Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fluor Field at the West End 945 S Main St Greenville, SC 29601 Greenville Drive website Fluor Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,000 High A Ball In Green Vegas Baseball has been played in Greenville since the late 1800s. With over one hundred years of baseball in the city, the sport has become a central part of the town's culture. Through the years, a variety of minor league teams have called Greenville home, including, but not limited to, the Greenville Braves (1984–2004). The current resident, the Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Red Sox, has called Fluor Field home since its gates opened in 2006. Paying homage to their major league affiliate, Fluor Field shares many of the same dimensional characteristics as Fenway Park. The Drive front office has made a continued investment in the stadium since its inauguration, maintaining the standard of one of the best High-A experiences in the country. Food & Beverage 4 Fluor Field offers a wide variety of food and beverage options throughout the stadium. Along the concourse, you will find all the stadium basics, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, chicken tenders, popcorn, soda, candy, etc., and then some at the traditional concession windows. In addition to the basics, there are also windows and grab-and-go options that house chicken wings, soft-serve ice cream, energy drinks, and BBQ sandwiches, all of which are reasonably priced. The soft serve served in a mini helmet has become a baseball classic and appears to be a hit with the Greenville Drive faithful. The beer selection adds to the already strong food and beverage variety. You can find an array of basic domestics, as well as craft beer from New Realm Brewing, including, but not limited to, the Greenville Drive house lager, "Rallyville." There is also a decent selection of seltzers, ciders, and Cutwaters for non-beer fans. Atmosphere 4 If I could describe the atmosphere of Fluor Field in one word, that word would be "clean." From the concourse to the bathrooms, the game presentation, the ticket office, and the team store, everything is clean, and it is exactly what you want from a High-A baseball experience. Starting at the ticket office, if you choose not to purchase tickets online before you arrive, you still have the option to purchase a physical ticket. It is a pleasant aspect of the gameday experience that seems to be fading away nowadays, so props to the Greenville Drive and their staff for keeping it alive. Adjacent to the ticket office is the primary team store. It is the typical size for a team at this level, offering a variety of '47 Brand hats, T-shirts, jerseys, sweaters, and other trinkets that often inhabit team stores. The concourse does not wrap around the entirety of the stadium; rather, it stretches from foul pole to foul pole. The left field foul pole holds a general admission grass berm, and behind the berm is a caged playground for children. The right field foul pole houses the 500 Club, where the majority of the specialty food can be found, along with picnic benches and high-top tables. As the concourse wraps around to the other side, there are plenty of concession windows, mini team stores, and a drink kiosk. The field of play is also viewable from the concourse. There is traditional blue stadium seating below the concourse, and the sun does set on the third-base side, which is an important bit of information on sweltering Southern summer days, nights, and everything in between. Premium seating and other hospitality areas can be found on the second deck, and these areas are inaccessible to patrons with a standard ticket. There is also seating atop the replica Green Monster, as well as a specialty rooftop bar and hospitality areas above that. All of this adds to the quirky minor league baseball atmosphere. The field itself pays homage to its major league counterpart, Fenway Park, by modeling some of its unique dimensions after landmarks such as the Green Monster and Pesky's Pole. The atmosphere is topped off with a seamless game presentation featuring fun between-inning activations, clear announcements, audible music without being overbearing, and a well-rounded modern video board. Neighborhood 4 The Historic West End is one of Greenville's most popular districts, offering a wide array of activities, food, drink, and culture. Adjacent to downtown, the West End offers a slightly calmer atmosphere than the busier, but still attractive, downtown area. Modern apartment buildings, shops, bars, and restaurants surround Fluor Field, adding to the Fenway-esque vibe as the stadium is nestled into the surrounding buildings. There are plenty of establishments to pop into before the game for a quick drink or a bite to eat. Places such as Gather GVL, Lefty's West End, Mercado Cantina, and many more are merely steps away from the stadium. Personally, I enjoy New Realm Brewing, which is right across the street from the outfield, for a quick drink before the game. Their beautiful taproom offers a spacious two-story interior with ambient lighting and an expansive outdoor patio with a stage for live music. There is a Homewood Suites across the street from the stadium, but due to the proximity to downtown Greenville, there is no shortage of lodging options. This is true for both hotels and Airbnbs alike. Falls Park on the Reedy is one of Greenville's most popular attractions, and it is less than a mile from the stadium. The park offers a cascading river, scenic views of the city, and plenty of walking paths. While the West End is quaint, downtown is also certainly worth a visit and has more to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants, and bars. It is a little louder and more hectic, but still very clean and walkable. Downtown is also home to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Fans 4 We were in attendance for a Thursday night tilt. Weeknight minor league baseball games can be very hit or miss in terms of attendance, but the Drive faithful had a strong showing. This seems to be the norm, as they average just under 5,000 fans per game—nothing for a High-A team to be ashamed of. The fans themselves are reserved and welcoming. It is largely locals greeting one another and staff members alike, which is one of the more special aspects of minor league baseball—something that often gets lost at major league games. While the Red Sox are the major league affiliate, Greenville is certainly still Braves Country, as Braves hats, jerseys, and shirts can be found throughout the crowd. Access 3 There are no direct Fluor Field parking lots adjacent to the stadium; instead, the Drive directs fans to general Greenville parking lots and decks around the city. The Drive offers detailed parking information on its website, including a map displaying all lots, decks, and trolley service routes, as some parking decks are downtown and require a bit of a stroll. There is one free lot at 706 Pendleton Street that is well worth using if you arrive early enough, as some parking options can run as high as $20. This lot is only about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Traffic coming into the city can be hit or miss, so it is worth giving yourself a little extra buffer time upon arrival, but it should not be anything too extreme. The stadium itself is simple to navigate, as it consists of one concourse that wraps above the seating bowl; it can, however, get a little tight when busy. Return on Investment 4 Minor league baseball should be affordable, and the Drive delivers exactly that. At $9 for general admission and $13 for a reserved seat, combined with the free parking option, you are already looking at one of the more affordable experiences in affiliated baseball. The low cost does not stop there. Basic stadium fare—hot dogs, pizza, boiled peanuts, soda, and more—will only run you between $2 and $6. Specialty items, like the meatball sub that I can and will vouch for, cost around $11. Beer ranges from about $5 for a domestic to $7 for a craft option, and on Thursdays, prices drop even further with $4 Rallyville Lager and $3 Kona Big Wave specials. All things considered, one of the better MiLB experiences is also one of the most affordable. There is no arguing the bang for your buck at Fluor Field. Extras 3 The aforementioned unique ballpark dimensions and left field seating areas are a lot of fun, and they definitely earn a point for still offering physical tickets. Last but certainly not least, the team store offers a '47 Brand hat that does not feature the team logo; instead, it displays a shield of Fluor Field itself, which is much appreciated. Final Thoughts This stadium experience certainly lives up to the hype and is a must-see for any baseball fan in the area.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Highland Park Stadium 900 West Defenbaugh St Kokomo, IN 46902 Kokomo Post 6 website Highland Park Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,000 Kokomo Highland Park Stadium Stands Still Highland Park Stadium, or CFD Investments Stadium, has been a fixture in Kokomo, Indiana, since 1955, when it was prepared for minor league baseball in the Midwest League. The era of affiliated ball lasted seven seasons and provided lasting memories for all who attended games, but many more were made at high school, amateur, and American Legion games. Today, the Kokomo Post 6 baseball team plays here. The American Legion team has called it home for many years and has played steadily since 1925. The program has two primary squads: Senior 19U and Junior 17U teams that develop and prepare area youth for college baseball. The team is affectionately known as the Sixers and has captured two American Legion Baseball State Championships in 1972 and 1982. The 1982 squad finished fourth in the nation. The Kokomo Dodgers operated during the 1955 season before giving way to the Kokomo Dodgers the following year. The K-Dodgers played at the stadium until 1961. Future MLB Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda and NL All-Star Tommie Davis spent time in town honing their skills. In 1961, improvements were made to the stadium, including painting several buildings and installing bleachers, but it was not enough to keep professional baseball in town. The K-Dodgers quietly folded after the season. The city invested more than $250,000 in stadium renovations that included new lights and bleacher seating for the 1985 American Legion World Series. The upgrades reduced the stadium’s seating capacity from 7,000 to 3,000. The stadium would continue to be used by Kokomo High School, Legion Ball, and other organizations, with close to 160-180 events per year. The stadium was used for amateur baseball teams that included the CFD Saints and the Kokomo, sometimes named Burger King Highlanders, from 1960 to 1999. These teams would generate between 300-500 fans per game at times. Food & Beverages 3 There was food served at the game in the form of a food truck just outside the stadium’s main entrance. El Rancho Street Tacos could not be missed by many in attendance, offering a specific menu for the game that included street corn, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and nachos. The main attraction might be the street dog that is topped with grilled onion, pico de gallo, cilantro, and crumbled Hot Cheeto dust. The bun flavors worked well together, and the bun was nicely toasted. Coca-Cola products and bottled agua frescas are available to wash it down with. Fans are also able to bring their own food and drink into the stadium. Atmosphere 3 If you enjoy a laid-back baseball experience with no thrills, this is your place. The game is relaxed, quiet at times, and ideal for the baseball purists. There is not much taking place during the game besides watching the game with a few friends and family members of the players. The sounds of the ball pinging off aluminum bats, cleats brushing against the gravel path, and celebrations from each dugout to end an inning. There is a PA announcer, reminders to visit the truck, and pitching changes. At times, somebody will talk to you about the game or the team itself, but this is a chance to stretch your feet and enjoy the ballgame. The Sixers sell official caps and game-worn jerseys for $30 and $5 a piece at the entrance of the stadium. Foul balls are returned to the umpire, and the neighborhood surrounding gives the experience a small-town feel that is welcoming. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in Highland Park on the edge of a residential neighborhood and a golf course, just 2 miles south of Kokomo Municipal Stadium, home of the Kokomo Creek Chubs of the Prospect League. What you would find in Kokomo is a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on US-31, which is not too far from the stadium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then here are a few suggestions. ​ Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches, and it is also an ideal place for the kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery provides a great stop for a bite to eat or craft beer after the game. The Windmill Grill, B-K Root Beer Stand, or Artie’s Tenderloin are great local choices in town. Be sure to try a tenderloin sandwich, a giant breaded piece of pork that is deep-fried and big enough for two. ​ The ballpark is 2 miles away from the historic Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, which at one time was one of the largest high school basketball field houses in the country. The current size is around 5,000, and it still packs a crowd during the high school season. Fans 2 The game attracts parents, friends, and other family members. There are very few who come out to check out the game itself. Access 3 Highland Park Stadium has its own parking lot, and two main bleachers are separated by a press box. There are areas down the foul lines to watch the game along the fence, but the stadium is laid out nicely for easy access. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $5, children are $2, and a season pass is $25. The cost of a baseball cap is $30, and game-used jerseys are $5-cash only. The food truck prices range from $3 for a taco, $4.50 for a street dog, and $9 for a torta. They take credit cards. A nice way to spend an evening of baseball at a low cost. Extras 2 The stadium earns a point for having a food truck that changes per game. A second point is for the $5 team gear, which makes for a unique and nice gift. Final Thoughts A visit to Highland Park Stadium is for the dedicated baseball traveler, or if you know someone playing for the Sixers. It is a curiosity, a former ballpark that once housed minor league players and a future Hall of Fame ballplayer. If in town to see the Creek Chubs up the road, check out to see what’s going on at Highland Park. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Randal R. Sadler Stadium 1000 Gurney Dr. Richmond, IN 47374 Richmond Red Devils website Randal R. Sadler website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 Red Devils Play Games at Sadler Stadium Randal R. Sadler Stadium is the home of the Earlham College Quakers baseball program in Richmond, Indiana. It was built during the summer of 2013 and named after former player Randy Sadler, who graduated in 1973. ​ The stadium features a synthetic turf playing surface, 180 chair-back seats, bleachers, and two patio seating areas. There are two batting cages and bullpens next to each dugout and a viewing mound down the right field line. ​ There is also the two-story Cliff Dickman Media Center, behind the backstop, that includes the Avis Stewart Clubhouse, which includes the team’s locker room, concession stand, coach’s office, umpire room, training room, and restrooms. ​ The first recorded baseball game played on campus was in 1886, and the first official game took place in 1900. The baseball team played games at McBride Stadium before relocating to Sadler Stadium and did not have a winning record from 1971 to 2013. However, it has proceeded to have 10 out of 13 winning seasons since the new stadium opened. It included the 2017 and 2022 Heartland Collegiate Athletics Conference tournament champions and first NCAA regional wins in school history. ​ The Richmond High School Red Devils use the ballpark when there are conflicts with McBride Stadium, which is now the home of the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. Surprisingly, Sadler is the smaller stadium. ​ Food & Beverage 0 ​Unfortunately, the concession stand was closed during our visit. It was a high school game between rivals Hagerstown and Richmond. The stands were packed with students and fans, and the concession stand would have been essential to the fans. From what we were told, the concession stand for college games offers soda, chips, candy, and hot dogs. ​ Atmosphere 3 ​This easily could have been a college crowd, but it was a high school crowd for two rival schools that were playing here due to Richmond's home field being occupied for the first game of the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. All of the seating was occupied by students, friends, and family members of the players on the field. ​ The stadium features chairback seats behind the backstop, a wide open concourse, and plenty of bleacher seating down the foul lines. The design of the stadium allows fans multiple opportunities to enjoy the game, whether it is from the grass mound or the picnic tables. However, views from behind the bullpen down the left field line are limited. ​ The stadium features a video scoreboard that was added in 2017 and lights that were added the next season. The synthetic turf means that there are fewer rainouts for the Quakers and Red Devils high school baseball teams during the season. ​ Neighborhood 3 ​Sadler Stadium is located in the southern part of the campus near a residential area. ​There are no dining options within proximity of the stadium, and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat. ​ Little Sheeba's offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo's Italian Grill is another fine option. ​ There are quite a few national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker's has some of the best hot wings in the area. Roscoe's Coffee Bar and Tap Room has an extensive craft beer selection, on-site roasted coffee, and a spacious, relaxed atmosphere. ​ McBride Stadium, where the Red Devils house their games, is less than a mile from campus. The stadium is also home to the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. The Tiernan Center is also less than a mile from Earlham College, the basketball arena where the Red Devils play during the school year. ​ Fans 4 ​It is quite an interesting mix of fans from both High schools. Usually, this type of atmosphere takes place during a basketball or football game. But tonight, both sides cheered greatly for their respective High schools. However, one of the teams was up 11 nothing in the midst of a no-hitter during the visit. Still, everyone remained in great spirits as the game proceeded. ​ Access 3 ​The stadium is listed on GPS, and the venue offers a parking area; however, heavily attended games could result in a search for a space. The main entrance is on the left fuel corner, and restrooms and concession stands are located behind the backstop of the ballpark. However, not all of the views are ideal. There is no access to watch the game from the right field foul line and fencing, and the bullpen blocks views on the left field foul line. ​ Return on Investment 3 ​Sadler Stadium does not charge admission to either college or high school baseball games. It is worth a trip on a beautiful spring afternoon or evening for a game. The seats are comfortable, close to the action of the diamond, and there is plenty of green space to watch the game with your own food or fur baby. ​ Extras 4 ​Sadler Stadium earns a point for the Maroon Monster down the left field line. The giant wall rises 50 feet into the air and mimics the Green Monster at Boston’s Fenway Park. The stadium also might be the only one of its kind with maroon colored fencing. The stadium earns additional points for chairback seating and a video board in right field. ​ Final Thoughts ​Sadler Stadium is a nice-looking venue for Division III baseball. It has comfort, style, and a maroon color that sets it apart from other D-III venues of its kind. If passing through the Richmond, Indiana, area on a baseball trip, check this one out if you have the time.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Hodgetown 701 South Buchanan Street Amarillo, TX 79101 Amarillo Sod Poodles website Hodgetown website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 6,631 More Than a Dusty Cow Town To many outsiders, Amarillo, Texas is a small dusty cowtown where everyone rides horses; raises cattle; and wears cowboy boots, jeans, and hats everywhere they go. But while Western culture is alive and well here, with many of the world’s largest cattle ranches within a few hours’ drive, the Potter County capital itself is a bustling modern city replete with all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options of any major city. There are also a few museums that are well worth your time, including The Museum of Art, The American Quarter Horse Museum, and the world-famous Cadillac Ranch, a short 14-mile drive west on Interstate 40. Part of the colorful history of Amarillo is a deep-rooted relationship with professional baseball; beginning in 1922 with the Amarillo Gassers, there have been professional baseball teams here for most of the past 104 years. After the Gassers the city laid claim to the Amarillo Gold Sox, a club which called Amarillo home and played at various levels from 1939-1982, serving multiple parent clubs during its tenure. The Gold Sox left the Texas Panhandle to become the Beaumont Golden Gators, then later the Wichita Wranglers, and eventually the modern-day Northwest Arkansas Naturals. More recently, after a brief dalliance with different independent teams such as the Dillas, Sox, and Thunderheads, affiliated professional baseball returned to Amarillo in 2019 with the introduction of the Sod Poodles, and the opening of the new downtown gem, Hodgetown. Hodgetown creatively provides a local twist by combining ‘Hodge’, from Amarillo businessman, philanthropist, community leader, and 26th mayor Jerry Hodge, with ‘Town’ from Prairie Dog-naming culture, when several smaller colonies come together to form a larger community. Free of corporate branding or standard labels like ‘park’ or ‘stadium’, the venue’s unusual name perfectly mirrors its one-of-a-kind game-day experience. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Hodgetown offer numerous unique and thematic options in addition to the normal ballpark fare. With four full-service concession stands (Barnyard, Feed and Seed, Panhandle Pizza, and Route 66 Grill) all serving the traditional options plus premium choices, finding food and beverages is no problem. In addition to the full service stands along the concourse, there are also several standalone beverage and specialty food carts spread throughout the facility such as the Pepsi Party Deck in left field, as well as Dickey’s BBQ Pit and HTeaO. Food options vary from traditional items such as hot dogs, nachos, and burgers to game and series-specific items, such as loaded BBQ baked potatoes, calf fries, pork rind nachos, and regional favorite Frito pie (a combination of Fritos, chili, and cheese topped with onions and relish). One specialty food promotion here is to offer a ‘Food from Around the League’ premium item that honors the visiting team for each home series, such as the BBQ pulled pork onion ring burger which honored the Northwest Arkansas Naturals’ parent club, the Kansas City Royals, was available at Route 66 Grill on the concourse. Traditional baseline food options are generally between $5 and $8, while premium options cost between $15 and $20. Drinks run between $6 and $9, but in an effort to be more budget friendly, the Soddies recently introduced four value meals that include a main item, popcorn, and a drink (either a 16 oz. soft drink or a 12 oz. beer) for less than $15. Pepsi is the soft drink company of choice in regular or refillable (free refills) souvenir cups. Many domestic beers, plus multiple local and regional craft beers, are available at the different party decks, including Bar 352 just beyond the left field wall. Other alcohol options include wine and mixed drinks, especially multiple flavors of margaritas from Marg House. In addition to the multiple drink and quality food options offered here on a daily basis, the Sod Poodles offer numerous food and drink promotions that tie in with other stadium events. All these options have helped move Hodgetown’s concessions to the short list of best vendors in minor league baseball. Atmosphere 4 As an anchor to Amarillo’s downtown scene, Hodgetown is a beautiful setting for its passionate fans. Baseball fans in the Panhandle of Texas have been passionate about the game dating back to the days of independent baseball, as the Amarillo teams typically led their leagues in attendance. Averaging between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game, the Soddies consistently play in front of a passionate fan base. At the most recent game I attended, for example, there were fans lined up more than an hour before the gates opened, in anticipation of the jersey giveaway promotion that night. In-game hosts and game staff create a fan-friendly environment starting before the game begins. Drew Goodman, the play-by-play broadcaster here, hosts his pregame show on field, and multiple giveaways and promotional contests take place between the time gates open and when play begins. Once play begins, interactive between-inning games and activities using the scoreboard keep fans engaged, limiting downtime. Children also have access to a small play area in the right field concourse, as well as a more exclusive area if desired. Neighborhood 4 Hodgetown is the hub of downtown Amarillo; there are numerous office buildings and parking garages near the stadium, which means evening and weekend games take place when traffic is mostly gone. There are also a handful of nearby eateries, including Jimmy John’s across the street from the main entrance to the venue. Other restaurants within walking distance include Crush Wine Bar & Grill, Six Car Pub and Brewery, and Napoli’s. If food challenges are more your thing, try The Big Texan a few miles away; a world-famous steakhouse where you can take on a 72 oz. steak dinner. Complete the steak within 60minutes, along with a loaded baked potato and side salad, and you join the short list of gastronomy heroes. However, if the steak is the victor, you might need a small loan to pay for your experience and the story that comes along with it. Amarillo is large enough to offer hotels and short-term rentals in all price and amenity ranges. For hotels within walking distance of the baseball diamond, the best options include Embassy Suites (immediately across from the third base gate), Courtyard by Marriott, and The Barfield. Less costly choices can be found by choosing accommodations further away from the stadium. Fans 5 Sod Poodle fans deserve full credit for their passion and energy. In terms of attendance they have consistently been one of the highest ranked teams in the Texas League, if not all of minor league baseball, since their inception. Last season they ranked 2nd in the Texas League, averaging nearly 5000 fans per game, which put them in the upper tier of minor league baseball. During the most recent game I attended, there was a near sellout on a Sunday afternoon with the chance of rain in early spring. Not only are fans at Hodgetown present in large numbers, but they are passionate as well – they even lined up hours before the gates opened to get free replica jerseys for one of the alternate identities, the Yellow City Pigweeds. The fans’ excitement and energy help the team create an environment where visitors enjoy watching games. Access 4 Located just north of the intersection of Interstates 27 and 40 in downtown Amarillo, Hodgetown is easily accessible from any direction. Streets are clearly marked, and parking is plentiful – the City of Amarillo states there are over 7000 public parking spaces within walking distance of the facility, including nearly 70 handicapped spaces in the city hall lot across the street from the third base gate. Fans can enter the venue using either the third base entrance or the main gate, the latter of which leads to home plate, and is located at the corner of Buchanan Street and S. 8th Street. Once inside, 360-degree access is available via a ground level concourse. Seating is in a sunken-bowl setting, which makes movement around the ballpark easy. Return On Investment 4 Outfield berm tickets can be purchased for less than $10, while the most expensive seats in the house go for approximately $35 (behind home plate on weekends). Parking around the facility costs around $8, although handicapped parking is free by Texas state law, if you have the proper signage. The cost of concessions items at Hodgetown is consistent with other Texas League venues, with some days of the week offering special promotions and prices for specific items. The pricing of souvenirs is also in line with most other minor league teams, as well. All these considerations lead to helping the Sod Poodles create a positive return on investment. Once you factor ease of access and fan passion into the equation, the chance of a high-quality game experience is sure to increase. I enjoyed my time at Hodgetown, and would relish another trip. Extras 5 Alternate identities with catchy logos such as the Calf Fries, Yellow City Pigweeds, and Pointy Boots have helped generate a large variety of merchandise to choose from at the team store. The crowd’s engagement and involvement during the game creates a fun environment, which is key since not every fan base is active during games. Concessionaires and team employees are friendly and engaging; I had multiple questions during my visit, and every interaction was met with a smile and positive reception. The efficiency and speed at which fans move through the gates is also amazing – at the last game I attended the lines were a block long to get into the game, but were cleared within minutes of the gates opening. The ease in which you can get in and out of downtown Amarillo is also worth extra points; I was there for two days in a row, and never had trouble getting to or from the facility. Final Thoughts While Amarillo may not lead most people’s vacation lists, Hodgetown should definitely be on the short list of minor league parks baseball fans want to attend; it offers amenities and perks that many other baseball stadiums are unable to duplicate.

Spring has sprung and baseball is in full effect! Paul and Dave head down to the Minor Leagues and talk about a franchise that was the beneficiary of the "Tebow Effect." Grab a beer and get ready to learn about carousels in the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views, Binghamton Rumble Ponies edition! ⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Mirabito Stadium and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies game day experience here.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 TPC Craig Ranch 8000 Collin McKinney Pkwy McKinney, TX 75070 TPC Craig Ranch website The CJ Cup Byron Nelson website The CJ Cup Byron Nelson There are two PGA stops in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in the month of May. The older of the two tournaments began in 1944 with the event’s namesake, Byron Nelson from Fort Worth, Texas, winning the inaugural event at Dallas’ Lakewood Country Club. The tournament has been played at various courses throughout the Dallas area. In 2018 the tournament celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the opening of a new course at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Southeast Dallas. However, the links course in Southeast Dallas wasn’t a good match for the players or the fans, so after only three years at Trinity, the tournament moved to its current location at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. TPC Craig Ranch is located 30 miles north-northeast of downtown Dallas. The course is located within the Craig Ranch Community and was designed by Tom Weiskopf, a major champion and a member of the TPC network, which is operated by the PGA. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and drink options throughout the course, either in the built-up suites or in the public concession tents; most tents are operated by local groups as fundraisers. The concession menu here has variety, but lacks the overall wow factor that has been a staple at sports venues. The various menu items are as follows: smoked chopped brisket sandwiches, smoked link sausage sandwiches, cheeseburgers, jumbo hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, deli hoagies, classic club subs, chicken Caesar salad wraps, Bavarian pretzels, and peanuts. The one wow concession stand would be the Korean BBQ stand called Bibigo – this concession tent serves shrimp kimchi bao, sweet and spicy chicken skewers, jap-chae (noodles with beef and vegetables), and bibi-cones (ice cream cones filled with bulgogi or kimchi rice). Pepsi is the beverage sponsor of The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and sodas cost $7 for 16oz, with Smart Water at $7.50 and Dasani bottled water or Powerade at $6.50 if you want something besides soda. There are also plenty of alcoholic beverages throughout the course – Michelob Ultra is a proud sponsor of the event and is readily available, along with Estrella Jalisco, Texas’ own Ziegenbock, and Houston’s brewery Karbach Love Street. These beers are $15, while a glass of wine is $18. Atmosphere 4 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has always been a go-and-be-seen type of event for North Texas, with most people’s idea being to attend the golf tournament as a large social event. All ages and backgrounds from all over the area can be seen walking the course throughout the weekend. From the moment patrons step off the shuttles, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson atmosphere begins. The main entrances have photo ops for fans to start their day, and the box office, will call, and volunteer headquarters are all near the shuttle drop-off. All patrons are shuttled in and walk through the main entrance, to arrive on the course at the driving, putting, and chipping ranges in the front nine of the course. To get to the middle of the course and clubhouse you will walk on a path under a neighborhood road. Fan options are to either find a golfer and be part of the gallery around the course, or set up in an area that not only has one green, but offers multiple greens and tees – this set up provides fans with more action, and allows them to get more involved in the action being played around the course. In addition, the course provides numerous activities along the 18th fairway, especially the CJ Zone, the tournament’s merchandise shop, as well as other interactive displays. There are also plenty of photo spots and course information signage, creating more of an event here than just golf. Neighborhood 3 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is played at TPC Craig Ranch Golf Course in McKinney, Texas. The course is the center point of the Craig Ranch community. The community is 30 miles from downtown Dallas and lies between McKinney and Frisco, off the Sam Rayburn Tollway where the tollway meets North Central Expressway (75) in Allen, Texas. There isn’t much outside the course except apartments and houses, except a couple of hotels nearby, as well as the general parking lot at McKinney ISD Stadium. The best bet is to look at Frisco, McKinney, or Allen where you have an abundant number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities. Each city is about 8 miles in the opposite direction of each other, with McKinney and Allen being neighbors. The McKinney side has a nice historic downtown with restaurants and breweries. The Yard is one of the restaurants you will find in this area; there isn’t anything fancy about The Yard, but the vibe is pleasant and the food and drinks are perfect after being out on the golf course. Allen has premium outlets and other restaurants along with lodging, with Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Allen across from each other off the North Central Expressway. The Frisco side of TPC Craig Ranch has numerous restaurants, lodging, and a mall area next to Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco Roughriders), and just south of The Star in Frisco (headquarters to the Dallas Cowboys). Frisco also has the National Soccer Hall of Fame inside Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas, which is in Frisco’s historic downtown. Golfers may have already heard of Frisco, Texas as home to the PGA’s newest championship golf course – Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa will be the site of the 2027 PGA Championship. Overall, there are plenty of places to eat, sleep, and visit while attending the CJ Cup, so the best idea would be to plan your trip around which side of TPC Craig Ranch is perfect for you. Fans 5 Last year’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson welcomed 181,000 fans filling the grounds, a record-setting attendance since the tournament moved to Craig Ranch in 2021. The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has one of the highest attendances on the PGA tour, and North Texas golf fans have embraced this tournament for 55 years. These fans will also welcome back the PGA Championship in 2027. While The PGA Championship will be just up the road in Frisco, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson will remain at TPC Craig Ranch through 2030, ensuring years of world-class golf for North Texas golf fans, and unforgettable moments still to come. In general, though, the golf fans here are passionate – the calls of “Get in the hole!” on the greens are impressive, while the same calls as the players hit off the tee are just silly. But there are plenty of lively moments on the course that television just can’t duplicate, such as the roar of a massive golf crowd when an athlete sinks a long putt or aces a hole-in-one during the tournament. In general golf fans have a kind demeanor, as there is not the my-team-versus-your-team attitude that other sports tend to engender; golf fans just like to enjoy the day on the course while watching some amazing professional golfers make some incredible shots. Access 3 TPC Craig Ranch is in the surrounding Craig Ranch Community of McKinney, Texas, about twenty-five miles from the airports in Dallas. The course is just off the Sam Rayburn Tollway, with a physical address of 8000 Collin McKinney Parkway. There is signage on the tollway for parking, including the corporate parking lots near the course – the few lots within walking distance to the main entrance will cost $106, while general parking is located at McKinney ISD Stadium and costs $26 to $30, with a 10-minute shuttle ride to the golf course. For patrons wanting to use Uber/Lyft, spectators will be dropped off and picked up in a designated lot at 8043 Henneman Way in McKinney, a short walk from the TPC course main entrance. When you are ready to leave for the day, request your ride upon leaving the tournament from the same spot where you were dropped off, as Ubers/Lyfts trying to get to main entrance itself will face a nightmare. Once at the gates to the tournament, access flows through with little wait. Spectators can bring in items such as umbrellas (without sleeves), binoculars, and collapsible chairs (without bags). Bags larger than 6” x 6” will not be allowed in, and mobile devices must always be kept on silent. The course clubhouse splits the course, as it is on the sixth and eighteenth greens, and most of the fan amenities are around the clubhouse. The course is not flat, but only has subtle terrain changes, so is highly walkable, although the Texas weather may take a toll if the weather is hot. Return on Investment 3 Daily Grounds tickets are based on the day you attend. Ticket prices for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson start at $50 for the Wednesday Pro-Am, are $75 for Thursday and Sunday, and reach $90 for Friday and Saturday. There are also two single-day hospitality club tickets to choose from: $400 to $550 for Champions Club on the 17th hole (with full food and bar) or Choctaw Club (climate-controlled) views of the 13th tee and 16th green. The tournament also offers free daily tickets to military personnel, first responders, and youth (15 years and under). Public parking is under $30, and concession prices are typical of events like this, so there aren’t any savings when it comes to food and drinks. Overall, the cost to attend this event is on par with other PGA tour events, but is much cheaper than the PGA major event. Extras 2 TPC Craig Ranch is a walkable course with places you can find shade. The natural terrain of the course is relaxing, and if you get out on the course away from the large galleries, you can get lost in its beauty. The Byron Nelson golf tournament has had a few sponsorships and been played at a few courses over the years, but the one constant is the “Red Pants” of the tournament. There isn’t anyone that can do fundraising better than the Salesmanship Club of Dallas; this club is the chief fundraiser for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and has been the heart and soul of the tournament since 1968. Since that time the event has raised over $160 million and transformed more than 100,000 lives, making it the most successful charity event on the PGA Tour. Final Thoughts The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is a popular stop on the PGA Tour. The large crowds for this event show that North Texas loves this annual tour stop. Although many wish the tournament was back at TPC Las Colinas, TPC Craig Ranch is a wonderful course to see some of the top golfers in the world.

The Canadian Hockey League began the season welcoming the Penticton Vees to the Western Hockey League to increase its ranks to 61 teams. An expansion team in Chilliwack, British Columbia, expected to begin in the 2026-27 season was pushed off for another year. The Newfoundland Regiment joined the QMJHL after relocating from Acadie-Bathurst. The culmination of the season was the Memorial Cup, hosted in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Kelowna Rockets welcomed the champions of the three leagues, WHL, QMJHL and OHL, to compete in a weeklong round robin tournament to crown the top junior hockey team in the league. The semi-final saw the Everett Silvertips defeat the Chicoutimi Sagnaéens to move on to the final. However, the story of the tournament was the dominant performance of the Kitchener Rangers who were undefeated in the tournament and beat the Everett Silvertips to win their third Memorial Cup. Sam O’Reilly was named the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy winner as the Memorial Cup’s Most Outstanding Player and Jack Pridham won the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the tournament’s top scorer. Stadium Journey welcomed brand new reviews for the Newfoundland Regiment, Victoria Royals, and Vancouver Giants for the 2025-26 season. Also, updated reviews were posted for Québec, Charlottetown, Cape Breton, Barrie, London and Kitchener. The annual CHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.65 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all. Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets. How is your list different from ours? What do we have right? What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2026 Rankings of the Canadian Hockey League Experiences. NR - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Penticton Vees, Prince George Cougars, Spokane Chiefs, Wenatchee Wild Stadium Journey needs your help! If you are in Baie-Comeau, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Spokane or Wenatchee and interested in writing a review, please contact Stadium Journey! 54. CAA Centre - Brampton Steelheads - 2.57 Dave Cottenie - The home for the Steelheads is CAA Centre. The city owned arena opened in 1998 and has a capacity of 5,000. It is an appropriate home for OHL hockey as it housed the Brampton Battalion from 1998 to 2013, before they moved to North Bay. A familiar story for OHL hockey in the GTA is once again brewing, low attendance and an uncertain future. 53. Dort Financial Centre - Flint Firebirds - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - When Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were a number of eyebrows raised. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. 52. Assiniboine Credit Union Place - Brandon Wheat Kings - 2.86 Andrew Kulyk - Andrew Kulyk - Home for the Brandon Wheat Kings is Assiniboine Credit Union Place, a 6,000-seat arena built as part of a larger convention/exhibition complex called Keystone Centre. It was built in 1972 and has undergone numerous renovations. The franchise is the easternmost franchise in the Western Hockey League and ranks in the upper end of attendance in the league. 51. Accesso ShoWare Center - Seattle Thunderbirds - 2.86 Josh Eastern - The Seattle Thunderbirds are a junior hockey league team that plays in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League. They play in the ShoWare Center located in Kent, WA which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. It was opened in January of 2009. The Thunderbirds played at Mercer Arena before moving to Key Arena. In 2009, the T-Birds moved south to the ShoWare Center. It is a multi-purpose arena that is mostly used for hockey. It is a great setting for hockey 50. Dow Event Center - Saginaw Spirit - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - Saginaw provides a decent hockey experience for Junior Hockey. The Dow Event Center is one of the nicer OHL venues from the exterior. The Atrium can be found on the north side of Johnson Street and offers a warm, welcoming feeling for fans coming out of the cold, Central Michigan winter. Glassed in and spacious, the Atrium is a great place to meet friends before the game and also houses security and the ticketing windows. The upper rotunda features hanging banners of significant, former Saginaw Spirit players. These include Ryan McDonough, Jack Combs, Josh Shalla, Vince Trocheck, Dylan Sadowy, Brandon Saad, T.J. Brodie, Tom Pyatt, Eric Locke, Brad Walch, Patrick McNiell and Jake Paterson. 49. Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre - Owen Sound Attack - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The Owen Sound Platers were to be sold to a businessman out of town which would require relocation. The “Super Six,” would come together to purchase the team and keep them in Owen Sound. Brian Johnson, Dr. Robert Severs, Fay Harshman, Frank Coulter, and Peter and Paul MacDermid, a group of local business owners, would keep that can-do attitude alive in Owen Sound and the Attack have remained viable and competitive in the Ontario Hockey League. The hard work culminated in the Attack’s 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions and a berth in the Memorial Cup. 48. Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - You will not find a whole lot of bells and whistles at an Armada game. Simple. However, the product that they put on the ice is pretty good, and the atmosphere there is good as well. Don’t feel that Montreal is only about Les Habitants. Check out the Armada in the suburbs the next time you are there! 47. Colisée Desjardins - Victoriaville Tigres - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - Travelling through Quebec can be a bit intimidating for any Anglophone, especially in the smaller cities, away from the tourist areas of Montreal and Quebec City. However, stadium travelers should attempt to see real grassroots hockey the way it was meant to be seen in Quebec. The passion is there, and the price is right. In Victoriaville, they have the tiger by the tail, and the Tigres will put on a show for you. 46. Brandt Centre - Regina Pats - 3.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Brandt Centre is a hockey arena located in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Opened in 1977, its primary tenant is the Regina Pats, a junior hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The arena is part of a larger interconnected complex called Evraz Place, which offers exhibit space, curling venues and other public facilities. 45. TD Civic Centre - Brantford Bulldogs - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - When the Hamilton Bulldogs found they would be homeless for two years as the FirstOntario Centre undergoes renovations, owner Michael Andlauer found a landing spot in Brantford, Ontario, famously the childhood home of Wayne Gretzky, and signed a lease with the city for at least three years. The Bulldogs have since committed to Brantford with a new arena in the works and a long-term lease signed, leaving their time at the Civic Centre very limited. 44. Centre Marcel-Dionne - Drummondville Voltigeurs - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time and a great group of fans who know how to be loud. The air horn is a favorite of the Drummondville fan, and they use it liberally. The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. 43. Eastlink Centre - Charlottetown Islanders - 3.29 Andrew Kulyk - While this arena and the hockey game day experience will not blow you away, what makes a trip to see the Charlottetown Islanders is not the game itself, but immersing into a cultural and tour experience that embraces the community and the region. Prince Edward Island offers charm and beauty that is so palpable. 42. WFCU Centre - Windsor Spitfires - 3.29 Marc Viquez - The WFCU Centre is the home of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. The building has a seating capacity of 6,450 for hockey and was built for $71 million. The new home to the Spitfires ensured that the club would remain in Windsor for the foreseeable future. The arena replaced the 84-year-old Windsor Arena that the Spitfires had called home since 1975. The new WFCU Centre was a much-needed replacement for the aging arena and resulted in the building hosting the 2017 Memorial Cup. 41. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Hitmen - 3.43 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and is among the busiest arenas in the country as it is also the home of the Calgary Flames, Calgary Roughnecks and AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. 40. Angel of the Winds Arena - Everett Silvertips - 3.43 Dennis Morrell - Angel of the Winds Arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. 39. Sadlon Arena - Barrie Colts - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - In a mind-splitting thirteen months, the City of Barrie built the home for the Barrie Colts. Granted an expansion team for the 1995 season, work frantically began for what is now known as Sadlon Arena. Opening its doors in 1995, Sadlon Arena also became the home of the Colts, who have played nearly all of their home games just west of Highway 400. The Colts were originally a Junior B franchise established in 1946. The Colts have come a long way, earning a Hamilton Spectator Trophy for the best record in 2010 and a J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2000 as OHL Champions. Barrie was not foreign to top-level junior hockey either, as the Barrie Flyers took the ice from 1945 to 1960, earning a pair of Memorial Cups. The franchise line leads them to the current Sudbury Wolves. The Colts are currently owned by Howie Campbell and are also known as the final hockey stop for Hockey Hall of Fame member Dale Hawerchuk, who was the coach in Barrie before his tragic death in 2020 after battling stomach cancer. 38. SaskTel Centre - Saskatoon Blades - 3.43 Andrew Kulyk - True story. Back in 1983, a Saskatoon-based investment group put together a deal to buy the NHL St. Louis Blues and move them to Saskatoon, a city that was off the grid for most hockey fans. Plans were put in place for a new arena to replace a dated historic downtown venue that had served the city well. Front office staffers were hired, and moving plans were put in place. And then it all derailed when the NHL Board of Governors refused to support the move. Lawsuits went flying from all sides, and in the end the Blues stayed put in St. Louis. Out of the disappointment of that debacle came a gleaming new arena and showplace for hockey in Saskatoon, an arena initially dubbed Saskatchewan Place. Fans who liked the old and creaky downtown barn weren’t happy with the move. But with numerous renovations, expansions, and now a showplace for some major events, the arena is now embraced within the community. 37. TD Station - Saint John Sea Dogs - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - The Saint John Sea Dogs were founded in 2005. In 2011, they won their first Memorial Cup and, in so doing, became the first Atlantic Canada team to achieve the feat. The Sea Dogs would hang a Memorial Cup Championship again in 2022, as well as post the curious moniker “City of Champions” in the arena. It is undeniable that the Sea Dogs have enjoyed a great deal of success in New Brunswick. 36. Co-Op Place - Medicine Hat Tigers - 3.57 Jim Flannery - Until the fall of 2015, the Medicine Hat Tigers spent the entire history of their franchise playing in the Medicine Hat Arena, located just east of the city’s downtown core. The Tigers relocated to a brand new arena at the start of the 2015-16 season; after 45 seasons in the Arena, it was time to move into a more modern facility. Originally called Canalta Centre, it was specifically designed to Memorial Cup specifications in the hopes of luring the CHL championship to Medicine Hat in the near future. Now called Co-op Place, it has room for 3,000 more fans than Medicine Hat Arena did, includes 22 luxury suites, 350 club seats on the south side between the blue lines, a lounge, and state of the art technology throughout. 35. Aréna Glencore - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The horns, oh the horns! They may not be the horns of justice or the horns of victory. They may only be made of plastic and cardboard, but the horns are a staple of Aréna Iamgold du Centre Dave-Keon. The building is as old school as they come and totally fits the Northern Québec area. If there is one thing that the hockey experience in this town should be known for, it is the horns. 34. Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens - North Bay Battalion - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - In 2013 the Ontario Hockey League made a triumphant return to North Bay, Ontario. After the North Bay Centennials had their run from 1982 to 2002, they left for Saginaw, Michigan under a cloud of mistrust and bad feelings. The hockey light would shine again in the Gateway to the North after the local fans provided next level support for the Nipissing Lakers, a newly formed university team. Brampton Battalion owner and Trivial Pursuit founder Scott Abott would bring his OHL team from outside of Toronto north to the banks of Lake Nipissing in search of greater fan support. Moving the team to a military city like North Bay made the team name and moniker suddenly make a whole lot more sense. 33. Progressive Auto Sales Arena - Sarnia Sting - 3.57 Marc Viquez - The Progressive Auto Sales Arena is home to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. It has a seating capacity of 5,500 and sits on the campus of Lambton College. The building debuted in 1998, four seasons after the Sting arrived, and features 43 luxury suites, two full-size NHL rinks, and a full-service restaurant. 32. Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland Winterhawks - 3.57 Paul Hilchen - Portland hockey dates back to the 1910’s with the Portland Rosebuds. The most recent team not named the Winterhawks was the Buckaroos, who played in the Coliseum from 1960-1975. The franchise has had much success during their tenure in the Rose City, including winning the 1998 Memorial Cup, and a current run of back to back to back to back Western Conference championships. Memorial Coliseum is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architecture and glass walls that adorn the outside of the building. Some within Portland have questioned the practicality of having two buildings side by side that serve exactly the same purpose, while others have outwardly called for its demolition so a baseball stadium could be built on the site. Whatever side of the spectrum one finds themselves on, no one can deny the fact that the building has a great amount of history and character. 31. Centre Slush Puppie - Gatineau Olympiques - 3.57 Sean MacDonald - The city of Gatineau awarded the non-profit organization Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO) the contract for the construction and management of a 4,000-seat arena, including three community ice rinks. The venue is now known as Centre Slush Puppie after naming rights were acquired by the maker of the “original non-carbonated frozen beverage treats enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.” 30. InnovationPlex - Swift Current Broncos - 3.71 Jim Flannery - In a small facility like the InnovationPlex, it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the energy up in the place. A couple thousand people, many with cowbells, can get the place rocking in no time at all. With the game viewable from standing room in the main lobby right at ice level, audience members downstairs almost feel like they’re right in the game, just inches from the play. And even the worst seats in the main viewing bowl are only 11 rows back from the ice, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. 29. Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough Petes - 3.71 Robbie Raskin - The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success are their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. 28. Temple Gardens Centre - Moose Jaw Warriors - 3.71 Jim Flannery - After a four-year stint in Winnipeg, the Western Hockey League’s Warriors moved to Moose Jaw in 1984. They played their games at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre, better known as the Crushed Can, for many years, but in 2011 the team moved to a brand new facility right downtown, known as Temple Gardens Centre. The $61 million arena seats 4,465 people, which is the equivalent of about 13 percent of the entire city population when the place is full. In addition to the rink area, it also features an eight-sheet curling club, a banquet room, and other meeting rooms. It has played host to a number of major events, including the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and concerts by A-list performers like Alice Cooper and Carrie Underwood. But the Moose Jaw Warriors are the centrepiece of entertainment in the building. 27. Centre Georges-Vézina - Chicoutimi Saguenéens - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - A trip to see Centre Georges-Vézina and the Saguenéens is truly a trip to see the church of hockey. An old school hockey barn that bleeds history and is a throwback to days of old, a trip through the Q is not complete without Georges-Vézina. 26. Colisée Financière Sun Life - Rimouski Océanic - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Having passed off the Rimouski Océanic to his grandson, Alexandre Tanguay, Maurice Tanguay must be proud of how his team has continued. The Océanic continues to be a solid franchise in the QMJHL and has continued to enjoy success on and off the ice. They are truly one of the best experiences in the league and were worth the trip to the south shore area. 25. Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria Royals - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Victoria Royals may seem a bit isolated, being located on Vancouver Island. However, Victoria is an excellent tourist destination, and the Victoria Royals can definitely be a part of the excitement. The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre provides a solid junior hockey experience, and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. 24. Erie Insurance Arena - Erie Otters - 3.71 Patricia Beninato - If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena. 23. Sudbury Community Arena - Sudbury Wolves - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Sudbury Community Arena, simply put, is an old-school hockey barn. The exterior of the Sudbury Arena has a classic red brick entrance that is true to its age. The arena is guarded by a bronze statue of singer Stompin’ Tom Connors, author, and performer of the famous “Hockey Song.” One of Connors’ big hits was “Sudbury Saturday Night” which is the reason for the commissioning of the statue. The southeast corner of the arena is where the most unique item in all hockey resides. In the rafters hangs a real taxidermy wolf. When Sudbury scores a goal, the wolf travels out over the ice towards the visiting team bench on a pulley system. It stops over the bench, shakes around a bit, and heads back to the southeast corner. There is nothing like this anywhere. It may be kitschy, but it is amazing. 22. Centre 200 - Cape Breton Eagles - 3.71 Andrew Kulyk - As a destination venue, Centre 200 in and of itself is not the kind of building that will make an indelible impression. It lacks some of the glitz that has become part of some of the newer arenas in the QMJHL. But what makes this a compelling and worthwhile travel experience is the totality of the destination itself. Sydney offers a lot to see and experience, even in the winter. Its location as a waterfront town provides a sense of wonder at the beauty of Nova Scotia. 21. Langley Events Centre - Vancouver Giants - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - In 2001, Vancouver, British Columbia, was granted an expansion team. The Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home and enjoyed decent success there. The Giants took home the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League Champions in 2006 and eclipsed that feat with a Memorial Cup the following season. The Giants have produced several NHL players, including Cody Franson, Evander Kane, Brendan Gallagher, and Milan Lucic. In 2016, the Giants moved away from the oversized Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, to the Langley Events Centre. Built in 2009 and more appropriately sized for junior hockey, Langley Events Centre is a ways from central Vancouver, but serves the suburban cities. 20. VisitLethbridge.com Arena - Lethbridge Hurricanes - 3.86 Jim Flannery - VisitLethbridge.com Arena opened its doors in 1974, in anticipation of the 1975 Canada Winter Games. The Sportsplex (as it was then known) was designed for a multitude of purposes. The arena converts easily to a number of different applications for curling, concerts, hockey, basketball, banquets, etc. The Lethbridge Hurricanes ice hockey began their history as the Winnipeg Jets in 1967 and have been in operation ever since. They changed their name twice while in Winnipeg before moving to Calgary and becoming the Wranglers in 1977. They remained in Calgary until 1987 when they relocated to Lethbridge and were renamed once again, becoming the Hurricanes, a name they have stuck with now for more than 30 years. 19. Centre Agnico Eagle - Val-d’Or Foreurs - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - When travelling to Northern Québec, fans should want to get the true feel of the Québécois culture in the north. A trip to see Les Foreurs de Val-d’Or is an absolute must. An old-school hockey experience in a gem of a building, the Foreurs will provide a great evening’s entertainment at a cost that will shock fans with how affordable it is. 18. Canada Life Place - London Knights - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - It is difficult to argue with the success that the London Knights have achieved on the ice. Since the Knights were purchased in 2000 by Mark and Dale Hunter and Basil McRae they have earned six J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions and three Memorial Cups and CHL champions. What is even more shocking is that not long before the Knights set the record for the greatest regular season in the entire Canadian Hockey League (59-7-2 in 2004-05, with a 31-game unbeaten streak), they set the record for the worst season in the league (3-60-3 in 1995-96).The Knights play in one of the premier venues in the OHL. The second-largest venue in the league, Canada Life Place, was built in 2002 and was key to the turnaround of the team. Originally known as the John Labatt Centre, the facility replaced the venerable London Gardens. In 2024, Canada Life purchased the naming rights. Canada Life Place has hosted the Memorial Cup on two occasions, in 2005 and 2014. 17. Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa Generals - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. 16. Slush Puppie Place - Kingston Frontenacs - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. Slush Puppie Place offers an atmosphere for Frontenacs hockey that is among the best in the OHL. Outside of the arena, in the northwest corner sits actual ruins from the original Fort Frontenac. Across Ontario Street is the current Fort Frontenac, which is a Canadian Military venue. The exterior of Slush Puppie Place is attractive with light coloured brick. The south side of Slush Puppie Place is Tragically Hip Way, a portion of Barrack Street that Kingston City Council renamed in honour of the famous Kingston band. 15. Centre Gervais Auto - Shawinigan Cataractes - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - If you want to see what Québécois hockey is all about, make a trip to see the bedrock of junior hockey in Quebec. The Shawinigan Cataractes are a fantastic entertainment experience and a must for all hockey gurus. When in Shawinigan, you will most definitely feel l’energie! 14. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oil Kings - 4.00 Jim Flannery - The Oil Kings returned to Edmonton for the 2007-08 season and have been have found an audience. Owned and operated by the Katz Group, which also owns the NHL’s Oilers, the Oil Kings are drawing good crowds, and winning consistently. The Oil Kings spent most of their history playing at what is currently known as Rexall Place (formerly Northlands Coliseum). But starting in the fall of 2016, the Oil Kings have relocated to the new downtown arena, called Rogers Place. It is the newest, most modern arena in hockey and without a doubt the premier place to watch the WHL. 13. Art Hauser Centre - Prince Albert Raiders - 4.00 Jim Flannery - Playing at the Art Hauser Centre, the Prince Albert Raiders have been one of the more successful junior hockey teams in Saskatchewan. Between 1977-1982 the Raiders won four Tier II junior national championships in six years. After graduating up to the WHL for the 1982-83 season, the Raiders went on to win the Memorial Cup in 1985 as the top junior team in the country. The Raiders have produced 72 players who have made it to the NHL, including Brad McCrimmon, James Patrick, Wes Walz and Mike Modano. And all of them have paid their dues in this little arena in this little city. 12. Sleeman Centre - Guelph Storm - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Sleeman Centre is a unique facility as it is built inside a shopping mall. As a result, the majority of fans will not enter through the main doors on Woolwich Street. Parking entrances off of Macdonell Street having fans enter through the south side or through the Old Quebec Shoppes, the remnants of the mall, is far more popular. That being said, the front exterior of the Sleeman Centre is attractive with light siding and tinted windows. It is not a hulking structure, and is almost inconspicuous from the front. 11. GFL Memorial Gardens - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Greyhound name has been linked to hockey teams in Sault Ste. Marie since 1919. The name was selected as a jab to their rivals, the Sudbury Wolves as a “greyhound is much faster than a wolf.” The Senior A Greyhounds would win the Allan Cup in 1924. The current iteration of the team began as an NOJHL expansion team in 1962 which would transition to the OHA in 1972. The OHA would eventually become the Ontario Hockey League. The team is currently owned by medical executive Tim Lukenda. The Greyhounds achieved ultimate success in 1995 when they won the Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League Champions in front of a home crowd in Sault Ste Marie. The Greyhounds have also won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 1985, 1991 and 1992. The importance of the Greyhounds and the 1995 Memorial Cup is immortalized on the sign coming into town where it is emblazoned with the home of astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar. 10. Meridian Centre - Niagara IceDogs - 4.14 Robbie Raskin - Meridian Centre is best described as clean, bright, spacious, and new-feeling, even though it’s now a decade old. It also manages to avoid the cookie-cutter bowl shape with many modern rinks; an asymmetrical layout keeps things interesting. The defining quirk of the arena is its topographical situation. The arena is located in a deep ravine, at the bottom of the high land upon which downtown St. Catharines is perched. In fact, the roofline of the arena is mostly even with street level of the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rising above it. Fans don’t enter at ground level and climb up to their seats, as usual. Here you actually enter from the roof and descend into the arena. 9. Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet - Sherbrooke Phoenix - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - This old arena, named after the founder of the Sher-Wood hockey stick company, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. 8. Toyota Center - Tri-City Americans - 4.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Tri City Americans, representing the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the State of Washington, are one of the flagship original franchises of the Western Hockey League. Its origins began in Calgary, before city hopping to several locations throughout British Columbia, with a 5-year stop in Billings, Montana along the way. They have been located in Tri Cities since 1988, and have played in the Toyota Center in the bedroom community of Kennewick since the arena opened that same year. The facility also doubles as a theatre, offering a season of Broadway musicals and other stage shows. 7. Marchant Crane Centrium - Red Deer Rebels - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Nestled almost exactly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, the residents of Red Deer share a healthy split of allegiances between the two major Alberta cities’ NHL clubs. Both the Oilers and Flames are well represented in Red Deer, however, when it comes to Junior Hockey, there is no question as to who is king. The Red Deer Rebels have been members of the Western Hockey League since 1992. Founded by Terry and Wayne Simpson, the Rebels have seen quite a few future NHL players walk through the doors and also enjoyed some team successes. The ultimate team successes for the Rebels came in 2001 when the Rebels, led by future NHL players Jeff Woywitka and Colby Armstrong, saw Doug Lynch score the biggest goal in Rebels history, an overtime goal to defeat Val d’Or in the Memorial Cup Final. 6. TD Place Arena - Ottawa 67’s - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. 5. Mary Brown’s Centre - Newfoundland Regiment - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - The newest member of the QMJHL has hockey fans talking. There are high hopes for the return of hockey to Newfoundland, and the results are being seen at the turnstile. Hopefully, the Newfoundland Regiment will have a long and successful reign at Mary Brown’s Centre despite the travel challenges it brings to the league. Hockey on the Rock is a necessity, and Junior Hockey is the perfect fit. 4. Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - Kitchener Rangers - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - In 1963 Kitchener businessman Eugene George facilitated the move of the Guelph Royals, affiliate of the New York Rangers, west to Kitchener. George purchased the team from the Rangers for $1 when their Rangers sponsorship ended in 1967 and turned them over to the season ticket subscribers in one of the most unique community-based, not for profit ownership models ever. The Rangers maintained the colours and identity of their former parent team and became one of the cornerstone franchises in the current Ontario Hockey League and greater Canadian Hockey League. The Rangers have pumped out a ton of NHL talent, including a number of Hockey Hall of Fame Members, and enjoyed the ultimate success in 1982 and 2003 as Memorial Cup Champions. Home for the Rangers is the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Built in 1951 as a “mini–Maple Leaf Gardens” The Aud has morphed over time to remain a viable and treasured venue with some of the best reviews for any arena in its class. Rumblings about replacing the Auditorium seem to have dissipated and it is set to become the oldest venue in the OHL very soon. The arena itself, now part of a larger sports complex, is named after longtime mayor of Kitchener, the late Dom Cardillo. 3. Avenir Centre - Moncton Wildcats - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Wildcats were founded as the expansion Moncton Alpines in 1995 and played out of the Moncton Coliseum. After one season, they were purchased by local industrialist Robert Irving and renamed the Moncton Wildcats. For the 2024-25 season, the Wildcats have lured USports hockey coaching legend Gardiner MacDougall to take the reins of the team. 2. Scotiabank Centre - Halifax Mooseheads - 4.43 Andrew Kulyk - Halifax in and of itself offers a superb vacation destination, albeit this region is more geared for tourism in the warmer months, and that means not so much during hockey season. Plenty of attractions, historic sites, a vibrant and bustling downtown, and this arena, which strays away from the mold of the quintessential rural “community rink” 1. Centre Vidéotron - Québec Remparts - 4.57 Andrew Kulyk - Quebec invested in building a new, NHL- ready arena. Bold isn’t the word. This is a grand arena that not only swamps its peer venues in the Q for its stunning design, architecture, size, modern amenities, and fan-friendly spaces, but put this building into the NHL tomorrow, and it immediately rockets to a top six venue in that league.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Soldier Field 1410 Special Olympics Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Chicago Fire FC website Soldier Field website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 62,500 Temporary Fire The Chicago Fire Football Club is one of the original Major League Soccer franchises. Established in 1997, the Fire's original home was Soldier Field. The wave of soccer specific stadiums brought the team out to Bridgeview, Illinois in 2006. The new location did not prove to be beneficial to the team and they returned to Soldier Field in 2019. In 2025 the Fire announced their intention to move to a new soccer-specific stadium just over a kilometer west of Soldier Field to be named McDonald’s Park. It is expected to open for the 2028 season. The Fire are owned by Joe Mansueto and are named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Fire won the 1997 MLS Cup and 2003 Supporters’ Shield. Soldier Field is the venerable home of the Fire and the Chicago Bears of the NFL. Originally built in 1924, Soldier Field underwent a massive renovation in 2002 which gave it the contrasting styles that it is known for today. Formerly a National Historic Landmark, Soldier Field was delisted in 2006. Food & Beverage 3 There are a variety of food options at Soldier Field, however, since the Fire draw much smaller crowds than the Bears, not all the concession stands will be open for soccer games here. There is still a decent selection, including street tacos from Taqueria 77, brisket nachos from Shoreline BBQ, smashburgers from Burger Bungalow, polish sausages and brats from 606 Sausage Co., and local favourite, Italian beef from Durham Bar. Other stadium staples can be found throughout the stadium. The best selection is in the lower concourse, but there are some options on the 200 level as well. Soldier Field offers a decent selection of alcoholic beverages and is unique in that RC cola and Dr. Pepper are the soft drinks of choice. Atmosphere 4 Soldier Field is one of the most unique venues in MLS and the NFL. The unique, Romanesque exterior with the concrete pillars from the original stadium was maintained. This created the unique “stadium within a stadium” setup that is now in place. Soldier Field remains a dedicated monument to the men and women of the armed forces, which is prominent on the exterior, a refreshing change from the forgettable corporate naming monikers. The pillars are prominent on the east side of the stadium, on Special Olympics Drive where the lawn also features some pre-match activities. Most fans will enter from the south, where there is a bit of a plaza and the bronze statues of Walter Payton and George Halas can be found. Inside the “outer stadium,” at the south, fans are immediately greeted by a bronze statue of a soldier in front of the American Flag, reminding fans of the dedication of the stadium. The outer concourse is almost a time warp where the columns from the old stadium meet the more modern, stainless steel inner structure. Fans will immediately notice that Soldier Field is the home of the Bears, with plenty of Bears history found in the outer concourse. Some temporary markings and banners are placed for the Fire, but it is clear that they are second or third class citizens in Soldier Field. Some other items of note are an interesting timeline depicting the history of Soldier Field and the Chicago Fire FC Wall of Honor. Inside the seating bowl, the pitch runs from north to south with a disjointed seating structure. The upper deck is empty for Fire matches. The east side is where the luxury boxes are found. They are sparsely populated and quite far from the action and rest of the fans. The 100 level is populated on all four sides and the 200 level on the west side also welcomes fans. Although the 200 level offers the most protection from the elements, including the famous Chicago wind, it has muted acoustics and feels removed from the rest of the fanbase. The north end has colored seats spelling out CF97 and the supporter groups populate field level on the south end. Large video boards are in the northeast corner and south end. The gameday production at a Fire match is strong. The players enter from the north end and turn toward the west side in the traditional soccer entry. The pre-match festivities feature a number of pyro features, living up to the Fire name. The official mascot, Sparky, is present at most matches. To start the match, a celebrity will “sound the alarm” in the south end, signaling the beginning of the match by raising an axe and riling up the supporter groups. Neighborhood 5 Soldier Field is located on the Museum Campus in Chicago, immediately west of Lake Michigan. There are a number of local spots near for pre and post-game food and drink. Some options include, Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Victory Tap, Buttercup, Casa Tulum, Oliver’s, The Staley, The Spoke & Bud and Weather Mark Tavern. Soldier Field is shared with the NFL’s Chicago Bears. Chicago is known as one of the top sporting cities and there are a ton of other sporting options. These include the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Sky and Wolves. There are also a number of college basketball experiences to be had including UIC, Chicago State, Loyola and DePaul. Probably the top college in the area is just north in Evanston, where the Northwestern Wildcats are in a power conference for football and basketball. Tours of Soldier Field are also available. Since Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States and a tourist destination, there are a ton of other tourist options. Some of these include the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Alder Planetarium, 12th Street Beach, Balbo Monument, Glessner House, Art Institute of Chicago and Navy Pier. For fans who wish to stay near Soldier Field, the Best Western, Marriott Marquis and Canopy by Hilton are all options close by. Fans 3 The move from Bridgeview to Soldier Field has benefitted the team on the pitch. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, the Fire averaged almost 18,000 fans per match. Admittedly, Stadium Journey visited early in the season and the weather had not yet hit the springtime norms. The match that was reviewed announced over 28,000 fans. The previous season, the Fire averaged over 23,000 fans per match, which ranked them 8th in MLS. There are 11 supporter groups listed on the official Chicago Fire FC website and they populate the south end of Soldier Field. There is a decent tailgate presence at Chicago Fire matches, found in the south parking lot. Access 4 Soldier Field is located on the Museum Campus in Chicago, near the South Side neighborhood, on the west side of Special Olympics Drive. It is 1 km east of I-90, so getting to the match by car should not be too difficult. However, Chicago is a major city and traffic is definitely an issue. There are some surface lots and garages very close to the stadium. Pre-planning parking and even pre-purchasing parking is highly recommended. Also, fans who are driving need to be cognizant of the vehicle size limitations when choosing a parking garage. The public transit in Chicago is plentiful, and the Museum Campus is at the crux of a number of options. The 11th and 18th Street Metra stations are close. Also the CTA “L” Orange, Green and Red lines are all close. Fans should consult the Metra and CTA websites for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around Soldier Field is not that difficult, especially with the difference in capacity and number of fans in attendance. The washroom facilities are adequate. Fans should keep in mind that there are a number of staircases throughout the stadium, mainly going from the older to newer parts. Ramps are available but may take a little extra effort to find for those with ambulatory issues. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols for major sporting events are always changing. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Chicago Fire FC and Soldier Field websites before heading to the match for the most up to date security procedures including prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for most Chicago Fire matches begin at $28 for the ends of the 300 level. Tickets go up to $100 for lower level, mid-pitch seating. Parking will come at a cost but can be well researched for the best prices. Concession prices are what one would expect. The environment is solid for soccer matches, an improvement from the Bridgeview days. Overall, fans will enjoy the Fire experience at a price that is not horrible. Extras 3 An extra mark for the return of the Fire to Downtown Chicago. An extra mark for Soldier Field as a living monument for members of the Armed Forces. An extra mark for the naming of the team after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Final Thoughts Although the time for the Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field is fleeting, soccer fans should make sure to experience a match at the team’s original home while they still can. The upcoming McDonald’s Park will definitely make the Fire feel more at home, however, Soldier Field offers a unique stadium experience in a place that was once an Historic Landmark. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Kokomo Municipal Stadium 400 S. Union St. Kokomo, IN 46901 Kokomo Creek Chubs website Kokomo Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 4,000 Creek Chubs Bring Baseball Back to Kokomo Summer collegiate baseball came back to Kokomo Municipal Stadium in 2026 after a one-year hiatus. The Kokomo Creek Chubs now call it home. The team plays in the Prospect League and is owned by Bullpen Tournaments, Prep Baseball, and former MLB pitcher Joe Thatcher. ​ The stadium, which opened in 2015, cost $9 million to build and holds 4,000 fans. It was originally the home of the Kokomo Jackrabbits, who played in the Prospect and Northwoods Leagues. They left after the 2024 season after a dispute between team ownership and the city. ​ The Creek Chubs returned to the Prospect League after a one-year hiatus from baseball and put the team on the map closer to opponents in nearby Lafayette, Terre Haute, and Danville, Illinois. The team should fit in well in the league's map of clubs in Indiana and Illinois. ​ Kokomo had been home to minor league baseball from 1955 to 1961 in the Three-Eye League for both the Dodgers and Giants organizations. Notable alumni included Orlando Cepeda and Tommie Davis. The ballpark used for those years was Highland Park Stadium, which still stands, but was heavily renovated and downsized in 1984. Today, it is used for the American Legion Post 6 baseball team. ​ Food and Beverage 4 The ballpark has received an updated concession menu that features more than enough options for fans. They will find multiple selling points and lines that move swiftly through the night. The options include fan favorites like hot dogs and nachos. ​ There are two main concession areas, offering three windows for ordering. Fans can choose from the basic hot dogs, nachos, burgers, fries, candy, and soft pretzels. There are various types of hot dogs that include corn dogs, foot-long hot dogs, Chubs dogs, chili cheese dogs, and a gleezy dog. ​ The ballpark offers pizza by the slice, barbecue pork sandwiches, chicken tenders, and super nachos. The right field area features Chick-fil-A sandwiches and a Tropical Sno truck with 7 different flavors to pour over shaved ice. ​ The leftfield corner is home to the tent bar that is open to the public. Inside, an array of cocktails and a few more draft options are available to customers. The bar can be opened or closed depending on the weather, and a few barstools and tables are available outside. ​ Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere feels very good for a collegiate wood bat ballpark. The staff is extremely friendly, courteous, and helpful with any questions or concerns. The game day operations are top-notch with shirt tosses, in-between-inning games, a cheer team on the dugouts, and Hooks, the friendly minnow, patrolling the ballpark. ​ Kokomo Municipal Stadium is one of the most prestigious ballparks in the summer collegiate landscape. A stunning 360-degree concourse ballpark features plastic seating, a beer garden, a large children’s area, and plenty of grass seating behind the outfield wall that would put a few lower Single-A facilities to shame. ​ The ballpark’s outfield lawn seats feature in Indianapolis; this could be a great way to entice non-baseball fans to enjoy a game by sitting on a blanket under clear blue skies. Unlike many other stadiums, the entire outfield seating section features grass seating that can accommodate up to 1,000 patrons. ​ In the right-field corner is an elaborate jungle gym for the children, protected by a canopy net and featuring blue protective cushions at the bottom. Like the party tent at the opposite end, this place is heavily populated with the younger fans. ​ Neighborhood 3 In Kokomo, you will find a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on US-31, which is not too far from the stadium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then here are a few suggestions. ​ Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches, and it is also an ideal place for kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery provides a great stop for a bite to eat or craft beer after the game. The Windmill Grill, B-K Root Beer Stand, or Artie’s Tenderloin are great local choices in town. Be sure to try a tenderloin sandwich, a giant breaded piece of pork that is deep-fried and big enough for two. ​ The ballpark is near the historic Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, which was one of the largest high school basketball field houses in the country. The current capacity is 5,200, and it still packs a crowd during the high school season. ​ Fans 3 The fans at the ballpark appear to be strong supporters of their local nine. Many in attendance are decked out in Chubs gear, while little ones wait impatiently for the elusive foul ball down the right field line. The crowd, which grows as the night wears on, cheers and jests through the trials and tribulations of the ball club. The team is new to town, but support is promising early on. ​ Access 4 You will not find directions off the main road to Municipal Stadium - a common feature in many minor and collegiate wood bat leagues. Fortunately, GPS takes you directly to the stadium from US-31. Once inside the stadium, the main concourse offers plenty of easy access to your seat, the children’s playground, restrooms, and other points of interest. Take note, there is only one entrance and exit to the ballpark. ​ Return on Investment 4 ​Tickets are $12 for seats behind the backstop in sections 101-108. Tickets for the Creek Bank G/A and lawn seats are $6. There is a small parking lot behind the outfield walls that is free of charge, but parking is available on the residential streets if you arrive early to the game. The price of food is fairly reasonable, with a price range of $3.50 for popcorn to $14 for Chubs nachos. A hot dog is 4.50, a soft pretzel is $5, standard nachos are $5, and soda is $4. A 16-ounce draft beer of Michelob Ultra and Budweiser is $7, and Modelo is $9. The most expensive alcoholic drinks in the building are Long Drink, Nutel, and Cutwater at $12. ​ Extras 3 An extra point for the beer garden and tent bar in the left field corner, a popular destination for Thursday and weekend games, and a great spot for socialization. ​ The second extra point is for the design and modern comforts, which are not your typical summer collegiate facility. A wraparound concourse, children’s play area, outfield lawn seating, and a beer garden make it an impressive facility not only for the league but in the state of Indiana. ​ The final extra point is for the children’s play area. It is impressive in size, features a light blue rubber surface, and a mini baseball diamond. The area is wrapped in protective netting for foul balls. Final Thoughts The Creek Chubs are off to a great start and hopefully will be part of the Kokomo landscape for years to come. Kokomo Municipal Stadium is one of the best summer ball and nothing is better than enjoying 9-innings on a warm summer night with a few thousand friends. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Vinny Martin and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Muzzy Field 15 Muzzy Street Bristol, CT 06010 Bristol Blues website Muzzy Field website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 4,900 Baseball in Bristol Muzzy Field in Bristol, Connecticut is one of the more underappreciated historic ballparks in the northeast. Opening in 1914, Muzzy Field has been home to many high school, college and even professional teams. Notably, the Bristol Red Sox, the former Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, called Muzzy home from 1972-1982. Major League Baseball legends Jim Rice, Fred Lynn and even Babe Ruth have played ball at Muzzy, with Babe allegedly hitting a home run here in 1919. Muzzy Field became the home of the Bristol Blues in 2015. Formerly of the Futures League, the Blues moved to the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) in 2020, where they have been ever since. In addition, Muzzy is active all year round with three local high schools utilizing the facility for baseball and football. Food and Beverage 3 For a venue the size of Muzzy Field, there is an impressive amount of concession options at the ballpark. Four concession areas serve the ballpark. The two primary stands, located near the entrance along the third-base line and behind home plate, offer identical menus featuring hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and other ballpark staples. You can also find a few different options such as bratwurst, veggie burgers and “walking tacos.” There is another tent offering popcorn and candy on the 3rd base walkway, and a small drink stand nearby offering a variety of adult beverages including Bud Light, Coors Light, and Blue Moon at a very affordable price. Pepsi products are sold here at Muzzy Field. Overall, nothing is going to blow you away at the concession stands here, but there is more than enough variety to keep Blues fans happy. Muzzy Field's Legendary Obstructed Views. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Muzzy Field is a fun, relaxed vibe that is perfect for any fan. Typically, you will find plenty of mid-game contests and chaos throughout the experience. However, Stadium Journey visited on “back to basics night”, a fantastic idea where the typical summer collegiate baseball chaos was toned back in favor of minimal PA interruptions, and classic baseball music. Casual fans may be disappointed with the lack of entertainment, but true baseball enthusiasts surely would enjoy seeing the game in its purest form. Interestingly, there were also vendors roaming the grandstand selling drinks, which is practically unheard of at a game at this level. Muzzy Field has one main grandstand that wraps from 1st to 3rd base, all with bleacher style seating that is under a roof protected from the elements, save for a small section directly behind home plate. Down each foul line is more open space for fans who prefer a little breathing room. Being more than a century old, some seats have a less-than-ideal view of the action, but fans have plenty of freedom to roam where they are comfortable. Neighborhood 2 Bristol is a small city situated among the rolling hills of central Connecticut. Bristol is nationally recognized as the home of the ESPN headquarters, which can be an intriguing visit for sports fans. Unfortunately, as of this time, the headquarters is not open to the public for tours. The immediate area surrounding Muzzy Field is fairly rural with not much going on. You can find a few local eateries and parks nearby, as well as the unique Carousel Museum. Route 6 has a lot of business and lodging options, located about a mile from the ballpark. Most major entertainment options are located northeast in Hartford, or south in New Haven. The Lake Compounce amusement park is located nearby, as well as the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casino resorts a little over an hour away. Fans in the Muzzy Field Grandstand. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Fans 4 There is a genuine appreciation for the Blues at Muzzy Field. Blues fans are very knowledgeable and passionate about their team, and seemed to have big reactions to every significant play. As is the case for many summer collegiate teams, there is an abundance of families and children packing the stands at Muzzy, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is lacking at other NECBL venues. Many fans can be seen wearing Blues gear, and making noise throughout the course of the game. A “let’s go Blues” chant was consistent during this visit. The Bristol fans' passion is reflected in the numbers, as the Blues ranked 4th in the NECBL in 2025 in attendance, only behind Martha’s Vineyard, Newport and Keene. Access 3 Muzzy Field, in the heart of Bristol, is located about a half hour from Hartford, and about 45 minutes from New Haven. Interstate 84 is in close proximity to the park, making getting to and from Muzzy fairly easy. Parking is free and accessible, with small lots located across the street, and a larger lot which is shared by the adjacent Rockwell Park. There are 2 entrances to the field located practically next to each other, with one directly behind home plate and another down the third base line. As Muzzy Field is over a century old, the brick grandstand is a little cramped. You can get to the grandstand seats from either end, or utilize one of a few narrow tunnels. The grandstand is completely accessible. There are also additional bleachers down the third-base line and picnic tables down each foul line, next to each bullpen. Muzzy Field Banners. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 5 A Blues game at Muzzy Field is one of the most affordable sports experiences you will find in the state of Connecticut. General admission is $7, and even more impressive, there is not a single food item sold for more than $5. All alcoholic beverages are available for $6 or less. Parking is also free of charge. A quality experience can be had at Muzzy Field for a very low price. Extras 3 One major point here is the history of Muzzy Field. It is not everyday where you can walk the same grounds as Babe Ruth. While the facility has gone through the necessary renovations over the years, it still has that classic “old-timey” feel that is hard to come by. Speaking of Babe, the coolest easter egg at this ballpark is the Babe Ruth banner in the right field fence that commemorates his visit to Muzzy Field. You will notice the sign in half Yankees and half Red Sox colors, representing the two rivals in which he played for, and also a nice nod to central Connecticut being a geographic divider between Boston and New York fan territory. A final point goes to Muzzy winning the award of Schools and Parks Baseball Field of the Year in 2025, handed out by the Sport Field Management Association. Final Thoughts Muzzy Field is the perfect combination of a ballpark with tons of history with a modern touch. The gameday experience is relaxed, the on-field product is quality, the fans are knowledgeable, and most importantly it is affordable. A Blues home game at Muzzy Field may be the best value experience in Central Connecticut. Follow Vinny’s stadium journeys on TikTok at @vinnymartin_

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Peoria Chiefs website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Peoria's Dozer Park is in the Middle Peoria has a deep history with professional baseball, dating back to 1878. In 1883, the local pro team moved to Lake View Park, where they remained until Woodruff Field was built next door in 1923. That team hung on until 1937, and except for a brief resurgence in the 1950s, Peoria was without a pro ballclub until the modern Midwest League Peoria Chiefs arrived in 1983, playing their games at collegiate Meinen Field. Despite beginning as an Angels affiliate, the team passed between the equidistant Cubs and Cardinals for the rest of their existence, sticking with the Cardinals since 2013. Along the way, the team also dropped their increasingly untenable native American mascot and branding, changing to the current Dalmatian fire "chief" in 2005. The Chiefs moved into their new home, O'Brien Field, in 2002. Eleven years later, local manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. acquired the stadium's naming rights, resulting in its current name, Dozer Park. Recent renovations from 2023-25 helped revitalize the aging park, adding a completely new grass playing surface, LED lights, upgraded player and umpire facilities, and new end-to-end safety netting. Much like Peoria itself, Dozer Park sits in the middle, neither standing out nor failing conspicuously, as well as physically a halfway point between Chicago and St. Louis. Food & Beverage 3 Dozer Field has a decent selection of food and drinks to keep your energy up while you catch a game. There are several concession stands along the promenade to choose from. Most cover the ballpark basics (burgers, dogs, chicken, and pizza), but there are some specialty items on offer, including tacos, smashed double cheeseburgers, and Italian Beef. Local Heartland BBQ has a stand, but it is sometimes only open for weekend games. Most concessions sell a modest selection of Bud/Miller beer products, local craft beers, and some cocktails. The Big Grove Brewery kiosk at home plate is your best source for true craft suds and variety. Coke products rule the roost on the non-alcoholic side of things. I was travelling through Illinois, so I eventually had to grab an Italian Beef sandwich and a Friendly Neighborhood Beer from Big Grove Brewery for an early summer evening. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Stadium has undergone some recent work, which helped tidy up a downtown park that was showing its age. The ballpark follows a familiar minor-league design, with a single level of regular seating sloping down from a promenade that circles the park. The scoreboard rises above the outfield wall in right-center, set against the backdrop of the Peoria Warehouse District. A second level of corporate and group boxes sits above the first to third base. A group Party Patio is in left field, the Home Run Landing is in right field, and the outdoor batting cages are in the batter's eye in center field. The seating bowl ends in two grass berms, a shorter one on the right and one on the left that runs all the way into center field. Dalmatian fire chief Homer is the current team mascot and assists with the pre-game and between-inning activities at the park. The events are minor-league standards of races, quizzes, and contests of dubious skill. In the park's intimate seating area, your major choice is sun or shade. Grab something towards the first baseline to grab more sun, or home plate, or third base to sit more in the shade. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located in the heart of downtown Peoria. Fans of the locale cite its affordable, community feel, with just enough variety to keep it interesting, while being a short distance from both St. Louis and Chicago. Detractors see Peoria as a small town with unrealistic aspirations, propped up by two industries that dominate an otherwise barren cultural landscape. Several eateries are within walking distance from the park, including the Bar at Black Band, Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro, Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer, Bay Leaf Indian, Saffron Social, and top-rated The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. What's there to do downtown is right by the park. The Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Caterpillar Visitor's Center, and Riverfront Park are a short walk from the ballpark, while the Peoria Playhouse children's museum and the Peoria Zoo are a short drive to the northeast. The Civic Center is right downtown, which hosts various concerts and events. Near the river downtown, several high-end hotels are a short walk from Dozer Field, including Staybridge Suites, Four Points, the Mark Twain Hotel, and the Peoria Marriott, with the Embassy Suites just across the Illinois River. Cheaper options are a short drive down or up I-74 in East and North Peoria. Fans 3 Although the Chiefs generally sit near the bottom of the Midwest League attendance rankings, those numbers are stronger than they might appear at first glance. The league as a whole consistently draws well, and the Chiefs attendance was solid enough to help secure their promotion to High-A during the minor league reorganization of the early 2020s. While they aren't the biggest draw in the league, the local families who make up the fan base do their part and stay involved in the game and the events between innings. Access 3 Dozer Field, like Peoria itself, is well served by transit options. I-74 crosses downtown a short distance from the park, and State 40 bridges the Illinois River right next to the park. All of Peoria's CityLink bus service ($1 per ride/ $3 all-day) begins at the transit center, a couple of blocks from the park, and is serviced by Trailways, Greyhound, and Amtrak buses. The local General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is just southwest of town. The official lot is $7, but if you're willing to walk a block or two, there is generally plentiful, free street parking in the warehouse district, unless there is another big event going on. Traffic shouldn't be too bad getting out either way. There are two entrances, the main one at home plate and a smaller one in left field. The crowd usually isn't too big to need to go to left field, but if you grab closer street parking, you can use that once. The seating areas are surrounded by a wide promenade that narrows a bit in the outfield, but there shouldn't be too much trouble getting around. Return on Investment 4 The Chiefs cater well to their budget-conscious family audience, with decent seat prices and plenty of specials that help cut the cost of a night out. Seat prices are average for the league, running from $14-$22 most nights. Tickets can be purchased with bundled food options or all-you-can-eat packages that help defray some of the cost. Some of the specialty food options can be quite pricey, but that is offset by cheap base menu options, teamed with money-saving combos on nearly every type of food, making individual or family-level eating much more affordable. Parking is officially $7, but free street parking is plentiful. Extras 3 You won't get two feet in the park before you notice its biggest memorial, a statue of Pete Vonachen interacting with a young fan. "Mr. Baseball" was the long-time Chiefs owner and beloved among the Peoria baseball faithful. On the first-base side is a (sometimes hidden) memorial to Peoria baseball championships and awards, as well as to local Bradley University's baseball achievements and players who have made the major and minor leagues. The team batting cages are in the batter's eye in center for your voyeuristic pre-game pleasure, a small children's area sits behind it, and the Firehouse team store is right by the main entrance. Also worth noting is a home plate Roomba that helps out the grounds crew before games to keep home plate up to snuff. Final Thoughts Dozer Park is a decent place to catch a game if you find yourself in Peoria. Like its host city, it neither hits the heights nor delves the depths, but finds a pleasant middle and stays constant in it.

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Limerick Field 1800 Limerick Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Alexandria Reds website Limerick Field website Year Opened: Capacity: 500 (estimated) Soccer Reds at Limerick The Alexandria Reds are a lower-division semi-professional soccer team based out of Alexandria, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. As is common at this level of soccer, there are several teams fielded under the Reds' banner. The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) plays in Spring and Fall, the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) plays in summer, beginning before the Spring UPSL season ends, and the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is a lower-division women's league. This review will focus on the NPSL experience, although there are often doubleheaders involving multiple Reds' teams. 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. In the past, the Reds have split time between the Hummel Bowl on the campus of Episcopal High School and Limerick Field, a municipal field run by the City of Alexandria. However, in 2026, the Reds will play all their home games at Limerick Field while Episcopal High School is used as a training facility by the Croatia national team before and during the World Cup. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Limerick Field. Fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 The seating layout at Limerick Field is unusual due to the location of the field. Much of the space on the Limerick Street sideline is taken up by the AlexRenew water treatment building so there is only seating on about a third of the sideline towards the goal furthest from the entrance. Rather than bleachers or chairbacks, the seating is amphitheater style and you will be sitting on stone or grass. Many fans also bring their own seats and place them along the grass in the seating area or along the walking path by the fence at field level. Some will stand at field level as well. You will have a good view of the action from anywhere in the stadium but it is a bit of an odd setup. There is no permanent scoreboard at Limerick Field. Instead there is a small portable scoreboard at the fourth official's table at midfield on the far sideline. It is difficult to read the score and almost impossible to read the time, especially as you get further up in the seating area. At an Alexandria Reds soccer game, the focus is on the action on the field. Other than hydration breaks and halftime, there isn't much time for anything else, and even if there was, they're not doing anything. The PA announcer announces starting lineup and goalscorers and thanks the team's sponsors, but that's about it. The unique terraced amphitheater seating at Limerick Field. Neighborhood 4 There is not much in the immediate vicinity of Limerick Field. There is a small shopping center down the street but mostly this area consists of condos and the AlexRenew water treatment plant. However, the Old Town is only a few blocks away and is one of the nicest parts of the entire metropolitan area. Visitors will find riverfront views and streets lined with restaurants, shops, and more. As Alexandria is a very diverse area, you will find ethnic food of just about every nationality, whether it’s Bolivian, Salvadoran, or Italian. Il Porto Ristorante has fantastic Italian food and is conveniently located just up King Street from Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream, where you can finish off your meal with homemade ice cream. Hotels are ample in supply as well – check out the Old Town or Crystal City areas. Fans 3 A few dozen fans attended the Reds game that Stadium Journey visited, and considering this is the fourth division of American soccer, these are typical crowds. The fans are almost exclusively friends and family of the players or local Alexandrians. The Reds NPSL team has connections to the Alexandria Soccer youth program, so some families with kids who play locally will come to check out the Reds games. You will see a few fans of visiting teams as well, although they, like the Reds, tend not to have large fan bases. Access 5 There are many different ways to get to Limerick Field. If driving, fans can park in the fenced off lot on Bartholomew Street for free between 5:30 PM and 10:30 PM on weeknights and between 6 AM and 10:30 PM on weekends. These hours should cover all Reds home games unless you arrive extremely early for a weeknight game. There are some QR codes in the lot to scan to make an optional donation to help cover the sewer bills of Alexandrians who can't afford them, but you do not need to do so. If this lot fills up, you will need to park on the street, which will cost $1 per hour up to $5 per day. However, it will rarely do so. Fans should not park in lot on Hoofs Run Drive as that serves the nearby businesses and parking there for soccer may result in your vehicle being towed. Signs clearly indicate where you should not park, so just follow them and you should be fine. Fans can also take public transit to the game. The Eisenhower Avenue station on the Yellow Line is about a 10 minute walk away, while King Street-Old Town on the Yellow and Blue Lines is about a 15 minute walk. Select Amtrak Northeast Regional trains stop at the Alexandria station adjacent to the King Street Metro station. So does Virginia Railway Express, but as VRE only runs during rush hour, it will not be particularly helpful in getting you to or from a Reds game. Restrooms are available through doors in the side of the AlexRenew building. You do not actually enter the main part of the building to use the restrooms - the doors from the outside put you directly in there. These restrooms are sufficient for the small crowds the Reds typically draw. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Reds games is just $5, payable upon entrance to the stadium, and parking is free as long as you don't need to park on the street. Overall this is a great value. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 3 One extra star for the fountains outside Limerick Field along Limerick Street. Look for the sign by the entrance describing the history of the site as well as the intricate water treatment technology underneath the field. The unusual seating layout here is worthy of a star as well. The fountain outside Limerick Field Final Thoughts If coming to a Reds game, keep in mind this is fourth-division soccer and set your expectations accordingly. This is, as you would expect, a fairly simple fan experience. You get to watch soccer up close and have an enjoyable summer afternoon for a low price, and it's hard to argue with that. Limerick Field is one of the more unique facilities in the NPSL in terms of the stadium itself but the fan experience is about what you'd expect. Soccer purists and seasoned groundhoppers will enjoy a Reds game but those looking for the flashier experience you see at higher levels will be sorely disappoointed.

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

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey On June 6th and 7th, 2026, Harvard University Athletics Complex will welcome the Massachusetts Special Olympics Summer Games. Events held at Harvard include swimming, volleyball, tennis, power lifting, softball, and javelin, with additional events and activities held at Boston University. The opening ceremonies were also supposed to be held at Harvard Stadium, home of the Crimson football team, but were moved to a different location. The Massachusetts Special Olympics is held every year at Harvard and nearby Boston College, drawing over 1,500 athletes and Unified Partners. The event is also supported by over 1,000 volunteers to run the event over the weekend. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey While Special Olympics Massachusetts has enjoyed a long relationship with the cities of Boston and Cambridge, Matt Ruxton, Vice President of Sports for the nonprofit, recently announced that the games are potentially looking for different host cities starting in 2027. The cities of Lowell, Worcester, and Springfield have all expressed interest, but the organization is still accepting bids and reviewing options. Ruxton made it clear that Special Olympics Massachusetts has no issues with the current host cities or their venues, but the organization just wanted to give other cities in the area the chance to support this important event. Harvard University Athletics Complex includes over a dozen sports fields and arenas, with the Special Olympics making use of Blodgett Pool for swimming; Palmer Dixon Hall for power lifting; the Beren Tennis Courts for tennis; the Murr Center for volleyball; and Gordon Indoor Track for high jump, shot put, and long jump, with a sensory room located in Dillon Field House. Over at Boston College, the games continue with track and field, soccer, and bocce taking over the Newton Campus facilities. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Charles Scaggs Field College Dr Meridian, MS 39307 Meridian Blues website Charles Scaggs Field website Year Opened: 1980s Capacity: 1,200 Back to the Blues in the Queen City For the first time in nearly 30 years, professional baseball has returned to Meridian. Earlier this year, the Meridian Blues were announced as an expansion team in the Mid-America League, a six-team independent wooden-bat summer baseball league that features a mix of current college players and former professionals continuing their careers. The Blues play at Scaggs Field on the campus of Meridian Community College, bringing professional baseball back to a city with a far deeper baseball history than many people probably realize. The Blues nickname fits Meridian perfectly. The name was selected from more than 600 submissions and honors Meridian native and singer Jimmie Rodgers, “The Singing Brakeman,” along with the city’s deep roots in Blues music and railroad culture. Long before the Blues arrived, Meridian had already lived through several eras of professional baseball. Teams such as the Meridian Peps and Meridian Millers once played at historic Buckwalter Stadium during the Cotton States League era of the 1940s and 1950s. The Peps were affiliated at various times with organizations like the St. Louis Browns, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Cleveland Indians, while the Millers captured back-to-back Cotton States League championships in 1952 and 1953. After the Cotton States League eventually folded, professional baseball disappeared from Meridian until the independent Meridian Brakemen briefly returned in 1996 and 1997. The Brakemen also played at Scaggs Field before the short-lived Big South League folded after two seasons. Now, nearly three decades later, baseball is back once again in the Queen City. Food & Beverage 4 The food setup at Scaggs Field feels much more like a Mississippi community festival than a traditional baseball game. Instead of relying entirely on standard concession stands, the Meridian Blues lean heavily into local vendors and food trucks spread throughout the concourse. Walking around the stadium, fans can grab funnel cakes, corn dogs, loaded fries, lemonade, smoothies, and even mini pancakes. The setup gives the ballpark a relaxed summer fair atmosphere instead of the usual “grab a hot dog and head back to your seat” experience. One of the more unique vendors here is Boards & Batter, which serves mini pancakes with toppings like strawberry cheesecake, banana crunch, and fruity cereal combinations. It is not something you expect to find at a small summer league baseball game, but it perfectly fits the personality of the Blues experience. The permanent concession stand inside the stadium remains affordable and traditional. Hamburgers are $5, cheeseburgers $5.50, hot dogs $3, sausage dogs $4, fries $4, and nachos $4. Beer prices are also refreshingly reasonable, with domestic beers around $5 and canned cocktails roughly $6. What stood out most, though, was how social the food areas felt throughout the night. Fans lingered around picnic tables and food trucks, talking baseball while kids played catch nearby. Nobody seemed overly rushed. In an era where people often spend entire games staring down at their phones, Scaggs Field feels refreshingly old-school. Atmosphere 4 Scaggs Field sits in the middle of Meridian Community College’s campus, sitting tucked under the towering hills and pine trees that overlook the ballpark – the actual facility is much nicer than many people probably expect from a first-year independent summer baseball team. Meridian Community College has clearly invested heavily in the complex over the years, and it shows immediately once you walk inside. What really makes the stadium stand out, however, is the unique seating layout spread throughout the ballpark. Beyond left field sits the berm seating area underneath pine trees, where fans can literally pull their cars into the parking lot overlooking the field, sit at picnic tables or park benches, and casually watch the game overlooking the field. It gives parts of the stadium an old-school community baseball feel that you rarely see anymore. Down the first base line sits traditional bleacher seating that probably holds between 300 and 500 fans, while behind home plate is covered chairback seating protected by an awning for another few hundred spectators. The elevated seating keeps fans close to the action, no matter where they sit. The coolest feature, though, may be the lawn chair seating down the third base line. More than 30 giant plastic lawn chairs, the kind you would normally see at a beach or backyard cookout, overlook the field and give the stadium a perfect summertime atmosphere. It sounds simple, but it honestly works incredibly well for this level of baseball. Then there is the bullpen seating, which may be one of the more unique setups I have seen at any ballpark. Fans can literally walk onto the field to access seats located directly inside the bullpen area, sitting only a few feet away from pitchers warming up, and casually talking with the players during the game. In center field sits a large LED videoboard donated by the Dickerson family, connected to former MCC Eagle and MLB All-Star Corey Dickerson, who was instrumental in adding the videoboard to Scaggs Field. Dickerson played at MCC in 2009 and 2010, earned NJCAA All-American honors, and was drafted by the Rockies in 2010; Dickerson went on to become a 2017 MLB All-Star. Beyond right field, you’ll see the MCC soccer stadium, while behind left field are some hills with MCC sculpted into them, as well as the aforementioned berm seating/picnic seating on top of the hill overlooking the field. One of the coolest features overall is how open this ballpark feels. Fans can move around easily between the seating bowl, food truck areas, picnic tables, and concourse while still staying connected to the game. There are spots all around the venue where people stand around talking baseball while innings unfold in the background, creating a much more social atmosphere than a traditional stadium setup. The field itself also looks sharp. The turf infield paired with the natural grass outfield gives the park a clean, modern look, while the green-and-white Meridian Community College branding still reminds you this is ultimately a junior college baseball facility at heart. The ‘Meridian’ script behind home plate also adds some personality. Neighborhood 2 The immediate neighborhood surrounding Scaggs Field is probably the weakest part of the Meridian Blues experience. The ballpark sits on the campus of Meridian Community College, and outside of the college itself, there is not much directly around the facility besides older residential streets and a handful of businesses. The area feels quiet and a little worn down in spots, with limited walkable entertainment immediately outside the gates. Possibly the only major dining option near the stadium is The Rustler, a longtime Meridian steakhouse located roughly half a mile west of Scaggs Field - this is probably the best pregame dinner option near campus. The good news for Meridian Blues fans is that downtown Meridian sits only about three miles east of the ballpark, and honestly, that is where visitors should spend most of their time before or after the game; downtown Meridian has quietly become one of Mississippi’s more underrated historic downtown districts. The centerpiece is Weidmann's, the legendary restaurant that first opened in 1870 and remains one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Mississippi. Nearby, the restored Threefoot Hotel now features a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline. For nightlife, Don P’s Bar gives downtown more personality than many people probably expect from Meridian, while Brewhaus Brewtique and Threefoot Brewing provide additional local beer options. History lovers may enjoy Highland Park, home to the historic Dentzel Carousel built around 1909, while the Mississippi Walk of Fame scattered throughout downtown honors names such as Morgan Freeman, Elvis Presley, Jimmy Buffett, and Jim Henson. Meridian also carries a little weird Mississippi folklore with it – at nearby Rose Hill Cemetery sits the grave of the “Gypsy Queen,” one of the city’s best-known local legends, while Stuckey’s Bridge south of town has been surrounded by ghost stories for generations. For shopping, Bonita Lakes Mall remains Meridian’s primary retail center, though like many malls, it feels quieter now than it once did. Outdoor travelers may find the area more interesting than expected as well: about 15 miles south of town sits Dunn’s Falls, home to a scenic waterfall and restored 1850s grist mill, while Clarkco State Park offers camping, fishing, hiking trails, and wooded scenery typical of Mississippi’s piney woods region. The area directly surrounding Scaggs Field may not offer much, but Meridian overall has far more character, history, and hidden gems than many visitors probably expect when they first come to the Queen City. Fans 4 The Meridian Blues inaugural season already appears to be a major success with local fans. Scaggs Field officially has around 1,200 seats, but during opening week, the crowds honestly feel larger than that. Between the berm seating, lawn chairs, standing-room areas, and constant movement throughout the concourse, this ballpark carries the energy of a much bigger event. The Blues also do a strong job keeping families engaged throughout the night. The time between innings features dance contests, sing-alongs, crowd games, and mascot appearances from Mojo, the team’s fox mascot, dressed in Blues-style attire, complete with a top hat. During my last visit, several players casually walked over to sign autographs and interact with kids leaning over the railings during innings, adding to the laid-back and personal atmosphere. You also see a lot of families, long-time baseball fans, and residents simply happy to have baseball back in Meridian again. In a town without a ton of summer entertainment options, the Meridian Blues already feel like a great fit for the community. Access 3 The stadium sits on the campus of Meridian Community College just off Interstate 20, making it accessible from most parts of Meridian within about 10 to 15 minutes. Meridian sits kind of secluded in East Mississippi, in a triangle about 90 miles east of Jackson and 90 miles northeast of Hattiesburg, but it’s a straight shot up I-59 from Hattiesburg and I-20 from Jackson. Once you arrive on campus, parking is free and plentiful in the surrounding lots around Scaggs Field. I think the coolest part of the ballpark's setup is that if you enter MCC from the north entrance, you can actually park along the berm and general admission areas overlooking the field, and casually watch the game from your vehicle. Because the stadium only holds around 1,200 fans, traffic never becomes overwhelming, even with crowds that have felt larger than normal during the Blues inaugural season. Fans can usually park within a short walk of the entrance and get inside quickly without much hassle. One minor downside is that the signage around campus could probably be better for first-time visitors unfamiliar with Meridian Community College. Since the ballpark sits tucked behind parts of campus and away from the main road, it can feel slightly hidden when you first arrive. Still, the smaller size of the venue works in its favor. Once inside, everything feels close together, with the concessions, seating, berm areas, and restrooms all within easy walking distance. The relaxed setup also fits the overall small-town summer baseball atmosphere the Meridian Blues are trying to create. Return on Investment 4 The Meridian Blues offer one of the better values you will probably find anywhere in summer baseball. Tickets range from roughly $8 to $15, depending on seat location, while parking remains free and concessions stay reasonably priced. Even with some early confusion surrounding the different seating sections during their inaugural season, the overall value remains extremely strong. General admission tickets provide access to the berm seating area beyond left field, while reserved bleacher seating along the first base line offers probably the best traditional baseball view for the price. However, the third base terrace seating with its oversized lawn chairs may honestly be the most fun option in the stadium, perfectly matching the relaxed summer atmosphere found here. Chairback seating behind home plate provides the best overall view, while the bullpen seating offers one of the more unique experiences you will find at any ballpark. Fans sitting there can watch pitchers warm up just a few feet away, while casually interacting with the players during the game. For families, the value becomes even better; a full summer evening of baseball, food, and entertainment here costs less than many families would spend at most ballparks. Extras 3 One extra for Meridian Blues manager Mickey Callaway, who previously managed the New York Mets from 2018 through 2019, and brings more than two decades of Major League coaching experience to Meridian. Another bonus is Meridian’s deep baseball history itself – just a few miles away from Scaggs Field sits abandoned Buckwalter Stadium, which last hosted baseball in 1955. Overgrown and hidden among the trees, that old stadium has become something of a legend among baseball history enthusiasts, as well as fans of abandoned ballparks. What ultimately makes Scaggs Field memorable, however, is how naturally the atmosphere comes together – kids chase foul balls underneath the pine trees, while families spread out on picnic benches beyond left field. Fans also casually wander between food trucks and lawn-chair seating, while baseball unfolds in the background. As the sun goes down and the stadium lights come on through the trees, Scaggs Field begins to feel less like a modern sports venue and more like the kind of small-town summer baseball setting that movies try to re-create.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 IBEW 24 Union Field at Ripken Stadium 873 Long Drive Aberdeen, MD 21001 Aberdeen IronBirds website IBEW 24 Union Field at Ripken Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,300 Taking a Rip In A New League The Aberdeen IronBirds moved to the Baltimore area in 2002 after local legend Cal Ripken, Jr. bought the Utica Blue Sox of the New York-Penn League and moved them to his hometown. This did displace the independent Atlantic League’s Aberdeen Arsenal, which was trying to secure state and local funding to build a ballpark so it could move out of its temporary home at Harford Community College in nearby Bel Air, Maryland. That funding instead went to building a home for the Ripken organization, and that was what got Ripken Stadium built. The Arsenal was disbanded after one season with a record of 56-83. The Ironbirds had been part of a few different Class A leagues. Today, the IronBirds are part of the MLB Draft League as the minor league team moved to Frederick in 2026. The MLB Draft League plays the first half of the season with collegiate players waiting for the MLB Draft, and then the rest of the season with pro players without college eligibility left. The Ripken family is still a minority owner of the team, but there is another controlling partner company running the operation. Food & Beverage 3 The team's concession operations have not been very good since the COVID era, but in 2026, it has seemed much better. The actual offerings are good, although not exciting. The food prices are very similar to those at many minor league baseball stadiums. Atmosphere 3 Upon entering the stadium, the seating bowl slopes down towards the field. It is divided into two main sections separated by a large walkway area. Beyond the fences, it is not obvious that a major highway is right there, as trees make it a pleasant view. The Birds Nest is an all-you-can-eat dining group option that sits between the press box and the 100-level home plate seats. This does take some of the better seating options away from the regular fan. Other group decks are available at each end of the concourses. The game presentation is pretty good here, with the usual between-inning activities. These are supplemented by longtime mascot Ferrous (think about it….Iron….) and his friend, Ripcord. Neighborhood 3 Ripken Stadium is located across I-95 from the rest of Aberdeen. Right near the stadium are the Ripken Experience Baseball youth fields, two hotels, and some newer housing buildings in the area. One should wander around the youth baseball complex to see the replica baseball fields designed after Fenway, Yankee, Wrigley, and Baltimore’s own Memorial Stadium. The centerpiece is Cal Sr.’s Yard. It is a near-scale replica of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and even has a replica warehouse building that houses two hotels (Residence Inn Aberdeen and Courtyard Aberdeen). Outside the exact stadium area is some new development that includes a Royal Farms gas station, All American Steakhouse, an axe-throwing location, a mini golf location, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. A short drive away, back over I-95, is an abundance of restaurants and hotels. Aberdeen, home to the Army’s massive Aberdeen Proving Grounds, is a center of business activity. Olive Tree is a better and local version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. The Greene Turtle, Panera Bread, and Super Chicken Rico are some other choices with which you can’t go wrong. Chap's Pit Beef is also located nearby and is. a good spot if you want to properly fill your belly before the game. Fans 3 Many of the ticket sales are from group sales, which means the fan base can be somewhat inconsistent. The group giveaways mean you will most likely see many fans wearing gear and other items at each game. There are some hardcore fans with seats around the home plate area. They will be loud and into all aspects of the game. You will also see Aberdeen apparel from various years of the team, as the look and feel of their uniforms and logo have changed a bit over time. The 2026 season will be interesting to see if the fans come back. The shorter season may help, but will the loss of that Baltimore Orioles connection be a detriment? Access 5 I-95 runs right next to the stadium, which means that access from there and State Route 22 (a major road across the ever-growing Harford County) is strong. Long Drive (which was named before the stadium was there, surprisingly) is a four-lane road that is the only way into the stadium area. It never gets too busy, as it is directed by staff and local police. Parking is free and plentiful. No traffic issues are leaving even busy games as the police handle the traffic flow well, leaving the stadium. Expect traffic to take a bit longer on fireworks nights as those families who would have normally left early stick around to the end. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are seemingly more reasonable now that they are no longer a MiLB team. The prices seem fair. There is no charge for parking, and concession prices are a bit high, but also pretty normal for a stadium venue. Extras 3 The view of the warehouse replica is a great extra and gives a bit more to the atmosphere of the stadium. A fan should also stop in and check to see if any youth tournaments are using the Ripken fields. There will be games played there all summer. Although not located at the stadium, Chap's Pit Beef is an extra all on its own. The stadium itself is nice, but it doesn't offer as many "extras" as some other minor league or even summer collegiate league venues. Final Thoughts Ripken Stadium is a nicely designed stadium. It was designed while looking at what went right and what went wrong in baseball design in the late 1990s. The result has often been that the stadium has felt a bit impersonal. But it is still a good baseball facility.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Xfinity Mobile Arena 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia 76ers website Xfinity Mobile Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,318 Trust The Process Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. Wells Fargo Center was built in 1996 and is part of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District that consists of Wells Fargo Center home of the 76ers NBA & Flyers NHL, Lincoln Financial Field home of the Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA, Citizens Bank Park home of the Phillies MLB and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). Wells Fargo Center is the current home of the Philadelphia 76ers and houses the legacy of three past won NBA championships, nine past won Eastern Conference titles, five past won Atlantic Division titles, and the potential of future glory from trusting in a process. Wells Fargo Center is not the first home of the 76ers. Although the 76ers played in a few different arenas from 1964 -1967 the majority of their games were played in the Philadelphia Arena and the Civic Center-Convention Hall. Civic Center-Convention Hall is credited as being the first home of the 76ers in Philadelphia 1964 – 1967 and was the site of an NBA All-Star game in 1960. The 76er's next home was the Spectrum 1967 from 1996. The Spectrum concerning the NBA was distinguished with being the 1970 and 1976 NBA All-Star games host. The next home for the 76ers was their current arena in 1996. The arena held the name of Spectrum 2 in 1996 and changed its name due to naming rights four more times through the years. CoreStates Center from 1996 to 1998, First Union Center from 1998 to 2003, Wachovia Center from 2003 to 2010, and finally its current name Wells Fargo Center from 2010 to the present. The 76ers started their NBA journey known as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946 and didn’t take on the name of Philadelphia 76ers until an ownership change, a franchise move to Philadelphia, and a contest to name the team in 1964. Walter Stalberg basketball fan and contestant in naming the 76ers won the name the team contest for his submission of the Philadelphia 76ers. The name Philadelphia 76ers is a nod to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia. The 76ers have a history of cultivating some of the NBA’s most talented and/or exciting players and have many well-known NBA stars as 76er alumni. In no particular order – Darryl Dawkins, Andre Iguodala, Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, and last but not least the new talent Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The 76ers haven’t won an NBA Championship title in over thirty-five years. In recent history, the 76ers organization refocused itself and pushed a strategy to obtain as many high draft picks as possible to find young NBA stars and have assets to trade for high-quality established players. The strategy became known as “Trust The Process”. From 2013 – 2017 the 76er organization lost games purposely to get higher draft picks, traded for quality players, and promised future draft picks to build a winning team. In the 2016/2017 NBA season, the 76ers had a team with two rising stars Joel Embiid (aka The Process), and Ben Simmons, and a roster of talented role players that put the 76ers in a position to win it all. Trusting the Process just might work. Food & Beverage 4 The food quality at Wells Fargo Center is standard NBA arena excellence. The venue is clean, the staff is friendly and hardworking and the arena accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. Wells Fargo Center offers all your favorite arena foods like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, popcorn, and all the other usual arena foods at reasonable arena pricing. Wells Fargo Center has a member’s only high-end chop-house-styled menu restaurant called Cadillac Grille. If you want it there’s a good chance that Wells Fargo Center has it. From The Coca-Cola products fountain sodas to a bevy of adult beverages. Souvenir cups will run you $8.75 while a 24oz can of domestic Beer will run you $13. It is recommended to try a giant slice of pizza from Lorenzo and Sons Pizza for $9 and a cup of fries from Chickie’s & Pete’s for $10. You won’t be sorry, as both foods are delicious. Atmosphere 4 Wells Fargo Center has a massive outside footprint with lots of parking surrounding the arena but the interior while very nice is a little underwhelming and not what you expect after viewing the exterior. Wells Fargo Center is more of a general arena than a bucket list venue. Wells Fargo Center provides comfortable padded seats with cup holders attached to the seat in front of you. The seat legroom and spacing are average for an NBA arena. The location of the lower Club Boxes gives those who can afford them a premium view being located within all the action but still private. The lower Club Boxes are located at the top of the lower sections. Many NBA arenas have Club Boxes located just under the highest level giving the Club Box viewers privacy but giving the viewers the same view as the first few rows of the cheapest seats, this is not the case at Wells Fargo Center. The scoreboard is the world’s first Kinetic 4K scoreboard. In layman’s terms, Kinetic 4K means that the scoreboard is big, bright, and detailed. The arena music was played loud (not overly loud) and frequently. The 76ers organization keeps the fans engaged throughout the NBA experience. Some of the latest pop music is played by a DJ on the Wells Fargo Center's incredible sound system. Franklin, the team mascot, can be found throughout the arena, taking pictures and playing with the fans. The Sixers Dancers, now integrated with male dancers, keep the spirits of the fans high with dance routines during time outs, and the Sixers Dunk Squad excites the fans with their acrobatic dunking. Most important to most fans, the members of the fan interaction team (mascot, cheerleaders, and dunk squad) all participate in the T-Shirt / Ball toss that occurs frequently at a 76ers game. The modern, spacious arena offers fabulous views from the seating bowl and access to various points of interest along the main concourse. It is spacious, offering great sightline views of the game from the seating bowl. There are a few open views of the court from the main concourse where the cannon and pre-game show. Some of the best seating is located in lower premium sections 112,113,114,102,101,124. The lower premium sections give you a wonderful center-court view. Sitting in section 124 will put you directly behind the visiting team’s bench and section 102 will put you directly behind the 76ers bench. Sitting right behind your favorite NBA stars is fun and you might end up on TV but be warned that T-Shirt and Balls will very rarely be tossed over the player benches. Sections 112,113,114 face the floor logo and are the absolute best sections to sit in for a view of the game and entertainment as well as the T-shirt / Ball tosses. Neighborhood 5 Philadelphia is a historic city with a few bucket list places to visit. Wells Fargo Center is not located within reasonable walking distance to any entertainment other than its fellow members of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District. The Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District consists of Wells Fargo Center (76ers NBA & Flyers NHL), Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA), Citizens Bank Park (Phillies MLB), and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). I suggest staying in or close to the city center where food and fun are close at hand and using rideshares to get to and from the sports venues. If the team scheduling aligns just right and you find yourself in Philadelphia a three-day weekend of fun could look like this: Get into town on Friday afternoon and see a 76ers game at Wells Fargo Center, get up early on Saturday morning, and get a Go Philadelphia Pass or a Big Bus Pass and tour some of the historic sites that Philadelphia has to offer until later that evening when you could go back to the Wells Fargo Center and take in a Flyers game, get up Sunday morning and tailgate before heading into Lincoln Financial Field for a Eagles game. I recommend doing the total tourist thing and comparing sandwiches from the overrated cheesesteak rivals Geno’s Steaks & Pat’s King of Steaks. Geno’s and Pats are 2.5 miles away from the arena and are within eyesight of each other. There are much better cheesesteaks to be had but you know you want to see what the fuss is all about for yourself. Philadelphia is a historic and modern city with many once-in-a-lifetime must-visit sites that are mostly not within walking distance or under 5 miles away from Wells Fargo Center. I recommend purchasing a Go Philadelphia Pass. The Go Philadelphia Pass gives you prepaid major discounts on most of Philadelphia’s tourist sites and gives you access to the hop-on / hop-off tour busses. I highly recommend getting at least a tour bus pass to enjoy the many attractions that Philadelphia has to offer. There are many hotels and Airbnb from expensive high-end to cheap sketchy mom-and-pop spots that can be found within five miles of Wells Fargo Center. Your choice of lodging is totally up to how much money you are willing to spend. There is only one hotel less than a mile from Wells Fargo Center. Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard is the only major chain hotel less than a mile away from Wells Fargo Center. Fans 5 Philadelphia 76er fans are not your average fans. 76er fans are proud of their city and their team. The 76ers have a history of winning three NBA Championships (1955, 1967, and 1983) and being a one-time home to NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson. The 76ers past and having two young rising NBA stars in Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons gives the 76er fan base something to be loud and proud about. According to the Philadelphia 76ers 19/20 Media guide, there was an average of 20,453 fans in attendance at home games during the 18/19 season. ESPN ranked the 76ers #1 in home fan attendance for the 18/19 NBA season. 76ers fans are involved and stay involved the entire game. The 76er fans are up and down the whole game getting snacks and drinks but will stop no matter where they are to heckle the opposing team or a referee. 76er fans chant “SUCKS” at the introduction of each opposing team starting player's name. When a referee makes a questionable call the 76er fans chant “Ref you SUCK” as loud and passionately as they can. Access 4 In general, driving will be needed to get to the arena. Once inside the arena the walkways are open and all fans including those fans who need a little help or extra room will be able to navigate without any problems. Wells Fargo Center can be affordable and easy to come and go from. Please review Wells Fargo Centers Public Transportation Options to map out how you can get to and from a game using public transport. The 76er organization recommends using Park with SpotHero and parking at one of the 6,100 lots available on-site for $29. Traffic is heavy but moves along due to the multiple exits. There are multiple entrances and ticket handlers. Ticket handlers accept paper and digital tickets. Security is standard and quick. Please review the Wells Fargo Center Security Policy. Wells Fargo Center is a modern arena with a wide concourse and easy-flowing foot traffic. Most concession lines were long but moved very fast. Very clean bathrooms are located throughout the concourse. Fans needing assistance won’t have any problems making their way through Wells Fargo Center. There are friendly and helpful staff everywhere actively looking for that occasional fan who looks like they need a helping hand. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 76ers game vs an equally matched team like the Boston Celtics is well worth the cost. The 76ers organization puts on a show and the team competes at a high level. The 76ers ticket prices fluctuate depending on the game. Marquee matchups and holiday games will be much more than when one of the losing teams in the league comes into play. For more information concerning ticket cost, I recommend reviewing a past article on Stadium Journey, How to Get the Best Seats for Your Budget. Extras 4 One point for fan participation as Philadelphia fans have a reputation for being crazy about their teams and the fans truly are passionate about letting the other team know just how much they want them to be beaten by the 76ers. Super loud and fun fans. One point for all the giveaways. Many teams skimp on the T-shirt / Ball toss and fan games for prizes; this is not the case with the 76ers organization. One point for extra clean bathrooms. The men’s rooms visited were very well maintained and clean. One point for the Rage Room. The rage room is housed in the Wells Fargo Center and at this time is only used for fans at the NHL Flyers games but the possibility of the 76ers fans being able to pay $30 and smash things for fun in this first-of-its-kind pro sports room is amazing. Final Thoughts Wells Fargo Center is a well-maintained arena with plenty of overpriced arena snacks that are too good to pass up and a team that is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. What makes the time you will spend at Wells Fargo Center amazing is the fans. The 76ers fans love to band together show the 76ers love just as much as they love to give the opposing team a hard time. Trust the Process and enjoy your time at Wells Fargo Center.

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

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

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