for some snacks, chips, candy bars and ice cream treats are available. Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at the concession stand. No alcohol is available at this community ball field. Atmosphere 3 The Chinooks run a different game day show than the other teams in the ABL. It’s a little livelier than the other teams in the league. While things are not as crazy as you may be used to if you frequent minor league baseball games regularly, the staff and fans here at Lee Jordan Field make sure that everyone here has a good time. The team employs music more liberally than their counterparts in the ABL. The home team enjoys walk-up songs, and an 80s heavy playlist blares over the speakers between innings. The PA announcer keeps things moving while using a quick, but professional delivery, making lineup and sponsor announcements all night long. The fans even take part in some of the announcements. Sponsor tables line the wide walkway along the right field side of the field, and there is plenty of room for kids to roam and chase down foul balls. You’ll see plenty of four-legged fans in attendance as well. You might even see some hearty fans taking up residence up on the hill beyond the left field fence. Fans Line up Chairs Along the Fence at Lee Jordan Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 2 Lee Jordan Field is located in Chugiak, an unincorporated community about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage. Approximately 10,000 people live in this community, most of whom commute to Anchorage to the south or the Mat-Su Valley to the north for work. The Loretta French Sports Complex is located on the south side of Route One, the main road to access Anchorage and points south. Fans looking for lodging or dining options in the immediate vicinity of Lee Jordan Field will be disappointed, as the complex is self-contained, with nothing nearby of interest. Downtown Chugiak is about two miles away on the opposite side of Route One. Fans will find a few dining options here, including Luci Mae’s, Polar Bear Café and Bobby’s Café. For more varied dining options, and for your best lodging choices, visiting fans should head into Anchorage, a short 20-minute drive away. Of course, the area surrounding Chugiak offers an infinite number of attractions for the visiting baseball fans, whether you head north toward Denali National Park or south towards the city of Anchorage and beyond. If you choose to keep your focus solely on baseball, all five teams in the Alaska Baseball League are located within a three and a half-hour driving radius. If you time your trip to Alaska wisely, the Midnight Sun Baseball Game is held every year on the solstice in Fairbanks, a few hours to the north of Chugiak. For a more complete look at all the adventures awaiting you in Alaska, visit TravelAlaska.com. Fans 3 Lee Jordan has a capacity of only 600, and during Stadium Journey’s visit on a Friday night, the crowd appeared to be close to that number. Fans filled the bleachers and lined up along both foul lines in the chairs they brought from home. There’s a real community feel around Lee Jordan Field, as the crowd is made up of regulars who have been coming to Chinook games for years. Everyone seems to know everyone, and there’s a real friendly vibe in the stands. Visitors are welcomed, and you can feel comfortable sporting the colors of the opposition. The fans are knowledgeable and supportive of the players on the field, and get involved in the banter and even some of the promotional reads. Even if it’s your first time to Chugiak, you’ll feel like part of the community by the time you leave. This is small town baseball at its best. Delivering the Pitch at Lee Jordan Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Lee Jordan Field is located in the Loretta French Sports Complex, a community recreation center in the small town of Chugiak, AK. Also part of the complex are several regulation and youth baseball and softball fields, a picnic area, a playground, and a skate park. It is located on the Old Glenn Highway, less than a mile from State Route One, the main road from the area to Anchorage. Lee Jordan Field is the central field in the facility, and the first one you’ll see as you enter the complex. A large parking lot is beyond the centerfield fence. A paved walkway leads from the parking lot to the seating area and concession stand. Seating consists of metal bleachers on either side of the field, with plenty of room along both foul lines for fans to set up their own chairs and take in the action from their favorite spot. No matter where you sit, you’ll have to watch the game through a chain-link fence. A major drawback at Lee Jordan Field is the lack of restroom facilities. There are several port-a-johns in deep right field near the entrance to the complex for fans to use. Lines at the concessions or merchandise stand are not an issue at this small ballpark. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Chinooks game. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the field. Prices in the snack bar are reasonable, making a game at Lee Jordan Field an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. All the Armed Forces Flags for Armed Services Night at Lee Jordan Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 There’s not a whole lot going on at a Chinooks game that can be considered extra. The team sells a good variety of team merchandise, and free raffle tickets with prizes from local sponsors are handed out to all fans. Along the top of the bleachers are flags of all the teams in the Alaska Baseball League. Final Thoughts There is nothing fancy about Lee Jordan Field. What you will experience at a Chinooks game is small town baseball, through and through. And that is exactly what will keep you coming back for more. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Here at Stadium Journey, we pride ourselves on being the premier destination for stadium reviews, venue history, and comprehensive fan experience reviews. But our coverage does not stop at the written word. We have built a digital footprint across all your favorite platforms to bring the ultimate groundhopping adventure directly to your feed. If you want to feel the roar of the crowd and see the stunning details of venues around the world, you absolutely need to check out our Instagram and TikTok accounts. We are incredibly proud of the top-tier short videos we are producing for these platforms. These bite-sized clips are packed with immersive visuals, offering you a front-row seat to the best concession food, the most unique concourses, and the electric atmospheres of game day. Whether it is a quick pan across a historic grandstand or an up-close look at a legendary stadium hot dog, our Instagram and TikTok feeds deliver an instant jolt of sports travel excitement right to your phone. For fans who want to dive even deeper into stadium culture, our YouTube channel is an absolute goldmine. We have built a massive stockpile of podcast media that you simply will not find anywhere else. You can spend hours watching and listening as our team breaks down the nuances of different venues, debates the best road trip itineraries, and explores the rich history behind the buildings we love. It is the perfect companion for your next stadium journey. Of course, the conversation never stops on our Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, and X (Twitter) pages. Those platforms serve as the ultimate hub for our community of passionate sports travelers to share their own photos, debate our latest venue ratings, and stay completely up to date on breaking stadium news. We are everywhere you are. Join us and other fans who already follow us and make sure you never miss a moment of the action: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StadiumJourney X (Twitter): https://x.com/StadiumJourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stadiumjourney/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@stadiumjourney Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stadiumjourney.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd1hdI-H_OTn2Y7btzmVZeA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stadiumjourney

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Maryland SoccerPlex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841 Bethesda SC website Maryland SoccerPlex website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 4,000 Packing the 'Plex for Bethesda SC Bethesda SC is one of the newest teams in USL League Two, having just joined for the 2026 season. This semi-professional league is part of the fourth division of American soccer and features mostly current and recent college players. Despite the name, Bethesda SC does not play their home games in Bethesda, Maryland, but half an hour away at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Gaithersburg (although it has a Boyds address.) The confusion stems from the fact that the Bethesda SC USL-2 team is associated with the larger Bethesda SC soccer program, which includes many youth teams of various ages, which many of the USL-2 players played for at one point. Most of the organization's training facilities are indeed located in Bethesda, but the USL-2 team required a larger facility to host their games, opting to play at the SoccerPlex. The Maryland SoccerPlex consists of many fields used by local teams, with Bethesda SC playing on the stadium field, also known as Maureen Hendricks Field. On your way in, you will likely see many youth soccer games going on on the back fields. Food & Beverage 3 Although the concession situation at a Bethesda SC game is somewhat haphazard, there are several options to choose from. The team operates a concession stand from a folding table in front of a box truck by the entrance,, selling basic snack items such as candy, chips, and pretzels (of the bagged variety, not the soft and hot kind), as well as bottled water, soda, and Gatorade. Michelob Ultra Zero Alcohol Beer is also available. Additionally, Bethesda SC partners with local vendor El Jefe Wood-Fired pizza to sell their food at games. You can order a pizza and it will be made in their own wood-fired oven while you wait. (For those unfamiliar with wood-fired pizza, the oven is very hot and it cooks very quickly, so even though it's made to order, it should only take a few minutes.) The team's concession items only cost a few dollars, while El Jefe is more expensive but worth the cost. Atmosphere 4 The Maryland SoccerPlex has bleacher seats on both sides of the field, but only the east side (the side you come in on, opposite the press box) is open for Bethesda SC games. With the the small size of the crowds, they want to keep everyone on one side to improve both the energy in the building and the appearance on camera. It certainly does improve the atmosphere to keep the crowd together, but the problem is that fans are looking into the setting sun for a significant portion of evening games. None of the bleachers have backs except the top row, and all seats are general admission. A scoreboard in the far right corner had a space to show the shots for each team, although it was not updated when we visited. It also is capable of showing video and other graphics, although it typically just shows ads for the team's sponsors. Bethesda SC puts on a good effort to keep the fans in the game, ranging from pregame giveaways to halftime t-shirt tosses and more. At the 80-minute mark, the PA announcer will encourage the fans to make some noise and urge on the team in the final stretch, and they will respond with applause and cheers. Neighborhood 2 The Maryland SoccerPlex is located in Gaithersburg, about half an hour outside Washington, D.C. It is located in a sprawling complex in a residential area, and there is absolutely nothing within walking distance. Fans will have to drive several miles back towards I-270 before they will find anything useful. There are a number of shopping centers located on Maryland Route 118 once you get close to the interstate that contains mostly chain restaurants, but these are several miles away. If you’re looking for a more natural setting, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park is located just north of the Plex and offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful green space. Fans 4 Although Bethesda SC fans do not come close to filling even the half of the stadium that is open for their games, they do draw pretty good crowds for this level of play, with several hundred showing up on a typical day. Those in attendance get loud at times, with many wearing Bethesda SC jerseys or other gear and a few even bringing team flags and waving them during the match. Those in attendance range from season ticket holders deeply knowledgeable about the players to families with young children who just want a chance to see some soccer. Many of the kids in attendance participate in Bethesda SC's youth soccer programs and hope for a chance to someday play at a higher level, maybe even on this very field. Access 3 Getting to the SoccerPlex by car is relatively easy – take exit 15B off of I-270 and proceed for several miles to the stadium. You will then head all the way to the back of the complex and follow the signs for stadium parking. Your best bet is to park on the lot on the east side of the stadium, which will be off to your right before you pass the stadium itself. The entrance used for Bethesda SC games is on this side, as are all the seats and vendors. In the unlikely event that lot fills up, there are numerous other lots in the complex. How full it gets will depend on what is happening on the other fields that day - evening games will typically be less crowded, and if it is raining or was earlier in the day, that may have resulted in some back field games being canceled and more parking being available. (Bethesda SC will play rain or shine but delay the game if there's lightning in the area.) Restrooms are located on the opposite side of the stadium from the bleachers, and you will have to walk halfway around to get there. That being said, we heard a staff member mention that fans who have a medical reason they need to be close to the restrooms can walk around the barricades and sit on the west side, where they will have easy access. Getting out of the Plex after the game is usually easy, unless a lot of events on other fields let out at the same time in which case traffic can be quite backed up. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets to Bethesda SC games are just $10 each plus about a dollar of fees. Parking is free and concessions are affordable. Overall, a Bethesda SC game is an outstanding value for soccer. Extras 3 Look for the team store on the concourse under a tent selling Bethesda SC merchandise. A second star for the halftime t-shirt toss, a rarity at this level. After the game, kids in attendance can participate in a Meet the Team and autograph session with the players. Final Thoughts Bethesda SC brings an outstanding soccer experience to fans in Montgomery County. From the moment you walk into the stadium until after the final whistle, you will find an outstanding atmosphere at affordable prices. These lower division soccer games can be hidden gems if you know where to look, and Bethesda SC shows why that is the case.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stony Brook Field 384 Underpass Rd Brewster, MA 02631 Brewster Whitecaps website Stony Brook Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Whitecaps on the Cape The Brewster Whitecaps are one of two expansion teams that joined the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1988. They originally played their home games at a field located at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. There was one problem with this field-it was located in neighboring Harwich, not Brewster. The solution-build a field within town limits. The town of Brewster chose a site adjacent to the Stony Brook Elementary School, one of two elementary schools in the town, which serves students from kindergarten through second grade. The Whitecaps have won three championships during their time in the Cape League (2000, 2017, 2021). Since their inception, over 100 Whitecaps alumni have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including Sean Casey, Chase Utley, Ryan Braun, Aaron Judge and Billy Wagner. Food and Beverage 3 Nauset Dining Services operates a concession stand at the top of the hill overlooking Stony Brook Field. For a small stand, an impressive variety of food options are offered. In addition to the standard hot dogs and hamburgers, ballpark staples such as sausage and pepper sandwiches, pizza slices and nachos are sold. Shou you be looking for an alternative item, Veggie burgers are available. An impressive amount of candy, ice cream treats and gourmet popcorn round out the menu. Thirsty Whitecap fans can select from cans of Coca-Cola products. Alcohol is not sold at Stony Brook Field. For something different, try the concession stand’s specialty item, “The Closer,” a grilled donut stuffed with French vanilla ice cream and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Atmosphere 3 The Cape League is well known for its old-timey, traditional game day experience. As is the case at all Cape Cod League ballparks, there is little going on at a Whitecaps game to distract from the action on the field. Much of the noise and distraction present at most minor league ballparks just isn’t found here. The Cape League is a baseball purists’ dream. This is one of three Cape League ballparks that does not even have lights for night games. The PA announcer is a bit theatrical in his delivery, which can be a distraction to some, while amusing to others. Music plays between innings over a substandard sound system (hopefully this is next on the to-do list). A simple scoreboard displays basic game information. Whitecaps players and interns roam the facility selling 50/50 raffle tickets, which not only reward the winner with a cash prize, but offer an array of prizes from local sponsors. The team now has a mascot, Cappy, who roams the crowd posing for pictures. Stony Brook Field has a playground behind it, which makes perfect sense considering its location at an elementary school. It gives kids who may be getting bored with the game somewhere to blow off steam. Part of the recent renovations to the facility updated and expanded the playground area. As with most Cape League games, a large portion of the younger crowd spends their time chasing foul balls. If one lands near you, watch out for the oncoming horde. Playground at Stony Brook Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Brewster is a small town with a population of under 10,000 year-round residents known for its beaches, golf resorts and spas. During the summer the town’s population swells to about 20,000. The first water-powered grist and wool mill in the country was built here (on Stony Brook) in the late 17th century. Brewster is a laid back, quiet place to be, even in summer. Stony Brook Field is located next to the elementary school that shares its name. Within a mile is Route 6A, also known as Main Street. Along this road are several excellent clam shacks mixed in among some bed and breakfasts, antique shops and art galleries. If visiting the area looking to eat creatures from the Cape’s local waters, Stadium Journey recommends J.T’s Seafood Restaurant and Cobie’s, both close to the ball field. Some of the Cape’s most prestigious lodging options are located on the town’s beaches, including The Mansion at Ocean Edge, Captain Freeman Inn and Brewster by the Sea Inn. Fans 4 Brewster usually ranks in the middle of the pack among Cape Cod League games in terms of attendance, averaging in the range of 1,200 fans per game. Crowds are much smaller in June than during the peak tourist months of July and August, so if you are looking to avoid the large crowds, come early in the season. Fans at Whitecaps games mirror those elsewhere in the league, with a mix of locals, families, and tourists in attendance. Fans who come to the games generally have some sort of connection with the team, as house parents, boosters, or volunteers, so they are very knowledgeable and passionate about the action taking place on the field. It makes for a very enjoyable atmosphere. Approaching Stony Brook Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Stony Brook Field is located adjacent to the elementary school that shares its name. The school is close to route 6A, the main drag in Brewster. If coming to Brewster from off Cape, you will follow route 6 for over a half hour to route 137, and follow to Underpass Road (or “Underpants Road”, as the Stony Brook students call it). The CERTA flex bus route travels up route 137, but it is a long walk to the ballpark. Driving is the preferred and most effective method for getting to Stony Brook Field. There is ample parking at Stony Brook School. Even though some spots are a decent walk to the field, there is a Whitecaps staffer who shuttles fans from their cars to the field via a golf cart. Perhaps the most noticeable difference in Stony Brook Field if you haven’t been here in a while are the seating options. A new, large section of bleachers have been installed on the home (third) base side of the field. Several smaller sets of bleachers are lined up along both foul lines. There is a picnic area further down the right field line. The hills along the first base side of the field near the school and the small hill on the first base side of the field remain popular spots for fans who like to bring their own chairs and take in the action from higher ground. Some fans will take the walk out to the hill in centerfield, dubbed “Cappy’s Pavilion” and take in the action from there. If you want to avoid having the sun in your eyes later in the game, you’ll want to choose seats on the third base side of Stony Brook Field. There are bathrooms located in the elementary school located atop the hill on the first base side. Several port-a-johns are also scattered around the facility. Return on Investment 5 As is the case with all Cape Cod League ballparks, there is no charge for admission at a Whitecaps game. The team asks for a “suggested donation” of four dollars in exchange for a program and roster. Parking is also free. Fans are able to bring in their own refreshments, making it possible to watch the highest level of collegiate baseball in the country without spending a single cent. If you choose to purchase food at the game, the prices are very affordable. Whitecaps Team Store at Stony Brook Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 3 The Brewster Whitecaps do not offer a whole lot of bells and whistles in their game day presentation. As is the case throughout the Cape League, the game is the focus here. The free program is a plus, as is the extensive 50/50 raffle which offers many prizes from sponsors in addition to the opportunity to take home half the money raised. Visiting Whitecaps alumni and families who travel to the Cape are recognized throughout the game, a nice touch that adds to the small-town, family atmosphere here at Brewster. In 2025 over 400 Cape Cod alumni played in the Major Leagues. This factors out to one out of every six players to suit up in the majors last year. The Cape Cod League is without a doubt the premier summer collegiate league in the country. All ten teams in the circuit are located within two hours of each other, meaning you can spend a week seeing future Major Leaguers compete up close for free in one of the top tourist destinations in the nation. It’s an epic Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts The renovations to Stony Brook Field that have taken place over the past few years have served to both enhance and detract from the game day experience, if that makes sense. New bleachers and new amenities are certainly a plus, but enclosing the field in thick chain link fence has ruined the intimacy this field enjoyed, and has destroyed sight lines from many vantage points from around the facility. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kinsmen Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Avenue Kitchener, ON N2H 1ZY Kitchener Kodiaks website Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 1,607 Rebranded Bear In 2026 a re-energizing of junior lacrosse in Kitchener took place. Founded in 1967, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves were the local representation of lacrosse at the Junior B level. The Braves won the Founders Cup in 1974 and 1988 as Junior B Champions in Ontario. The Braves had a short stint in Junior A from 1976 to 1981 and returned permanently to Junior A in 1991. With a shift away from indigenous names across all sports, the Braves rebranded to the hideous Kitchener-Waterloo Junior A Lacrosse Club in 2020. There was very little success in KW during this period, disappointing considering the legendary lacrosse talent that went through the program over the years. With the 2026 season, a significant influx in talent has happened in Kitchener to go along with a significant rebrand. The Kitchener Kodiaks are a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of the Kitchener-Waterloo Minor Lacrosse Association. With the new identity the Kodiaks at the OJLL level, are in line with KWMLA branding at lower levels. Home for the Kodiaks is the Kinsmen Arena. Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability. Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened in 1987. Paired with the Kiwanis Arena and known locally as the “Twin Pads,” Kinsmen Arena draws its name from the local charity and part of the Kin Canada organization. Although the Kodiaks have bounced around over the years in different locations, Kinsmen offers a solid venue, the perfect size, for the local version of the fastest game on two feet. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Kinsmen Arena are very simple. There is a cart present at games where fans can purchase light refreshments including soda, Gatorade, water and a few different varieties of canned beer. Chocolate bars are also available. Normal concessions that would service the Aud for bigger events are not usually running during the summer months when lacrosse is happening. Atmosphere 2 The Kitchener Kodiaks play at the venerable Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is also the home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Rather than playing in the iconic Dom Cardillo Arena, lacrosse is found at the Kinsmen Arena, a much newer and smaller arena in The Aud complex. The arena is not over the top and is fairly simple. Fans will enter the indoor portion of the complex from the Eugene George Way, side of the arena as opposed to the main arena off of East Avenue. The exterior of the building is attractive enough with light coloured brick and an LED ribbon to advertise events. The breezeway from this entrance leads past the main box office, past the memorial dedication plaque and Kraut Line display to the twin pads. A temporary table is set up just outside Kinsmen Arena for scanning tickets. Home to hockey at various levels in the winter months, the ice comes out during lacrosse season and the Kodiaks find a solid home for the summer. Kinsmen is located at the northeast portion of the complex buildings. It features a simple, low ceiling and light coloured walls, essentially lacking much in the way of colour. The floor surface runs from west to east, with all of the seating on the south side. Four sections of benches which surround a centre section of traditional arena seats make up the seating area and there is plenty of standing room in the east and west corners and behind the seating area. A simple hockey scoreboard is found hanging in the northeast corner of the arena. The interior of the arena is bland with nothing to even notify fans that the Kodiaks play there. No banners. No markings. The opportunity to showcase some of the history of the team would be great and give fans a better sense of the longevity of the team. In the summer months, the Kinsmen Arena does not have the greatest ventilation. Depending on the weather outside, Kinsmen can be stuffy, on the hot side, and even a bit smelly. The gameday production at a Kodiaks game is very simple. The concrete floor, as opposed to green carpet, offers a different experience from the pro game. The squeaking sneakers, similar to that of a basketball game, create a different feel and when players hit the ground, they tend to slide, unlike the game on the carpet. There is no music during the play giving fans the opportunity to hear the sounds of the game. The smaller venue gives fans a closer perspective to the game and a better sense of just how fast and tough box lacrosse can really be. Some basic music is played before the game and during intermissions as well as for goals. The PA announcer does a decent job of conveying information to the fans, however the speaker system has much to be desired and most announcements are lost to poor speakers and poor acoustics. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located in the Auditorium neighbourhood, just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and postgame meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld Moose Winooski's or Borealis are the choices. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. Other sporting options locally would have to begin with the headline Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, who play in the Dom Cardillo Arena on the other side of the hall. The KW Titans of the BSL also play here in the winter. When the nicer weather hits, then the Kitchener Panthers can be found on the other side of the parking lot at Jack Couch Ball Park. Other sporting options include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium, their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex. Other tourist options include The Museum, Ken Seling Waterloo Region Museum, Bingeman Park and Joseph Schneider Haus. Kitchener-Waterloo is most well known for Oktoberfest, which takes place starting with Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 3 Fans are difficult to assess in the OJLL as attendance figures are not reported. An anecdotal observation shows that support for the Kodiaks has increased with a better showing in the win column for the 2026 season. There is still plenty of space to move about, however, it feels a bit more like an event than in previous seasons. Access 5 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the lacrosse game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Kinsmen Arena is no issue at all as the building is not packed and there are not a ton of concession options. Fans with mobility issues are better served in the Kinsmen Arena than the Dom Cardillo Arena as there is not the main staircase to ascend in the Kinsmen. Washroom facilities for Kinsmen Arena are adequate for the event. Return on Investment 4 The Kitchener Kodiaks are now part of the Auditorium ticketing system. Tickets now must be scanned as they are for major events. This means that tickets are now available online beforehand. Unfortunately, with this change has come an increase in price. Still very affordable, adult tickets now cost $16 with student and senior tickets going for $12.50. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. Overall, fans will have a good time at the Kodiaks game and not have to shell out a significant amount of money. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Kitchener Kodiaks rebrand. A refreshing change for the branding of a franchise with significant longevity, one of the oldest clubs in the OJLL. An extra mark for the alumni that have gone through the Kitchener program on to the National Lacrosse League. Such NLL legends as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the original Braves moniker in Kitchener-Waterloo. Final Thoughts The fresh identity for the Kitchener Kodiaks has breathed new life into the longtime OJLL franchise. The Kodiaks are hoping to build on their new look to attract a stronger audience and help them climb the standings in a league where success in the Twin Cities has been fleeting. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Fitch High School Field 101 Groton Long Point Road Groton, CT 06340 Mystic Schooners website Fitch High School website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 1,000 Into The Mystic The Mystic Schooners are one of the two oldest franchises in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. The franchise has played in Willimantic, CT, Pittsfield, MA, and Bristol, MA before settling in southeast Connecticut in 2011. While playing in Mystic, the team has won one NECBL championship, in 2016. The Schooners have played their home games at the baseball field at Fitch High School in neighboring Groton since moving to southeastern Connecticut, with the exception of two seasons. For the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Schooners played at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, which proved to be unsuccessful due to competition for dates with the Norwich Sea Unicorns of the Futures League and distance from their home fans. The team moved back to Groton for the 2024 season. Ed Harvey graduated from Fitch High School in 1969 and became the school’s baseball coach in 1979. He was the team’s coach for 27 years, winning 440 games. Ed’s son, Matt, was drafted by the Mets and pitched in the Major Leagues for nine seasons. The field was dedicated in Harvey’s honor on May 8, 2025. The original Fitch High School was built in 1928 next to Groton’s Town Hall and was funded by the will of a local merchant, Charles Fitch, with the stipulation that it be named after his son, Robert E. Fitch. By the 1950s enrollment became too large for the facility to handle, so the school district built a new school in its current location. The schools were named Robert E. Fitch Junior and Senior High School. Food & Beverage 2 There is a table set up in deep right field by the entrance to Ed Harvey Field which serves up snacks for visiting Schooner fans. There isn’t much to the menu here, but if you need a drink or a snack while you’re here, you’ll find something to tide you over. There are hot dogs, assorted candy treats, and cold drinks sold at the concession table here. Unfortunately, you won’t find any of the excellent Schooner Beverages sold here (more on them in the extras section). The Schooners also sell team merchandise here. Your basic hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts are available, as well as the new “City Connect” shirsey, which debuted in 2026. This was a big seller at the game Stadium Journey attended. This author may have even picked one up himself. Atmosphere 2 The game day atmosphere at Ed Harvey Field is a pretty bare bones one. This basic ballpark just does not possess the infrastructure to create an intricate experience. Still, the Schooners staff does the best they can with the tools at hand. Music plays between innings over an excellent sound system. The PA announcer keeps things moving with a professional delivery, and the Schooners staff make the rounds of the stands selling 50/50 raffle tickets. There’s a simple scoreboard in right field that displays basic game information. Harvey Field is one of those small-town ballparks where you can feel comfortable talking to your neighbors in the bleachers, even if you just met them, and where you can feel safe even when sporting the opposing colors. There is plenty of room for younger fans to play catch and chase foul balls around the grounds. Delivering a Pitch at Harvey Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing in the immediate area of Robert E. Fitch High School to attract visiting baseball fans, but given the school’s location just off Route One and Interstate 95, the many summer attractions of Mystic and Groton are within a 15-minute drive of the ball field. Mystic is a popular summer destination which offers a mix of maritime history, scenic waterfronts and family attractions. Among the most popular destinations here are the Mystic Aquarium, the Mystic Seaport Museum and Olde Mistick Village. For more information on attractions, lodging options and dining choices in the area, check out the This Is Mystic website. Groton is known for its Naval Base and submarine making history. Some attractions here are the USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. Fans looking for the closest options to Ed Harvey Field may want to look up the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa or the Hampton Inn Groton for lodging, or if looking for some local flavor, Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough and Costello’s Clam Shack are located nearby. Fans 2 Mystic draws what we at Stadium Journey like to call “friends and family” crowds to Ed Harvey Field. What we mean by that is it seems that virtually every person in the stands has a personal connection with the players on the field. As a result, the fans are very knowledgeable, supportive, and invested in the success of the home nine. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Mystic took place on the Fourth of July with some serious storm clouds on the horizon. Still, there were about 100 fans in attendance. This appears to be a smallish crowd for the Schooners, especially for a Saturday night. With the Schooners’ schedule loaded with games from nearby teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. If you’re visiting Mystic from out of town, you’ll be welcomed by the home fans and staff. The bleachers at Harvey Field are a place where you can feel comfortable, have a great conversation with your neighbors, and enjoy the shared experience of some quality, affordable baseball. Driving in a run at Harvey Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Robert E. Fitch Senior High School is located in the Poquonnock Bridge neighborhood of the town of Groton. Located close to downtown and the waterfront, this residential area enjoys easy access to I-95, the major highway through the south coast of Connecticut. Route One, the major business thoroughfare in the area that runs the entire south coast of the state, runs directly to the north of the Junior/Senior high school complex. The ball field is located behind the high school. Ample parking is located just beyond the centerfield fence, as well as a little farther from the field adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities. Seating consists of a large set of metal bleachers that runs along the third base side of the field. Many fans will set up their own chairs atop the hill beyond centerfield and take in the action from there. Despite the fact that there is no fan access to the first base or right field areas of the field, there is plenty of room for fans to roam and take in the action from different spots. There are no permanent restroom facilities at Harvey Field. There are a few port-a-johns set up for fans to use. Lines are not an issue here, or at the concession stand. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Schooners game. Parking is also free of charge in the lot located beyond centerfield. If you plan to stay in your car, be aware that your headlights may distract the players, and you may be admonished over the PA to turn off your lights. Even worse, you may find yourself the subject of angry stares from every person and player at the game. Very embarrassing… Concessions are inexpensive, making a trip to see the Schooners play a very inexpensive entertainment option for southeastern Connecticut sports fans. Schooners Players and Interns Sell 50/50 Tickets at Harvey Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 The Schooners have their own beverage company, Schooners Beverages, proceeds from which go to funding operations of the team. Unfortunately, the beverages were not available at the game attended by Stadium Journey, but they have been in the past. Check out the Schooners Beverages website for more information. Final Thoughts Ed Harvey Field is one of those small-town ball fields that make Stadium Journeys so worthwhile. Placing a team in the summer tourist destination of Mystic was a masterstroke by the NECBL. It’s unfortunate that there isn’t a better facility closer to the town’s many attractions for the Schooners. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

A Stadium Journey writer never rests. Well... that is not true at all, but no matter where the road takes us on vacation, the magnetic pull of a local sports venue is impossible to resist. During my recent summer trip through Western New York, the itinerary was mostly focused on sightseeing and enjoying the local culture (and a non-business trip to see the Buffalo Bisons). However, true to form, I found myself scanning the map for nearby facilities. It is practically a rule that I have to find a way to step inside a stadium or arena wherever we travel, to get a feel for the fan experience and the architectural layout. Our home base for this leg of the trip was the Richardson Hotel, an incredibly cool and historically rich property. Housed in the monumental Richardson Olmsted Campus, a former 19th-century state asylum known for its stunning Romanesque architecture and striking twin towers, the hotel offered a uniquely atmospheric stay. And likely some ghosts. Even better, it sits comfortably within walking distance of the Buffalo State University campus. With the Buffalo State Sports Arena located just a short stroll away from our unique accommodations, it felt like the perfect opportunity to see what was happening on campus. As luck would have it, the arena wasn't empty for the summer; it was bustling with the energy of the annual American Jump Rope National Championship. We walked over to the arena and were thrilled to find that the doors were open to the public. For a very small fee ($10 for a daily pass and a $20 full event pass also available), we were able to purchase spectator passes and make our way inside to catch the action. It was a pleasant surprise to stumble into a national-level competition taking place right in "our" neighborhood. Once inside, the setup was distinctly geared toward the competitors rather than the casual fan. The seating was mainly consolidated to the bright orange bleachers on one side of the arena. Unsurprisingly, these sections were densely packed with team members, coaches, and families draped in vibrant team apparel, cheering on their respective squads. The hardwood floor itself was divided into multiple competition zones, where athletes executed incredibly fast and complex routines to music. I can't say I understood most of it, but I know that I saw some speed competition, as well as Double Dutch teamwork. While the traditional bleacher seats were dominated by the jump rope community, we quickly found our preferred vantage point. The top of the arena offered a fantastic, elevated standing-room area that provided a comprehensive view of the entire floor. Leaning against the upper railing, my wife and I had a fun, unobstructed look at the intricate events happening simultaneously below. It was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon, proving once again that a willingness to wander into an unfamiliar arena can yield unexpectedly great sports vacation encounters.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 UNO Lakefront Arena 6801 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122 LSU New Orleans Privateers website UNO Lakefront Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 8,900 Basketball on Lakeshore Editor's Note - On July 2, 2026 the University of New Orleans announced that they were transitioning into the LSU system, becoming LSU New Orleans after a $20 million transition in an attempt to attract new students. Set along the southern edge of Lake Pontchartrain, UNO Lakefront Arena has never enjoyed the spotlight of New Orleans’ better-known venues; it lacks the instant recognition of Caesars Superdome, the downtown location of Smoothie King Center, or the cultural legacy and history of some of the city’s most famous music halls. However, that anonymity hides a building with a remarkably deep list of some of the city most overlooked moments in sports and pop culture. Since opening in 1983, the octagon-shaped arena has hosted plenty of history making moments. In 1984 a young rookie named Michael Jordan scored 37 points here during his first NBA season, while Larry Bird followed with a legendary 60-point performance just months later. The arena also hosted the 1991 NCAA Women’s Final Four, where Pat Summitt won the third of her eight national championships. Add in professional wrestling, UFC, high-level tennis, major concerts, film shoots, as well as visits from presidents, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama, and UNO Lakefront Arena’s resume runs deep, including surviving Hurricane Katrina, which closed the building for more than three years. Through it all, the constant has been the University of New Orleans Privateers men’s and women’s basketball teams. Founded in 1958 as the city’s first public four-year university, UNO’s basketball program began in 1968, adopting the “Privateers” nickname as a nod to New Orleans’ maritime and pirate history, most notably Jean Lafitte. The program has made five NCAA Tournament appearances and won four conference titles, most recently in 2017. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, New Orleans native and rapper Master P joined the staff as general manager and assistant coach, injecting new life and hype into a program still rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina over 20 years ago, and once again placing UNO Lakefront Arena at the crossroads of New Orleans’ sports history. Food & Beverage 3 Food options at UNO Lakefront Arena are simple and affordable. There is one fully operational concession stand located on the west side of the arena near the main entrance, and it handles all food and beverage needs on game days. The menu sticks to the basics: catfish baskets, chicken tenders, nachos, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, popcorn, and chips. Nothing on the menu is going to surprise you, and there are no signature New Orleans-style items that lean into the city’s culinary reputation. That said, the pricing is reasonable by modern arena standards; most food items fall between $4 and $10, making it easy to grab a meal. Beer drinkers can purchase domestic bottled beer for $9.50, while Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider, with 20-ounce bottles priced at $4.75. What does stand out is the presentation and the way the concession stand is designed. The main concession stand is styled like a classic 1950s soda fountain, complete with vintage Dr Pepper branding and old-school counter design. It’s a cool visual touch that gives the concourse some personality and nostalgia, even if the menu itself remains straightforward. Walking the concourse you’ll see several additional concession stands scattered throughout the arena – those stands are decked out in sharp black-and-blue UNO branding, along with Bud Light and Michelob Ultra setups. Unfortunately these other stands remain closed for UNO basketball games due to limited attendance. It’s a shame, because the spaces themselves are attractive and clearly designed for a more vibrant environment. Atmosphere 3 The first thing you notice when arriving at UNO Lakefront Arena is its unmistakable shape. Much like Southeastern Louisiana’s Pride Roofing University Center up the road, this is not a typical looking arena. Instead, UNO Lakefront Arena stands out with its distinctive octagonal, almost spaceship-like design, which immediately gives it character before you even step inside. There is one main entrance on the west side of the building, reached by a winding concrete ramp that brings fans up to the doors. The exterior grounds are also well maintained, helped in part by the hundreds of palm trees that surround the facility. With Lake Pontchartrain visible in the distance, the setting provides a scenic backdrop. Once inside, the venue feels impressive for a building that has been standing for more than 40 years. The concourse wraps completely around under the seating bowl, allowing fans to circle the entire building with ease. Along the way, plenty of UNO signage, banners, and reminders of past tournament appearances help reinforce the program’s history. Even the closed concession stands blend neatly into the concourse, featuring blue-and-black exteriors that match the Privateers’ color scheme. In addition, another neat thing you’ll see if you look up at the ceiling along the concourse is a timeline of all the arena’s past events, built into the ceiling tiles – some of the tiles are even autographed by that particular performer or band. Once in the seating bowl, one feature that stands out is the facility’s low ceiling surrounding the seating bowl, with wide open space above center court. From the upper rows fans sit close enough to the roof that it almost feels within reach. This design gives the building a more intimate feel than you might expect in an 8,900-seat arena. Even with only a few hundred fans in attendance, the space avoids feeling cavernous because the seating remains tight to the floor. The interior acoustics also benefit from this layout, as sound travels extremely well throughout the building, creating a louder atmosphere than the crowd size might suggest. Every seat is also a blue chairback, and combined with the bright blue court, the entire arena is draped in UNO’s signature blue-and-black identity. Above the court banners celebrate accomplishments from both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, along with three retired numbers honoring former greats. In addition, a major new addition for the 2025-26 season is the installation of a brand-new 20-by-11-foot video board hanging above center court. The original scoreboard was damaged during Hurricane Katrina and removed, leaving the arena with only a small replay board on the side for nearly two decades. When Master P took over leadership of the program, however, he helped finance this impressive new LED videoboard, finally giving UNO Lakefront Arena a modern videoboard, complete with HD replays. Neighborhood 4 UNO Lakefront Arena is located in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, away from the many tourist areas like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. However, you can still find plenty to do nearby if you want to experience a quieter side of the city, with less traffic and more locals. Less than 100 yards behind the venue you’ll find many people fishing, boating, walking and riding bikes along the over 6 miles of paved walking trails, nestled along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Make sure to check out Mardi Gras Fountain along the way, which lights up in Mardi Gras colors at night, or you can check out the remains of old Fort St. John, an abandoned Spanish controlled fort located along the lake and Bayou St. John. The New Basin lighhouse also makes for a great spot to visit and take a tour. While riding the trail you can also see some of the levees that failed New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; getting an up-close look at these levees, which were the scene of so much destruction, is a surreal experience in itself. Another popular spot to check out in the area is City Park – if it’s a gorgeous day you can spend all day in one of the largest public parks in the U.S., and the 20th-most visited park in the country. There’s so much to do here: two regular golf courses, a disc golf course, multiple stadiums, and miles of trails that flow through the bayous and lagoons that make up City Park. Also, inside the park there’s the Museum of Art and the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden. If you have kids or are visiting family, you might want to check out Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland, a small amusement park with roller coasters and a few carnival rides. You can take a gondola ride or a duck boat ride through the lagoons, and there is also access to Bayou St. John, which is the main tributary through the city. The bayou is a popular spot for kayakers and people canoeing during the summer months. You can also hop on the streetcar in City Park and go to the French Quarter, Uptown, or anywhere else in the city. Another cool attraction to check out in Gentilly is Fairgrounds Race Course, the second-oldest horse racing track in the country. If you come to a game at UNO Lakefront Arena on the weekend, then there is a good chance that horse racing will be going on at the Fairgrounds. Or, for restaurants near UNO’s campus you’ll find plenty of local spots and dives that aren’t as well-known as some of the French Quarter institutions. Some of my favorites include Opelousas Seafood, The Original Fiorella’s Cafe, and Walker’s BBQ, famous for its BBQ po’boys, while closer to the horse track and City Park you’ll find plenty of other favorites like Parkway Tavern, Liuzza’s at the Track, Cafe Degas, and Seahorse Saloon. City Park also has a Cafe du Monde location, which is a lot quieter and less crowded than the chain’s more popular French Quarter location. Fans 2 With Master P stepping into the program in 2025 as general manager and assistant coach, the Privateers have gained a level of exposure and energy that the once-struggling program had not seen in years. Attendance during the most recent season hovered just under 1,000 fans per game. While that number may seem low on paper, it represents a noticeable improvement compared to the post-Katrina years, when the program’s future was uncertain and there was even talk of dropping UNO athletics down to Division III. The fans who do show up, however, are fully invested. Because many UNO graduates remain in the New Orleans metro area after college, the crowd tends to lean heavily toward alumni rather than current students – even in smaller numbers, these fans bring real passion and familiarity with the program. The game presentation also helps keep the atmosphere lively. The Privateers cheerleading squad does a strong job engaging the audience, while Captain Bruno, the school’s pirate mascot, works the aisles to keep energy high throughout the night. Adding to the local flavor, UNO also embraces its New Orleans identity with a soundtrack that feels true to the city. Expect plenty of bounce music, along with artists like Lil Wayne, Big Tymers, and naturally, a steady dose of Master P echoing throughout the arena. Access 3 UNO Lakefront Arena is located on the north side of the city, away from most of the tourist sites in New Orleans like the French Quarter. There are several ways to get here, but the best and safest way would be to take the Franklin Ave or Elysian Fields exits off Interstate 610, then travel north for about three miles and you’ll see UNO Lakefront Arena straight ahead. Your GPS may advise you to go through some of the rough areas in New Orleans East to get to campus, but I would not take that route, especially at night. Also do not take the Chef Blvd or Morrison Road exits off the Interstate, unless you are absolutely familiar with the vibes of the city. Once on the grounds you will find plenty of parking surrounding the arena; the only issue is most of the parking is in a large grass lot, which may get muddy after heavy rain. The best part, however, is that parking is free, and once inside the facility you can walk around the entire building and sit anywhere you want – as there won’t be a big crowd, there is plenty of room to spread out and walk around. The venue also has excellent sightlines, except for the upper rows, which may have views obstructed by the low ceilings. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UNO basketball games are usually easy to come by, since UNO Lakefront Arena rarely sells out. Honestly, the best option is to just buy them in person at the box office. General admission tickets are only $10 there, while on the secondary market you can sometimes end up paying $20 or more, especially for bigger conference matchups. One of the nicest surprises about attending a game here, though, is that parking is completely free. When you pull up to the arena, parking attendants are out directing cars into a huge open lot, so it’s simple to find a spot, and you don’t have to worry about getting boxed in. Also again, there is no charge for parking at all. Concessions here are solid, even if there aren’t any signature New Orleans-style menu items. The setup does have a cool old-school charm though, with a classic soda fountain feel that stands out compared to most modern arenas. For a lot of fans, a lower-level game with fewer than 1,000 people in the stands might not feel like a must-see event, but if you’re someone like me who enjoys visiting historic venues in a city as iconic as New Orleans, there’s still something memorable about the experience. It’s probably the most iconic building in the Southland Conference, when it comes to legendary figures who’ve played here and the iconic events the venue has hosted. Extras 4 One extra for rapper Master P taking over the program as the general manager/assistant coach. Not only did he help finance the new videoboard ahead of the 2025–26 season, but he also remains an active presence on game nights, sitting courtside with the team. Before tip-off, Master P also often takes time to meet with fans and pose for photos. His involvement has made him a true ambassador for both New Orleans and UNO basketball. The New Orleans Privateers have had seven players selected in the NBA Draft, with eight former UNO players appearing in NBA games. The most recent draft pick was Michael McDonald, taken in the second round by the Golden State Warriors in 1995. The program’s most famous NBA alum, however, is Ervin Johnson, a 1993 first-round pick who played 13 seasons in the league and has his jersey retired at UNO Lakefront Arena. Another major bonus of UNO Lakefront Arena is the sheer variety of events it has hosted over the decades; as mentioned earlier, this venue carries a truly storied history. It served as a temporary home for the Atlanta Hawks during the 1984–85 season, welcoming NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, John Stockton, and Larry Bird, who famously scored 60 points on this very court. The arena has also played host to major championship moments, including the 1991 Women’s Final Four, won by Pat Summitt’s Tennessee Volunteers. The facility also hosted the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament in 2002 and again from 2012 through 2019, along with UFC events, professional wrestling cards, and countless concerts from some of the biggest touring acts in the world. The venue was also the setting for the fictional Spinal Tap reunion concert in the 2025 Rob Reiner movie, This is Spinal Tap II. Beyond sports and entertainment, UNO Lakefront Arena has also been a gathering place for historic public events. The Dalai Lama has spoken here, and more than 100,000 people filled the grounds outside during a mass led by Pope John Paul II. Over the years, it has also welcomed numerous presidential candidates and political figures. To truly grasp the arena’s legacy, take a walk around the concourse and look up at the ceiling tiles, to see a unique timeline showcasing just how many iconic events have passed through this building. And of course, an extra point goes to the arena’s remarkable recovery after Hurricane Katrina devastated the facility in 2005, forcing it to remain closed for more than three years. More than $25 million was invested in renovations and repairs, ensuring UNO Lakefront Arena would return stronger than ever, and continue hosting UNO basketball and many other major events for decades to come.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Maestri Field 6801 Franklin Ave New Orleans, LA 70122 LSU New Orleans Privateers website Maestri Field website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,900 Miracle on the Lakeshore Editor's Note - On July 2, 2026 the University of New Orleans announced that they were transitioning into the LSU system, becoming LSU New Orleans after a $20 million transition in an attempt to attract new students. The University of New Orleans was built on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain using the property and buildings of the former Naval Air Station New Orleans. Originally called LSU-New Orleans, it welcomed its first students in 1958 – in 1974 it officially became the University of New Orleans. Over the years it grew in size, and today represents the city as the only public college In New Orleans. The Privateer baseball program began as a D2 program in 1970; the legendary Ron Maestri took over as head coach two years later, bringing a new era to the UNO program. Under his guidance the school made an appearance in the Division 2 World Series before transitioning to Division 1 the next year, joining the Sun Belt Conference in 1976, and winning two Conference titles in 1978 and 1979. The Privateers would be a powerhouse in the early in 1980s, and in 1984 UNO made history as the first college from Louisiana to make it to the College World Series. UNO even produced a Golden Spikes Award Winner in Augie Schmidt, as the best college baseball player in the country. UNO has faced several challenges in recent years, mainly to the Covid pandemic, but also the college never really recovered from Hurricane Katrina – the current enrollment is 5,400 students compared to the average of 15,000 students pre-Katrina. After Katrina there was talk of moving the athletics program back to D2, but ultimately the school stayed in Division 1 and joined the Southland Conference in 2014. Coach Maestri came out of retirement in 2014 after a 28-year coaching absence, coaching for 2 years before retiring again. Current Angels skipper Ron Washington was his assistant coach in 2015. Food and Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located on the plaza at the front entrance; hamburgers, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, and a unique item of Frito chili pie round out the menu. At Maestri Field you will find some of the cheapest concession prices in all of D1 baseball, with prices for most items ranging between $3 and $7. Bottled sodas are $5 with Coca-Cola being the official soft drink provider of UNO. Alcohol is priced kind of high, with canned beer selling for $10 – the beers offered are Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater canned cocktails. A few local beers offered include Holy Roller and Paradise Park IPA, brewed by Urban South Brewery, which is located in New Orlean’s Lower Garden District. Atmosphere 4 Coach Maestri is the namesake of beautiful Maestri Field at Privateer Park, which opened in 1977. The stadium sits about a mile east of campus, a part of the university sports complex that includes all the school’s athletic facilities – on the grounds around the park you will find the tennis and beach volleyball courts, as well as UNO Lakefront Arena, home of the school’s basketball program, which looms over the field from behind home plate. Maestri Field has been renovated several times since Katrina, with the most recent being in 2014, so this is basically a 10-year-old ballpark. The main entrance is behind home plate, where you will walk under an iron gate welcoming you to Privateer Park. Gayle and Tom Benson Plaza at the main entrance doubles as the concourse, named after the late Saints/Pelicans owner and his wife. There is a pop-up trailer to the left, where you will purchase your tickets and buy a good selection of UNO merch; in the trailer you’ll also find the one concession stand, as well as a neat history display dedicated to the program. All the school’s regional appearances, conference championships, All-Americans, and the 16 former players who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, are recognized in the display. The UNO colors of blue and white are everywhere, from the signage in Benson Plaza to the outfield wall pads and chairback seating. The main grandstand features seating for about 800 people, and extends from home plate to the dugouts; every seat in the grandstand behind home plate is a blue chairback. The good news is the seats are comfortable, with cupholders and plenty of leg room, while the bad news is that nothing in the ballpark is covered, so there is nowhere to get shade. Down the right and left field lines is metal bleacher seating for a couple of hundred, and also down the left field line is a tent with a full spread of buffet-style food items for season ticket holders. Note that if you sit in the left field side bleachers your view of home plate may be obstructed by the tent. The field dimensions are 330-405-330, and along the outfield wall you’ll find a basic blue wall pad with just a few local sponsors, while in left field there is a large scoreboard with a small videoboard. Beyond the outfield you’ll find several hills, which are actually ridges that are part of the levee system that helps protect New Orleans from constant flooding. Neighborhood 3 The UNO campus and athletic facilities are located in the Gentilly neighborhood of the 7th Ward, on the Lake Pontchartrain side of New Orleans, away from many of the tourist spots in the city, such as the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. However, you can still find plenty to do in Gentilly if you want to experience a quieter side of the city, with less traffic and more locals. Just beyond the outfield wall you’ll find many people fishing, boating and walking along the over 6 miles of paved walking trails, along the south shore of Lake Ponchtratrain. Make sure you check out the Mardi Gras fountain along the trail, which lights up in Mardi Gras colors at night, or you can check out the remains of old Fort St. John, an abandoned Spanish-controlled fort located along the lake and Bayou St. John. While riding the trail you can also see the levees that failed New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; getting an up-close look at these levees, which were a scene of so much destruction, is a surreal experience in itself. Another popular spot to check out in the area is City Park – if it’s a gorgeous day out you can spend all day in one of the largest public parks in the US, and the 20th most-visited park in the country. There’s so much to do here in City Park; if interested in sports there are two (regular) golf courses, a disc golf course, multiple stadiums, and miles of trails through the bayous that flow into City Park. Or, if you are interested in museums and art there is the New Orleans Museum of Art and the outdoor sculpture garden. If you have kids or are visiting with family you might want to check out Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland, a small amusement park with a few rides, roller coasters, and a storybook theme. City Park also provides a romantic getaway if you want to take a gondola ride or a duck boat ride through the bayous of City Park. There is also access here to Bayou St. John, which is the main tributary through this area of the city. Bayou St. John is a popular spot for kayakers and people canoeing during the spring and summer months. City Park is also a streetcar stop, in case you want to take the streetcar into the French Quarter or the Garden District to see the other tourist areas in New Orleans. Another cool attraction to check out in the 7th Ward is Fairgrounds Race Track, the second-oldest horse track in the country. If you come to a weekend series at UNO during February and March there is a good chance that the track will be hosting horse races in preparation for the Louisiana Derby, usually held on the second to last Saturday in March. Alternatively, if you come to a game during April it is more likely the fairgrounds will be hosting a Jazz Fest event. For restaurants and places to eat near UNO’s campus, you will find plenty of local spots and dives that make New Orleans so great. There’s so many to name, but a few near UNO include Opelousas Seafood and The Original Fiorella’s Café. Another one of my favorite’s nearby is Walker BBQ, famous for their BBQ po’ boys, while closer to the fairgrounds and the city you’ll find a wider selection of restaurants like Parkway Tavern, Liuzza’s at the Track, Café Degas, and Seahorse Saloon. City Park also has a Café du Monde, which is a lot quieter and less crowded than the popular French Quarter location. Fans 2 The Privateers average about 300-500 fans per game, which is kind of disappointing considering the history of the program. I also figured there would be more students at games, but the student section here is non-existent. The one plus is that there is plenty of room to move around, and you can sit wherever you want and have entire rows to yourself. Just don’t expect any between-inning promotions or giveaways; the focus here is strictly on the game. The few fans that did show up are knowledgeable about baseball and diehards of the UNO program. I also talked to several older gentlemen who’ve been coming to games here for over 40 years, including Coach Maestri, who still shows up to support the Privateers when he can. You’ll also find a large number of visiting fans who show up, as many of the Southland Conference schools are within a few hours. For example, the most recent game I was at had a large number of Northwestern State fans who made the trip from upstate to take advantage of a spring weekend in New Orleans. When Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls State, Tulane, or McNeese State visit you can expect a good number of visiting fans – Tulane and UNO meet up every year in the Pelican Cup, while Southeastern Louisiana and UNO play every year in the Pontchartrain Bowl. Access 4 Maestri Field is located on the north side of the city, away from most of the tourist sites in New Orleans like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. There are several ways to get to the baseball stadium, but the best and safest way would be take the Franklin Ave/Elysian Fields exit off Interstate 610 – travel north for about three miles and you’ll see UNO Lakefront Arena, with Maestri Field right next to it. Your GPS may advise that you go through some rough areas in New Orleans East to get to campus, but I would not go that route, especially at night – don’t take the Chef Blvd or Downman Road exits. Once on the grounds you’ll find plenty of parking; I was able to park in the lot closest to the stadium, but there is additional parking near UNO Lakefront Arena and the school’s tennis center. Once inside Maestri Field you are free to move around and sit wherever you want. There are also not long lines at the concession and merch stands here. Return on Investment 4 All tickets can be had for $12, and you are free to sit wherever you want, including in the chairbacks. Parking is free near UNO Lakefront Arena and the school’s tennis center, but in regard to concessions I would recommend getting something to eat at one of the many restaurants in New Orleans if you can help it, instead of eating at the ballpark. The level of baseball you are getting to see in the Southland Conference is pretty good, with several of the players on the field, either playing for UNO or their opponent, usually getting drafted. I considered this a good return on investment – you can't beat D1 baseball in a cool city like New Orleans either. Extras 3 The Privateers made 14 regional appearances in Division 1 and two in Division 2, with their most recent regional appearance in 2008. UNO also earned six conference titles in baseball, although none since joining the Southland Conference in 2014. In addition, UNO has had 16 players make it to the Big Leagues, with the most prominent alum being Braves skipper Brian Snitker, who played at UNO in 1976 and 1977. The Privateers best player ever in the baseball program was Augie Schmidt, who played for UNO from 1980-1982. He won the 1982 Golden Spikes Award as the best player in college baseball, and would be drafted # 2 overall by Toronto in 1982, bouncing around the minors before retiring in 1986. The Privateers best season was in 1984, when they advanced to Omaha for their first and only appearance in the College World Series; UNO made history as the first school from Louisiana to ever advance to the CWS. One extra for Maestri Field hosting minor league baseball for four seasons in the early 1990s – from 1993-1996 the stadium was home to the New Orleans Zephyrs, the Triple A affiliate of the Brewers. Jeff Cirillo, Jose Valentin, Mike Matheny. and B. J. Surhoff are a few of the big names who played here on the way to the show.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 SRO Motorsports website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Hot Cars in Hotlanta SRO America moved its annual June visit from VIR in 2026 to Road Atlanta, a historic circuit just an hour north of Georgia’s capital city. Known for its high speed and high commitment corners, this facility is a favorite among fans and competitors alike. However, unlike the IMSA Petit Le Mans weekend in the fall, this event features searing summer temperatures and a condensed race format for what you see on track. Nonetheless, the action on track no doubt features something for everyone. Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track; one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower. Here you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere 3 As a first year event, it is easy to see how this would seem like a much more toned down event compared to others at the facility. Mostly comparable to Trans Am weekend in March in attendance, the roar of the crowd isn’t there like it is for IMSA in October. Nonetheless, the Georgia fans showed up and camped trackside making it feel like a solid attendance. The facility also is the same, so easy access to the paddock for fans, as well as the fan zone in the infield, make for a great way to see the cars and stars up close. Neighborhood 3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast food locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier. Fans 3 A respectable attendance showed up for the first iteration of this event in 2026. While not quite to IMSA levels, this no doubt will improve over time with stability on the schedule. Fans in the south love racing, and sportscar fans love Road Atlanta. Perhaps the biggest setback for anyone wanting to watch is the date. Summer in June is absolutely brutal in Georgia. High temperatures soar as the sun rises, baking the fans watching the action trackside. Access 5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 off I-85 or Exit 17 off I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstates means getting in and out of the venue is easy. Once at the track parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to various viewing areas. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to SRO America weekend are always affordable. Friday-Saturday tickets are $61.90, Saturday-Sunday tickets go for $73.15, and a Sunday-only ticket is just $39.40. A weekend pass for all three days is $84.40, and all kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Infield parking ($11.25) and motorcycle parking ($5.65) are also available, as is tracking camping ($33.75-$112.50). Two-day ($112.50) and three-day ($140.65) car corral packages are also available, while fans can even bring their own golf carts for $78.75. Extras 3 The event has a fan walk before races on Saturday and on Sunday. Fans can also enjoy autograph sessions throughout the weekend, including Sunday’s combo autograph session and fan walk during quiet hour in the morning. The fan zone also features several sponsor displays and merch tents. Finally, numerous trackside viewing areas are open to fans, and access is much easier than during Petit Le Mans weekend, giving fans the chance to see more of the track than on a normal race weekend for sportscars in Atlanta. Final Thoughts This event has promise, but the high temps of June make it a slog for even the most diehard fans. Time will tell if the fans embrace SRO America here in Atlanta, or if it just becomes another event on the schedule for both parties.

Photos by Steve Bloom, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 EQT Park 1 Washington Federal Way Washington, PA 15301 Washington Wild Things website EQT Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 3,200 Major League Fun at Minor League Prices EQT Park is the home of the Washington Wild Things of the Independent Frontier League. The franchise played in Canton, Ohio, from 1997-2001 as the Crocodiles prior to being purchased and moved to Southwestern PA, and was renamed to its current moniker. The ballpark is a modern 3,200-seat facility on a hill above Washington Crowne Centre right off Interstate 70 in Washington, PA, and offers fans a very reasonably priced day out in a park with every seat close to the action. The facility features a synthetic turf field on the right that was installed before the 2010 season, visual photos of menu items, grassy areas, and easy access throughout the concourse. The ballpark once housed a hot tub in the left field corner, but that is no longer a feature of the experience. The city of Washington’s population is near 14,000, but it is only a 30-minute drive from Pittsburgh and Wheeling, West Virginia. Located adjacent to I-70 and near the Washington Crown Center shopping mall, the colorful ballpark offers various food options, between-inning promotions, and even cookies and milk. *Editor's Note: The Stadium name was changed to EQT Park in March 2025. Food & Beverage 4 EQT Park offers a high-quality concessions experience with a wide variety of traditional ballpark fare such as nachos, burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and ice cream. There is a wide variety of Pepsi products along with foreign, domestic, and craft beers. The quantity and quality of the items make for a pleasant dining experience. Lines move rapidly with very friendly service. Every concession stand in the park accepts credit cards. Atmosphere 3 The Coal Tipple Bar is in the left field corner with a large assortment of beverages as well as tables to sit at and enjoy the game. There is a picnic area along the right field line as well, where groups can enjoy the game together without losing any of the intimacy of the park. Behind the stands along the third base line is a playground as well as bouncy houses for the children who need a break from the game. The ProGrass Synthetic Turf field is easily maintained and in immaculate condition. The video board in right field is large and easy to see from any location in the park. The digital scoreboard in center field is just as large and easy to see. Wild Thing, a hairy beast-type creature, is the mascot. Wild Thing is quite active, interacting with the fans throughout the ballpark. No matter where you sit, you have a good view of the action. The seating bowl wraps around the field from the outfield corners into home plate. Box seats are $15, the higher up in the seating bowl. Reserved seats are $12, and the General Admission seats are $8. The top several rows of the seating bowl near the press box and five private boxes are covered. The team has fun contests in between innings for the fans, all of which get enthusiastic responses, especially when Wild Thing is taking part. Additionally, the music played between innings and during player walk-ups is very unobtrusive to the fan experience. The atmosphere at this Frontier League park is a lot of fun. The size of the facility is conducive to player-fan interactions throughout the course of the game. After the game, the entire team goes into the right field concourse to sign autographs as fans leave the park. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located just up the hill from a typical suburban shopping center in southwestern Pennsylvania. Within a quarter mile of Wild Things Park are numerous well-known hotel and restaurant chains such as Comfort Inn and Red Roof Inn, as well as McDonald's and Wendy's. Within five miles of the park, you can find any type of restaurant, such as Applebee's or Olive Garden. In case of a rainout, a movie theater is within walking distance of the ballpark. Within 15 minutes of the park along Interstate 79, you can find the Meadows Race Track and Casino as well as premium shopping deals at Tanger Outlets. For history buffs, there is the Trolley Museum right by the Meadows and Tanger Outlets. Fans 3 The Washington Wild Things fans are a passionate group looking for a fun and more economical time compared to seeing the nearby Pirates at PNC Park. The Wild Things rank in the middle of the Frontier League attendance, averaging around 2,000 fans per game. Even small crowds at Wild Things Park can seem bigger based on the rowdiness of the fans. Access 4 EQT Park is quite accessible as it is just a hop, skip, and a jump off Interstate 70. There is no public transportation to the field, so driving is a must to the ballpark. The closest airport to Wild Things Park is 45 minutes away in Pittsburgh. Parking is $5 per car in a large lot behind the outfield with ample handicapped spaces. The majority of the fans enter through the convenient right field entrance. There is another entrance behind home plate, but it is seldom used. The concourse is underneath the seating bowl and does not have a view of the playing surface. The restrooms are all large and extremely clean with no lines. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are average for any lower-level professional baseball team and provide a wide variety of amenities throughout the facility. As is the case with other teams, depending on how many games a fan wants to attend, investing in a season ticket package can save several dollars per ticket per game. The team has no programs to distribute to fans. Extras 3 There is a small team store behind right field with a variety of team merchandise to purchase. Throughout the concourse, you will find tributes to former players who have made it to the Show as well as Frontier League Hall of Famers. The team employees, from the ticket takers, ushers, and concession workers, are all very friendly and engaged with the fans. The Wild Things do not broadcast the games on the radio; however, Kyle Dawson does play-by-play on the team’s video broadcasts on the team website. The background for EQT Park is not exciting compared to some other parks I have attended, but it provides quite a scenic view of tree-covered hills common to Pennsylvania.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 North Point High School Field 2500 Davis Road Waldorf, MD 20603 Southern Maryland Senators website North Point High School Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 200 (estimated) Senators Baseball The Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate baseball league featuring eight teams in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The newest club in this league is the Southern Maryland Senators, who joined the league in 2023. For the first three years of their existence, the Senators played their home games at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, the 4,200-seat home of the Atlantic League's Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. This was by far the largest stadium in the CRSCBL and was never even close to capacity. In 2026, the Senators opted to move to the significantly smaller but much more basic baseball field at North Point High School, also in Waldorf. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are sold from a table to the left of the bleachers, which you will pass by as you come in. The menu here is pretty basic. Water, soda, and chips are available at all home games, with hot dogs and burgers sometimes being available as well. Prices are quite reasonable - the cheeseburger is the most expensive option at just $4. Payment is made by scanning a QR code with your phone, which will take you to a website where you can enter your credit card number or pay via mobile wallet. Atmosphere 2 Even by the standards of the league, the baseball field at North Point high school is pretty basic. A set of bleachers is located directly behind home plate, with a thick chain link fence separating it from the field of play. It is almost deserted for a typical game, as most fans bring their own chairs and either sit at the top of the hill behind the bleachers where they can be in the shade of some trees, or further up the line near the walking path into the stadium where they won't be behind the chain link fence. There are other issues with sitting in the bleachers as well. Most areas will have a view obstructed by some combination of support poles, the speakers, and the electrical panel. There is also a generator used to power staff laptops and other electronics which lets off exhaust which can be annoying depending on which way the wind is blowing. Even though the crowd is usually dead silent, the sound of the generator drowns out the chatter on the field unless you head further up the line. There are no lights at North Point High School, so all the Senators' home games will be played during the heat of the day. The latest any game will start is 5 PM, which still means you will be in sunlight for most if not all of the game. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore, but can be hard to read with the glare from the sun and the chain link fence. Neighborhood 3 North Point High School is located in a residential neighborhood of Waldorf, so there is not much in the immediate vicinity. Many businesses are located along Route 301 in both Waldorf and nearby La Plata, although they are mostly chains. You will have to drive a couple miles to get to either one as well. La Plata seems to have more non-chain options, including Marie's Diner and La Tolteca. Fans 2 The Southern Maryland Senators average only a few dozen fans a game, and as mentioned, they tend to be quite spread out through the facility and often far away from the field. You will find a few fans in the bleachers, some at the top of the hill, and some further up the left field line. They are not very involved in the game, and many of the kids play catch down the line and ignore the game entirely. This is one of the smallest fan bases in a league that is already not known for its large crowds at most venues. Access 2 North Point High School is located near Maryland Route 228, a few miles away from US Route 301 and several of the other major roads that run north-south through Southern Maryland. Most GPS systems will try to take you to the main entrance of the school, but to get to the baseball field, you will want to use the entrance further down Davis Road, across from the hospice, and park by the tennis courts. You will then walk past the tennis courts along a walking path to the field. There are no real bathrooms at the baseball field. Instead, a couple of Port-a-Potties are located on the top of the hill behind home plate. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Senators home games are just $5 each, with kids 12 and under getting in for free. Concessions are quite affordable as well, though fairly limited. Overall, a Senators game is a good value, but there isn't enough here to earn the top score despite the low cost. Extras 2 At select home games, the Senators hold raffles giving fans a chance to win prizes. As there are not that many fans in attendance, you actually have a decent chance of winning. A merchandise tent near the concessions sells Senators gear to fans. Final Thoughts A Southern Maryland Senators game at North Point High School is a very basic experience, even by the standards of the Cal Ripken Senior Collegiate Baseball League. it is obvious from the way the staff treat what few fans do show up that they care about the team. However, with not much to work with in terms of facilities, and low turnout so far, their hard work has not yet paid off. We hope it will do so in the future.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Mulcahy Stadium 498 E. 16th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Anchorage Glacier Pilots website Mulcahy Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,500 Glacier Pilots Baseball Mulcahy Stadium in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, is one of the largest outdoor sports facilities in the state of Alaska. In addition to serving as the home to both the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and Anchorage Bucs of the Alaska Baseball League, several high school and American Legion teams use the field for games. The ballpark is named after former Alaska Railroad station auditor William Mulcahy. Mulcahy, who was instrumental in putting together the early baseball games that entertained the Anchorage community, was the first National Baseball Congress Commissioner of Baseball for Alaska. He introduced Little League Baseball to Anchorage and was known around town as “Mr. Baseball” and the “Grand Old Man of Baseball.” The Anchorage Glacier Pilots were formed in 1969. Members of the Alaskan Baseball League since its inception, they won the National Baseball Congress World Series five times (1969, 1971, 1986, 1991 and 2001). The Glacier Pilots have had more alumni reach the Major Leagues than any other team in the ABL. Some of their notable alumni are Randy Johnson, Mark McGuire, Aaron Boone, J.T. Snow, and Aaron Judge. Food & Beverage 4 The Glacier Pilots operate a small concession stand out of a storage shed down the right field line. No, seriously. Even with the numerous permanent structures around Mulcahy Park, since the Bucs and Glacier Pilots can’t share, the Glacier Pilots operate their concessions out of temporary digs far from the center of the ballpark. Standard ballpark fare is grilled up fresh here. You can get burgers, “Pilot Dogs” or regular hot dogs here, along with chips, peanuts, pretzels and popcorn. Assorted Coca-Cola products are also available here. Combine your burger or dog with some chips and a drink in a combo meal to save a few dollars. You can also get an ice cream sundae in a Pilots mini-helmet, complete with blue sprinkles and a blue spoon. There’s a permanent stand closer to home plate serving up adult beverages if that’s what you’re looking for (priorities!) In addition, there’s a party deck that overlooks the field with another bar there. This really looked like the place to be during Stadium Journey’s visit. A nice selection of local craft beers are available from 49th State, Kenai, Bear Paw, Cynosure, Susitna and Midnight Sun Breweries. It’s a very impressive selection of Anchorage’s best microbrews. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at a Glacier Pilots game is old school, to say the least. Fans used to the constant noise and distraction at most games today might not know what to do with themselves, but those fans who prefer a traditional approach will feel right at home. There is little in the way of extraneous noise, music or other shenanigans at a Pilots game. The game itself is the entire focus here. There are no walk-up songs for each batter, no between-innings shenanigans, no constant sponsor ads ringing in your ears (save for ad reads after every foul ball. Yes, every single one.). What noise there is here at Mulcahy Stadium comes the PA announcer, who makes lineup announcements and between-inning sponsor ads with a professional delivery over a very loud sound system. Music is only played between innings. The Glacier Pilots share Mulcahy Stadium with another Alaska League team, the Bucs. This is not a typical “shared facility” situation. The ballpark is almost split right down the middle. Think of that Brady Bunch episode where Peter and Bobby put a line of tape down the middle of their room to split it in half. It’s almost that extreme. Each team has their own clubhouse on site, their own concession stands, their own season ticket holder sections, their own merchandise stands, and their own displays. It’s almost as if you experience a different stadium for a Glacier Pilots game than you will for a Bucs game. For a Pilots game, the first base side of the ballpark is open, while the third base side is shuttered. Glacier Pilots Game Action at Mulcahy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Mulcahy Stadium is part of the Chester Creek Sports Complex in the Fairview neighborhood of Anchorage. Also part of the complex are Sullivan Arena and Ben Boeke Ice Arena. This municipal facility also contains fields for football, softball, street hockey, soccer, pickleball, and tennis. Visiting fans looking for dining or lodging options directly adjacent to the ballpark will be disappointed, but the options for dining and lodging just a short distance from Mulcahy Stadium are many and varied. Ingra Street, located just to the east of Sullivan Arena, anchors a busy commercial district, loaded with dining options for those happy with the usual chains. For those seeking a more traditional Anchorage experience, head to the downtown area, located just over a mile away. For more information on the best lodging, dining and tourist attractions Anchorage has to offer, visit Anchorage.net. Fans 3 Getting an exact attendance number for the Glacier Pilots is difficult, as the league does not release attendance figures. Stadium Journey visited Anchorage on a Wednesday night in late June with a crowd of about 500 fans in attendance. The crowd on this night was boosted by a good-sized group who took up residence on the party deck, adding a lot of energy to the proceedings. As mentioned before, the Pilots share Mulcahy Stadium with the Bucs, who tend to draw comparable, if slightly smaller crowds. The big draw in these parts is the annual Fourth of July game between the Pilots and Bucs, which draws a standing room crowd of up to 4,000 people each year. The teams even manage to coexist on this night and open up all the concessions and restrooms. The crowd at a Pilots game seems to be made up largely of regulars, as it’s one of those places where everyone seems to know everyone. As with most summer college games, you’ll find a good number of families and youth groups out enjoying some affordable entertainment, as well as a core group of die-hard baseball fans. With the compact footprint of the Alaska League, you’ll be sure to see many fans of the opposing team in the stands as well. The fans are exactly what you would expect from the good people of Alaska. They are friendly and welcoming, even to outsiders. You can feel comfortable striking up a conversation with your neighbors, as they are very used to people traveling here from all over. Given the die-hard nature of many of the fans here, they are very knowledgeable about the players and the team. Mountain View at Mulcahy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Mulcahy Stadium is centrally located within the city. It is easily accessible via Route 1 (Ingra St.) or A Street on either end of the complex. Downtown Anchorage is just over a mile from the ballpark. For fans utilizing public transportation, Anchorage’s People Mover Route 25 stops on A Street about a block from the ballpark. A large parking lot is located between Mulcahy Stadium and Sullivan and Boeke Arenas. Fans can enter the ballpark on the third base side, where the ticket booth is located. There is another entrance in deep right field, with a small lot adjacent to it. The seating area is a hodge-podge of sections built up over the years. The main grandstand behind home plate features metal bleachers, as well as room for those who bring their own chairs. There are newer sections on either baseline featuring individual bucket seats. These are reserved for season ticket holders. The popular beer garden is located on the right field side. Metal bleachers round out the seating down both foul lines. Seating along the first base side of the field is preferred, as the sun will not be in your eyes, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains in the distance. There are a pair of restrooms for use on the concourse, and the ballpark is easily accessible. Lines are not an issue at the concession or beer stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Glacier Pilots games are priced at ten dollars for reserved seats and eight dollars for general admission (bleacher) seats. Discounts are available for seniors, youths, and members of the military. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Pilots game is an inexpensive entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 2 The Pilots have hung a series of tarps along the fences on the right field concourse honoring notable alumni and championship teams. Some of the names you’ll be sure to recognize here are Mark McGwire, Chris Chambliss and Aaron Judge. Two rows of seating located at field level on the third base line were formerly used at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Final Thoughts Mulcahy Stadium is a quaint old ballpark located in a wonderful destination city. The back story of the Glacier Pilots and Bucs, who cannot exist in their shared ballpark, makes for a unique visiting experience. Throw in the fact that the Alaska League continues to be one of the premier summer college circuits in the nation, and you have found yourself a fantastic Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Park 555 Walnut St Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Park website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 ACU Baseball Established as a hub of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, Abilene, Texas quickly became a regional economic center and centerpiece for the “Big Country”. Dubbed Key City, Abilene has maintained its importance to the west-central area of Texas for nearly 150 years since. Abilene Christian is the largest and most prominent of three Christian universities in this city of over 100,000 citizens. Its roots run deep and the influence from its alumni is vast. ACU athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level, with its baseball team competing in the Western Athletic Conference. The baseball program, formed in 1955, competed at the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels until being disbanded in 1978. Thanks to fundraising efforts by MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, however, the baseball program was reinstated in 1991. Ryan’s former MLB teammate, Wildcat alumnus Bill Gilbreth, was tapped as the first coach of the newly reinstated program. Since its rebirth, the ACU baseball program has seen its facilities upgraded with many modern amenities, and has grown into a solid mid-major NCAA Division I team; from 2021-2023, ACU was the 3rd winningest mid-major program with 101 wins. Since its most recent renovation, “The Crutch” seats a total of 1566, which includes 959 theatre-style seats that are accessible via a large stairwell on the first base side, or via ramps on either the first or third base side of the concession stand. The general admission and reserved seating sections are divided, and can be accessed by different ramps and stairways; GA seats on the home side (first base) are accessed from a raised concourse that feeds down into the seating bowl. There is also an elevator for fans needing accommodation, and all the folding seats in the venue are in the shade. Restroom facilities are located at both the ground level and on the concourse level, located on the first base corner of the press box. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Crutcher Scott Field include standard ballgame fare. Cash, credit/debit cards, and ACU campus Bean Bucks are all accepted. Food options include solely the basics like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pickles, and candy. Pickles, ice cream bars, and candy cost $3, while popcorn and hot dogs are $4. Nachos and chili dogs are $6, with the chili nachos being the most expensive item on the menu at $7. Condiment tables with napkins and forks are located across the concourse from most concession stands. Beverages are served in plastic bottles, with no souvenir cups available. Coca-Cola is the drink provider, which means Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Dasani bottled water, Gold Peak tea, Body Armor, Smartwater, and Powerade are among the offerings. The stands also sell Monster Energy Drinks, but no alcohol is available, nor is it allowed on ACU’s campus. Most of the drinks cost $4, with Monster and Smartwater costing $5 each. There is only one concession stand here, located just inside the front gate of the stadium, easily accessible from either side of the stands. This is adequate for most of the games on the schedule, since crowds at baseball games here average between 400 to 600 fans. Atmosphere 3 While 400-600 fans per game is average, attendance spiked for high-profile mid-week games against high-level Power 4 programs such as Texas Tech, TCU, and Baylor. There is an emcee that leads two or three between-inning games during the day to involve the crowd, including frozen t-shirt contests, races from foul pole to foul pole, and a dizzy bat race. There are also a couple of innings where there are trivia questions or guessing games on the HD videoboard. The production team misses some opportunities, however, by underutilizing the board, since there are no live camera feeds to it. A simple live crowd feed would allow them to include the fans in activities such as the Simba cam, kiss cam, and dance contests, among others. The PA system can be heard clearly from anywhere in the park. As mentioned above, there is a nice HD scoreboard that is located beyond the right field fence, which is clearly visible from every seat in the stands. Neighborhood 4 Abilene Christian, located on the eastern edge of the University Hills neighborhood of Abilene, is surrounded by a mixture of mid-century single-family homes, duplexes, and condos that are popular with students, faculty, and short-term vacation rentals. Traditionally a safe and quiet area of town, this Rockwellian setting is slowly showing signs of modernization through business development north and east of the university, as well as urban renewal one home at a time. Paired with the school’s desire to compete academically and athletically with top-tier schools across the US, Abilene Christian’s campus has grown into a beautiful gem on “The Hill”. Within a short drive, visitors will find numerous dining and sleeping options. In addition to multiple Airbnb and Vrbo listings near campus, there are multiple hotels within a couple miles of the facility, including Courtyard by Marriott, Home2 Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Comfort Suites, among others. I would suggest searching the whole Abilene area for accommodations, however, due to multiple federal construction projects in the area occupying much of the rental and hotel space in the city. Prices can be elevated and rooms limited, especially during high traffic times. Dining options within a short drive of the stadium are varied, with choices ranging from drive-thru fast food to fine dining restaurants. Located catty-corner from Anthony Field, ACU’s football venue, you will find Allen Ridge, a retail and dining center featuring lakeside dining options, a playground, and walking trail. Restaurants found in Allen Ridge include Twisted Root Burger Company, Cork and Pig Tavern, Phoenix Pho, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. With ample parking across the street from both the ballpark and restaurants, dining and walking to the game is a viable option. Multiple fast-food options can quickly be found by traveling south on Judge Ely Boulevard, or east on Ambler Avenue. Among these options you will find McDonald’s, KFC, Braum’s, Rosa’s, Schlotzsky’s, Raising Cane’s, Taco Casa, Panda Express, and Jason’s Deli to name a few. For casual sit-down experiences in the same areas you can find Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, Chipotle, Blu Barrel Bar and Grill, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Other local favorites within a reasonable drive include Galveston Seafood Company, Oscar’s Mexican Food, Rock and Rollerz Burgers, and Texas Flaming Grill. Or, another local favorite, a Texas top 50 barbecue joint, is Jay’s BBQ Shack on South 11th Street. For fine dining, a few suggestions that require a bit longer of a drive include The Beehive, Taylor County Taphouse, and Perini’s Steakhouse, among many more. Perini’s is located in Buffalo Gap, approximately 30 minutes south of Abilene, where the owner, Tom Perini, is famous for serving presidents, governors, and celebrities – his meals provide some of the best bites of food you will ever eat. When coming to see a game here, the author’s suggestion is to take advantage of some of the local restaurants, especially Jay’s BBQ, Galveston Seafood, or Texas Flaming Grill, for meals instead of counting on ballpark cuisine. Fans 3 Wildcat fans are known to be loyal. They are generally neither rude nor confrontational, but get loud, cheer success, and expect to be competitive in all athletic endeavors. As the university has grown, and their athletic programs have moved up in competition, the number of regional rivalries has diminished, yet there are a few that remain. Smaller college baseball crowds are generally referred to as “family and girlfriend” crowds, with limited student attendance. ACU is no different, with rare occasions where large groups of students are in attendance for games. This leads to a quieter, less confrontational group at Crutcher Scott Field. Access 5 Abilene Christian University’s athletic complex is located mere blocks off Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas, via exit 288 at the corner of Ambler Avenue and Judge Ely Boulevard. With Abilene Regional Airport a mere 12 minutes’ drive away, the university is easily accessible whether you are flying or driving into town. If flying commercial, you will be forced to utilize American Eagle with connections to DFW Airport; Abilene Regional allows private planes as well. There are multiple rental car agencies at the airport to choose from, in addition to ride share services, but public transportation is not a reasonable option within Abilene. Parking near Crutcher Scott Field is plentiful since it is shared with the football and basketball facilities. I would avoid parking along the fence directly in front of the stadium, however, as this is the first base side of the field, and is thus prime territory for foul balls off the bat of right-handed batters. Parking is free for all baseball games, and in the event of a sell-out might become tight, but the parking lot extends for nearly half a mile, and businesses across the street from “The Crutch" also allow you to park for free. Once inside the venue, there is access to reserved seating behind home plate via ramps on either side of the concessions/restroom facility. Access to general admission seating along either baseline is available via a brick stairway on the first base (home) side, or via a long wheelchair ramp on the third base (visitor) side. There is also an elevator granting access to the concourse above the first base general admission seating – the elevator is located beyond the brick stairwell, using the entrance to the Wessel Player Development Center. Return On Investment 4 Single game general admission tickets cost $10, while reserved tickets are $15. The quality of the mesh folding seats in the reserved section behind the plate, compared to the plastic theatre seating along the first base line or in the bleachers down the third base line, is worth the extra charge unless the game is on a hot day, in which case the GA seats in the shade are far more desirable than anything in the sun. Parking around Crutcher Scott Field is free for everyone, which is always a welcome feature. With concession prices allowing a couple to eat for less than $20, the return on investment of attending an ACU baseball game is well above average. Extras 4 The abundance of shaded general admission seating for all games is well worth extra recognition. Late-season games can be hot, with temperatures reaching into the mid-90s, so comfortable seating that gives protection from the sun is a welcome relief. The ability to bring in food and drinks from outside restaurants is also worth extra points. ACU policies state this is not allowed, but at all the games I’ve attended in the last few years, fans were able to bring in food and drink from outside, although they may enforce this policy more strictly in years to come. Extra points are also given for the ultra-convenience of accessibility to the field here. Unless the opponent is a highly touted Power 4 school, there is plenty of parking within steps of the gate. In addition to the close parking, the amount of quality food, hotel, and shopping options within two minutes of the university create a convenient and easy-to-traverse setting. Final Thoughts Abilene Christian University baseball has grown into a top-notch program through facility improvements and quality play on the field. Through major investments by the university and from donors in the past decade, Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Park has transitioned from an average mid-major ballpark to a hidden gem with a bright future.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 SRO America website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Sweltering Sportscar Speed The race season at Sebring may be more well known for the annual IMSA 12 Hours, but another event is on the schedule to garner the attention of fans. The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. Food & Beverage 3 There are only a few food vendors around the track at Sebring, all of them located in the paddock area by victory lane. The ever-popular Track Shack by the main tower closes during the weekend and operates out of a smaller location by the podium area, but there are also a few food trucks and vendors that set up on that side as well, with a large open-air tent set up for you to enjoy your food and drinks in the shade, with a trackside view. The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. Atmosphere 3 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SRO America’s race weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours, and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. This track lacks many of the conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with its viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is included all weekend, something not always open during smaller events, and fans can also watch from the main tower’s second-level viewing platforms, an area roped off during IMSA weekend and reserved then only for suite guests. The biggest downside to SRO’s date in May is that the early summer heat of Central Florida means temperatures can soar into the 90s – this makes for quite a steamy day of watching racing, with very little shade to be had for fans without suite access. Neighborhood 3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend. Fans 2 The fans at SRO America weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including the IMSA, SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations, though nowhere to the level of 12 Hour attendees. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here either, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, as well as car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road throughout the event. Unfortunately, fan interest in this event has dropped over the past few years, leaving a much less busy track, as well as fewer trackside campers seen in the infield. Access 3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams are available to help take you from the further parking lots to various points of interest around the track. At Sebring International Raceway you never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to key points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to SRO America weekend here are much less expensive than at the IMSA event in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of similar race cars and drivers without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, SRO weekend is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access during this event is much more up close than at traditional races you may go to. Friday tickets are just $15, with tickets for Saturday or Sunday at just $25. A 3-day ticket runs $50, with weekend parking sold for $20. Camping trackside is $200, while car corral access runs anywhere from $60 to $100. Various club access options are also available for the event. Extras 3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, getting an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for racing on the historic circuit. Also, before the main event on Sunday, all the teams bring their cars out to the pit lane before the race starts, so fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close. Final Thoughts The annual SRO America weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour, and instead are looking for a family-friendly race day. While the heat of early Florida may be rough for some, you get a great weekend with lots of race action if you’re willing to brave it.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carlini Field 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 District Elite FC website Carlini Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Elite Soccer in the District District Elite FC is a semi-professional soccer team who joined the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in 2025. Their home games are played at Carlini Field on the campus of the Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. During the academic year, Catholic's soccer and lacrosse teams call Carlini home, but over the summer, it is home to District Elite. The NPSL, together with the UPSL and the confusingly named USL League Two, comprise the fourth division of American soccer. They are the highest level that is not fully professional, and consist mostly of current college soccer players and recent graduates. The pay is structured in a way that allows current athletes to retain their amateur eligibility if they are competing in the NPSL over the summer. However, occasionally some aging former professional who just wants to continue playing somewhere will show up in the NPSL as well. Like many teams at this level, the District Elite FC organization includes not just the NPSL club but also a club in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), the women's equivalent of the NPSL, as well as several youth development teams of various ages. It is not uncommon to see kids from District Elite's youth program in the stands for an NPSL game, and the team regularly plays doubleheaders with the WPSL club. Food & Beverage 4 There is no permanent concession stand at District Elite FC games. Instead, there are several food trucks and other local vendors in the parking lot outside the stadium. Fans can exit and re-enter to purchase food. El Jefe Wood Fired Pizza serves up made-to-order pizza in their wood oven. In addition to a classic pizza with cheese and tomato sauce, various specialty pizzas are available, including a unique one topped with sweet corn, mozzarella and cotija cheese, cilantro, and chipotle aioli. The pizza only takes a few minutes to make, but you may have to wait on line, so we suggest getting it before the game. If you go at the beginning of halftime, you should be back in time for the second half. This vendor also sells bottled water and soda cans. Prices for a whole, personal-sized pizza range from $13-$17, which for the quality of the food is pretty much what you'd expect. There was also a Kona ice truck when we visited. Atmosphere 3 There are several places at Carlini Field where fans can watch the game. Entering the stadium from the parking lot will put you on a plaza of sorts, with various patio-like furniture fans can sit on and watch the game. You will have to arrive early if you want to sit here, as it is first-come, first-served. You can move the chairs around, but there are very few places that won't be at least partially obstructed by trees. You can also walk down the steps from the plaza to a path, then walk down the path and up to a more conventional seating area. The middle section here consists of plastic chairbacks, while the two outer sections are metal bleachers. These seats will put you up close to the action. However, there is no shade in these seats until the sun goes behind the plaza and the trees, which will not happen until around 7:30 or 8 PM depending on when in the summer you are seeing a game. The plaza is in the shade, so many fans will hang out there to stay cool. A scoreboard on the far side shows only the most basic information and can be hard to see in the bright light. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. Before the game, staff will go through the stands looking for children to work as ball kids. Many of them are eager for the chance to go down on the field and be with the players and will jump at the opportunity. Overall, this is a relatively basic experience, about what you'd expect for a game at this level. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 3 District Elite FC will draw about 100-200 for a typical home match. As most of their opponents are located close to the District, a good portion of them will be there to cheer on the visiting team. Many of them are friends and family of the players on the field, and as noted above, many of them are families with kids participating in District Elite's youth system. Only a few have no personal connection whatsoever to either of the teams. Those in attendance are deeply knowledgeable about the teams, players, and even the referees working the game. They can get loud at times, and one or two of them will bring flags and wave them during big moments, but for the most part, this crowd is standard for this level of play. Access 5 There are many options for arriving at Carlini Field. There is a lot next to the stadium with free parking, and if that fills up, fans can park in the much larger DuFour Center lot. However, this is unlikely to be necessary. Parking for District Elite games is free. Fans can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red like to Brookland-CUA. Despite having CUA in the name, the Brookland station is a slightly further walk to Carlini Field. Although the Brookland station is closer to the center of campus, Carlini Field is on the northern edge, putting it closer to Fort Totten to the north than Brookland to the south. That being said, the difference is so marginal that riding the extra stop on the Red Line to Fort Totten (if you are coming from that direction) would take longer. In either case, the walk should take about 15-20 minutes. Restrooms are available on the plaza by the entrance - the men's room is on one side of the building, and the women's room is on the other. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to District Elite FC games are just $12, with children getting in for just $8. The concessions are decently priced for the quality of the food. Overall, a District Elite FC game is an outstanding value. Extras 3 One extra star for the many vantage points from which to watch a game including the plaza seating area. Look for the merchandise tent by the entrance selling District Elite FC merchandise. A third and final star for a chance to see multiple games on a single ticket, a WPSL and NPSL game. Not all matches are doubleheaders, but if you plan right, you can spend an entire afternoon or evening watching soccer. Final Thoughts If you're a soccer fan in the DC area looking for a chance to watch a soccer game at a great price, a District Elite FC game is worth a visit. It's not the most elaborate or fancy experience you will find at a soccer game, but it's still something a whole family can enjoy in a fan-friendly environment.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Apple Bowl 1555 Burtch Rd Kelowna, BC V1Y 4A9 Canada BC Lions website Starlight Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 19,500 BC Lions at the Apple Bowl Normally home to the Okanagan Sun of the Canadian Junior Football League and Okanagan FC of the Pacific Coast Soccer League, the Apple Bowl in Kelowna, British Columbia has fixed seating for about 2,300 fans. However, in 2026 the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League will play two games here, bringing in 17,000 additional seats in the form of temporary bleachers, transforming the space into a party-like atmosphere. The east side of the stadium is filled with all manner of fan activations, including plenty of sponsor giveaways, as well as games such as cornhole, football tosses, and even a little putt-putt. There are also plenty of concession stands, as well as myriad tents selling alcohol, and even a team gear tent for you to stock up on your Lions paraphernalia. A party stage featuring a live band completes the ensemble, and there are also picnic tables on that side if you want to sit and eat while you listen. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and beverage options at the Apple Bowl during Touchdown Kelowna, although the lines can get a little long, and you may have to walk a bit to get to the concessions from your seats, depending on where you are sitting. The main tents feature a limited selection from Triple O’s, a local burger joint, specifically just four items: burgers ($10), hot dogs ($6), chips ($2), and water, but there are plenty of food trucks right next door, serving up tacos, donuts, poutine, Indian food, kettle corn, ice cream, and lemonade to name a few. All these concessions are located in the southeast corner, so they are a bit of a walk for those sitting on the north side. The west side is limited to club seating where food is (mostly) included with your ticket. For alcohol, there are several giant tents set up right behind the east stands, selling 10 varieties of beer, as well as gin cocktails, hard seltzer, and vodka for $11 each. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Touchdown Kelowna is top-notch; the east side feels like a party all game long, with fans enjoying the games and giveaways, and listening to the live band. The party zone in the northwest corner (standing room only section) is also buzzing, and you will see plenty of fans in Lions gear, although there are also lots of fans supporting the other side, as well. In terms of the field layout, there are videoboards in both the northwest and southeast corners, which are a little hard to see from far away. The PA announcer is also a little difficult to hear; it may help to have larger screens to at least show the score and down and distance. Most of the seating is uncovered; if you want to stay out of the sun, your only choice is the fixed seating on the west side, which naturally sells out first, and those tickets are much more expensive. The cheerleaders perform throughout the game from in front of the party zone, on the same side as the BC Lions bench. Neighborhood 4 The Apple Bowl is located in Parkinson Recreation Park on the east side of Okanagan Lake, a long, winding lake that seems more like a river. There are plenty of places to eat in this bustling town of over 200K, as well as plenty of outdoor attractions such as parks, wineries, and even a kangaroo farm – for my money, this is the best attraction in town, charging just $20 admission and open daily from 9 am to 3 pm. Besides kangaroos, Kangaroo Creek Farm boasts many other animals, from pot-bellied pigs and tortoises to turkeys, peacocks, and hares. But the most recognizable resident at the farm has got to be the albino wallaby, a down-under cousin of the kangaroo that looks very much like one. There are plenty of hotels in Kelowna as well, on both sides of the river. Note that in 2026 the Lions are playing back-to-back games at the Apple Bowl as part of the Touchdown Kelowna festival, so you may have a choice as to which game to attend. Fans 5 While the Apple Bowl cannot hold as many fans as the Lions are used to seeing at BC Place, at least since the recent ownership change, both games at the Apple Bowl are likely to be sellouts, and as mentioned earlier, you will see plenty of fans sporting Lions gear. The larger team gear tent is on the east side, but there is also a smaller one on the west side, behind the club seats and next to the fixed stands, so you have options to get your Lions swag no matter which side you are sitting on. The fans are into the action all game long – the staff did a great job scheduling two of the Lions’ biggest (and closest geographically) rivals, the Stampeders and the Elks, for the two games in 2026, which really helped increase the size of the crowd. Access 3 Kelowna is about four hours from Vancouver and three hours from Chilliwack. Once you get close to Kelowna, the drive along Okanagan Lake is enjoyable with the stunning water views, but before that you are faced with a long slog across a mostly barren expanse, with few gas stations and only a handful of tiny, strategically placed rest stops along the way. Be sure to fill up when the signs warn you to, so you don’t run out of gas and get stranded along the way. Once you get to the stadium, there is not much in the way of parking nearby; most fans walk a fair distance to get to the gates. Gate A is where most fans enter, on the east side, while Gate B is near the fixed stands on the west side. If you try to walk around the whole facility, you won’t be able to cross the northwest corner, but the rest of it is open – you may want to keep that in mind when trying to move around the venue. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Touchdown Kelowna are pretty cheap, and can be had for about 40 CAD from the venue website if you are willing to stand in the party zone all game long; other tickets, especially in the fixed stands, can cross well over 150 CAD, but may be worthwhile, as the fixed stands have the only covered seating in the whole place. If you are able, I definitely recommend taking in a BC Lions game at the Apple Bowl. There is no guarantee the Lions will come to the Apple Bowl every year, and if they do, you may only have the chance to see one or two games here in a season. I would definitely take advantage of the chance to see the Lions in a whole new way if you can. Extras 4 The staff brings in several junior flag football teams to play during halftime, and the BC Lions mascot will be on hand as well to greet fans and pose for photos. The facility also has water stations set up where fans can refill their water containers to help keep fans hydrated during the contest. Final Thoughts It may be a long trek for the typical BC Lions fans over in Vancouver, but a trip to Touchdown Kelowna at the Apple Bowl is well worth the trip. Here’s hoping the Lions decide to keep coming back to this wonderful pop-up venue, year after year.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Central Recreation Centre 519 Drury Lane Burlington, ON L7R 2X3 Burlington Blaze website Central Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,300 Blaze of Glory In 1976 the Hamilton Bengals joined the ranks of Junior A lacrosse in Ontario. Success came quickly for the Bengals, as they finished the regular season in 1st place in their division in just their fourth season of play. The Bengals subsequently fell off and ended up competing with Jr B teams for a number of years in the playoffs after a poor showing during the regular season. The Bengals merged with a Burlington team to form the Bay Area Bengals in 1984. By 1992, Hamilton split off to head to the Junior B circuit leaving Burlington to play in Junior A as the Chiefs. In 2023 the Chiefs rebranded to the Burlington Blaze, jettisoning their aboriginal name, and ended up winning the Iroquois Cup as OJLL Champions and then going on to defeat the Coquitlam Adanacs to take home the Minto Cup as National Champions. The Blaze are a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of the Burlington Minor Lacrosse Association. Home for the Blaze is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena. Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven, which seems to be an apt home for a team referred to as the Blaze. Alumni for the Blaze and Chiefs include Andrew Kew, Brent Noseworthy, Ryan Smith and Ed Comeau. Food & Beverage 1 At the game that was reviewed, there was no concession stand. There were some vending machines that sold soft drinks and candy. Atmosphere 2 Central Arena is part of a larger community centre in Burlington. The Central Recreation Centre building is a simple combination of light stucco and siding on the exterior. A colourful mural at the southwest corner of the building is the exterior highlight. Fans will enter the building at the main entrance at the west side. The main entrance leads fans into a small lobby with temporary tables for the 50/50 and ticket sales. The feeling that the building is designed more for recreation as opposed to spectators becomes evident. The main arena is available to fans after traversing a set of stairs. There are a number of trophy cases located in the hallway just outside of the main arena, one of which showcases some Burlington Minor Lacrosse items under the old Chiefs name and logo. Another trophy case is dedicated to the Blaze and has a number of items related to the 2023 Minto Cup Champion team. Inside the main arena fans are met with a very plain area with no markings to let fans know that this is the home of the Blaze. Banners for the 2023 Minto Cup Championship are found on the east wall. The polished concrete floor runs from west to east with ten rows of step benches on the south side. An enclosed operations/press box is at the top of the south side, dividing the seating area. The simple hockey style scoreboard is found on the west wall. Inside the arena there are two other major items that become evident. The first is that the moniker “The Oven” is apt as there is no air-conditioning and the arena can be very hot in the summer months. The second is that there are a number of diagonal structural I-beams that can obstruct the view of the floor from the seating area. The gameday production is very simple. No music is played before the game or during down periods. It could be possible that this was due to technical difficulties as during the game that was reviewed the national anthem was unable to be played. However, after Blaze goals, a goal song was provided by a fan holding a large portable speaker. The PA system is very poor and it is difficult to understand announcements that are made. Neighbourhood 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington. There are several other recreation facilities in the immediate Central Park area including the curling club, lawn bowling, tennis club, library, baseball diamonds, and theatre. The practice facility for the famous Burlington Teen Tour Band is in this area also. Other than the park facilities, it is a fairly residential area with little in the way of pre or post-game culinary facilities. Fans should consider heading south towards Lakeshore Road to find bars and restaurants. Some options worth considering are The Carriage House, The North Coal Kitchen & Bar, Joe Dog’s, La Creme de la Creme, and Pepperwood Bistro Brewery. There is not much in the way of other sports options in Burlington and fans would probably need to head southwest to Hamilton for those options. Central Arena is also the home of the Burlington Cougars of the OJHL during the winter months. The Blaze have a rivalry with the Oakville Buzz, who are a short drive northeast, along the lake. Hamilton is very close also and has a bunch of sporting options. For other entertainment options fans should consider checking out the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Drury Lane Theatrical Productions, and Spencer Smith Park. Fans wishing to stay in Burlington should consider the Waterfront Hotel or The Pearle Hotel. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as attendance figures are not published. There were probably around 150 fans at the game that was reviewed. It would be considered a “friends and family” crowd at a regular season game. Fans in attendance were supportive of the team and into the game. It was not a crowd that was too much different than most of the other teams in the league. Access 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington, east of the Queen Elizabeth Way south of Highway 403, and north of Lakeshore Road. Fans coming to Burlington from out of town will be required to drive a bit through the city, however, the travel is not difficult. There is plenty of parking in the area at no cost, however, it is a busy area with many other recreation facilities where parking will also be utilized. Fans who wish to take public transit to Central Arena have several options on Drury Lane, New Street, and Central Park. Fans should consult the Burlington Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Traversing the arena can be difficult as there are plenty of stairs throughout the arena. There are plenty of obstructed views due to the diagonal structural beams and railings. The washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 4 OJLL lacrosse offers tremendous value for a small investment. Tickets for the Burlington Blaze go for $10, parking is free and concessions are very affordable. The product on the floor is top notch and very fast and exciting. If the Blaze offered a little more when it comes to the atmosphere, then the ROI would be better. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Blaze earning the 2023 Iroquois Cup as OJLL champions and 2023 Minto Cup as National Junior A Lacrosse Champions. An extra mark for the strength of lacrosse in the area with the Toronto Rock located in Hamilton and the Oakville Buzz just up the highway in Oakville. OJLL teams are also found in nearby Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto and Six Nations. Final Thoughts The Burlington Blaze continue to provide strong competition in the OJLL and can even boast a Minto Cup. Although Central Arena is not an ideal home, it provides a serviceable venue for lacrosse. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Trenton Thunder Ballpark One Thunder Rd Trenton, NJ 08611 Trenton Thunder website Trenton Thunder Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,440 Thunderous Applause In Trenton The Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League continue their fan-focused event in Central Jersey at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark (don’t be fooled by the name on the outside, ARM & HAMMER Park—that’s not its name.) With many entertaining mascots, a Philly-Jersey fusion of food, and themed activities for the fans, you can truly feel at home at the ballpark on the Delaware River. Just a home run hit ball across the River away from Pennsylvania. Trenton’s famous slogan, “Trenton Makes and the World Takes,” continues in entertainment. The Thunder have proven and been recognized for over three decades for fan and family-style entertainment. They are expanding their reach while continuing with traditions. The stadium opened as Mercer County Waterfront Park in 1994. The Thunder became a Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in the Eastern League. The Thunder then became affiliated with the Boston Red Sox the following season, before switching to the New York Yankees in 2003. When the Yanks switched their affiliation to nearby Somerset Patriots, the Thunder became inaugural members of the MLB Draft League in 2021. Food & Beverage 4 This ballpark offers a sampling of foods infused not just with Jersey staples but with Philly ones as well. Whether it’s a traditional hoagie (a sub to many), Case’s Classic Pork Roll (Taylor Ham to some), a Philly cheesesteak or funnel cake — there are many regional delights to be had. Some of the team's alternate team names, like “Pork Rolls” & "Tomato Pies” for themed nights, focus on these regional classics. At Horizon Healthy Play on the third base side, you can get all your dietary needs met, whether it be gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, or if you’re simply looking for your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Then you can wash it down with a sugar-free, no-additive wine located to the right of the Thunder Company Store. Looking for meat and dairy? Look no further; head to Case’s Pork Roll Paradise on the first base side. Let your inner foodie out with Case’s “Oink, Cluck, & Moo” better known as a classic pork roll, egg, and cheese. Not into a sandwich, then maybe try their “Barnyard Bowl,” a delicious blend of macaroni and cheese, scrumptious pork roll, and crispy bacon- yum! Not enough meat for you? Then head on over to the third base side by the picnic table area and enjoy one of these three platters: brisket, ribs, or BBQ chicken, each served with mac & cheese and cornbread at Boomer’s BBQ. If you’re looking for an adult evening out, rest assured that the Thunder have you covered with adult beverages. With Breweries represented like Racoon Salon and Brew Haus. In the middle of all your food and drink options, you will find water filtration combination fill stations and water fountains. No more overpriced bottles of water; just remember to bring empty plastic sports bottles — which are permitted. Atmosphere 4 On this particular evening, it was a cross between a family barbecue and an evening out with friends that made the stadium hum with fun. A playful experience of joyous strangers acting as if they were at a family cookout. Baseball on the field and fun everywhere else. Baseball conversations, laughing, playful joking, and children tossing balls & respectfully playing all huddled about throughout the stadium. It was one big party where everyone was approachable and friendly, but rest assured, there was always at least one eye on the game. There is not a bad seat in the house. The seating bowl is divided by an inner concourse. The action can be seen from the open upper concourse as well. There is also seating and views to be had in the picnic area where there are metal picnic table-style seats—some with umbrellas and some without. The press box area does block views behind home base from the upper concourse. Neighborhood 2 Unfortunately, there isn’t really a neighborhood. The stadium is nestled between a small highway and the historic Delaware River. You’ll see this as you ride along the River, go through the “Historic Trenton” mini-tunnel, and WHAM, the stadium jumps out at you, so be prepared to stop. The stadium backs up to the historical Delaware River and is within Mercer County Waterfront Park. The New Jersey State Museum & Planetarium are just a short car ride away. A fun mix of history, science, and art. Some evenings at the Planetarium offer rock-infused laser light shows as well. Trenton is tricky; one street has a beautiful historic feel, and around the corner could be another world. However, it is the Capital of New Jersey and a drive around to see the New Jersey State House (the nation's second oldest state capitol building), the War Memorial, the Old Barracks Museum (site of the Battle of Trenton on Dec. 26, 1776), and buildings is worth a view…from the car. It isn’t recommended to walk too much in Trenton itself; the capital buildings are recommended to be visited during daylight hours before 3 PM Monday-Friday. Fans 4 It’s a mix of all — the diehard fans, the fans from 1994, motorcycle enthusiasts, first responders, teachers, young adults, date night couples and families with children of all ages. Thunderous applause, pleasantries, and all-around good manners are what the Thunder fans are all about. Whether you are in line, at the picnic tables, or walking the concourse, the fans and staff couldn’t be more pleasant and hospitable. Thunder fans love their mascots and traditions, one of which is their beloved legacy of dogs trained to be the “batdog” for the first inning. Fans know these pups have been so well trained that you may miss them if your eyes aren’t fixed on the field. The fans are into the fanfare, as well as the play on the field. Fan participation is encouraged through timed speed activities between breaks in gameplay. Through racing Boomer, one of the handful of mascots, to opponents competing in who can place as many items in a waste receptacle on the field as possible. The fan participation activities do not interrupt or distract from the game at hand. Fans follow the plays and know their team, which is to be expected. Although there are fans who are just there for a good time with everything this stadium has to offer besides baseball. Fear not, the two do not collide. The Thunder create an excellent atmosphere for both types of fans to thrive. With 50/50 raffles and many types of alcoholic beverages, think of the park as a family-friendly place where there is a little bit of everything for everyone. Access 3 It is not recommended to drive through the city, but instead drive along the Delaware River, preferably from the interstates and state highways/routes like Interstate 95, Routes 1, 195 & 295 to Rt. 129. There is no mass transit, and plan to park your car in one of the lots or the parking garage right next to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 For the price of admission, the amenities, the cheap parking, and what it costs to get there it is a great return on investment. Tickets start at $15 and parking is a bargain at $5 in the two lots next to the stadium. This is an affordable evening out for one, date night, or the whole family. The food is reasonably priced for what you receive. Children are treated very well, with free autographs, programs, and other giveaways. For the adults, the pricing and atmosphere is above a night out at a restaurant or local pub. Everyone can leave the game feeling good about the money that was spent and what they got in return. Extras 3 The Thunder offers a lot of games with attractions and events. With theme nights and specials, you can enjoy yourself without ‘breaking the bank.’ A few examples are free Fireworks at select games, Kids Eat Free Tuesdays, $1 Dog Day Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and Sangria Sundays. Plus the entertaining characters like Boomer (the Original Thunderbird Mascot), Cloudman (the Hometown Heroes Mascot), Batdogs Derby (the rookie) & Rookie (who is retiring this year), and of course the latest Pork Roll Mascot - Slice! You can read about these and many more with your free program “Thunder RD” as you enter Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Let’s not forget—the honorary P.O.W. seat and placard provided by Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle organization that was also in attendance on this evening. Final Thoughts Having been there for the Thunder’s second game in 1994, I can tell you that the things you loved from back then still stand up. What has changed is only for the betterment of the game and the fan experience.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Currie Field 750 Winnipeg St North Regina, SK S4R 1H8 Regina Red Sox website Currie Field website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 3,200 Regina Red Sox The Regina Red Sox have a long and storied history in various iterations going all the way back to the 1940s. The current version, playing in the Western Canadian Baseball League, has been active since 2005 and has won the league championship three times, most recently in 2025. The Red Sox play at Currie Field, located on the north side of Regina. It is the centrepiece of the Mount Pleasant Sports Park, nestled among soccer fields, green spaces, as well as a junior ballpark. Currie Field has hosted several teams since the mid-1990s and has been the home diamond for the Red Sox since the franchise began. Discussion of replacing the aging ballpark is underway, with a couple of possible locations being reviewed, both more centrally located. While the team and the city are still in the fundraising phase, they are looking to move forward in the next few years. Food & Beverage 3 Options on the menu are fairly typical, located at a trailer just behind the main grandstand on the first base side. Burgers, hot dogs, and an assortment of candy are available at the main concession, next to the main entrance on the first base side of the diamond. There is also an adult beverage stand tucked into the bleachers between the third base stands and the home plate stands with a selection of beer and coolers. Atmosphere 3 It’s a very laid-back atmosphere in the stands at Currie Field. Crowds are relatively sparse, averaging about 700 fans in a park that seats 3,200, so there are small clusters of people spread out across the many sections of stands. The three central sections of the stands are assigned seating and are comfortable, moulded plastic. Stretching out from there are sets of bleachers stretching down the baselines. These are a mixture of wood and metal bleachers. Stick to the wood bleachers on a hot summer day—they’re much cooler to sit on. Currie Field Interior, Photo by Flannery, Stadium Journey Having the fans spread so thin across the stands means the crowd noise drops off quickly as you move away from behind home plate, which reduces the energy. But things remain pleasant, with fans looking like they’re having a good time. Neighborhood 2 Located north of the city, next to an industrial park, means there isn’t much to do in the immediate area. Mount Pleasant Sports Park itself is nice to walk around in, if you’re looking to take a stroll and touch some grass. If you want a bite to eat after a game, however, you’ll be going for a drive. A few blocks straight south of the diamond, on Winnipeg St., is Ginger Garlic Nepalese Cuisine, a highly rated restaurant for people looking for something exotic. For more conventional fare, try Trifons Pizza, located southwest of the park on Broad St. A few blocks further west gets you to Northgate Mall, which has a food court and a couple of free-standing restaurants as well, such as Osmow’s Shawarma and Arby’s. Fans 3 The smaller audience lends itself to groups of people hanging out and enjoying each other’s company as much as watching the game. But cheers and applause happen at the appropriate moments, so fans are engaged in the action on the diamond. Overall, the fans are fairly low-key, but pleasant. Access 4 Access to the diamond is fairly easy, with Mount Pleasant Sports Park located right off Regina’s Ring Road, which circles through the entire city. You’re also fairly close to Albert St, which bisects the city, running north-south. Parking is to the north of the diamond and is free. Inside Currie Field’s walls, pathways around the stands are wide and make it easy to get from point A to point B. Return on Investment 4 Pricing is quite reasonable at Currie Field, and right in line with other teams in the league. Premium seating behind home plate is $20.99. Adult tickets are $17.92; youths (6-14) are $7.68. Children aged 0-5 are free if accompanied by an adult, so this is a very family-friendly venue. For the quality of ball being played, this is a bargain. Extras 2 Just to the first base side of the main grandstand is a pro shop, with all the team ball caps, shirts, and bunnyhugs (that’s the Saskatchewan word for a hoodie) you might want. The Red Sox have a mascot named Slyder who makes his way around the field, entertaining the kids in the audience. Final Thoughts Currie Field remains a decent place to take in a ball game. A relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere. While it is long in the tooth, it still does its job while the team and the city look forward to building a new home.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Mulcahy Stadium 498 E. 16th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Anchorage Bucs website Mulcahy Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,500 The Bucs of Alaska Mulcahy Stadium in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, is one of the largest outdoor sports facilities in the state of Alaska. In addition to serving as the home to both the Anchorage Bucs and Anchorage Glacier Pilots of the Alaska Baseball League, several high school and American Legion teams use the field for games. The ballpark is named after former Alaska Railroad station auditor William Mulcahy. Mulcahy was instrumental in putting together the early baseball games that entertained the Anchorage community. He was the first National Baseball Congress Commissioner of Baseball for Alaska and introduced Little League Baseball to Anchorage. Mulcahy was known around town as “Mr. Baseball” and the “Grand Old Man of Baseball.” The Anchorage Bucs were formed in 1980 as the Anchorage Adult League Team. The team was renamed the Cook Inlet Bucs when they joined the Alaska Baseball League in 1981. In 1984 the team was again rebranded, this time as the Anchorage Bucs. Some notable alumni of the team include Wally Joyner, Jeff Kent, and Keith Foulke. Food & Beverage 4 There is a small concession stand behind home plate. There is a decent menu served here, with hot dogs, burgers, nachos and kielbasa anchoring the menu (see what I did there?). You can add chili, cheese or bacon to your item for an upcharge. If you’re looking for something a little different, reindeer dogs are sold at the concession stand too. An assortment of snack items are also available, including pretzels, ice cream treats, candy and popcorn. Pepsi products are featured during Bucs games. If you are looking for an adult beverage, the beer stand has a good selection of beer and wine, as well as a large array of draft choices from local favorite Alaskan Brewing Company. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at a Bucs game is old school, to say the least. Fans used to the constant noise and distraction at most games today might not know what to do with themselves, but those fans who prefer a traditional approach will feel right at home. There is little in the way of extraneous noise, music or other shenanigans at a Bucs game. The game itself is the entire focus here. There are no walk-up songs for the batters, no between-innings promotions, no constant sponsor ads ringing in your ears (save for one unfortunate ad read after every foul ball. (Yes, every single one.). What noise there is here at Mulcahy Stadium comes the PA announcer, who makes lineup announcements and between-inning sponsor ads in an overly energetic manner over a very loud sound system. Music is only played between-innings, and the excellent playlist consists of classic 80’s rock. The Bucs share Mulcahy Stadium with another Alaska League team, the Glacier Pilots. This is not a typical “shared facility” situation. The ballpark is almost split right down the middle. Each team has their own clubhouse on site, their own concession stands, their own season ticket holder sections, their own merchandise stands, and their own displays. Think of that Brady Bunch episode where Peter and Bobby put a line down the middle of their bedroom to divide their room in half, it's almost that extreme. You will practically experience a different stadium for a Bucs game than you will for a Glacier Pilots game. For a Bucs game, the third base side of the ballpark is open, while the first base side is shuttered. Bucs Game Action at Mulcahy Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Mulcahy Stadium is part of the Chester Creek Sports Complex in the Fairview neighborhood of Anchorage. Also part of the complex are Sullivan Arena and Ben Boeke Ice Arena. This municipal facility also contains fields for football, softball, street hockey, soccer, pickleball, and tennis. Visiting fans looking for dining or lodging options directly adjacent to the ballpark will be disappointed, but the options for dining and lodging just a short distance from Mulcahy Stadium are many and varied. Ingra Street, located just to the east of Sullivan Arena, anchors a busy commercial district, loaded with dining options for those happy with the usual chains. For those seeking a more traditional Anchorage experience, head to the downtown area, located just over a mile away. For more information on the best options in the area and Anchorage attractions, visit Anchorage.net. Fans 2 Getting an exact attendance number for the Bucs is difficult, as the league does not release attendance figures. Stadium Journey visited Anchorage on a Monday night in late June with a crowd of about 250 fans in attendance. In speaking with people around the ballpark, this seemed to be a pretty representative crowd. With it being a cloudy Monday night, it felt like a decent crowd indeed. As mentioned before, the Bucs share Mulcahy Stadium with the Glacier Pilots, who tend to draw comparable, if slightly larger crowds. The big draw in these parts is the annual Fourth of July game between the Bucs and Glacier Pilots, which draws a standing room crowd of up to 4,000 people each year. The teams do manage to coexist and open all the concessions and restrooms that night. The crowd at a Bucs game seems to be made up largely of regulars, as it’s one of those places where everyone seems to know everyone. As with most summer college games, you’ll find a good number of families and youth groups out enjoying some affordable entertainment, as well as a core group of die-hard baseball fans. With the compact footprint of the Alaska League, you’ll be sure to see many fans of the opposing team in the stands as well. The fans are exactly what you would expect from the good people of Alaska. They are friendly and welcoming, even to outsiders. You can feel comfortable striking up a conversation with your neighbors, as they are very used to people traveling here from all over. Given the die-hard nature of many of the fans here, they are very knowledgeable about the players and the team. Fans in the Old Mulcahy Stadium Grandstand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Mulcahy Stadium is centrally located within the city. It is easily accessible via Route 1 (Ingra St.) or A Street on either end of the complex. Downtown Anchorage is just over a mile from the ballpark. For fans utilizing public transportation, Anchorage’s People Mover Route 25 stops on A Street about a block from the ballpark. A large parking lot is located between Mulcahy Stadium and Sullivan and Boeke Arenas. Fans can enter the ballpark on the third base side, where the ticket booth is located. There is another entrance in deep right field, which may or may not be open, depending on the game. The seating area is a hodge-podge of sections built up over the years. The main grandstand behind home plate features metal bleachers, as well as room for those who bring their own chairs. There are newer sections on either baseline featuring individual bucket seats. These are reserved for season ticket holders. A beer garden, which contains some popular seating options, but which is not open during Bucs game, is located on the right field side. Metal bleachers round out the seating down both foul lines. Seating along the first base side of the field is preferred, as the sun will not be in your eyes, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains in the distance. There are a pair of restrooms for use on the concourse, and the ballpark is easily accessible. Lines are not an issue at the concession or beer stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bucs games are priced at ten dollars for reserved seats and eight dollars for general admission (bleacher) seats. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Bucs game is an inexpensive entertainment option for local sports fans. Old Signage at Mulcahy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 The Anchorage Bucs Hall of Fame is located on the third base concourse. Among the notable names found here are Keith Foulke, Jeff Kent and Wally Joyner. Two rows of seating located in front of the Bucs clubhouse were formerly used at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Final Thoughts Mulcahy Stadium is a quaint old ballpark located in a wonderful destination city. The back story of the Bucs and Glacier Pilots, who cannot exist in their shared ballpark, makes for a unique visiting experience. Throw in the fact that the Alaska League continues to be one of the premier summer college circuits in the nation, and you have found yourself a fantastic Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.