Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Amica Mutual Pavilion 1 LaSalle Sq Providence, RI 02903 Providence Friars website Amica Mutual Pavilion website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 12,410 When the Saints Go Marching In   Providence College is a small liberal arts college located about two miles from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It is the only college in North America administered by the Dominican Friars. With a total enrollment of just over 4,500 students, Providence College is the smallest school in the Big East Conference.   Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s Providence College was an emerging national powerhouse on the collegiate basketball scene. During this time the team played their home games in the cozy on-campus Alumni Hall, which seated only 2,620. Demand for Friars tickets was so great that a downtown arena was built to house the Friars’ basketball team and the American Hockey League’s Providence Reds. The Providence Civic Center, now named the Amica Mutual Pavilion (Its nickname, the “AMP,” hasn’t really caught on yet), has been home to the Friars since its opening in 1972.   Ironically, the AMP, which was built to house the growing Providence basketball program, replaced the venerable Rhode Island Auditorium , which served as home to the Providence hockey team. When the basketball team moved off campus the hockey team moved back on campus into Schneider Arena .   Basketball has been played at Providence College almost as long as there has been a Providence College. An informal team represented the school in 1921, when PC was only four years old. The Friars are a founding member of the Big East Conference, and Providence has been the home base of the circuit since its founding in 1979. The Friars have qualified for 22 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1973 and 1987. In addition, Providence has made the NIT Tournament 20 times and are the only two-time champions (1961 and 1963). 31 Friar alumni have played in the National Basketball Association.   Game action at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4   Most of the concessions at the AMP are located in a pair of food courts on either side of the arena. Stands are operated by local favorites Sal’s Pizza and Saugy Franks. You’ll find all your arena standards here, including burgers, chicken tenders and oversized pizza slices. Hot dogs come in regular and jumbo sizes.   The snack game is strong at Amica Mutual Pavilion, highlighted by the most popular items at Friar games, Dough Boys and Del’s Lemonade. Both are so in-demand that they get multiple carts scattered around the concourse. Of course, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, fries and more can be found at all the stands.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the AMP. A wide variety of macro beers can be found all over the facility alongside many local brews, including Friar American Golden Ale, brewed by Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Company.   Atmosphere 5   Providence may be a mid-sized city and the AMP may be a mid-sized facility, but there’s nothing mid-sized about the game day presentation at a Providence College basketball game. Friars hoops are undoubtedly the crown jewel of Rhode Island sports, and something Ocean Staters are proud to call their own.   A Friar game is a non-stop assault on the senses. The crowd here can get LOUD! The Friars cheer team, dance squad and pep band are all present to perform during play stoppages. DJ Finesse keeps the music pumping and the Friars employ an emcee who makes sure the fans are engaged. Contests during time outs give fans a chance to be part of the action. And of course, Friar Dom roams the arena throughout the game, interacting with fans, posing for pictures, and even partaking in some of the promos. You may even see him on top of the cheerleaders’ pinwheel.   The Friars gameday staff use the AMP’s large video board well, with hype videos throughout the game, using new light effects on the court in tandem with music and video. The student sections, located on both ends of the court, make sure this building never gets too quiet, and the local Friar Fanatics proudly follow suit. It’s an electric, intimidating atmosphere that’s carried the Friars for decades.   Friars Dance Team Performs at The AMP. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 5   The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence, within walking distance of a great number and variety of restaurants and attractions. Providence has a reputation as one of the top destinations in the country for foodies, and the area within walking distance of The AMP reflects the diversity and quality of options in the city as a whole.   Federal Hill, Providence’s Little Italy, is located a short walk from the arena. Several nationally renowned Italian restaurants can be found here. Closer to the front entrance of the AMP are local mainstays such as Blake’s, Murphy’s Pub and the Vig.   Also within walking distance is the Providence Place Mall, an upscale shopping center with several national stores and several more choices for the hungry basketball fan. If visiting during the fall or spring, you may be able to check out Waterfires, an outdoor festival which has been held several weekends every year since 1994, during which eighty cauldrons lining the Providence, Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck Rivers are lit on fire. Many other cities have copied Waterfire, but the original started right here in Providence. The full schedule of Waterfire lightings can be found  here .   Entertainment options in downtown Providence vary from the nationally renowned Trinity Repertory Company and Providence Performing Arts Center to historic sites such as the Arcade, the nation’s first enclosed shopping center, and the Rhode Island State House.   Fans 5   Attendance for Friars basketball remains consistent year after year, averaging around 10,500 fans per game. This figure puts them on the fringes of the top 50 schools nationwide. PC hoops are the crown jewel of sports in Rhode Island, and you’ll be sure to find a loud and enthusiastic crowd at the AMP, whether you’re attending a Big East game against a traditional rival or a game against a local New England squad.   Anchoring the crowd at The AMP are the student sections, which fill up the floor seating and several sections on either end of the building. Despite the fact that The AMP is located two miles from campus and students must be bussed to the arena, they turn out in very impressive numbers. One of Stadium Journey’s other writers who visited Providence commented that he was not expecting the crowd here to be as “spicy” as they were.   As the most popular team in the state, Providence College attracts more than just alumni. Locals, some of whom have been attending games since the team’s glory days of the 1970s, turn out in force to root on the Friars. Providence College puts out a high energy gameday experience, which attracts families and younger fans as well. Friars Game Action at the AMP. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence, easily accessed via Interstate 95. Be warned that traffic in and around Providence can be quite heavy if visiting on a weekday, so prepare to take some extra time to arrive. The recent demolition of half of the Washington Bridge, the main access into the city from the East Bay, has exacerbated traffic around Providence.   There is ample parking in the many surface lots and garages around the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Downtown Providence can be a busy place, particularly around the holidays. Fans utilizing public transportation will be pleased to know that both Kennedy Plaza, the hub of the local   RIPTA bus service , and  Union Station, the local Amtrak stop , are located a short walk from the Amica Mutual Pavilion.   The Amica Mutual Pavilion features a large seating bowl with excellent views of the court. All seats at the arena are individual folding arena seats. The concourse and restrooms received a makeover in 2008, and the arena is fairly easy to get around. Expect lines to form in the food court and restrooms during halftime, so plan your trips accordingly.   Return on Investment 3   Providence College utilizes variable pricing for their home games, meaning that prices can vary wildly depending on game, day and opponent. Ticket prices start at $30 and go up from there. While the Friars attract solid crowds, there are usually some seats available at game time. More information can be found at the Providence College ticketing site .   Parking is available in lots and garages around The Dunk, ranging in price from $20-40. Locals will search the streets around downtown for on-street parking. Just be sure to pay attention to meter hours and other restrictions. Another option is to park at the nearby Providence Place Mall, which will validate your parking for five dollars. Enclosed walkways connect the mall with the arena, meaning you can avoid the cold Rhode Island winter.   Concession prices at The Dunk are expensive, but generally in line with other major venues in the area. With the quality and variety of dining options in the area, it is recommended that if visiting Providence, you eat somewhere in the neighborhood before or after the game. Banners Hang at the AMP. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 3                                                                                                 An extra point is awarded for the sense of history at the AMP. Banners hang from the rafters commemorating Final Four appearances, conference championships and tournament appearances. In addition, several notable alumni are honored with banners.   Providence College is notable for the effect it had on college basketball today. As a founding member of the Big East, today’s superconferences can trace their roots directly to Providence College. In the front offices of the arena is the table where the Big East conference was formed, commemorated by a plaque. The great majority of the fans who visit here will never see this piece of history, but the AMP played a very important role in today’s college basketball landscape.   A final extra point for Friar Dom, one of the most unique mascots in the country. Widely considered to be one of the most terrifying mascots in all of sports, Friar Dom has been known to frighten children and startle unsuspecting adults who come too close. But don't worry, Friar Dom is friendly, and will gladly pose for that selfie with you.   Final Thoughts   For the most part, the sports scene in tiny Rhode Island is ruled by the nearby Boston professional teams. Providence College basketball gives Ocean State residents something to call their own. The Friars rule the local sports scene. The Amica Mutual Pavilion is an outstanding mid-sized arena which fits the needs of Providence perfectly.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 JTF Homes Arena @ Zancor Centre 1600 15th Sideroad King City, ON L7B 1A3 King Rebellion website Zancor Center website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 500 Join The Rebellion The King Rebellion joined the Junior A level Ontario Junior Hockey League in 2024 after moving from Brantford to King City.  The franchise was founded in 1966 as the Milton Merchants and moved to Brantford to become the 99ers in 2018.  After Brantford secured OHL hockey with the Brantford Bulldogs , the writing was on the wall that there would be changes in the hockey landscape in Brantford. The 99ers were purchased by Willa Wang of Beijing Xinghongao Sports and Culture Co.  Willa is the mother of Oshawa General Simon Wang, a former Rebellion player who is, as of this writing, only the 3rd Chinese-born player drafted into the NHL.  The renaming of the 99ers provided one of the most unique team names in sports and it is not just a clever moniker.  The "Rebellion" refers to the role that King Township played in the short-lived Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. Upon moving to King Township, the Rebellion played their first few months of home games in nearby Nobleton at the Nobleton Arena @ Dr. William Laceby Nobleton Community Centre .  In January of 2025 the permanent home for the Rebellion, Zancor Centre, was finally ready in King City.  Named after the real estate developer, Zancor Centre is a community hub with a pair of NHL-sized arenas as well as a swimming pool, gymnasium and community rooms.  The Rebellion play in the JTF Homes Arena. Food & Beverage 3 There is a snack bar in the main lobby that services the entirety of Zancor Centre.  It is a fairly simple menu, not unlike other arenas in this league.  The menu includes pizza, hot dogs, beef patties, chips, candy, chocolate, cookies, brownies and muffins.  Soda, Gatorade, water, juice, energy drinks, coffee and hot chocolate are the beverages available. Atmosphere 3 Zancor Centre has a bit of an unspectacular, yet functional exterior featuring plenty of brown brick.  The main entrance has a bit of an inlet with a natural seating area on the east end, which keeps Zancor Centre from looking like a giant brown box.  Entry into Zancor Centre brings fans into a large atrium with high ceilings that links all of the parts of the centre.  At the east entry, fans are right at the home of the Rebellion, JTF Homes Arena.  After passing a temporary ticket table and merchandise table, fans enter JTF Homes Arena.  There are large windows which allow people to see in the arena.  On gameday, these are mostly covered to ensure that spectators are purchasing tickets.  Inside the arena there are plenty of markings for the Rebellion including clear links to the minor hockey associations in King Township as well as a Rebellion schedule.  One item of interest is a large poster near the entrance to the arena explaining the name Rebellion and the links to the Upper Canada Rebellion.  The ice surface is south to north oriented with seating only available on the east side.  Seating consists of four rows of plastic benches with rails behind for standing room.   There is plenty of standing room at the north end of the rink as well.  Drink rails are available at the north end.  Sightlines are not the greatest as from pretty much any of the seating spots, fans are required to look through multiple panes of glass through the penalty boxes.  The arena is bright and clean and windows at the top of the east and west sides let in plenty of natural light.  A simple hockey scoreboard hangs above centre ice. The gameday production at a King Rebellion game is very simple.  The sound system is excellent and announcements are easy to understand.  Neighbourhood 3 Zancor Centre is located at the northeast end of King City, on the edge of town.  There are a couple of spots for pre or postgame food or drink.  They include Motorino, Hogan’s, the Hunt Pub and Locale King City.  The Rebellion is the only game in town, however, there are other teams nearby.  The OJHL has the rival Aurora Tigers  and Newmarket Hurricanes a short drive away.  The Schomberg Cougars of the PJHL are also close by.  Other tourist options in the area include the King Heritage and Culture Centre and Canada’s Wonderland.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Holiday Inn in Aurora is a good option. Fans 2 Assessing fans in the OJHL can be difficult.  Not all teams report their attendance figures and the King Rebellion are among that group.  For the game that was reviewed, there were maybe 120 fans in attendance.  Rebellion fans would probably fall into the “friends and family” category and are generally pretty reserved.  The small capacity of Zancor Centre precludes the Rebellion from attracting an elite level of support that the top tier teams in the league enjoy.  However, by no means are the Rebellion selling out their games.   Access 5 Zancor Centre is located in the northeast end of King City, in King Township, between Richmond Hill and Highway 400.  It is located on the northwest corner of 15th Sideroad and Dufferin Street.  It is approximately 5 km east of Highway 400 and not too difficult to get to.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans who are interested in public transit, there is a York Region Transit bus stop at the corner.  Fans should consult the York Region Transit website for fares, maps and schedules.  Since Zancor Centre is so new, accessibility is at the forefront and getting around is very easy.  Washroom facilities are also good.  Fans should note that JTF Homes Arena is very cold and there are no heaters over the seating section. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for a King Rebellion are $15, cash or card at the door.  Discounts are available for students and seniors.  Kids and minor hockey players of King or Nobleton are free with their jersey.  Parking on site is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is high quality and fans will enjoy the experience.  A bit more of a production would add value to the low investment for a Rebellion game. Extras 2 An extra mark for Zancor Centre as a community hub with multiple sports facilities. An extra mark for the strong connection the King Rebellion have built with minor hockey in King and Nobleton. Final Thoughts The OJHL moving from Brantford to King City is an interesting one.  The ownership situation in King is an interesting one as well.  The King Rebellion now enjoy their brand new facility in JTF Homes Arena @ Zancor Centre and time will tell if the Rebellion will be a long term staple for the area or a flash in the pan, much like the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

The 2026 Rose Bowl game will feature the number 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers as they await the winner of the opening bracket of the College Football Playoff between Alabama and Oklahoma. This will be the Hoosiers first appearance in the Rose Bowl since winning the Big Ten in 1968. The top ranked Hoosiers earned the top seed of the College Football Playoff bracket with a 12-0 season and their Big Ten Championship victory over longtime powerhouse Ohio State. Hoosier backers are hopeful this will be their first step toward the National Title game. Here’s a list of events throughout the L.A. area and Southern California that you may want to knock off your Stadium Journey list for you westbound travellers. Crypto.com  Arena Crypto.Com Arena Exterior, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The Los Angeles Lakers will be hosting 5 games from Christmas Day on through New Year’s weekend.  Thursday 12/25 vs. Houston Rockets 5:00 PM Sunday 12/28 vs. Sacramento Kings 6:30 PM Tuesday 12/30 vs. Detroit Pistons 7:30 PM Friday 1/ 2 vs. Memphis Grizzlies 7:30 PM Sunday 1/ 4 vs. Memphis Grizzlies 6:30 PM The Los Angeles Kings   will be taking the ice for 3 home games starting with a Saturday Night clash with their SoCal rivals from Anaheim. Should you be left out of the Rose Bowl game, the Kings will be hosting a late afternoon New Years Day matinee as well. Saturday 12/27 vs. Anaheim Ducks 6:00 PM Thursday 1/1 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 4:00 PM Saturday 1/ 3 vs. Minnesota Wild 6:00 PM Across the street from Crypto, fans can enjoy pre and post game dining and entertainment options at LA Live . Among the entertainment options at LA Live are the Grammy Museum  and the annual LA Kings Holiday Ice  where visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to show off their ice skating skills.  Intuit Dome Intuit Dome Exterior, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The Los Angeles Clippers   will have 4 home games from December 28 through the New Year weekend with a couple of attractive matchups as well as a New Year’s Day game for those willing to venture to Inglewood after the Rose Bowl game. If you’re lodging by nearby LAX, the Intuit Dome would be a great stop on the way back before wrapping up the first day of the new year. The Intuit Dome is now in its second season of operation and has received mostly positive reviews. Sunday 12/28 vs. Detroit Pistons 6:00 PM Tuesday 12/30 Sacramento Kings 8:00 PM Thursday 1/1 vs. Utah Jazz 7:30 PM  Saturday 1/ 3 vs. Boston Celtics 7:30 PM Honda Center - Anaheim Honda Center Exterior, Photo by Andre Ojeda, Stadium Journey The Anaheim Ducks are among the top teams in the NHL’s Western Conference and will be home for 3 games including a New Years Eve matinee.  Monday 12/29 vs. San Jose Sharks 7:00 PM Wednesday 12/31 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 1:00 PM Friday 1/ 2 vs. Minnesota Wild 7:30 PM The Holiday Bowl - San Diego Snapdragon Stadium Exterior, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey If looking to add to your bowl game chasing experience, on Friday January 2, Snapdragon Stadium  in San Diego will be hosting the Holiday Bowl  featuring the Arizona Wildcats and the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. One of the more attractive non-playoff affiliated bowl games, the first 10,000 arriving fans will each receive a free admission ticket to SeaWorld .  Other points of interest throughout the southland: Holiday tours of the Rose Bowl  from December 26-28 and January 2nd.  Norton Simon Museum   celebrating its 50th anniversary California Science Center If visiting the California Science Center, one exhibit you will certainly want to check out is GAME ON! Science, Sports and Play . This interactive exhibit is a cutting-edge, 17,000 sq. ft. exhibition celebrating the transformative power of play and the joy of the human body in motion . GAME ON! Think you got what it takes to impress Kobe and Company?, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey GAME ON! Here’s your chance to step up to the plate! Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey

Rendering courtesy of the University of Texas Athletics The University of Texas has recently announced plans to construct a new multipurpose public arena that will ultimately become the home of the Longhorns four-time National Championship women’s volleyball program. Also on tap to be constructed is an adjacent student-athlete housing complex. Built on the former site of Frank Erwin Center, the Longhorns old basketball venue, the four-acre site aims to seat approximately 6,000 fans, but be able to add additional seating for concerts, shows, and University of Texas events. Adjacent to Moody Center , the Longhorns current basketball arena, the new volleyball venue will ultimately replace the existing Gregory Gymnasium. “It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus,” said UT President Jim Davis in a news release. “This is a unique development that will enhance the University's athletics facilities and housing portfolio and benefit students, Longhorn fans and our city for years to come. I am grateful to our Board of Regents for their support for our vision.” While no timetable for construction or completion is currently available, UT sent a request for proposal (RFP) during the week of December 8th, looking for private developers to plan, design, construct, equip, finance, and operate the new facility. According to the wording of the RFP, UT would own the arena and student-athlete housing properties, while the outside partner would operate them. “This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes' housing experience,” said Athletics Director Chris Del Conte in the same news release. “It is about creating an experience that our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans will be proud of in the heart of a district built for elite talent and entertainment.” The University of Texas Longhorns Women’s Volleyball team is currently in the middle of the NCAA playoffs, and are a strong contender for the National Championship again this season. ------ Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

We have all seen the articles, snippets, and quick memorials for Pelé. In a news cycle that quickly moves on to the next sensationalized attention-grabber of information. They are quick to tell us his official name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who was born in Brazil on October 23, 1940, and was a football legend and Brazilian treasure. I think he deserves more time and to be brought up more frequently for changing the face of soccer in the United States. Pelé’s arrival in the United States changed the course of soccer in the United States of America. Pele came out of semi-retirement when he signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League for $1.67 million a year for the 1975 season and was the highest-paid athlete on the planet. The league struggled to gain credibility since forming in 1968, which included 36 franchises coming and going. His first game with the team brought on 21,000 plus and was watched by 10 million viewers on CBS. The game put the sport on the national radar of the country, and for the next three seasons, Pele and the Cosmos would draw fans wherever they played. When he played his final game, a record crowd of 77,000 people packed Giants Stadium in a match against his former club Santos. However, the success would be fleeting with the league expanding to multiple markets that would play in giant football and multi-purpose stadiums. Salaries skyrocketed, and clubs ceased operations rapidly. The league would cease operations in March 1985, and the Cosmos would fade from history a few months later after an ill-fated independent schedule. However, the cast had been set with youth soccer involvement exploding through the country; many of those players would become members of the US Men’s Soccer Team in 1990 when they qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. In 1994, the USA would host a successful World Cup, proving that the country could be a soccer nation. Soccer might still be played in high school football venues in front of 2,000 fans, or perhaps the indoor version of the game would still be considered the top echelon of soccer in this country. Today, Major League Soccer thrives with a majority of soccer-specific venues and a passionate fanbase with 29 clubs. Would that have been the case without Pele’s success with the Cosmos? Pelé is one of the most successful and popular sports figures of the 1900s but should be discussed and referenced throughout the 2000s. In the United States, he doesn't seem to get the recognition he deserves for not only being the best player but also for his undeclared dignity in soccer. He wasn’t just labeled one of the greatest players of all time but was given the title of “the greatest” by FIFA. He was a superior player & human being that was also named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999. In addition, he was voted world player of the century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. To have titles like these but still not be a household name in the 21st century is why he holds the title (in my opinion) of one of the most underrated and appreciated players in the United States.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Louis A.P. Pieri Gymnasium 60 School St. Franklin, MA 02038 Dean Bulldogs men's basketball website Pieri Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 900 __________________________________________________________________________________ The Dean Doghouse   Dean College is a private college located in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. Founded in 1865, it has an enrollment of about 1,100 students who work toward bachelor’s and associate degrees at the college’s four schools. Long known as Dean Junior College, the school transitioned to a four-year college in 1995.   Pieri Gymnasium is named after former Boston Celtics minority owner Louis A.R. Pieri. Pieri was a graduate of Dean College and at one point a member of its board of trustees. Pieri has a long and colorful history in local sports, as he served as the General Manager of the Providence Reds beginning in 1929. Under his leadership, the team won four Calder Cups. Pieri is a member of the American Hockey League Hall of Fame, and the League awards the Louis A.R. Pieri Award annually to its coach of the year. Pieri was also the owner of the Providence Steamrollers basketball team, the Rhode Island Auditorium  and coached Brown basketball for a season. Pieri was one of the co-founders of the Ice Capades.   Dean began their transition to Division Three in 2016, becoming full members in 2020. The Bulldogs basketball teams currently compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. They have yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.   Opening Tip at Pieri Gymnasium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions at Pieri Gymnasium. Fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments in to enjoy during the game.   Atmosphere 2   The atmosphere at a Bulldogs game is about as bare bones as you’ll ever see at a college basketball game. Music plays over some portable speakers pregame and during play stoppages. The PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings without being too over the top. Old-school scoreboards hang at either end of the gym and provide basic game information. The fans don’t add a lot of noise or energy, not that a bunch of rowdy fans would make sense in this tiny gym. If you enjoy hearing the squeak of sneakers on the court, coaches barking instructions to their teams, and the trash talk of the players during the action, you’ll enjoy your time at Pieri Gymnasium. Pieri Gymnasium Dedication Plaque. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 2   The city of Franklin has a population of about 36,000 residents. The town (Franklin is technically a city, but the locals still refer to it as a town) was named after founding father Benjamin Franklin, who helped establish the first library in the United States here in 1790.   Even though Dean College is located right near downtown Franklin, visiting fans won’t find much in the way of dining or lodging options in the immediate vicinity. Much of the area surrounding the college is residential. There are a few dining options downtown, including Rome Restaurant and Teddy Gallagher’s Irish Pub. The majority of the dining and lodging options in the area are located by I-495 and a little further away in neighboring Foxboro where Interstates 495 and 95 meet. More complete information about the town of Franklin and things to do around town can be found here .   If you’re visiting the area and looking for other sporting options, Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots  and New England Revolution , is only nine miles away. Of course, options are endless in the nearby cities of Boston, Providence and Worcester.   Fans 1   Attendance at Dean basketball is certainly what we at Stadium Journey would describe as a “friends and family” type of crowd. This means that virtually everyone in attendance has a connection to the players on the court. Stadium Journey visited Dean College on a frigid December weeknight during finals week, and reported attendance was a paltry 55 fans. A head count taken by this writer confirms this total was accurate. A perusal of the box scores from the 2025-2026 season shows that crowds range between 50-150 fans per game for Dean basketball games. Crowds have been relatively consistent since Dean moved to Division Three.   You’ll find some students in the stands at Pieri Gymnasium, but no organized student section. With the Bulldogs’ schedule loaded with teams from around New England, you’ll also see some fans representing the visiting teams in attendance. Game Action at Pieri Gymnasium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Pieri Gymnasium is located on the northern edge of the Dean College campus, close to downtown Franklin, a small city roughly equidistant to the cities of Boston, Providence and Worcester. Interstate 495 runs right through the city, intersecting with I-95 just a few miles from the city. The gymnasium is located about two miles from I-495 but is easily reached through the town’s suburban streets.   The Franklin station of the MBTA’s Commuter Rail, which connects the area to South Station in Boston, is located just two blocks from the Dean campus. Full route information and schedules can be found here . If driving to a Bulldogs game, ignore the listed address on the web site (59 Emmons St.), as this will lead you to the opposite end of campus. Granted, the Dean campus is small, but still. The entrance to Pieri Gymnasium is at 60 School Street.   There is a very small lot in front of the gym entrance. Seriously small. It fits nine cars. Really, I counted the spaces. And you have to drive a compact car to fit. There are parking spots on School Street, as well as a large parking lot a short walk away on the opposite side of Grant Field. You’ll enter Pieri Gymnasium into a small lobby, with the gym on your left and Alumni Hall on your right. Small restrooms are located at the back of the lobby. Just time your trip wisely, because you are sharing these rest rooms with the visiting team.   Seating in Pieri Gymnasium consists of molded plastic bleachers on one side of the court. There are bleachers on both sides, but only one side is used for Bulldog games. Even though there are only seven rows of bleachers, there is plenty of seating available for a typical Bulldog crowd. In this tiny gym, you’ll have a great view of the action no matter where you sit.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Bulldogs game at Pieri Gymnasium. Parking is free in the lots around campus and on the streets nearby. With no concessions available, you won’t have to reach for your wallet once while visiting Dean. Memorial Hall, Dean College. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 3   There are banners hanging all around Pieri Gym honoring Dean championship teams from their junior college days in all their varsity sports. In a far corner of the gym, a new collection of banners has started reflecting their D-3 achievements. 1,000-point scorers for the men’s and women’s teams hang here, as well as banners honoring champions in lacrosse, cross country and football.   Across the lobby from the gymnasium is Alumni Memorial Hall, a residence hall for upperclassmen. The Dean Athletics Hall of Fame is located on the first floor, as well as plaques honoring Dean alumni who lost their lives in service of our country.   It may be hard to believe when visiting this basic facility, but the Boston Celtics once played a game here . As part of a barnstorming tour in the 1958 preseason, the team hosted the Cincinnati Royals. Eight future Hall of Famers took part in the action at Pieri Gymnasium. The event coincided with the dedication of the gym in Pieri’s honor.   Final Thoughts   While Pieri Gymnasium may not be much to look at, it boasts a pretty impressive history for such a small facility. As Dean College grows their athletic program, this old barn will be sure to see more history made in the future.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hart Center Arena at Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders men’s basketball website Hart Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,536 The Hart of New England Basketball   The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “WUH-stuh” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross basketball arena, but a 1,400-seat hockey rink , a six-lane swimming pool with separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, soccer field   and a lighted turf field  which service numerous varsity sports and intramural programs. Holy Cross has a long and storied basketball history, hosting teams since 1900. The Crusaders won the national championship in 1947 and made it to the Final Four in 1948. Two additional Elite Eight appearances followed in 1950 and 1953. In 1954 the team won the National Invitational Tournament. Overall, the Crusaders have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 13 times, most recently in 2016. Ten Crusader alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. The Crusaders’ women’s team has appeared in 14 NCAA tournaments themselves. Holy Cross basketball was so highly regarded that they could have joined the Big East Conference when it formed in 1980. The school vetoed the move for academic reasons. Today, Holy Cross competes in the Patriot League, a mid-major conference made up of northeastern schools with high academic standards.   Food & Beverage 4   A pair of concession stands, christened “Crucessions ‘Sader Kitchen” are located in the Hart Center lobby. One window focuses mainly on food, one on beverages. Be aware that cash is not accepted at the Hart Center.   The menu has undergone an upgrade in recent years. In addition to arena standards such as hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices, fries and nachos, premium sandwiches such as steak and cheese and grilled chicken bacon ranch on naan are available. Enjoy a cup of hot chili, or add some to your dog, fries or nachos for an upcharge. A selection of snacks can be purchased at either stand, including soft serve ice cream (Stadium Journey is lobbying hard for Holy Cross ice cream helmets). If you’re looking for a healthier item to eat, a variety of wraps and salads are sold here too. It’s quite a selection for such small stands.   Pepsi products are featured at the Hart Center. Hot drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lattes are popular choices on cold Worcester winter nights. Fans looking for adult beverages will be pleased to find a nice selection of beer, including Sam Adams and Holy Cross Lazy IPA brewed by local favorite Harpoon.   Here’s a Stadium Journey insider’s tip: there are some vending machines located in an alcove just past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of soda can be found here for a cheaper price than at the concession stands. This can be our secret. Fans line up at the 'Sader Kitchen. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 3   Any seasoned college basketball fan will tell you that the small gyms across the country contain some of the most rabid fans and the best game day atmospheres in the country. While the Hart Center doesn’t draw large enough crowds to measure up to the legendary gyms in the nation, there’s no doubt that if this place filled up, it would be a great place to experience a game.   Holy Cross does have all the elements needed to produce an elite game day atmosphere. The student sections are behind the baskets, just waiting to be filled with rowdy students. The dance and cheer teams are present most nights to perform during timeouts, and when the pep band is in attendance, it adds a lot to the atmosphere in such a cozy gym. A large video board is located on the far side of the gym, along with two smaller boards on the near side. They are put to good use with game information, videos, graphics, and promos. The PA announcer adds energy to the proceedings without being too over the top.   Younger fans and students take part in contests during time outs. Youth teams take the court during halftime, and fans are right on top of the action. The Crusaders would have an incredible home court advantage if the Hart Center were packed. But since it isn’t, you can hear the sneakers squeak on the court and the coaches barking out instructions to their teams. It’s a great place to visit for basketball purists.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by Polar Park , is rapidly growing and also worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside of city limits   Fans 2   For the 2024-25 season, Holy Cross averaged about 1,250 fans per game. This put them just above the attendance average for the Patriot League. This figure marks a slight increase over previous seasons. Thus far in 2025-26 (this review was written over the semester break) Holy Cross is averaging about 800 fans per game, but hoops attendance traditionally picks up after the new year.   One thing that you may notice about the crowd at a Holy Cross basketball game is that the crowd tends to skew older. You’ll find plenty of seniors in the stands here, some of whom have been following the Crusaders faithfully for decades. There are plenty of families and locals to be found here too, as this is certainly a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. Cheerleaders at Holy Cross. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4     The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Hart Recreation Center is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby which houses the ticket booths and restrooms. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame.   The basketball arena is located to your left as you enter the Hart Center. Fans holding lower-level seats will enter the arena at floor level, while fans holding reserved or upper-level seats will head to the staircases. Lower-level seats consist of molded plastic bleachers. There are three rows of individual plastic stadium seats at the top of the lower level, and metal bleachers make up the balcony seating. All seats at the Hart Center are painted purple and enjoy great views of the court.   There is a concourse inside the arena that circles the entire court. At points, the concourse overlooks the Hart Center’s meeting rooms and practice court. Standing room is available on this concourse at either end of the court.   Be sure to time your visit to the concession stand and/or restrooms carefully, as lines can form at halftime.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Crusader basketball games start at $17 for bleacher seats, with chairback seats priced at $24 and floor seats available for only $30. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the Hart Center, and concessions are reasonably priced. A Crusader basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 2   Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Hart Center. While the glory days of Holy Cross hoops did not occur here (the Crusaders used to play at the old Boston Garden regularly), there are reminders of the school’s success everywhere. A statue of Bob Cousy greets visitors outside, and the Athletic Hall of Fame is filled with names of Crusader greats. Banners commemorating Crusader tournament appearances and retired numbers hang from the Hart Center rafters.   Final Thoughts   The Hart Center is one of the nicer small basketball facilities in this part of the country. Watching a Crusaders game is an affordable experience in an intimate setting. While Holy Cross no longer competes among the giants in the sport, college basketball historians will enjoy looking around the Hart Center at the reminders of the Crusaders’ glory days.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex 101 Father David Bauer Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 0B4 Waterloo Siskins website Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 4,400 Return to Waterloo The Waterloo Tiger Cubs were founded in 1934.  The Junior B squad would settle into the Waterloo Siskins brand in 1947.  Since the fifties, one of the main rivals for the Siskins was the Kitchener Dutchmen. However, in 2020 the Dutchmen were sold to the Ayr Centennials which ended over six decades of Junior B hockey in Kitchener.  Seeing an opportunity to build their brand, Waterloo rebranded themselves as the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins and played as such for four seasons.  After feeling the pressure from the Siskins Alumni, the Siskins dropped the ‘Kitchener’ from the equation and returned to the moniker of the Waterloo Siskins.  They have been one of the most successful franchises in the Junior B level Greater Ontario Hockey League, taking home 12 Sutherland Cups as Junior B Champions. Home for the Siskins since 1993 has been the Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.  A living memorial to residents of Waterloo Region who gave their lives in World Wars I and II, the Rec Complex is a community hub with a swimming pool with diving facilities, two running/walking tracks, meeting rooms and gymnasiums to go along with the arena.  The naming rights of the arena are held by Sun Life Financial, who have a large office in Kitchener-Waterloo, once the head office. Food & Beverage 3 Sun Life Financial Arena has one main concession stand open for Siskins games.  There is also a small cafe in the lobby with limited hours.  The main concession has a decent variety of food items including hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, muffins, cookies, popcorn, nachos, ice cream and chocolate.  The fries are excellent and highly recommended.  Beverages include bottled soda, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and Gatorade.  There is also a separate beer cart which sells a limited selection of macro brands. Atmosphere 3 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation has an attractive, modern exterior featuring light siding and brick with grey trim and plenty of glass at the entry.  Fans entering from the main entry at the east side will enter into a large lobby with easy access to the arena and swimming pool and gymnasiums.  At the west end of the lobby is the Waterloo Memorial Wall which displays military flags, paintings, lists of residents who served and perished and the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by John McRae who was from nearby Guelph.  There are plenty of facilities out there that have the term “Memorial” in their title, but few that put together the effort that is found here to make the facility a true memorial.  At the east side of the lobby is the entry to Sun Life Financial Arena.  Between the stairs to the arena and the box office is the provocative “Etched Into Memory” sculpture.  Before entering the arena, fans should either have tickets in hand or first visit the box office for purchase.  Upon entering the arena, fans will find themselves on the running track, at the top of the seating bowl.  The ice is north-south oriented and the north end is definitely a spot of interest.  On the north wall is the original sign from the old Waterloo Memorial Arena, which was the previous home of the Siskins before it was condemned and necessitated the building of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.  A plaque narrates the history of the old arena.  Below the old sign is the Waterloo Hockey Wall of Fame.  Some significant members found on the wall include Jamie Allison, Don Beaupre, Ron Smith, Bill Goldsworthy and Father David Bauer.  Below the Wall of Fame plaques are screened team photos from the various Sutherland Cup Champion Siskins teams.  Above the ice surface hang the 12 Championship banners for the Siskins and the retired number 66 for Tyson Downs, a Siskin who died suddenly in 2023 of a heart condition. The seating bowl has eleven rows of grey, blue and navy arena seats.  With a capacity of 4,400, over 3,000 seated, and the Siskins attracting around 200 fans per game, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect seat for the best sightlines.  Upgrades to the arena were completed in 2024 and include a new LED score clock above centre ice, LED lighting throughout the arena and a repaired PA system. The gameday production at a Siskins game is fairly simple with typical music and announcements found at most hockey games.  Promotions include a program draw, Chuck-a-puck and 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 4 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located in the University neighbourhood of Waterloo, on Father David Bauer Drive.  It is close to Wilfrid Laurier University and across the road from Waterloo Park.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink within walking distance including Sole and Proof Kitchen & Lounge.  A bit of a further walk is Uptown Waterloo which has a bunch of other options including Beertown, Piper’s Arms, Famoso and the Heuther.  Taking a short drive down King Street to Morty’s Pub or Ethel’s Lounge may be the best choices. There are a few other sporting options in Waterloo.  Sun Life Financial Arena is shared with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks  hockey team.  Laurier also fields football  and basketball  teams.  The Waterloo Warriors hockey , basketball  and football  teams are nearby also.  The area is best known for the iconic Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is home of the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers .  The KW Titans, Kitchener Panthers  and Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club  also play at the Aud Complex.  Other tourist type options for KW include Oktoberfest, the Clay and Glass Museum, Waterloo Park and the Jazz Room.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Delta is close by. Fans 2 The attendance for Waterloo Siskin games has remained relatively steady, even during the transition from the Kitchener-Waterloo brand back to Waterloo.  At the time of writing, the Siskins averaged 443 fans per game. This places them 9th in the league.  For the 2024-25 season the Siskins averaged just under 250 fans per game.  The increase can be attributed to the significantly successful School Day game in December of 2025, which had an attendance of over 3,100 fans, which was the game that was reviewed.  Removing this game and the Siskins continue to average around 250 fans per game.  The area has a competitive sports landscape, but there is plenty of room to improve.  The attendance is even more noticeable as the Siskins play in the biggest building in the league.   Access 5 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located in the University neighbourhood of Waterloo on Father David Bauer Drive.  It is 3 km from highway 85 and some driving through town will be necessary to get to the arena, however, traffic should not be an issue when the Siskins are playing.  There is plenty of parking at the facility.  For fans wishing to take public transit, the Laurier-Waterloo LRT stop is about a 1 km walk from the Rec Complex.  There are also GRT buses that run south of the Rec Complex on Erb Street.  Fans should consult the Grand River Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and there will be plenty of space to stretch out.  The washroom facilities are also more than adequate for the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 4 GOHL hockey is definitely a bargain, and the Waterloo Siskins are no exception.  Tickets for the Siskins are General Admission and go for $12 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, and $6 for children.  Children three years old and under are free.  Parking at the Rec Complex is free and the concession prices are decent.  The level of hockey is solid, and the Siskins put a good product on the ice.  The biggest detractor from a Siskins game is the huge gap in the capacity of the arena and number of fans in attendance. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex as a living memorial for residents who gave their lives in combat. An extra mark for the display of history from the old Waterloo Memorial Arena. An extra mark for the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex as a community hub. Final Thoughts After pressure from the Siskins alumni, in 2025, the GOHL’s Siskins returned to the “Waterloo Siskins” moniker, having previously played as the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins.  The Siskins continue to put a solid product on the ice and the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is a good facility which has benefited from some recent, key renovations. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. A new ball club has thrown its hat into the ring of baseball entertainment. In the grand tradition of the Savannah Bananas and Tri-City Chilli Peppers , a new form of baseball will be coming to Chicago this season, known as the Chicago Snowballs. ​ Snowball owners Cherie and Paul Travis have described it as “professional baseball reimagined,” and the team will play games at Kerry Wood Cubs Field, located at Lane Tech College Prep High School. ​ They are looking for baseball players and performers with a “unique set of skills” that include male and female players who can pitch, hit, execute backflips, play musical instruments, and stand out on the diamond. ​ “We're not looking for typical baseball players to try out. We want multitalented athletes with other skills. The shortstop who plays the rube… the pitcher who does gymnastics… the outfielder who juggles.” reads the pitch on the team's website. “If you can play baseball and entertain a crowd, you're our kind of player.” The team also introduced their main logo, a personified cartoon snowball with a red winter cap. The team's wordmark was also introduced. The team colors are red, white, blue, and light blue. ​ The Snowballs were inspired by the success of the Savannah Bananas, whose recent North American tours have drawn record-setting crowds across baseball stadiums and football venues alike. Co-owner Cherie Travis also pointed to the Harlem Globetrotters as an influence on the team’s entertainment-first approach. ​ The first game is scheduled for May 3, 2026, at Kerry Wood Cubs Field, which has a capacity of 1,200. The Snowballs will tour the Midwest. Team tryouts will take place January 5-8 at The Dome at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois. ----- Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Dr Atlanta, GA 30313 Celebration Bowl website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 71,000 A Celebration of HCBU Football The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl featured a contest pitting the South Carolina State Bulldogs, the conference champion from the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), against Prairie View A&M Panthers, the champion of the SWAC Conference (Southwest Athletic Conference). The game is widely accepted as the HBCU National Championship Game, as it pitted the champions from the two major HBCU Division I conferences against each other. The game has been played in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium since its opening in 2017. Atlanta was chosen to host the title game due to its large number of HBCU schools located in Atlanta and due to its heritage as a part of the Civil Rights movement. The mission of the game was to provide each of the participating school’s alumni, fans, and students with a first-class bowl experience, while celebrating the heritage, legacy, pageantry, and traditions of HBCUs. The 10th edition of the Celebration Bowl was the most exciting ever, as South Carolina State overcame a 21-0 halftime deficit to win the game in the fourth overtime period 40-38. Food & Beverage 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium pioneered the concept of cashless purchases and value menu items to speed up the ordering process, while providing a select set of menu items at a very reasonable price. This is known as the Fan First Food Experience, where you could purchase an entire meal of chicken tenders, a hot dog, a slice of pizza, a pretzel, a bag of popcorn, nachos with cheese, and a refillable Coca-Cola product for $20. Of course, the stadium also offered a more expensive and diverse set of food and beverage options at its more than 60 concession stands. Vendors included Auntie Ann’s, BBQ and MAC, Bruster’s, H&F Burgers, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, Fresh Mex, Williamson Brothers BBQ, Molly B’s, and Chick-fil-A. The Michelob Ultra Grill and Sweetwater Brewing Company. Atmosphere 4 This was one bowl game that really lived up to its name, as Bowl Week was a combination of a class/family reunion, a holiday party, a concert, and of course, a football game. The Celebration Bowl offered this all-in-one package. It offered fans from the two major HBCU conferences to get together for a good-natured rivalry and bragging rights for their respective schools/conferences. The Celebration Bowl is a football game where nobody leaves their seats at halftime. The Marching 100 Band from South Carolina State and the Prairie View A&M Marching Storm Band put on a spectacular show featuring great music and real showmanship. Many fans felt that the halftime show was the main reason for attending the event! Neighborhood 5 Fans from both schools had several opportunities to visit some of downtown Atlanta’s top tourist sites. Centennial Olympic Park is located just a few blocks away, and features the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Cola and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Fans can also visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District, located two miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The College Football Hall of Fame (www.cfbhall.com) is an easy walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and it offers a terrific exhibit on the history and traditions of HBCU football. Fans 4 There were several fan-friendly events leading up to the Celebration Bowl. The HBCU Band of the Year National Championships were held the day before the game. This event featured the top two Division I and Division II bands in head-to-head competition, with a champion crowned at each level. The Coca-Cola Fan Experience opened the morning of the game at the adjacent Georgia World Congress Center. It featured a wide variety of exhibits, team memorabilia, and gameday merchandise. Once inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fans had no worries about the weather, as the stadium has a retractable roof that can be closed in the event of poor weather. Access 4 One of the reasons Atlanta was chosen as the site for the Celebration Bowl was due to its proximity to the member schools of both the MEAC and SWAC Conferences. Fans could either drive to Atlanta for the event or fly into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, which offers direct flights from most HBCU cities. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is centrally located in downtown Atlanta and is conveniently located near a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Fans could either drive to the stadium using the WAZE traffic app or take the MARTA public transit system around the city. Once at the stadium, it was easy to navigate. Parking areas opened four hours before kickoff, and the four major gates at the stadium opened 90 minutes before the kickoff. The concourse was wide and allowed easy access to the seating bowl. Lines at the concession stands moved very quickly, so fans did not miss much of the action. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices began at $45.10 for seats behind the end zones and ran up to club seating at the 50-yard line for $154, which comes with some additional food and beverage perks. Only the 100 level of seating at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was used for the Celebration Bowl, guaranteeing fans a close-up view of the action. We’ve already discussed the Fan First Food Experience, which provided a host of food options at a very reasonable price. Parking at one of the Mercedes-Benz parking lots was $30 for the Celebration Bowl, with the nearby College Football Hall of Fame parking lot offering parking for $24. The cheapest method of getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on gamedays was via the MARTA light rail transit system. It costs $2.50 each way. Riders could reach the stadium via either the GWCC/State Farm Arena/Mercedes-Benz Stadium Station or the Vine City Station. . Extras 3 The Celebration Bowl has been carried since its inception by the ABC/ESPN television networks. The center hung a 360-degree videoboard that constantly provided fans with shots of key plays, game statistics, and other helpful information. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also hosts the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl during the postseason. Final Thoughts Unlike the other bowl Games, which rotate hosting the National Championship Game, the Celebration Bowl is always seen as the National Championship Game for HBCU football. Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium provide an excellent permanent home for this game.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey College football in 2025 couldn’t be more exciting. It’s the second year of the 12-team playoff, and chaos has occurred across the country with teams moving conferences, players transferring left and right, and schools pouring in money towards NIL for players. With all of this change, one thing has remained constant: the stadiums and the fans. Every Saturday is nothing short of a spectacle as people pour into these historic venues to watch their teams battle it out. This is Stadium Journey’s FBS Top 25 stadiums for the 2025 season. A “FANFARE” score has been used by writers to determine the optimal evaluation of a venue. This score tracks different elements of the stadium on a scale of 1-5: food & beverage, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn’t fall into the others. To view the complete review for each of the 25 stadiums, click on the stadium title link below. 1. Husky Stadium - Washington Huskies 4.86 Aaron Terry - Husky Stadium is notable for several reasons, including hosting speeches for several US presidents, as well as hosting multiple NFL games. More impressively, the wave is said to have originated here back in the fall of 1981 (credit is shared between a former band director, yell leader, and trumpet player). But perhaps most important of all is that Husky Stadium is officially recognized as the loudest college football stadium in the nation, thanks in part to cantilevered metal roofs above each sideline that trap the noise inside. During a 1992 game versus Nebraska, ESPN recorded a noise level of 133.6 decibels, the highest ever recorded for college football.   2. Bryant-Denny Stadium - Alabama Crimson Tide 4.71 Jack Quinn - When you take the exit towards Tuscaloosa, you’ll come upon a quaint southern town that merely sits in the shadow of a cathedral that is Bryant-Denny Stadium. The massive bowl carries countless stories of success at the highest level of college football. The Alabama Crimson Tide has ruled the SEC and college football in general for many years, recently hosting opponents in their 100,000+ seat stadium, which is always buzzing on game day since it was expanded in 2010. Bryant-Denny is a full bowl-shaped stadium with a lower bowl and an upper deck that is disconnected into four large parts, one on each side of the field.   3. Arthur L. Williams Stadium - Liberty Flames 4.71 Aaron Terry - Arthur L. Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, VA, is home to the Liberty Flames football team and was built in 1989; its current capacity is 25,000. The facility started off with only 12,000 seats, but underwent a major renovation a few years back when Liberty made the move from FCS to FBS. The facility now includes two-story stands on both the east and west sides, a five-story press box complete with 18 suites, and seating around the horseshoe of the south end zone, which boasts both box seats as well as berm seating, capped off by brick arches built into the wall surrounding the venue.   4. Ohio Stadium - Ohio State Buckeyes 4.57 Photo by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium review by Sean MacDonald - Ohio Stadium, home of the Buckeyes, is one of the best sporting destinations in the land, and the team on the field often matches the overall game day experience. Opened in 1922, “The Horseshoe” has hosted generations of Buckeye fans and continues to evolve and expand to keep the beloved venue modern. Ohio Stadium has a capacity of just under 105,000 and is doubtless one of the top experiences for a sports traveler. College football home games here are truly events, and if you haven’t been to one of the football stadiums in the Big Ten, consider Ohio State the perfect place to start.   5. Michigan Stadium - Michigan Wolverines 4.57 Photo by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium review by Sean MacDonald - Ann Arbor is the quintessential college town, and this is most obvious on a sunny Saturday autumn afternoon when the Wolverines are home at Michigan Stadium, more commonly known as The Big House. This nickname is not an exaggeration, as the gridiron is the third-largest stadium in the world behind Narendra Modi Stadium in India (114,600) and Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea (113,281), which obviously makes it the largest in the United States, even with its capacity having been reduced to 107,601 a decade ago.   6. Bridgeforth Stadium - James Madison Dukes 4.57 Gregory Koch - The Dukes routinely draw near-sellout crowds, with the fans in attendance being some of the most passionate in the country. Whether it’s tossing the streamers after touchdowns, banging the bleachers on third downs, or booing the refs after a perceived bad call goes against JMU, these fans are loud, they are proud of their Dukes, and they are not afraid to show it. When visiting Bridgeforth Stadium expect the crowd noise to be consistently loud and intimidating for opposing teams.   7. Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium - Texas Longhorns 4.43 Eric Moreno - There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a big-time college football stadium on game day. In recent years the Longhorns have done a great job ramping up the atmosphere at DKR, from upgrading the Godzillatron in the south end zone to the Longhorn-shaped player’s entrance (complete with billowing smoke), to upgraded lighting and LED boards, it’s all better in Austin. The stands are littered with burnt orange, and the student section is filled with rowdy fans throwing their horns up (always up) – including groups such as the Longhorn Hellraisers . Fans chant “Texas Fight” and sing along to the “Eyes of Texas”.    8. Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium - Clemson Tigers 4.43 David Welch - In what otherwise would be a sleepy college town of just over 17,000 sits the 83,350-seat Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, ominously dubbed “Death Valley.” It was Howard who would start the tradition of rubbing the chunk of quartzite from Death Valley, California. Howard implored players, “If you're going to give me 110 percent, you can rub that rock. If you're not, keep your filthy hands off of it.” The legend of “Howard’s Rock” was born and is the centerpiece of the famed, “Greatest 25 Seconds in Sports.”   9. Sanford Stadium - Georgia Bulldogs 4.43 David Welch - It is hard to beat the experience of football down south and “between the hedges”; for over 90 years, football on the University of Georgia campus has been played at the same location, as the stadium has grown around it. Football in the South takes on a different importance, making the whole experience seem more of an event than just a Saturday football game. College football season might kick off in September and run through early January, but in the state of Georgia, football season never ends.   10. Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Oklahoma Sooners 4.43 Aaron Terry - Home to the Sooners football team of the University of Oklahoma, the venerable facility is laid out in a bowl design, with both the north and south end zones enclosed; one of the most prominent features at the stadium is the clock tower built into the wall behind the north end zone, on the exterior of the venue. Come game day in Norman, the Oklahoma Sooners put on quite a show, making Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium one of the better atmospheres in college football today. Tens of thousands of red-clad fans show up for tailgating hours before kickoff, the atmosphere inside the stadium is loud and raucous, and the staff pulls out all the stops to keep fans engaged, including twin mascots, appearances by the Sooner Schooner, jugglers, OU flags trotted out throughout the game, and even flame and fireworks to welcome the team onto the field.   11. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium - Ole Miss Rebels 4.43 Matt Colville - It's been called the Literary Capital of the South; Grisham, Faulkner, and Willie Morris all lived here and used the small Mississippi town as a setting for many of their novels. It's Oxford, Mississippi, and after coming here, it's easy to see why, as the scene is something straight out of a novel. At The Grove, you'll find tailgating as you've never seen before – it's as grand and upscale as you can get, with chandeliers hung from a sea of tents and people eating off fine china. Students wear their Sunday Best, with men in slacks and women in dresses and boots, backdropped by beautiful Greek column buildings and hundred-year-old oaks.   12. Kidd Brewer Stadium - Appalachian State Mountaineers 4.43 Will Halpern - Kidd Brewer Stadium, known as “The Rock,” is a staple of college football not just in Boone but in the state of North Carolina, and even though at times it lives in the shadow of the four in-state ACC Programs to the east, Kidd Brewer Stadium and the Mountaineers who play here have been trendsetters. The Mountaineer Walk allows the team to walk to the stadium past the fans, while “Mountain Music” by Alabama is played before the team walks from the locker room through the corner of the concourse and onto the field for the start of the game.   13. Joan C. Edwards Stadium - Marshall Thundering Herd 4.43 Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Aaron S. Terry Stadium review by Jude Hannahs - ​Marshall University fans are passionate about college football. At first glance, Marshall might not seem like a school known for its loud, energetic football spirit. However, without context, one might mistake Marshall games for Ohio State, given the enthusiasm and cheering from the fan base. The Herd is among the most exciting teams to watch in the Sun Belt Conference and the Appalachian region. Marshall offers everything you want from a smaller Division I school; producing NFL legends like Randy Moss and Troy Brown, the Thundering Herd is formidable – especially at home.   14. Tiger Stadium - LSU Tigers 4.29 Michael Davis - There are plenty of great atmospheres in college football, and many fans have legitimate reasons to think their school has the best atmosphere. LSU fans are no different, and if creating a list of the top three college football atmospheres, it would be hard not to list Tiger Stadium as one of them. The LSU fan base is one of the best all-around in college sports, and obviously, Tiger football fans are the hardcore of the group. On game day in Baton Rouge, the reflection from the Mississippi River becomes a tidal wave of purple and gold. Just like every great college atmosphere, the atmosphere begins with tailgating – over two-thirds of Tiger fans tailgate for five or more hours before every game, and many begin more than 24 hours before kickoff. There are plenty of charcoal grills, tents, televisions, music, and other festivities for tailgaters.   15. Lane Stadium - Virginia Tech Hokies 4.29 Joseph Oakes - Lane Stadium is best known for its “Enter Sandman” entrance, as the Metallica song is played as the team runs out onto the field. Everyone “starts jumping,” and they can at times register on the Richter Scale as the stadium shakes. Lane Stadium is the epitome of a college football on-campus stadium. It is a massive facility from the exterior, as it is built mostly above ground and is very steep. It also matches the Virginia Tech campus buildings, as the exterior of the stadium is adorned with the famous Hokie Stone.   16. FBC Mortgage Stadium - UCF Knights 4.29 Chris Green - The Knights and their fans have been on the highest of highs in the last half-decade. Arguably the most visible and fastest growing program in NCAA Football, UCF has long been a hidden gem among college game day experiences. However, the latest round of popularity has only helped this notoriety grow even further into the mainstream. A trip to a Knights football game at FBC Mortgage Stadium, aka the Bounce House, reveals that the college football experience is alive and well on the campus of UCF – from the tailgating all across campus to the in-game fan interaction, the average uninitiated fan who isn’t familiar with the Knights will be surprised by the atmosphere here.   17. Hard Rock Stadium - Miami (FL) Hurricanes 4.29 Aaron Terry - Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL, is best known as the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins . However, on a few Saturdays in the fall, Hard Rock Stadium welcomes the hard-rocking fans from the nearby University of Miami, becoming a literal sea of orange for a few hours. The Miami (FL) Hurricanes have called the venue home since 2008, when they moved here from the old Orange Bowl Stadium, which was subsequently demolished and replaced by LoanDepot Park , home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins .   18. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium - Memphis Tigers 4.29 Aaron Terry - Opened in 1965, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is home to the Memphis Tigers football team, as well as the annual Liberty Bowl, and currently has a capacity of 56,862. The facility is a true bowl design, with an oval-shaped grandstand that rises to a peak in the middle of each sideline, and descends to have valleys behind each end zone. The sight lines here are truly outstanding, meaning all seats have a great view of the action, due to the fact that the grandstand is very close to the field, but also because the seats are very steep, meaning all the seats are closer to the action than at comparably sized stadiums.   19. Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh Panthers 4.29 Patricia Beninato - Pitt games are populated mainly by the school’s students and alumni, but the crowd will vary depending on the Panthers’ opponent for the day. The stands are much fuller for games against rivals Virginia Tech , not so much for non-conference teams like Western Michigan . You’ll find the students in the northern end zone, and the most popular side of the stadium for non-students is the western side behind Pitt’s sideline. Even when the crowd is small, though, they are loud and engaged all during the game, to the point that it can be surprising how loud a relatively small crowd can be. Expect lots of “HAIL TO PITT” and “LET’S GO PITT” chants, and it’s a good idea to learn the words to “Seven Nation Army” and “Lose Yourself,” because you’ll hear them sung a LOT.   20. Blaik Field at Michie Stadium - Army Black Knights 4.29 Paul Baker - Virtually every sports fan has a bucket list of venues they would like to visit. Chances are there are some legendary names on those lists, such as Fenway Park , Lambeau Field , St Andrews , or Wimbledon. Some venues that should be on any sports fan’s bucket list lie further off the beaten path, however, such as in quaint West Point, New York, a town of only 6,763 people – here is a venue that should be on any sports fan’s short list of places to go as you explore the planet. Watching an Army football game at Michie Stadium is more than just a game; it is part history lesson, part sporting event, part Fourth of July.   21. Albertsons Stadium - Boise State Broncos 4.29 Photo Courtesy of Operation Sports Stadium review by Stadium Journey - Albertsons Stadium is on the banks of the Boise River, nestled among the trees at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is a very picturesque setting for one of the most interesting college stadiums in the country. Unique in all of football is The Blue, the world’s first blue AstroTurf field. First installed in 1986, basically as a way to make Boise State stand out during its days in Division II, it has transformed into a rallying point for the Boise State team and its fans.   22. Reser Stadium - Oregon State Beavers 4.29 Photo Courtesy of Scott Schoonover Paul Hilchen - Oregon loves its football, and Beaver fans don’t take a back seat to anyone. “Beaver Nation” is as passionate a fan base as any in college football, but that passion doesn’t go too far like some fan bases, where visitors are taunted and sometimes hassled. This stadium feels very inviting for everyone, the same feeling you would get in most “small town” settings, even though Corvallis isn’t a small town. Beaver fans are very classy and set a good example for others to follow. I didn’t see many fans that were there because “it was the place to be and be seen” – true, hardcore, OSU Beaver football fans fill the stands here.   23. Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex - Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 4.29 Chris Green - Perhaps no other game day experience captures the true feeling of family, the connection to the local culture, and the enthusiasm that college sports can create than what you’ll experience at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Located on the campus of the University of Hawaii Manoa, this growing facility has quickly morphed from a track-and-field venue to a respectable football stadium in short order.   24. Stanford Stadium - Stanford Cardinal 4.29 Photo Courtesy of P.J. Loury Chris Green - Stanford football is one of the most successful programs over the last few years in college football, especially within their conference. The experience at Stanford Stadium on game day is also one of the best there is – the stadium’s location, fan base, and overall aesthetics make for a remarkable experience in a picturesque setting for fans to flock to. The atmosphere at Stanford Stadium is that of a relaxing college football experience. While seemingly an oxymoronic, one minute in the stands helps you realize how true it is; the roar of the crowd fills the air during the game as the Stanford faithful cheer on their team. However, the view over the end zone grandstand shows a beautiful forest of trees, to give a wonderful setting for football.   25. Jordan-Hare Stadium - Auburn Tigers 4.14 David Welch - Down on the Plains, Saturday afternoons take on a whole different feel than most college campuses in the country – Auburn, Alabama, is transformed from a sleepy college town into one of the top college football game day experiences in the country. There seems to be the perfect combination here of a respect for the traditions that make the Auburn football experience important, combined with a modern game atmosphere of piped-in hype music, which goes a long way in creating a fun game atmosphere.

Images from Bob Wilke and the YouTube Page/Matt Werner Michigan City, Indiana, sits on the coast of Lake Michigan, 54 miles east of Chicago. It is known for its miles of coastline, access to the Indiana Dunes National Park, lighthouses, and growing art scene. However, 70 years ago, the wheels were in motion to make it a professional baseball town. The city might have never had a franchise in the league if it weren’t for a 21-year-old player-manager, Al Shinn.  In 1955, he was playing in Hannibal in the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League, which was on the verge of folding. Shinn had just married a girl whose family lived in Long Beach, Indiana. He had met her at a train stop the previous year while traveling to games in Kokomo and Lafayette. Long Beach borders Michigan City, and Shinn thought the town would make a good baseball town and convinced the New York Giants to relocate the financially struggling Hanibal club to Indiana following the season. At the time, Michigan City had a population of 30,000. On November 28, 1955, the league changed its name to the Midwest League and voted the city in as a member. Shinn and his brother-in-law Bob Hood became part-owners, and Shinn continued as player-manager for what was now the White Caps franchise. “Can Michigan City support professional baseball?” asked South Bend Tribune columnist Dick Micell. “The city’s proximity to Chicago and the high death rate of lower classification clubs are popular arguments used by the skeptics.” Michigan City Mayor-elect Francis Fedder was not keen on the announcement, as the ballpark was being used all summer long by various boys’ programs. Ames Field had been in use since 1922, but received a major uplift of $33,462 in 1939 due to WPA funds. The stadium was used for high school football and baseball programs, as well as various youth programs in the area. The home jerseys resemble those worn by the White Sox in 1987. There was also the concern about the shores of Lake Michigan. The popular summertime destination for many in the Midwest would impact attendance at the ballpark. It was estimated that operating the club for the season would cost $50,000, with a minimum of 800 fans per game. The name White Caps was chosen from the foamy, white crests that form on waves when strong winds blow over the water from Lake Michigan. It was not the first time the name was used; a newspaper article from The South Bend Tribune from January 28, 1913, reported on a St. Floryan indoor baseball (softball) victory over the Michigan City White Caps by the score of 16-8. Ames Field was spruced up before the arrival of the White Caps. It received a fresh coat of paint, a new press box, a 35-foot screen behind the backstop, covered dugouts, a large scoreboard displaying league standings, and an updated electronic scoreboard atop the left field wall. Ticket prices were set at 75 cents, and management aimed to attract 800 fans per game to break even.  However, Ames was a traditional football field at the time. The press box was on the left field line, close to third base. The grandstand seats were not covered, and the left field fence appeared to be much further from home plate than in right. “Michigan City is fast becoming a baseball-minded town again, with large signs placed throughout the city and countryside, advertising 'Happy Days are here again' and to support the White Caps.” Team President Ralph Waterhouse announced that $14,000 worth of tickets had been purchased and that the goal of $20,000 sold would be reached by the opening night of April 29. A crowd of 6,000 was expected to attend the White Caps first game, a doubleheader where the team would play the afternoon in Kokomo and the nightcap at Michigan City. However, Mother Nature washed out both games, leading to only 1,000 customers for the game the next night. A bird's eye view of Ames Field and action shots from Michigan City Red Devils high school games. During the inaugural season, Waterhouse passed away from a heart attack at the age of 50. Then, controlling stock in the club was sold by Shinn to a syndicate headed by B.M. Bergerson, the owner of the B&K Root Beer stands mentioned earlier at Stadium Journey. The move was made to ensure that the ball club remained in business until the end of the year. The Caps held special nights honoring local towns like LaPorte and South Bend. They also announced they would give away 1,000 silver coins if 4,000 customers showed up to a Wednesday afternoon game in May. A crowd of 3,300 showed up for a doubleheader against the Kokomo Dodgers in August. Future Major League Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal began his minor league career as a 20-year-old, recording a 21-8 record with 246 strikeouts and a 1.84 ERA for the Caps in 1956.  He would be joined by 10 other men who made it to the big leagues, including Matt Alou and Manny Mota. The White Caps averaged 774 per game and lost $10,000 during the inaugural campaign. The attendance figures were impressive, but the losses were staggering. The ball club even threatened before the second season to drop out of the league in a dispute with the city park board over revenue. The next season, the club had a full working agreement with the Giants and hoped to improve on attendance figures. Cold weather resulted in crowds of 450 and 200 for the first two games of the 1957 season. Attendance dipped over the next three years to 28,775 (an average of around 456) in 1959. After the season, the Giants moved their affiliation to Quincy, Illinois, in 1960. There was sentiment for civic groups to back the club, but it failed to find a major league affiliation by a February 12th deadline. It also did not have an agreement with the Parks Department to use Ames Field, which had just installed new floodlights. The franchise continued playing in Quincy until 1973, when it relocated to Dubuque, Iowa, before folding after the 1976 season. Ames Field would continue hosting high school baseball for close to 50 years, but like the White Caps, it too would disappear. The old ballpark began being torn down in June 1994. The press box was the first to be knocked down, followed by the rest of the grandstand and walls. It was rebuilt as a football-only structure for the high school team and opened in 1995. It is impressive, but it's not a place to put a baseball diamond.  High School baseball continued playing at Ames Field well into the pullover days of the 1980s. Shinn stuck around in the area promoting amateur baseball and sat down with The (Hammond) Times in 1993 to reminisce about his former team. He described that after World War II, the babies boomed, people made money, gas was cheap, and the new mass transportation system made travel the new American pastime. The White Caps were left choking on the fumes of that economic expansion. “It was a time in history that was not right for success in minor league baseball. People could easily drive to Chicago to see the game to the highest degree.”  Shinn’s words remain true well over 30 years later and almost a decade after his death in 2016. Michigan City still attracts tourists throughout the summer months and is a short hop to the resort town of New Buffalo, Michigan, and about an hour's drive to Chicago. The White Caps were a strange anomaly in the history of the Midwest League, part of the failed Indiana expansion era that included other Hoosier towns like Lafayette and Kokomo . Those cities saw the return of summer collegiate baseball through the Prospect League, and it is unlikely that a baseball club will return to Michigan City.  However, who knows when someone will eye the coastal town as a potential team there in the future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner and promises to be the biggest event in U.S. soccer history. Venues across North America, from Vancouver to Mexico City, are poised to be the host venues for what promises to be one of the largest World Cup tournaments in history. As part of the conditions for hosting the matches, multiple venues across the country will be rebranding and temporarily renaming themselves to comply with existing FIFA rules. Currently, FIFA does not allow stadiums with corporate-sponsored names to be host venues. They do this to prevent additional advertising during the tournament. The result of this rule means that 14 out of the 16 venues will need to undergo a temporary name change when the tournament begins. These include NRG Stadium  in Houston and AT&T Stadium  in Arlington. Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Much to the chagrin of Cowboys fans in the Metroplex , AT&T Stadium will temporarily be rechristened “Dallas Stadium,” while NRG Stadium will be known as “Houston Stadium.” With a capacity of around 95,000, AT&T Stadium is the largest venue to be used in the 2026 World Cup, followed by Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which will keep its name for the duration of the tourney. Other venues that will see the name change include Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (“Atlanta Stadium”), GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium  in Kansas City (“Kansas City Stadium”), and Lumen Field  in Seattle (“Seattle Stadium”). The 2026 FIFA World Cup is slated to kick off with the opening matchup between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. ------ Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website SRO Indy 8 Hours Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 Indy’s Endurance Showcase While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, the SRO America Indianapolis 8 Hours stands alone as the only sportscar endurance race on the annual schedule. While IMSA maintains a visit on their schedule, future events will return to standard sprint weekends in 2026, leaving the SRO weekend the only place you can watch sportscar endurance racing at Indy. While generally more low key than other events at the storied facility, this event maintains its place as one of the most fan-friendly and wallet-friendly events on the calendar. Food & Beverage 3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield; the basics like burgers ($9.50-$10.25), chicken fingers ($12), and pork tenderloin baskets ($12.50) are all available, as are soda ($5-$7), bottled water ($5), and beer ($8.25-$9.25). Unfortunately, the only real food options at the track are the main concessions stand near the pagoda plaza – the grandstand food stands are closed, and food trucks are non-existent during this event. Atmosphere 4 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offer fans a chance to see the action from anywhere, and renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines. Neighborhood 3 Speedway, Indiana, is a unique setting, as you can see both the past and the future of the area in a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here, various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indianapolis just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track. Fans 3 The fans at Indy are among the most sports-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top it. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. As with other SRO America events, while the track may not sell out every seat, attendance has increased each year with impressive consistency, thanks no doubt to the organization’s hard efforts in the marketing department. 2025 saw a busy fan walk before the 8-hour event, as well as long lines at the various autograph sessions during the event. Access 4 To get to the track, you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the track. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the venue’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the facility, though many of these lots require pre-purchased parking passes. That said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to SRO weekend are relatively well priced – general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Thursday, $30 for Friday, and $20 for Saturday. Weekend passes are just $85 for all three days. Kids 15 and under are free with a paid adult, and parking starts at just $10 and goes up to only $25. Best of all, admission to Sunday’s remaining sprint races is free, with free parking then as well. Compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500, this is an absolute steal. Every ticket also includes infield access, as well as access to the paddock and pre-race fan walk. Extras 4 Several autograph sessions are held throughout the weekend, including all the SRO America Series teams. The series also has several event stores set up throughout the facility’s fan zone, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as from the drivers. The IMS stores also open under the pagoda plaza. On Saturday before the 8 Hour event, a fan walk is held on the track for you to see all the competitors up close on pit lane. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield and is open during race days. Fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and seeing the history of the sport of racing. Final Thoughts Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and the SRO weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it’s hard to skip this now annual stop on the SRO calendar. Sportscar fans will also have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than five racing series taking to the speedway during this event.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 TIAA Bank Field 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202 Jacksonville Jaguars website EverBank Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 67,814 A New Dawn in Duuuval! In many ways, the Jacksonville Jaguars are a story of ups and downs. At one time, just a pop-culture reference on the NBC show “The Good Place” for their history of being bad at football, the team from North Florida now finds itself as a potential contender. Playing in front of packed crowds is once again the norm, and fan fever is at an all-time high. However, their results in the field are often mixed. What sets the Jaguars apart, however, is their continued commitment to their fans. Known for being fan-friendly and fan-focused for many years, including during the down years, the team has continued its commitment to enhancing the fan experience in Jacksonville, even with its recent run of success. What was once considered an average stadium now features a broad range of unique aspects that make EverBank Stadium one of the more unique and enjoyable NFL stadiums to visit in America. In addition, a massive stadium renovation project is about to kick off, including the team playing their 2027 home games at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium , while the Jags home stadium is updated. Indeed, one may also scoff at Jacksonville’s place as an NFL hotbed for fans, but the Jaguars faithful are starting to slowly turn that opinion around. And while success leads to more butts in seats, a consistently impressive game day experience has helped keep those butts in seats for more and more games as time has gone by. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at EverBank Stadium are pretty standard for a professional sports stadium when it comes to prices. What may set the food and beverage experience apart here, however, is the sheer variety of options; some of the most popular are Mrs. Field’s, Auntie Anne’s, and Carvel Ice Cream. For burgers, the 904 Prime Burger location and the new Red Zone Burger are your go-to spots. Tailgate Grill’s three locations feature corn dog baskets and loaded tater tots, while taco fans can get their Mexican food fill at Tostitos Taqueria and Walking Tacos locations. Other options include pizza, BBQ, and even quesadillas at the Yucatan Guacamole Cantina. Atmosphere 4 EverBank Stadium debuted in 1995 and features a popular late-90s unfinished industrial vibe with lots of concrete. While stadiums and arenas like Miami’s Kaseya Center feature similar aesthetics that have remained relatively untouched, Jacksonville’s stadium has seen several upgrades throughout the years, with a whole slew of updates and renovations set to kick off for a 2028 debut. Most notable of the current updates are the fan zones in the end zone areas of the stadium – the north end zone features a VIP suite deck area that includes two pools with clear sides that look out onto the playing field. The seating also feels more intimate with just two bowl levels, instead of the multiple levels like at more modern stadiums. Thanks to recent winning streaks, the packed crowds of loyal fans have helped as well, as EverBank Stadium rocks whenever the Jaguars score. On top of that, the team’s rallying cry of “DUUUVAL!!!” (a reference to the city’s location in Duval County, Florida) hypes the crowd before key plays. Finally, the massively expanded HD video screens behind both end zones feature game stats, replays, and information for fans that the old scoreboards couldn’t offer. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood immediately around EverBank Stadium is one of sports facilities and parking options; the home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp is located quite literally in the parking lot of the Jaguars home stadium. Across the street, you will find Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, home to both Jacksonville University athletics and the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL, as well as Jacksonville Sharks arena football in the spring and summer. Also nearby is downtown Jacksonville, which offers a bounty of food and shopping options. Not too far is the Jacksonville Beach area, where visitors can dip their toes in the hot sand and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. That said, all those options are a short drive away, which means it may be a bit of a walk to get to them if you forgo driving. Fans 4 The fans here are loud. Also, EverBank Stadium sees some of the NFL’s key demographics swell in attendance as well, with young fans and women making up a large contingent of the fans in attendance. In addition, families are also taking advantage of the Jags being the 5th lowest average ticket cost in the NFL, with many younger fans coming with their parents for some Sunday football. You can rest assured the NFL experience is alive and well in Jacksonville’s fan base. Access 3 EverBank Stadium is inherently very easy to find and get to. Located just across the St. John’s River from I-95 and just off US-1 alternate 228 and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, the stadium rises from the river’s shores. However, navigating the area is tricky, as the closest bridges are all a few lanes too small for game day crowds – traffic backs up easily and heavily in the area before and after games when fans pack the small streets in and around the Jags’ home. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to NFL games already carry a larger price than most sporting events, but Jaguars games are relatively affordable compared to other teams. Tickets in the upper deck corners start at $65, with upper-level sidelines going for $77. Corner seats in the middle level start at $104 and go up from there, with sidelines at $350. End zone seating ranges from $103 to $179. Lower-level seats start at $150 and can go upwards of $450 depending on where you want to sit and how low you want to go. Parking may cost you as well, as all Jaguars parking passes are sold out ahead of the season kicking off. Secondary market passes are your best bet, as are the numerous cash lots around EverBank Stadium. Extras 5 During the game, the stadium honors local first responders and military members. Jacksonville is a big military city, especially with a large US Navy and US Coast Guard presence. The Jaguars also frequently have military flyovers before kickoff. During the break between the third and fourth quarters, the team also honors an active-duty serviceman/servicewoman who has been recognized for an act of valor, or who recently returned from a deployment, by having them ring the Navy Mutual Bell. Located on the end zone mezzanine overlooking the field, the bell tolls and signals fans to rally behind the Jaguars heading into the final quarter. In addition, there are cooling stations throughout EverBank Stadium for fans that offer somewhere to sit and cool off on hot Florida game days; some of these include large bendy-buses with air conditioning on full blast. Furthermore, outside the main entrance on the west side of the stadium sits a massive Jaguar statue that fans can take photos of. On the same side of EverBank Stadium as the statue sits the Veterans Memorial Wall. Dedicated in 1995, this memorial honors more than 1,500 Jacksonville area veterans and war heroes from all six service branches (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, and Merchant Marines). Finally, during the pre-game ceremonies, Jaxson de Ville (the team’s mascot) performs stunts like zip-lining into EverBank Stadium from the top of the lighting towers, thrilling fans and getting everyone into the mood for exciting football. Final Thoughts With continued local investment from the team’s ownership and the potential continued success of the team in Jacksonville, the future looks bright for the Jaguars and their loyal fans. This is a game day experience that many visiting fans find impressive upon their arrival, and for good reason. The Jaguars consistently produce a solid fan experience all around and have given fans good reason to be excited about the future. And with new renovations on the horizon, the game day experience is sure to be a memorable one for fans for years to come.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hornet Pavilion 6000 J St Sacramento, CA 95819 Map It Sacramento State Hornets website Hornet Pavilion website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 3,000 From Minuscule to Makeshift When is a new arena only sort of a new arena? That’s not a riddle, it’s the reality for Sacramento State University men’s and women’s basketball. At the end of the 2024-25 season, Sac State bid farewell to The Nest – at 1,012 seats, among the smallest venues in Division I – and christened the 3,000-seat Hornet Pavilion in November 2025. The Pavilion was carved from a section of The WELL, the university’s recreation center, with bells and whistles added to what were previously just intramural courts at a cost of $5.2M. That inherently brings many quirks, which are detailed below. As my proud Sacramento native friend said, “Typical Sac; always doing things halfway.” (He may have ended the sentence a different way, unfit for print.) Food & Beverage 3 The makeshiftiness (new word?) of Hornet Pavilion reveals itself immediately when presented with concession options. With a limited indoor footprint, nearly all food and beverage stations are outside, in an asphalt space between The WELL and the north end zone of adjacent Hornet Stadium; the home of Sac State football looms large over Hornet Pavilion. First up after entering the premises is a beer, wine, and seltzer tent. Cans of local beer Urban Roots are $13, premium options, including NorCal favorite Sierra Nevada, carry an $11 price tag, while domestics or a Bud Light Seltzer will set you back $7. Hornet Pavilion Beer Tent, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Further along the entryway, you hit traditional concession fare, which is smartly priced. A hot dog, chips, and drink combo is $9, while the same sides accompanied by a cheese or veggie burger is $13. These items can also be had a la carte, along with nachos and candy. For something more substantive, the Street Philly Truck was dishing up hot hoagies. Upon looking at my menu photos, the pricing was blacked out, suggesting inflated charges for Hornet sports fans. Also unclear if Street Philly will be present at all Sac State games, or if different food trucks rotate in. For those not interested in braving the elements, just inside the arena doors is a drink and snack stand, while tucked inconspicuously next to the southeast bleachers is a popcorn, churro, and lemonade cart. All university-run concessions are debit or credit card only. Atmosphere 3 I attended just the third men’s basketball game in Hornet Pavilion history and the first against a fellow D1 opponent. That novelty – coupled with former Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby hired as the new coach and Shaquille O’Neal serving as his general manager (but not in attendance) – led to a palpable buzz in the building. Nearly all of the 3,000 seats were filled, and there was exponentially more Sac State gear being worn than this Southern Californian had ever seen in his life. Both endlines feature a ~30-foot-long video board above the basket. Music alternates between a DJ and the Hornet band sitting in the upper reaches of the northwest sideline. Despite the significant upgrade from the old Nest across campus, there were still reminders that this is both a not-quite-permanent venue and a resource-strapped athletics department. The Hornets’ pregame intros were accompanied by swirling spotlights, not from a high-tech lighting rig but from humans holding them on the running track perched above the court. Halftime entertainment consisted of a quick performance by the Sac State dance team, followed by pee-wee hoopers playing chaotic basketball on a lowered rim. Neighborhood 4 Sacramento residents fondly refer to it as “The City of Trees,” and that is plainly evident on the sprawling, redwood-strewn campus on the east side of town. Sac State’s athletics venues are clustered along the southern edge of campus, flanked by an access road and railroad track. That creates a formidable barrier to accessing pre-and postgame pursuits, but a nearby train underpass leads you to Elvas Ave., where a combo beer garden and ghost kitchen complex called Garden at the Line recently opened. A short drive away lies one of the best burritos I’ve ever devoured at Tacos 65. Get the al pastor with grilled cheese and thank me later. When you’re in town for a hoops game, see if the baseball team is in action later in the season or the football team earlier in the year. Or catch the big stage with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings . Old Town Sacramento, located in the city’s former train depot, makes for a fun and touristy couple of hours. Dress up for an Old West-themed portrait session or choose from an incredible variety of saltwater taffy flavors. The California State Capitol is located on 40 landscaped acres downtown, flanked by many other government buildings providing necessary infrastructure to Golden State residents. The best photo ops are along 10th St. Fans 3 Nearly all of the 3,000 seats were filled at the game of this review, and there was exponentially more Sac State gear being worn than this Southern Californian had ever seen in his life; you can tell that the new venue is bringing alums back to campus. In a corner of the northwest sidelines is the designated student section, called Swarm. These co-eds have a ways to go before being considered the Cameron Crazies of California’s Capitol, as no standing and little heckling emanated from their direction. Access 2 I recall The Nest being a decent hike from the closest parking lot, so Sac State has definitely upgraded in this regard by moving to Hornet Pavilion. CSUS Parking Structure III, along Stadium Dr., and funnels visitors to the Hornet Pavilion entrance, which is technically inside Hornet Stadium. Gameday parking rates are $10, providing some nice ancillary revenue from this predominantly commuter school. My group parked off-campus for free off the aforementioned Elvas Ave., enjoying the brisk 10-minute walk each way. Those relying on public transit will find Sacramento Regional Transit ( SacRT ) line 30, or the Gold light rail line serving the Sac State campus area; single-ride fares are $2.50. Both options will require a walk of up to a mile to reach the arena. A green ticket trailer greets those who haven’t purchased advanced seating, while those with tickets in hand (or phone) can proceed directly through the green tent, where metal detectors and yellow-clad security guards await. Hornet Pavilion Ticket Booth, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Those looking to relieve themselves are in for a real treat … or perhaps a trick. Due to the limited indoor space, restrooms are also relegated to the outdoor shadows of Hornet Stadium, in the form of porta-potty trailers each accommodating roughly 4-6 “guests” at a time. Thankfully, one is equipped with a handicapped access ramp, as all trailers require a small set of four stairs to climb. The entirely-outdoor entryway, concession, and restroom setup worked on the mild night I visited Hornet Pavilion, but will make for a suboptimal fan experience in rainy or frigid weather … and Sacramento regularly dips into the 30s on winter nights. Return on Investment 2 When I went to purchase tickets for this early-November non-conference game between two teams that fall well short of being marquee names, I had a bit of sticker shock. Adult general admission in the corner sections starts at $33, rising to $37 for assigned seats closer to center court. The only baseline seating is in courtside padded chairs, I assume, reserved for premium season ticket holders. These prices reflect both our inflationary reality and Sac State’s desire to quickly recoup its investment in Hornet Pavilion. Extras 2 The "Oakland" A’s are playing at West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park during the 2026 and 2027 seasons, as they await their new permanent home in Las Vegas. While the April-October Major League Baseball season does not align with college hoops’ November-March schedule, you can pop by to scope out by far the smallest MLB park at 14,014 seats. If you see a purple beacon of light emanating from downtown, that means the Sacramento Kings posted a rare victory that night! “Light the Beam!” is the rallying cry for fans of Sactown’s NBA franchise. Final Thoughts Hornet Pavilion is certainly not the lone Division I arena embedded within a university recreation center, but it may be the only one repurposed from general student use. A Sac State hooper could conceivably score a layup, keep running through a pair of double-doors mere feet away, and immediately join a game of pickup basketball or volleyball in The WELL. Sometimes, though, you must play the cards you’re dealt, and I give Sacramento State for its inventiveness in upgrading from one of the smallest venues in all of DI. The university has ambitions to elevate its national profile, and a shiny, new- ish  basketball arena fits into that strategic plan … for now.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Army/Navy Game website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 71,008 Army and Navy In Charm City The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although it has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the overall series. There have been seven ties. Philadelphia is usually thought of as the main home to the game, although starting in 2008, a bidding process has made the game more likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, with 85. Counting 2025, Baltimore has hosted the game seven times. The 1924 game was held at the old Municipal Stadium. That stadium was located on land that eventually held Memorial Stadium. Baltimore’s home of the Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium, has now been home to the 2000, 2007, 2014, 2016, and 2025 games. Cities that join the bidding process for the game will have to figure out how to pay for the transportation of the cadets and midshipmen to the game. Chicago used to be the westernmost place where a game was held (1926), but the 1983 game in Pasadena, CA’s Rose Bowl changed that fact. Food & Beverage 5 The stadium has added a Shake Shack to the stadium, which has created much excitement. Expect long lines, but the prices are reasonable, and the food is pretty great at this new food option. The stadium has good-quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offer options such as beer, chili bowls, pizza, and hot dogs. Stands have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites, as well as Shake Shack. There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed Atlanta's  lead and begun offering many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. The game benefits from being held at such a fine facility. The Ravens have nice facilities and offerings for the team and fans. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones are amazing visual spectacles. There are plenty of 22-foot - long LED screens that are located on the upper-level concourses. These screens are big enough to be a normal video screen at many stadiums, and here, they are just for patrons on the concourse to enjoy. These go along with large LED screens at the entrance gates. The signage around the stadium is consistent, modern, and appropriate. The stadium is in the middle of some large renovations, so you may see some construction going on. The Ravens souvenir stands will be closed, but many smaller stands will be available for Army-Navy game merchandise. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” remind visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but does suffer a slight bit, as it is further away from downtown Baltimore. The Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium more and more important to the Ravens’ social scene. The casino offers game day events, as well as parking. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Mother’s (1113 S Charles Street) and Magerks (1061 S Charles Street) are also good places for a pre- or post-game meal. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-the-art living and working area. Currently, the existing pavilions are underused. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. If looking for a bit of Baltimore sports history, the Sports Legends Museum is located adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages are located in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the game's website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. There is some construction going on between the stadium and the casino so the police route traffic one direction only depending on needs. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand. The crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is a desired ticket for many fans. So expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations form on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pre-game, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town and at the Inner Harbor displaying their awesome firepower. Don’t forget that you are at the epicenter of Baltimore football, so stop and take a look at the Johnny Unitas statue located at the end of Ravenswalk and in front of the stadium. That and the brand new Ray Lewis statue are honors to iconic men of Baltimore lore, not to mention a great pre-game meeting spot. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest make it a must-see for any real sports fan.

Editor B.J. Schecter spent two glorious decades at Sports Illustrated . Now, at Seton Hall, as the Executive Director of the Center for Sports Media, he's grooming the next generation of sports media professionals. B.J. took a few minutes to discuss The Hall, SI and lots of other fun stuff. STADIUM JOURNEY: Straight to the point: What do you love about Seton Hall? How's it unique? B.J. SCHECTER:  Seton Hall is a special place. There’s a tremendous sense of community and pride in every corner of the campus. Everyone looks out for one another and lifts each other up. There’s this gritty mentality at The Hall that I absolutely love and embrace every day.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How does the Center for Sports Media come to be? What can students expect? B.J. SCHECTER:  I came to Seton Hall in 2017 after leaving Sports Illustrated to build the Center for Sports Media. We want to train and develop the next generation of sports media professionals by creating experiential learning opportunities that are second to none. We’re built around the teaching hospital model. Develop the skills in the classroom and then go out into the field and apply them.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Let's backtrack. As an undergrad at Northeastern, you were the manager for the men's basketball team for three years, which is a huge commitment. Describe the experience. What was the best part of the job? The worst? Were you ever called in to suit up and scrimmage with the team? Fondest memory? B.J. SCHECTER:  Being a manager was an awesome experience. I got to see college sports and a Division 1 basketball program from the inside out. It was a big-time commitment and involved a lot of grunt work and getting yelled at, but I loved every minute of it. The best experience is when we went into Cameron in 1994 and nearly beat Duke. I did suit up from time to time and learned very quickly that I couldn’t put the ball on the floor or it would be taken from me.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Matthews Arena will soon be no more. When you think of Matthews, what comes to mind? B.J. SCHECTER:  Matthews was run down and dated when I went to school at Northeastern decades ago. We never drew well for basketball and was much more of a hockey arena during my time on Huntington Avenue.   STADIUM JOURNEY: When do you cross over into journalism? How does that come about? Where do you begin? Are you thinking "career" right out of the gate? B.J. SCHECTER:  I first got interested in journalism when I was in high school. I got the opportunity to be a stringer for my local newspaper, the Middlesex News , and I loved it. I knew I wanted to study journalism in college and chose Northeastern largely because of the co-op program. I got into The Boston Globe at the end of my freshman year and there was no looking back.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Who were your mentors? What lessons do you keep close to you? B.J. SCHECTER:  My first and biggest mentor was Larry Ames, who was the high school sports editor at The Boston Globe . He drove me hard and taught me how to grind and find a way to get the job or task down no matter the circumstances.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So you're working in  The Boston Globe 's sports section, one of the best in the country, in the '90s when print is thriving. What's that like? B.J. SCHECTER:  The Globe was the place to be when I was there. My mentors were the late Will McDonough, Dan Shaugnessy, Bob Ryan and Jackie MacMullin. It was a dream. So much talent.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How difficult was it to make the leap to  Sports Illustrated ? How many hoops do you have to jump through? What do you think put you over the top as far as getting the job? B.J. SCHECTER:  SI recruited me out of the Globe and I started on the lowest rung – reporter/fact checker. When I was hired it was largely Ivy League and I got the job because of my work ethic, ambition and willingness to do anything.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe working at  SI.  What was it like to work at one of the greatest magazines ever? Is it so intense and competitive that you can't enjoy it? B.J. SCHECTER:  It’s hard to describe what SI once was. You want to talk about a murder’s row of writers. To work alongside some of the smartest, most talented people in the business is still a pinch-me experience. I’ve always been a really competitive person, so I relished the environment. It was a dog-eat-dog world, but we had a lot of fun along the way. I spent two decades at SI and loved every minute of it.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Sports Illustrated featured some of the best writing. What  SI  pieces blew your mind? B.J. SCHECTER:  The bonus pieces in the back of the magazine were inspiring and out of this world. Anything that Gary Smith wrote would blow your mind. The two pieces that come to mind were  Crime and Punishment  about former New York City high school basketball star Richie Parker is my all-time favorite SI piece. Smith’s profile on the late Pat Summitt is one of the best stories I’ve ever read. But there were so many others: Bill Nack, Scott Price, Steve Rushin, Tom Verducci, Jack McCallum, Tim Layden .  And, of course, Rick Reilly. His Life of Reilly back-page column was brilliant.     STADIUM JOURNEY: Someone's visiting South Orange. What spots should be on the itinerary? B.J. SCHECTER: Definitely Bunny’s, which has a terrific bar pie. After that—this may seem cliché—hang out on campus. Our campus is beautiful. Jon Hart is  @manversusball .

Photos by Paul Baker., Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 William H. Pitt Center 5151 Park Ave Fairfield, CT 06825 Sacred Heart Pioneers website William Pitt Center website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 2,000 Turning the Tables (and the Court) at the Pitt Center   The William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center is named for the local real estate executive and philanthropist who donated three million dollars to Sacred Heart University in 1996, a portion of which was used to finance the building of the facility.   The Pitt Center opened in 1997 and is the home to Sacred Heart’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling and fencing teams. Although it’s been the hub of Pioneer athletics for close to three decades, it no longer resembles the facility it was when it opened. In the summer of 2024, the basketball arena underwent a significant renovation. The basketball court was rotated 90 degrees, three video boards and a state-of-the-art broadcast control center were installed, as was a mezzanine for VIP seating and events, a new sound system and lighting.   Basketball has been played at Sacred Heart University since 1965. The Pioneers originally competed in Division Two, where they qualified for 13 NCAA tournaments and won a national title, in 1986. In 1999 Sacred Heart moved up to Division One. They have yet to qualify for a D-1 tournament. The women’s team began competing in 1981. They have played in five D-1 tournaments, most recently in 2024. An empty Pitt Center at court level pregame. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a snack cart in the lobby that serves up a basic menu for visitors to Pioneers basketball games. The cart offers hot dogs, pretzels, and a variety of chips and candy. It will get you through the game if you need a bite to eat during the game. Cans of Pepsi products are sold here, too. Be warned – the line for this cart gets long at halftime. The two kids working the cart move the line as fast as they can, but they can only do so much. There are some vending machines in the room just off the lobby. Bottles of Pepsi products, chips and candy bars can be purchased here if you want to skip the lines at the snack cart.   In addition, the Park Ave. Club is located in the old study hall on the second floor of the Pitt Center. The Park Ave. Club offers a private buffet, adult beverages and access to club seating overlooking the court. Tickets can be purchased for $25 per game.   Atmosphere 3   The gameday atmosphere is where fans who have not visited Sacred Heart in a while will see the biggest changes. Part of the renovations to the arena were three new video boards, two of which are set up on the near side corners, and the other which stretches the length of the far side of the gym. These are put to great use throughout the game with videos, stats, crowd shots and graphics. The Pioneers staff do a nice job integrating these boards into their game day presentation.   The cheerleaders and dance team are on hand performing throughout the game. The Pioneers’ mascot, Big Red, is on hand as well, but does not add much to the atmosphere. There was no pep band in attendance on the day Stadium Journey visited, nor was there much of a turnout from the student body. One can imagine what kind of home court environment the Pitt Center would create if the stands were packed with rowdy Sacred Heart fans.   The sound system is excellent and not overbearing. It’s possible to talk to the people around you without shouting. The PA announcer does his job in a workmanlike fashion. In fact, at times he almost seemed disinterested in the action happening on the court. There are games for fans during play stoppages where fans can shoot for various prizes.   Sacred Heart Dance Team performs at the Pitt Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3   While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, towns in Fairfield County are regulars on any “Best Places to Live in the United States” list), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination location. The Sacred Heart campus is located in a residential area, with few lodging or dining options in the immediate vicinity. The Trumbull Mall is located a mile from campus, complete with the usual chain offerings, such as the Cheesecake Factory.   Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. Across the street from the Pitt Center is JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant which is open on game days.   The Sitting Duck Tavern is a popular local watering hole, and there are numerous options in downtown Bridgeport, located just a few miles away. Visiting fans will find no shortage of lodging or dining options along Route One, the main business thoroughfare in the area, and Interstate 95.   Fans looking for sporting options in the area will find plenty of options nearby. Sacred Heart teams play next door at Campus Field , baseball at Veterans’ Memorial Park  and hockey at the beautiful Martire Family Arena . In addition, Fairfield University is just five miles away, with the Leo Mahoney Arena  hosting the Stags basketball team. The Bridgeport Islanders, the top farm team of the New York Islanders, play downtown at Total Mortgage Arena .   Fans 3   Sacred Heart averaged 1,200 fans per game in the 2024-2025 season. While this figure is a bit below the MAAC average, it represents a marked improvement over their attendance from just a few seasons ago. It would appear at first glance that the renovations to the Pitt Center and the move to the MAAC have had a positive effect on attendance. For comparison, Stadium Journey visited Sacred Heart on a December Sunday during Finals week, which kept students away, but attendance was a solid 822.   You’ll find a mix of local basketball fans and families here at the Pitt Center. The gameday presentation is geared towards families and younger fans in attendance, so this is a place you can feel comfortable bringing the entire family. Even when the students fill the bleachers on the near end of the Pitt Center, it’s a lively, but not an uncomfortable, environment. Sacred Heart trophy display in the Pitt Center lobby. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Sacred Heart University is located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, a town of 61,500 residents in the southwest corner of the Nutmeg State. The campus is situated in the northeast corner of the city, directly across the street from neighboring Bridgeport. Sacred Heart is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is usually quite heavy, so you may have to allot extra time to arrive at the Pitt Center. Fans using public transportation will be glad to know that the Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT)  number 4 bus routes from Bridgeport’s busy Amtrak station to a stop right at Sacred Heart’s front entrance on Park Avenue.   The Pitt Center is located on the southwest corner of campus, adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities, including Campus Field . There has been a lot of construction on campus, and parking is at a premium near the athletic facilities. The lots closest to the Pitt Center are reserved, so most fans will park in the South Garage, about a quarter of a mile from the center, and the North Lot, about a half mile from the center. At least the scenery on this attractive suburban campus is worth the walk.   Fans will enter the Pitt Center into a small lobby, where the ticket and merchandise tables are located. Fans will also find the snack cart here, as well as a collection of hardware won by Pioneer teams over the years. Large restrooms, built to handle football-sized crowds, are located off the lobby to the right. The gym will be located straight ahead.   Seating is located along all four sides of the court. Seats on the sidelines consist of individual stadium seats, while baseline sections consist of molded plastic bleachers. In this bandbox of a gym, all seats have excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Pioneer basketball games are reasonably priced, costing $25 for center sections and $15 for baseline sections. Parking is free in the garages and lots around campus, and no item at the snack cart will cost you more than five dollars. If you wish to access the Park Ave. Club, a ticket to this premium space will cost you $25. For a Division One basketball experience, this is a most affordable option for local fans. Big Red sits outside the Pitt Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 2                                                                                                 Banners honoring the success of the school’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams hang on the walls of the Pitt Center gymnasium, and there is a nice trophy case packed with mementos won by all the Pioneer teams located in the lobby.   On your way into the Pitt Center, don’t forget to grab a quick photo with the statue of Big Red, who is sitting permanently on a bench just outside the entrance to the facility.   Final Thoughts   The renovations to the basketball arena at the Pitt Center took what was formerly a sleepy, plain gym and turned it into a sleek, modern bandbox of an arena, one that should provide the Pioneers with a significant home court advantage for years to come.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram   @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 IMSA Petit Le Mans website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 10 Hours in Georgia Petit Le Mans has become a cult classic event in the sportscar world. For 10 hours, the best in sportscar racing battle it out in a thrilling multi-class endurance race through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. And, being the season finale for multiple IMSA series, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. Packed with fans, this track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping Petit Le Mans rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans. Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track; one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower. Here you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere 5 The event is like many in IMSA’s endurance schedule – three days of support races, as well as practice sessions for the main event, fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta from sunrise to well past sunset. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday the cars roll out to the front stretch and grid up to their starting positions. Driver intros take place, and fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. When the race starts, fireworks explode as the roar of engines fills the air. What follows is 10 hours of non-stop race action into the night. When it is all said and done, the season finale podium takes place in the lower paddock. As the cool fall air takes over, the glow of rotors becomes the dominant light source, the smell of campfires wafts through the trees, and the roar of fans heightens the excitement. Taking all the best things that make Sebring 12 Hours a great event and removing the chaos and craziness that dilute its family friendliness, Petit Le Mans easily supplants Sebring as the best party on the IMSA schedule. Just beware of the numerous spiders around the property, in practically every tree and bush. Neighborhood 3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast food locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier. Fans 5 The fans at Petit Le Mans are some of the most diehard in all of sportscar racing. A much more family-friendly atmosphere than Sebring , many here know how to party, but do so in a respectful way that doesn’t cross over into outrageous. The viewing areas and grandstands are always packed in every corner on race day, and many have been camping here at the track for decades during various race weekends. Without a doubt, some of IMSA’s best fans show up to Road Atlanta year after year, and the crowd only grows with each passing season. As with most events, 2024’s race saw a record crowd at Road Atlanta. Access 5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 off I-85 or Exit 17 off I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstates means getting in and out of the venue is easy. Once at the track parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to various viewing areas. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Petit Le Mans are solidly priced for an IMSA endurance round. Kids 12 and under are free, and two-day tickets start at $95. A single day ticket is $85, while a 4-day pass costs $105 in advance. Parking in the infield in various locations comes at an additional price of $75, while parking in the Corvette corral is available for $85 for the weekend. Considering you get paddock access to all events and free range to all trackside grandstands and viewing areas with your ticket, the value offered at this event is right up there with the best on-track action in IMSA. Camping is also available, starting at $90 for tent camping; motorcycle parking is available for $10. Extras 3 The event includes autograph sessions throughout, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. Being an endurance race also means you get to see night racing, which is somewhat of a novelty. The victory lane podium celebrations for Saturday’s main race have been moved across the track to the support paddock pit lane. Set up in front of the main grandstand for all fans to see, this new locations gives those in attendance a chance to watch the victory ceremonies up close for the first time. Finally, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts If you want to experience endurance racing at its best, don’t want to stay up for 24 hours, and prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere compared to Sebring , Petit Le Mans is without a doubt the best event for you. Located at an exciting track with great weather in the fall, Road Atlanta always is a must-visit on every race fan’s list.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 ESPN Events Invitational website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Basketball at Disney World College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, yet one Central Florida invitational has remained for many years. The ESPN Events Invitational Tournament, hosted yearly at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, has become a staple of the NCAA slate. Featuring teams from around the country, this event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams. Food & Beverage 4 There are usually a lot of concession options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself choices include chicken carnitas salads ($12.99), hot dogs ($6.99), uncrustables ($3.99), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.49). Drinks include bottled water ($4.99), lemonade cups ($5.99), and soda ($5.99). Additional food items this year include Impossible Bulgogi Quesadillas ($12.99), popcorn chicken ($10.99), nachos ($7.49), candy ($5.99), chips ($4.99), and brownies ($5.49). In addition, popular theme park snacks like pickles in a pouch ($4.49) and Mickey Ice Cream ($5.49) round out the menu. The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as sodas. Atmosphere 3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily thanks to the main walking path from the parking lot taking you up to the main concourse level. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. Neighborhood 5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts; guests of the resorts get free bus transportation to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney’s Property is a go-to – Kona Cafe at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans 4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have. Access 4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. In addition, now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property – there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are very affordable, with baseline tickets ranging from $31.55 to $41.80, lower corner seats from $36.70 to $44.35, and sideline lower level tickets from $53 to $57.35. The tournament also offers a 4-pack that provides a 25% discount when you buy four tickets together. Additional hospitality can be purchased; tickets for all-you-can-eat food with two non-alcoholic drinks costs $86, or $123.63 with two alcoholic drinks, including your choice of high-top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline at court level gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that not only show the game you are watching on the court, but also other games on TV as well. Parking is free for everyone, but fans can purchase premium parking for $50. Extras 4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy. Additionally, during several games in the tournament, Mickey Mouse makes a surprise appearance for autographs and photos with fans who want to participate during halftime. Final Thoughts The ESPN Events Invitational is certainly one of the longer running in-season college basketball tournaments, and it’s easy to see why. Since 2006, teams like Notre Dame , FSU , Gonzaga , Memphis , Villanova , FAU , and others have hoisted the Tournament's trophy. Being located in such a family-friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

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

With the FIFA World Cup around the corner, the 2025 Major League Soccer season has been one of great importance and great change.  Huge news arrived in November, with the announcement that the MLS season schedule would be changing to align itself with other international soccer leagues beginning with the 2027-28 season.  Also, the highly controversial MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+ will see the extra subscription fee waived and not require extra payment from those who already subscribe to AppleTV+.   Atlanta United FC once again lead MLS in attendance, averaging over 41,400 fans per game and even welcomed an astounding 65,520 fans for their home opener against CF Montréal.  Philadelphia Union claimed their second Supporters’ Shield with the best record during the regular season.  The MLS playoffs culminated in the MLS Cup Final, played on December 6th, where Inter Miami CF defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 3-1.  The ageless Lionel Messi of Inter Miami had 29 goals on the season, to lead the league, while Yohei Takaoka of Vancouver had 13 clean sheets on the year. The annual MLS rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the soccer experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced.  The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.88 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all.  Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets.  How is your list different from ours?  What do we have right?  What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025 Rankings of the Major League Soccer Experiences. 1. Inter&Co Stadium - Orlando City SC - 4.71 Chris Green - Orlando City SC is everything the MLS wants its teams to be: a team with a beautiful stadium in the middle of a downtown district with nearby restaurants, shopping, and public transportation; an incredibly passionate fan base that shows up and sells out games regardless of the team’s record; and a vibrant city that has embraced its growing sports culture – this is the blueprint the league has asked teams to follow from here on out.  Orlando has produced one of the most impressive game day experiences anywhere and continues to do so every game. From the never-ending songs at the wall to the march into the stadium, Inter&Co Stadium has everything you could imagine wanting in a soccer stadium. 2. Providence Park - Portland Timbers - 4.57 Chris Green - “It’s a fantastic place to play. These environments didn’t exist when I played…Portland is among the top of the list of great environments…this is what soccer should be like.” – Robin Fraser  The Portland Timbers game experience is unparalleled in MLS. Without a doubt, this is one of the best experiences any sports fan will have in America, let alone MLS. After recent stadium expansions and enhancements, the transformation of Providence Park from a former baseball field into a top-tier soccer establishment is complete, and the results are breathtaking. A vaulting sideline seating expansion that added multiple levels of seats and concessions for fans provides some of the best views in the stadium, and a new fan store near the main entrance provides fans a perfect place to gear up before matches. Add to that the biggest crowds and the loudest environment in the league, making this a perfect place to watch MLS at its best. 3. Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta United FC - 4.43 Dave Cottenie - When entering the gates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for an Atlanta United FC soccer match, one of the items that will catch a fan’s attention is the large banner above the gates that confidently states “Unite & Conquer” in gold lettering on a black background.  This slogan aptly describes the life of the Atlanta United Football Club.  Taking to the pitch for their first season in 2017, Atlanta United has been a runaway success.  They have led Major League Soccer in attendance every season they have played, with the exception of the 2020 Covid 19 season.  They have been dubbed the “Loudest Pitch in MLS” according to Newsweek magazine.  They even won the MLS Cup in just their second season, 2018.  4. BC Place - Vancouver Whitecaps FC - 4.43 Dennis Morrell - The Vancouver Whitecaps needed a plan for an acceptable venue to host MLS matches before a franchise would be awarded. Vancouver fans were satisfied upon learning BC Place, home of the Canadian Football League’s Lions, would be further renovated after the Olympics with completion set for September 2011.  Until it was complete, though, the Whitecaps played most of their inaugural campaign in a makeshift venue on the site of the former Empire Stadium, the longtime home of the NASL Whitecaps from 1974-1983. They closed out play at this site on September 21st with a 3-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC. On October 2nd of their first season, they opened their new, renovated home with a 1-0 defeat to the hands of their Cascadia rivals, the Portland Timbers.  In terms of history, BC Place served as the Olympic Stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It has hosted eight CFL Grey Cup Championship games. 5. TQL Stadium - FC Cincinnati - 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Football Club Cincinnati (FC Cincinnati) has been in existence since 2015. At that time, they played at the USL’s Champions level of competition. They played their home matches at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati. The team was an immediate success, as the population of Queen City has a large ethnically diverse population, and soccer was their game of choice. By 2019, they had applied for membership at the MLS level. This application was approved, with the requirement that a soccer-specific stadium be built for the team in the first few years of membership in the MLS. The team immediately went to work on getting a venue built. After much discussion of several sites and some trading of property with the local school system work got underway on building a new stadium in the neighborhoods just northwest of downtown Cincinnati. There were still some delays, as the team changed architects, choosing Populous as their new designer.  Finally, the $250 million stadium opened in 2021 as West End Stadium. It offers a soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of 25,513. A majority of those seats are chairback seats with cupholders. The stadium includes 59 suites, a 3,100-person standing area for the supporter groups, and 4,500 premium or club seats. The stadium seats feature the team’s kit colors of blue with the accent color of orange. 6. Lower.com Field - Columbus Crew - 4.29 Marc Viquez - There was a time when the thought of the Columbus Crew relocating elsewhere was a reality, but after a campaign to keep the club in town and a new ownership group, the result would be the $314 million Lower.com Field for the club to call home. The 20,371-seat venue is located in the Arena District next to Huntington Park and a few blocks west of Nationwide Arena.  The stadium offers a field with a hydroponic heater that can raise the field temperature by 20 degrees if needed and water can drain in less than 3 minutes. The Nordecke supporters' section is the steepest and second largest of its kind in the MLS while offering a beer garden on the concourse. 7. Toyota Stadium - FC Dallas - 4.29 Andrew Kulyk - The FC Dallas franchise was already a trendsetter back in the early 2000s, when they designed and built one of the first soccer-specific stadiums in Major League Soccer. The size, configuration, and intimate game day experience became an instant hit. The template has since been emulated across the entire swath of the league, with a building boom continuing in existing and expansion cities.  FC Dallas took it one step further, adding the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which opened in 2018. This is a resplendent museum and interactive series of exhibits, adding a unique dimension to this complex and making it a true destination even on non-game days. Come 2025, and it will be an entire remake and reimagination of Toyota Stadium. Just about the entire stadium is being demolished and remodeled, side by side, and come 2028, a completely new venue will entertain fans and athletes alike, offering new comforts, amenities, and a canopied roof to shelter patrons from the summer sun and much, much more. 8. BMO Field - Toronto FC - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - The landscape of Toronto FC is changing.  The glory days that culminated in Toronto Football Club being the first Major League Soccer team to secure the trifecta in 2017 of the Voyageurs Cup (Canadian Championship), Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, are gone.  TFC legends Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley have all departed as well as coach Greg Vanney.  The rebuild is now on.  After a few stutter steps, Toronto FC hopes to bring the squad back into playoff contention for the 2024 season.  Playing their first match in 2007, Toronto FC has been crucial for the development of Major League Soccer, paving the way for other Canadian squads CF Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps FC to take to the pitch.  The strong ownership of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, also owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Marlies, has been critical in the continued success of the franchise.  Since its inception, the home of Toronto FC has been BMO Field.  Located at Exhibition Place, on the site of the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays, Exhibition Stadium, the city owned stadium is preparing to be the smallest host of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.  BMO Field was originally built as, and currently retains the moniker of, Canada’s National Soccer Stadium, and has been renovated and expanded numerous times.  It has seen the Grey Cup, MLS Cup and the NHL Centennial Classic and will be expanded temporarily to host its biggest event yet in the World Cup. 9. Sports Illustrated Stadium - New York Red Bulls - 4.14 Richard Smith - Major League Soccer (MLS) started in 1995, and one of the founding teams was the New York/New Jersey MetroStars which played in Giants Stadium. The New York Bulls are the successor to that franchise having been purchased directly by Austrian company Red Bull GmbH, producers of the Red Bull Energy Drink. After briefly being Red Bull New York they changed to the more American style New York Red Bulls name.  The soccer venue opened in 2010 after a lot of political activity and is now the home to the Red Bulls. Located in Harrison, New Jersey, just on the other side of the Passaic River from Newark, Sports Illustrated Stadium seats 25,000 seats and is also owned by Red Bull GmbH.  The stadium has also been home to other events such as the Premier Lacrosse League, local commencements, and many concerts.  In December of 2024, New York Red Bulls and Sports Illustrated Tickets, a fan-first, live event ticketing marketplace, proudly announced a landmark, 13-year partnership. 10. Lumen Field - Seattle Sounders FC - 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Seattle Sounders FC has been one of the premier clubs in the MLS over the last two decades. They have won two MLS Cups (2016 and 2019), and the Supporters Shield for the best regular season record in 2014. Seattle has two major rivalries with their Pacific Northwest neighbors in the form of the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.  The Sounders have played at their current home since 2009. CenturyLink Field changed its name to Lumen Field in November 2020. This was not the result of a new stadium sponsorship agreement. CenturyLink has rebranded itself as Lumen Technologies. Most stadium signage has been changed to reflect this, but due to the immense cost of changing the name on the roof of the stadium, the CenturyLink name remains in place.  Lumen Field has a capacity of 67,000, but for Sounders matches the capacity typically is limited to the lower bowl and can hold 37,722. Capacity is typically expanded for the rivalry games against the Timbers or Whitecaps or playoff games. 11. Energizer Park - St. Louis City SC - 4.14 Andrew Kulyk - The city of St. Louis has a rich and storied soccer tradition spanning over a century, both at the amateur and professional levels. So it was a no-brainer that as the MLS was rapidly expanding and in search of new markets, it would be St. Louis that would be high on the priority list.  In the early 2010s, plans were put in place for a stadium featuring a hybrid NFL field and soccer pitch, with the primary goal of keeping the NFL St. Louis Rams from relocating. That effort fizzled, and the Rams did indeed move back to their original home in Los Angeles. The focus then became a soccer-specific venue, and a long sought-after site on the western fringes of downtown, adjacent to historic Union Station, was presented to the MLS expansion committee. When the league expanded to 30 teams in 2019, St. Louis was awarded one of the new franchises, aided by a strong presentation with renderings of a gleaming new stadium, and a solid ownership group led by Carolyn Kindle Betz, making this team the first major franchise with a female controlling owner. Energizer Park opened its doors in the spring of 2023, ushering in a new and exciting era in St. Louis sports history. 12. Allianz Field - Minnesota United FC - 4.00 James Hilchen - Opened in 2019 at a cost of $200 million, Allianz Field is a soccer-specific stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. Home to Minnesota United FC and Minnesota Untied FC 2, the stadium holds a capacity of 19,400.  Though relatively new, Allianz Field has become known as one of the premier soccer stadiums in the country. The stadium has hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup games, a World Cup qualifier, and most recently hosted the 2022 MLS All-Star game. Among the features at Allianz Field are an 88,000 square foot translucent stadium skin, a 360-degree canopy, and a heated playing surface. For cycling purists, there are accommodations for 400 bikes to be parked should you choose to ride to the game. There are also 280 seats for ADA guests and their companions.  13. Children’s Mercy Park - Sporting Kansas City - 4.00 James Hilchen - Children’s Mercy Park is home to both Sporting KC of Major League Soccer and the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League. The stadium opened in 2011 on day that saw Sporting KC and the Chicago Fire play to a 0-0 draw. Over the years, Children’s Mercy Park has won numerous awards. It is also the only venue to host the MLS All-Star Game, the United States Men’s National Team, and the MLS Cup all in the same year. The stadium has also held numerous World Cup qualifiers, Olympic qualifiers, CONCACAF Gold Cups, and international friendlies. 14. Dignity Health Sports Park - Los Angeles Galaxy - 4.00 Andrei Ojeda - The L.A. Galaxy, one of the original 10 teams who began play in 1996, played initially in the storied Rose Bowl and would remain there until 2003. At the site of the 1994 World Cup, crowds at Galaxy games were often sparse. Only the Columbus Crew played in a soccer-specific stadium as other teams often found themselves using NFL stadiums, where oftentimes the venues were practically empty. Upon moving to the StubHub Center in 2003, then known as the Home Depot Center, the Galaxy would move into a much more intimate 27,000-seat stadium. Aside from soccer, the facility also houses a velodrome, a track, and field, and a tennis stadium, located right next to the soccer facility. In Jan 2019, the venue name changed from the StubHub Center to Dignity Health Sports Park. 15. Geodis Park - Nashville SC - 4.00 David Welch - Nashville is quickly becoming one of the up-and-coming sports cities in the country, with the high level of support the Nashville Predators receive, the past successes the Tennessee Titans have experienced, and the Triple-A Nashville Sounds routinely in the top 5 of minor league baseball in attendance annually. The city has also received a lot of support to attract a Major League Baseball expansion franchise, and is beginning to establish itself as a soccer town, with the addition of Nashville SC as part of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. Nashville SC is not the city’s first run at professional soccer – dating back to the early 1980s the Nashville Diamonds played in the American Soccer League. Later, the Nashville Metros and Nashville FC competed in various professional soccer leagues from the late 80s throughout the mid-2010s. Nashville SC first came to fruition as a member of the USL Championship level for three seasons, leading to the establishment of an MLS franchise in Nashville for the 2020 season under new ownership.  Initially playing at Nissan Stadium for their first two seasons, the Boys in Gold would move into the soccer specific Geodis Park in time for the 2022 season. As of 2024 the 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States or Canada. 16. Q2 Stadium - Austin FC - 3.86 Eric Moreno - In 2018, after the relocation of Columbus Crew SC to Austin proved unsuccessful, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced they would award an expansion franchise to the state capitol of Texas in time for the 2021 season. Construction began on the stadium, located in the North Burnet area of the city, and was completed in time to host Austin FC’s inaugural season.  The home opener took place in June of 2021, and both the team and their home have proven to be an immediate hit with the fans in Austin, routinely reaching capacity for their home games. Q2 Stadium was designed to be sleek, modern, and inclusive, as well as to embody the spirit of Austin and its inhabitants – that mission was accomplished. 17. BMO Stadium - Los Angeles FC - 3.86 Andrei Ojeda - From L.A. to The O.C., southland sports fans will never suffer from a shortage of teams to cheer for. With fans having a choice of two teams to cheer for in each major sport, as of this season, Major League Soccer fans throughout the southland will also have their choice of two teams to cheer for with the addition of the Los Angeles Football Club.  The first MLS game to take place in Southern California would take place at storied Rose Bowl in 1996. The L.A. Galaxy would call The Rose Bowl home until 2003 when they would move to more intimate settings at the Stubhub Center in the city of Carson. Throughout the early stages of the MLS, most teams often found themselves playing home games in front of sparse crowds at NFL venues. BMO Stadium, located on the spot formerly occupied by the Los Angeles Sports Arena, kicks off its inaugural season with a seating capacity of 22,000, all but securing a packed house for every contest. Banc of California Stadium is the first open-air professional sports venue to open in Los Angeles since Dodger Stadium in 1962. 18. Soldier Field - Chicago Fire FC - 3.86 Marc Viquez - Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer has called Soldier Field home since 2020. The team had previously played here from 1998-2005 before relocating to the soccer-specific stadium in the suburb of Bridgeview, 12 miles southwest of Chicago. The move back to Chicago was a surprise at first, but being 1.5 miles from downtown, accessible to superior mass transit, and close to a fan base that has embraced the game has made it a logical choice for the Fire.  Soldier Field is the long-time home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League and opened on October 9, 1924, as Grant Park Stadium. It was renamed the following year to honor the US soldiers who died in combat during World War I. The stadium features a Neoclassical style with Doric columns rising above the east and west entrances. The stadium went through $632 million renovations between 2002 and 2003 that reduced capacity and modernized the stadium. The exterior would be retained, but the interior would be significantly altered, providing a venue with a unique design. The move would be fruitful as average attendance has risen from 15,848 in 2022 to 24,474 in four seasons. 19. PayPal Park - San Jose Earthquakes - 3.86 Meg Minard - PayPal Park is the home ground of the MLS San Jose Earthquakes.  The soccer-specific venue was known as Avaya Stadium when it opened in 2015. It has gone by its current name (PayPal Park) since the start of the 2021 season.  The city has hosted soccer since 1974 with teams in various leagues.  The Earthquakes started in 1996 as one of the original members of Major League Soccer.  The team has won two MLS Cup titles (2001, 2003) and two Supporters’ Shields (2005, 2012).  The staff and fans make witnessing a match incredibly worthwhile as they are all friendly and helpful and seem pleased you have visited their team and stadium.  One of the better matches to attend is when Los Angeles FC comes to town as there is usually a good contingency of away team visitors which makes the stadium rumble. 20. America First Field - Real Salt Lake - 3.71 Connor Comeau - Opened in 2008, America First Field currently serves as the home of Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. With a capacity of over 20,000, the stadium has seen many incredible moments and is home to one of the longest sellout streaks in Major League Soccer. And with one of the most loyal and loud fan bases in MLS, it’s no wonder why this stadium is one of the toughest to play in. From the very passionate Supporters Section to the casual fan, this is one of the best stadiums to catch a soccer match. 21. Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte FC - 3.71 David Welch - Charlotte FC has created a match-day atmosphere that is festive, energetic, and reminiscent of traditional European soccer experiences. The passion of the supporters brings it to life, creating an environment any fanbase would be proud of.  The one major drawback is the venue itself. Even with crowds topping 30,000, the sheer scale of Bank of America Stadium can dilute the energy and leave the experience feeling less intimate. The supporters and their traditions do plenty to bridge that gap, but the stadium still feels like a borrowed stage rather than a true home. Still, the ingredients are there: a devoted fan base, the vibrant Uptown setting, and traditions that connect fans to the club’s identity. With those elements in place, Charlotte FC has the right foundation to be one of MLS’s most exciting match-day experiences. 22. Subaru Park - Philadelphia Union - 3.71 Richard Smith - The Philadelphia Union competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference of the league. They began in 2010 as an expansion team. Earlier attempts to bring the MLS to the area failed at Trenton, New Jersey, and at Rowan University (also in New Jersey). The MLS is soccer’s highest level in both the United States and Canada.  Subaru Park opened in 2010 in Chester, PA, and has also been called PPL Park and Talen Energy Stadium. Besides soccer, there have been “Battle of the Blue” football games played here between the University of Delaware and Villanova. The stadium has also hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship, the Major League Lacrosse’s Championship known as the Steinfeld Cup, the ACC Lacrosse Championship, and the NCAA Division I and Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship, as well as numerous rugby matches and concerts. 23. Stade Saputo - CF Montréal - 3.71 Greg Johnston - Montreal, Quebec was well prepared for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise when the Impact joined in 2012. Owners Saputo, Inc. completed phase one of Stade Saputo in 2008 in anticipation of an expansion MLS team. In the meantime, the Montreal Impact of the North American Soccer League (NASL) called the then 13,000 seat stadium home. The stadium is located in Parc Olympique, seven miles northeast of downtown. Capacity expanded to 20,801 once the announcement of an MLS club became official in 2010.  The organization has celebrated momentary successes in their brief history. Though they haven’t won an MLS championship, the Impact did win back-to-back Canadian championships in 2013 & 2014, reaching the CONCACAF Finals in the latter year. 24. Gillette Stadium - New England Revolution - 3.43 Paul Baker - The New England Revolution are one of the ten charter members of Major League Soccer. Owned by Robert Kraft and family, who also own the New England Patriots of the National Football League, the team shares their home, Gillette Stadium, with the Patriots. The Revolution actually predate their home venue, having played in Foxboro Stadium for their first six seasons before Gillette Stadium opened in 2002. Throughout the team’s history calls for a soccer-specific stadium have been made, but despite an abundance of rumors popping up over the team’s quarter-century history, no plans have come to fruition. Team owner Robert Kraft has repeatedly stated that he would like to build a soccer-specific stadium in or around Boston.  The Revolution have won the 2007 U.S. Open Cup, the 2008 North American SuperLiga and the 2021 Supporters Shield. The Revs have participated in five MLS Cup finals, most recently in 2014, losing each time. They have the most MLS Cup appearances without winning a title. 25. Shell Energy Stadium - Houston Dynamo FC - 3.43 Eric Moreno - In 2006, the owners of the original Major League Soccer (MLS) San Jose Earthquakes were granted the right to relocate, and they chose the fourth-largest city in the country as their new home. The cosmopolitan Houston, Texas proved to be a perfect fit for the rechristened Houston Dynamo FC. The team experienced immediate success upon their arrival in Space City, winning the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007.  Situated at the heart of Houston’s vibrant downtown, Shell Energy Stadium was designed by the same firm that was responsible for the famed Emirates Stadium in London, home of Arsenal FC. The facility was recently renovated in 2023 to replace most of the seats and upgrade the LED boards and has proven to be a hit with fans. 26. Audi Field - DC United - 3.43 Gregory Koch - D.C. United is a charter member of Major League Soccer, joining the league for its inaugural 1996 season. For the first two-plus decades of their existence, the Black & Red played in cavernous, run-down RFK Stadium, which also served as a baseball and football stadium at various points in its existence. After many discussions of a new stadium, D.C. United finally got one in 2018, moving into Audi Field, a soccer-specific stadium located on Buzzard Point. This long-awaited home was intended to revitalize the atmosphere at D.C. United games, and for the most part, it has done so. 27. Chase Stadium - Inter Miami CF - 3.43 Lloyd Brown - The 18,000-seat Chase Stadium is designed to serve as an interim home for the team while their permanent home is under design in the Freedom Park development located near Miami International Airport. Soccer icon David Beckham is part of the ownership group and serves as the team’s President of Soccer Operations. He is also the driving force behind the Freedom Park development.  The team reflects Miami’s unique cultural makeup. The official name of the team is Club Internacional de Futbol Miami, as the vast majority of the team’s supporters come from the many Latin communities found in the Miami area. First time attendees to a Miami game could easily feel they are in a stadium in South America. 28. Yankee Stadium - New York City FC - 2.71 Sean MacDonald - New York City Football Club got their start in 2015 as the 20th expansion franchise in MLS. Owned by Premier League club Manchester City and the New York Yankees, the team began to play at Yankee Stadium with the expectation that a soccer-only venue would be constructed somewhere in the five boroughs in the next few years. As the club begins their fourth season, however, there is no sign of that new stadium on the horizon. One proposed location for a new facility, which is actually outside the city proper, will instead be used for the Islanders new arena and no other options are currently being explored. This is bad for both NYCFC and the Yankees. Last season, changes to the baseball schedule forced City to play two home matches elsewhere, Rentschler Field and Citi Field. The constant changes to the turf as the soccer field is laid down and then removed is not good for the long-term health of the infield, although no problems have arisen so far.  So what is it like attending a game at the only baseball stadium in the MLS? As you might expect, it leaves most fans singing the blues. 29. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park - Colorado Rapids - 2.14 Matt Finnigan - When Dick’s Sporting Goods Park opened in 2007, it provided a new, cozy home for the MLS’s Colorado Rapids after having played the first decade of their existence in cavernous NFL Stadiums (Mile High Stadium from 1996-2000 and Empower Field at Mile High from 2001-2006).  DSG Park, as it’s come to be known, promised to be a long-term home for the Rapids, with empty acreage surrounding the facility to be developed into just about anything in the suburb of Commerce City, north of downtown Denver.  The ensuing 16 years have seen that acreage sit mostly empty while the MLS’s expansion boom has brought with it a proliferation of new soccer facilities aimed at providing great fan experiences.  DSG Park now sits at a crossroads.  The City of Commerce City owns DSG Park, leasing it to the Rapids’ ownership group, Kroenke Sports Enterprises (“KSE”), for $1 per year over 25 years.  The City has accused KSE of failing to keep promises to develop the 917 acres appurtenant to the stadium. Help Stadium Journey Out! Missing from our rankings, we haven't visited yet. Snapdragon Stadium - San Diego FC

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Daytona International Speedway 1801 West International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 HSR Classic 24 Hour Daytona website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167,785 Daytona’s Vintage Showcase The HSR Classic 24 Hour at Daytona International Speedway is one of the more unique races in America. It showcases racing history from the past, giving fans a window into the races that have come and gone from the track’s lore. The Classic 24 Hour indeed concludes with 24 hours of racing through the night that is broken up into different hour-long segments, showcasing various time periods and car classes. If you’re a racing history buff, this is no doubt a fantastic race to come to that offers stellar access to the cars and drivers, while providing that throwback feel true sportscar fans yearn for. Food & Beverage   2 There isn’t much to eat at Daytona in the paddock fan zone. Only the Bud Patio is open, offering a limited menu and often running out of even the most basic items like bottled water. Additional food trucks may be present on any given day, but they are not guaranteed. Instead, most fans venture away from the track to the numerous restaurants that populate the main road outside the track. Atmosphere   3 There’s nothing quite like being at a 24-hour endurance race. The feeling is electric as the race begins in the afternoon; as the sun sets, the lights come on, and the look and feel of the race takes on another face – the smell of race fuel, the glow of the brakes in the cold night, the sound of engines roaring lap after lap. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens. What makes this race so unique, however, is the relaxed feeling. Unlike the Rolex 24  where everyone is on edge pushing hard for a full day of racing, the HSR Classic 24 Hour is more a celebration of racing history. While podium finishers are awarded trophies and medals, the enjoyment and appreciation of the historic cars that participate is most important. Unfortunately, car counts now are down from years past, in part due to the numerous other events throughout the year that are on offer. Thankfully, this is made up for on Saturday with the various car corrals offered from marquees like Porsche and Mazda. Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants. From Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat at during your stay. Fans   3 The fans at the Classic 24 Hour rival the numbers seen at IMSA’s Roar i n January. While not as numerous as the Rolex 24 or Daytona 500, a no-less impressive crowd turns up to watch racing history take to the track. The fans here range in age from the youngest and newest race fans, to old-timers who were around to see some of the historic cars on track in their heyday.   Access   4 Parking at the Classic 24 Hour is plentiful in the various lots around the infield of the track. For those who would rather take a ride, however, trams are available to shuttle you around the property. You can also wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting you access to the various infield viewing areas and paddocks. The big downside here is that the main grandstands are closed off to fans, meaning you are stuck watching from only the infield viewing areas. Return on Investment   5 The HSR Classic 24 Hour is a race to be added to any sportscar fan’s list of must-see events, but tickets for this race weekend can get up there in price. One-day Thursday or Friday only tickets are $50.63, while Saturday-Sunday two-day tickets are $61.88. There is no Saturday or Sunday only ticket option. A Friday-Sunday three-day ticket runs $73.13, while a full weekend four-day pass is $84.38. Camping ranges from $33.75 for tent camping to $281.25 to $365.63 for RV spots. Extras   2 The Classic 24 Hour is home to multiple days of racing action. In addition, all tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona International Speedway, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look at team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. Fans in attendance can look forward to the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday, where you are able to get up close to the cars on pit road, as well as meet some of the drivers on hand. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona International Speedway for the HSR Classic 24 Hour is a visit worth taking – anyone who is a sportscar race fan should attend. This is a top-level historic event that features great Florida weather, a top-level venue, and incredible machines racing around one of the most historic facilities in all the racing world.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Austin SpeedTour website Circuit of the Americas website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 SpeedTour’s Austin Finale As if to cement the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas, Circuit of the Americas (often called COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to myriad other races throughout the year, including the Vintage Racing World Finals during the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour race weekend. Food & Beverage   3 In the infield fans can expect a great little hole-in-the-wall (only in size) cafe in the paddock, featuring a beautiful patio outside surrounded by trees and bushes, giving a great view of the garages and pre-staging area for most of the cars. Here you can find (when it is open) food and beverages to suit your fancy. Chicken tenders and fries are $11.79, as are hamburger baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wrap baskets. On certain days there is also a chef’s featured item, such as homemade meatloaf, beef and broccoli, or chicken primavera for $12. That said, if you are exploring the far reaches of the facility, you may not have as many options available as you have in the main spectator areas, meaning you will have to walk a while or wait patiently for later, should the hunger bug strike. Thankfully this year, however, the track added food trucks in the fan area in the paddock to add some variety. Atmosphere   3 Everything is bigger in Texas. Unfortunately, that does not translate to car counts for SpeedTour weekend as of late. Where more than 50 cars used to take to the track for Trans Am’s TA2 race, no more than 50 cars were present between both Trans Am classes in 2025. The SVRA and IGT car counts were also down in numbers from years past as well. Nonetheless, the track itself is a beautiful facility that lends itself to the fan experience – the main grandstand is even shaded from the harsh Texas sun, thanks to a perfectly-placed roof over part of the seating. SVRA also has SpeedTour Town Center, a large area in the fan zone that includes food trucks, sponsor activations, and even racing simulators, all situated right next to victory lane. Being that the event takes place just a few weeks after the annual F1 United States Grand Prix, there are numerous signs up over the garages for the F1 teams and drivers. However, the big downside is that some of the track feels like a construction zone thanks to the endless disassembly of grandstands and suites from the previous event. By far, the coolest thing here at Circuit of the Americas is the giant tower in the middle of the track. The observation platform in the tower is open to all fans for $20 a person, including an elevator you can ride to view the race from over 200 feet above the action. In addition, the floors in the tower are see-through, giving you the feeling of floating on air – no other track has anything as cool as this. Neighborhood   3 This is a hard topic, as the city of Austin itself (a good 15 to 20-minute drive from Circuit of the Americas itself), is a bustling city of music, incredible food, and youthful energy. It is no secret why F1 picked this city, and why the annual SXSW festival is held here every year. However, as the track is on the extreme outskirts of town, the racing can easily feel a bit detached from the city’s feel. There isn’t much right next to the track, despite the slowly creeping suburban sprawl – hotels are all about 10 minutes away at least, as are any shopping and dining options fans would flock to. Thankfully, the airport is right near the track, providing easy access to your flight in and out of Austin. For great food, one can’t skip Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas and Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake, and of course, a stop in Austin isn’t complete without visiting the bats under the Congress Bridge. Finally, for hotels look to Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport, which are two of the better hotels that are close to Circuit of the Americas. Fans   3 That good ol’ Texas comfort can be felt through the fans at the track. Sports fans can be hard to figure out, but Austin’s motorsports enthusiasts are all about the racing on the track. They know the drivers, they know the cars, and they know exactly what is happening, and are eager to cheer on their favorite drivers all weekend long. In addition, they’re generally a kind and considerate bunch, which makes a day at the races at Circuit of the Americas a family-friendly experience. The Trans Am and SVRA race weekend features a crowd of both racing and general automotive enthusiasts, descending upon the track in a celebration of motorsports history. Access   3 Getting to Circuit of the Americas isn’t hard, in that it isn’t hidden away. In actuality you can see it from pretty much everywhere, thanks to its giant light-up tower at night. However, the roads in and out of the track are only one or two lanes, making a big event hard to reach, thanks to the traffic. Thankfully, however, parking is plentiful on-site and in various nearby lots, and there are also numerous fan shuttles to take you from the parking lots to the paddock, as well as to various viewing areas around the circuit. Once at the track getting around is easy, thanks to the various tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and signage pointing you on your way around the venue. Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Austin SpeedTour Weekend are very affordable – Friday only tickets are just $20, while Saturday or Sunday only passes run $30. A full weekend pass is just $50, while a family two-pack ($70) and four-pack ($120) are also available. Whether you’re a race fan or not will dictate whether you feel the need to visit this new crown jewel of the race circuit. However, you can definitely see why average fans would want to come – the views are spectacular all around the track, the cost of tickets and flights into Austin are generally low, and the city is a great attraction unto itself. Downtown is full of reasons to visit on its own, so adding a world-class racetrack to the mix makes it even better! In addition, Circuit of the Americas features great fan access, with the paddock easy to find and navigate during race weekends. Extras   5 Circuit of the America’s big tower is a modern marvel to behold, but did you know there is also a world-class concert amphitheater at its base? Each year dozens of concerts are held at the track as well.Another unique feature is the bold American color scheme – all around the track’s run-off areas you can see red, white, and blue, plus stars-and-stripes painted designs, making not only for a photogenic track, but one that makes you feel very patriotic as well. Outside the track, a large theme park is being built complete with roller coasters that will thrill fans once it is finished. And finally, Circuit of the Americas also features a go-kart facility behind the main grandstand, meaning fans can now satisfy their own need for speed. Final Thoughts Circuit of the Americas is certainly a gorgeous facility that lends itself to comfortable viewing of some great racing action. Furthermore, placing it next to one of the best up-and-coming cities in America was a genius move. That said, if you want somewhere young and hip to visit that is also home to a quality sports facility, definitely put Circuit of the Americas on your list.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 W Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee, FL 34746 NXL World Cup of Paintball website Gaylord Palms Resort website Year Opened: 2015 Paintball’s Florida Finale Thinking of professional sports in Central Florida, paintball may not come to mind first. However, the NXL World Cup features some of the best paintball athletes in the country every year just outside Disney World. Located adjacent to the Gaylord Palms Resort, the NXL World Cup is unique in that parking and access for all five days is free to all fans. Special tickets can be purchased for access to different viewing areas, but free access still gets you up close and personal to the action. Food & Beverage   3 The food and beverage options here are limited, but what is available is solid and won’t break the bank. Food trucks are brought in with various options for guests; from local BBQ and Uno Pizzaria to frozen smoothies and healthy options, you have a variety to pick from. Drinks are also available at several bars around the property, with options that include soda or bottled water ($3), seltzer and beer ($7), and energy drinks ($5). The lines are usually not too long, but unless you have a VIP viewing ticket, you’ll find a lack of places to sit and enjoy your food. Atmosphere   4 For an event that is assembled in what is usually a cow pasture the rest of the year, it really is transformed into an incredible facility. Vendors line the entrance on both sides, selling the latest and greatest paintball gear and merchandise. Special lounges are also there for players and family, as well as vendor VIPs. On the back side of the property, numerous paintball fields are set up in quads that allow fans to get in between them and right up close to the action. Be sure you’re doing your laundry as soon as you go home, however, as there is sure to be some paintball splatter when you’re this close to the matches (don’t worry, it all comes out in the wash). Neighborhood   4 The fact you’re literally across the highway from Walt Disney World and just minutes from all the area hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shopping makes this a solid area to hold this event. Across the street is Gaylord Palms Resort, while down the street is Walt Disney World and all its hotels. Food options are plentiful as one mile away is US-192, which is full of restaurants and shopping. In the opposite direction is International Drive, another place where you can find your choice of restaurants and hotels. Fans   4 The sheer number of fans who show up to this event is staggering. 2025 showcased the largest World Cup turnout yet, with teams and their families from all over arriving to watch the best of the best in paintball take on the competition. Something unique about it all is the sense of camaraderie and family. This is a fierce competition after all, but everyone cheers for each other and respects the healthy competition taking place in front of them. The fans are also very knowledgeable about the sport, and are more than happy to help newcomers understand what is going on. Access   5 Parking is free on site, with $30+ VIP parking available to get you a closer spot to the main entrance. The field is massive and offers plenty of space to park, and signage is easy to see, to direct you where to go next. Once inside a QR code can be scanned by fans to access an event guide, and a facility map is posted to help you get the lay of the land. Return on Investment   5 Access to general admission areas is free to all fans on all five days of the event. Tickets to the grandstand for the pro field start at $15 per day for Thursday and Friday, $20 for Saturday, $25 for Sunday, $55 for three days, and $65 for four days. Standard VIP access starts at $50 and goes up from there to $200 for a four-day pass. Club access ranges from $65 to $260. When factoring in the cost for a family of four to enjoy a day in the Florida sun watching paintball, you’re likely to get away with just paying the bare minimum for food and drinks, as well as for merchandise. Extras   3 The facility features several vendors for kids to keep them entertained during the event, as well as a kids zone. Fans also can get up close to the fields in the back, which is equivalent to courtside seating, for free. Finally, the tournament podium celebration is open to all fans on Sunday to watch the celebrations with all the winning teams. Final Thoughts This may not be on everyone’s radar when looking at Florida sports, but NXL World Cup paintball is definitely a unique event in Orlando. Providing free parking and free general admission access is unique in sports and, given that this event is a yearly occurrence, showcases the fanbase that exists and helps propel the sport forward. No doubt this is a unique competition that the whole family can enjoy, whether you’re a diehard paintball participant or someone who has never watched a single competition.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Copeland Park 1130 Copeland Park Dr La Crosse, WI 54603 Map It La Crosse Loggers website Copeland Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 3,550 The Lumber Yard The Lacrosse Loggers celebrated their 20th season in 2022. They play in the prominent summer collegiate baseball league, the Northwoods League. The team plays its home games at Copeland Park, a city-owned park on the Black River, which runs into the Mississippi River, just north of downtown on the Minnesota border. The team won the Northwoods League Championship in 2012. Notable Loggers alumni include Mike Trout, Jordan Pacheco, Eric Thames, Chris Sale, and Matt Scherzer. The Loggers offer a fun, affordable evening out with the focus still mainly baseball, with enough other entertainment for non-baseball fans to enjoy themselves. The UW-La Crosse Eagles (NCAA D3) also play their games at Copeland Park in the spring. Food & Beverage 4 Most concessions are behind the first base seating area in a covered courtyard called the Festival Food Court. Food is on one side; adult beverages are on the other. Tables and chairs are between the two. The food is tasty and priced affordably. Copeland Park Festival Food Court, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Snacks include chips, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and candy ($2 – $2.75). Fried offerings include cheese curds, tater tots, onion rings, and corn dogs, and range in price from $3 to $6.50. Sandwiches consist of Klement’s hot dogs, burgers, bratwurst, and crispy and grilled chicken, and cost $4.25 – $6. Tuesdays are $2 hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, soda, water, and popcorn. Across from the courtyard is a Grab and Go shop selling bottled soda, other soft drinks, packaged snacks, and ice cream (prices range from $2.50 to $4). A Snack Shack is to the left of that, selling Dippin Dots, pretzels, nachos, cotton candy, and other treats. Domestic beers on tap are Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Coors; draft craft beers are Leinenkugel, New Glarus, Hillsboro, and Golden Road. A plethora of canned beers and hard seltzers are for sale. Domestic beers are $4 while craft beers cost $4.50. All the food looks scrumptious. The ice cream cones are very popular on summer evenings. Note: The concession lines can get long. Atmosphere 4 The Loggers provide an excellent game-day experience for fans visiting the stadium. The music is not played between every pitch and is at a pleasant volume. You can talk with those sitting next to you without yelling to be heard. And the music is not played over the announcer speaking, as is done in most Northwoods League stadiums. Harmless fan participative games and contests include a ketchup and mustard race, a beer batter, name the player positions, and name as many MLB teams as you can. For seating, the grandstand consists of sections A – E with four rows of stadium fold-down seats closest to the field, then a walkway. The next four rows are stadium fold-down seats, and the remaining five or six rows are bleachers with backs. The ten ‘upper’ rows in section C, behind home plate in front of the press box, are stadium seats. The seats are of average width, and there is average legroom. A net extends in front of the grandstand and covers the top of it. There’s no fear of getting struck by a foul ball there. Some sections behind the dugouts are net-free for your viewing pleasure. Party decks are down both the first and third baselines. Some seats are in the right field above the outfield wall. The field is artificial turf and dirt. A video scoreboard in left field shows the player at bat’s stats. A line score is provided beneath the video board. The sun sets behind the press box, so the grandstand seats get the shade. It does get dark in the grandstand seats when the sun sets. As the evening progresses, you may want to sit somewhere else or move to see your scorecard if you keep score. Be aware of bugs that sting right through your clothes. Spray yourself with insect repellent before attending a game to help prevent that. You’ll get the bug heebie-jeebies most of the night if you don’t. Neighborhood 3 Copeland Park is just north of the city of La Crosse on the Black River (which flows into the Mississippi River). It is a city park that hosts the Loggers, an Oktoberfest, and has a playground, fishing, basketball courts, a wading pool, and other park amenities. The ballpark is a little less than two miles from the active downtown neighborhood of La Crosse. Plenty of restaurants are within a mile or two of the ballpark. We recommend Bodega Brew Pub downtown, Crooked Pint Ale House, Rosie’s Café (breakfast and lunch), or Fayze’s. For craft brews check out the 608 Brewery, Pearl Street Brewery, or Turtle Stack Brewery. Lodging choices are within one to two miles of Copeland Park; none are within walking distance. The ones south are closer to downtown and are about two miles. Several Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn brands line Copeland Ave and the river. For other things to do while in town, visit the World’s Largest 6-Pack or stroll through Riverside Friendship Gardens. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mississippi River via La Crosse Queen Cruises . Or drive up the Grandad Bluff for scenic views of the town. World’s Largest Six-Pack, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The two closest Northwoods League teams are the Eau Claire Express and the Rochester Honkers (87 and 72 miles, respectively). Fans 3 Loggers’ fans enjoy singing “Roll out the Barrell” in the 7th inning, which fans sing in baseball stadiums throughout Wisconsin. Many fans seem to know one another. Families and kids make up most of the clientele, but you’ll see retirees, grandparents, young adults, and couples in the stands, as well. The 2022 average attendance was 2,180 fans per game, placing the Loggers in the top five attendance-wise in the Northwoods League. Access 3 Copeland Park is just a mile off Interstate 90. The town has a small regional airport with flights to and from Minneapolis/St Paul or Chicago. Bus service to a Loggers game is available from downtown and other parts; Route 6 looks like the best one. However, service after a Saturday or Sunday evening game will be an issue, as service ends around 6 pm. Parking is the biggest concern, with only street parking and just a few noticeable spots for handicapped parking. Plan on hunting for a spot and hoofing it if you don’t get there early. The team thankfully does not have bag and bag size rules. The stadium has a ramp on the first base side to get to the seating area. Clean and decent-sized restrooms are next to the merchandise shop before the food court. Return on Investment 4 Although ticket prices are a buck or two higher than other Northwoods League stadiums, attending a game here is still a worthwhile sports entertainment investment. Single-game tickets cost $8 – $15. All-You-Can–Eat-Seats (plus three alcoholic drinks) run $25 – $28. Military men and women with ID get in free. Food and beer prices are below other Northwoods League venues, especially if you go on a Tuesday. Extras 3 The merchandise shop sells an informative program (including a score sheet) for $1. It has a recap of the previous game, league standings, fun facts, the Loggers schedule, team rosters, and player stats. Showing appreciation to military members by letting them in for free is of special note. Having the music volume at a level where fans can hear their conversations and the music stops when the announcer is talking is something that should be common at ballgames, but it’s not anymore. It’s a bonus at a Loggers game. Final Thoughts The Loggers organization delivers a remarkable evening of baseball. Copeland Park is on the Black River, which flows into the Mississippi River just north of vibrant downtown La Crosse, WI. It’s worth checking out if in town or traveling across the Midwest.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Foley Event Center at Foley Sports Tourism Complex 1001 E Pride Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Sun Belt Volleyball website Foley Events Center at Foley Sports Tourism Complex website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Sun Belt Conference at Home in South Alabama Over the last several years, the Alabama Gulf Coast has quietly evolved into the postseason headquarters of the Sun Belt Conference. Just a few miles inland from the sparkling Gulf waters, this area has quickly become the conference’s tournament destination; Foley and the surrounding region now host postseason championships in cross country, basketball, soccer, women’s golf, and volleyball. Since 2020, the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament has been held at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex Event Center. With Gulf Coast beaches nearby, an amusement park with upscale shopping across the street, outlet shopping nearby, and mild November weather, this tournament offers something unique: a championship setting that doubles as a vacation. Volleyball has been sponsored by the Sun Belt since 1983, and over that time the tourney has been held at sites ranging from Jonesboro, Arkansas (6 times) to Bowling Green, Kentucky (5 times), as well as Little Rock, Arkansas (1 time) and Miami, Florida (3 times). Arkansas State currently leads with the most Sun Belt Conference volleyball titles, with seven. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Food and Beverage   3 Concessions at the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament are simple. A single stand located in the main lobby handles all food and drink sales, offering the basics you’d expect at a mid-sized indoor facility, such as hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, and bottled sodas and sports drinks. There’s nothing particularly unique or memorable on the menu, and no alcohol is sold on site. Because of the limited selection, most visitors will find better value and variety by eating before or after the matches. Fortunately, the surrounding beach area has no shortage of options for places to grab a meal.   Atmosphere   4 The tournament is held inside the Foley Event Center, located on the grounds of the Foley Sports Tourism Complex, a state-of-the-art, 520-acre complex that opened in 2016. Set against a distinctive backdrop with the OWA Resort and its rollercoasters and water park just next door, the facility has quickly become one of the Gulf Coast’s premier sports complexes. The venue features 16 soccer fields, a 3,000-seat multi-purpose stadium, and the 90,000-square-foot Event Center, which serves as the home of the Volleyball Tournament. Inside, you’ll find space for 12 interchangeable volleyball and basketball courts, making it a perfect setup for hosting multi-day tournaments and championship events. For the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament, Foley Event Center goes above and beyond with SBC signage displayed throughout the facility, while outside at the main entrance, you’re greeted by a full lineup of banners representing all 14 conference teams. Upon entering the facility, you walk into a small, carpeted lobby complete with a small concessions table, a brochure stand, and a Sun Belt Conference merch stand. Inside, a single court is used for the tournament, creating an intimate championship environment. Temporary bleachers that seat around 1,500 fans line one side of the court, while the benches occupy the opposite side – there’s no seating behind the teams, which keeps all eyes on the action. To heighten the atmosphere, the remaining space inside Foley Event Center is draped in Sun Belt blue and gold, blocking off the extra courts and directing all attention toward the main floor. The court is also surrounded by Sun Belt team logos, as well as a decent-sized videoboard behind the benches, displaying replays, score updates, and tourism commercials during breaks, including plenty of beach scenes to remind you that you’re in one of the Gulf Coast’s premier destinations. Once play begins, the building comes alive. The low tin ceilings create excellent acoustics, music pumps between sets, and the fans – many of whom travel in from out of state – bring a lively, postseason energy that makes the venue feel bigger than it really is.   Neighborhood   5 You cannot pick a better location to hold a tournament than the Alabama Gulf Coast; this is a true postseason destination. Foley Sports Tourism Complex sits literally in the backyard of OWA Parks & Resorts, one of Alabama’s fastest-growing entertainment districts. Owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Owa means “Big Water” in their language. From the doors of the Event Center, you’re just steps away from roller coasters, arcade games, family rides, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. Also by late November, downtown Owa transforms into a walkable Christmas village complete with light displays, shopfront decorations, fake snow in the streets, and holiday events. It’s not uncommon to finish a match and spend the evening under holiday lights and fake snow while shopping. In addition, glow-in-the-dark kayak and boat rentals allow visitors to float the lake that surrounds the park, giving families a scenic outdoor option right next to the venue. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey For more shopping, Tanger Outlets is only a mile away, filled with more than 100 stores, including Rawling’s Superstore, one of only six in the country. But the most unique Foley experience is just down the road at Lambert’s Café, famously known as “Home of the Throwed Rolls”, where servers literally toss fresh, steaming, hot rolls across the room to diners. It’s become a must-stop for people visiting South Alabama. The town of Foley itself adds charm during the holidays; downtown Foley hangs Christmas lights along its streets, adding to the festive tournament atmosphere. And then there’s the biggest draw of all, namely, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, less than 10 miles away. In just 15 minutes, you could be standing on the beach. For additional shopping and nightlife, The Wharf in Orange Beach is about 20 minutes away – a large entertainment district with restaurants, boutiques, outdoor concerts, marina views, and one of the Gulf Coast’s most impressive Christmas light displays. The Wharf also features a Ferris wheel, specialty shops, and seasonal festivals, making it worth the trip, especially at night to see the Christmas lights. Hotels are abundant and vary from budget to upscale, and because this is the offseason for beach tourism, prices are noticeably lower than summer rates. Families can stay close to the venue in Foley or choose from upscale condos and beachfront hotels lining Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Or, for those who prefer the outdoors, Gulf State Park, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, and nearby fishing piers provide plenty of opportunities to explore nature, all within a short drive of the tournament. There is so much to do in the area that you could spend weeks here, and between the beach, shopping, the outdoors, and restaurants, you would never run out of things to do or places to eat.   Fans   4 With Foley now firmly established as the annual postseason home of the Sun Belt Conference, fans from the participating teams routinely make the late November trip (only 10 teams qualify for the volleyball tournament. You’ll find families, friends, and alumni from all the participating schools at the tournament, so expect a rotating host of school colors. Obviously, nearby South Alabama, Southern Miss, and Troy will have the most visiting fans on hand. The crowd at Foley Event Center isn’t usually massive, but it’s engaged, and what it lacks in pure size it makes up for in loyalty and character. You’ll hear organized chants from student sections, see homemade signs from parents, and find pockets of fans cheering. By the time the semifinals and finals roll around, this neutral-site facility sounds like it belongs to whichever fan base has traveled the best. There’s also a good-natured vibe across the stands. Rival fanbases tend to mingle rather than argue, and conversations often revolve around travel stories – where they ate, where they stayed, and who made the longest drive, etc. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Access   3 Reaching Foley and the beaches of Baldwin County often means leaving I-10. This area sits just beyond the main travel corridors, so getting there can feel a little out of the way, especially for first-time visitors. The good news is that November avoids the lengthy summer beach traffic, although drivers should still expect a steady stream of stop-and-go traffic, as well as plenty of red lights along the way, especially with this being the weekend before Thanksgiving. Once you arrive at Foley Sports Tourism Complex, everything runs smoothly. Parking is free and plentiful, signage is clear, and the Event Center is easy to navigate. Entry is efficient, hallways are wide, and restrooms and concessions are well marked. The only real congestion occurs inside the gym during high-stakes matches; shoulder-to-shoulder seating can happen in the bleachers, particularly during the semifinals and on championship day. Arriving early is recommended if you want a prime viewing spot.   Return on Investment   4 General Admission tickets are $10 per day. Parking is free, and concessions are inexpensive. But what separates this tourney from most other neutral-site tournaments is the beach location. With the warm weather during late November, it’s possible to take a dip in the ocean while you are here. In addition, November is officially the offseason for beach tourism, which means hotel and condo prices drop significantly compared to summer rates. Between the cheap entry, holiday atmosphere, walkable entertainment, and nearby beaches, the Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament is a destination tournament – one that feels more like an early Christmas vacation on the beach.   Extras   3 Foley Sports Tourism Complex also hosts the Sun Belt Conference Soccer Tournament every year, hosted at the main stadium outside the Event Center, while the Sun Belt Cross Country Championship is held up the road at Graham Creek Nature Preserve. In fact, this area has embraced the role of destination tournament host, not just for the Sun Belt, but for National Championships as well. For example, just down the road, the Gulf Shores beaches host the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament  every year, and roughly 50 minutes away, Pensacola hosts the Sun Belt Basketball Tournament  and the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament. One extra that truly separates this tournament from most college postseason events is the fact that it takes place right next door to one of the most elaborate Christmas displays on the Gulf Coast, in downtown Owa. Fans can walk from the gym to a winter-themed entertainment district in minutes, and Owa also makes for an excellent stop during the day for families who want to ride roller coasters or other amusement park rides before the matches. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Another extra is how you can experience two seasons in the same afternoon; with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach less than 20 minutes away, it’s entirely possible to spend a late November morning swimming in clear coastal waters, then spend the evening walking through Christmas lights at Owa or The Wharf – few places in the country allow fans to go from sand to seasonal decorations in a single day.

Baseball at the big house, that will be the case when the Joliet Slammers play a game at the Old Joliet Prison . The Joliet Area Historical Museum and the City of Joliet announced today that the Slammers will play an exhibition game behind the walls of the old prison in collaboration with the Route 66 Kickoff celebration. The game will be called “The Big House Ballgame.” “‘The Big House Ballgame’ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate Joliet’s unique history while connecting it to the broader story of Route 66,”  said Greg Peerbolte, CEO of the Joliet Area Historical Museum.  “We’re eager to welcome Slammers fans and history buffs alike to the prison yard’s diamond, offering visitors a chance to experience both America’s pastime and our city’s remarkable heritage in a single, unforgettable event.” Baseball had been played inside the walls of the old prison, which dates back to 1914. Organized games were first introduced at the prison by Warden Edmun Allen to boost morale among inmates and encourage good behavior. Prisoners would form teams and play against outside teams and other prison ball clubs. The games continued on the grounds until the prison’s closure in 2002. Tickets have not gone on sale, nor has information on the field's seating capacity been provided. Fans interested can visit the  Joliet Slammers website  and sign up for the waitlist. Joliet will be among a select group of cities celebrating centennial festivals for the famed highway, along with Santa Monica, CA, Albuquerque, NM, Amarillo, Texas, Springfield, and St. Louis, MO.  ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) playoffs are now underway, with the National Championship game taking place in January 2026 in Nashville, TN. While the champion will be determined on the field, Stadium Journey focuses on the activity in the stands and around the stadium. To do this, we use our FANFARE scoring system, which evaluates all the factors that encompass the gameday experience: food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment, and extras (anything that is unique to that stadium). We proudly present our list of the top 25 stadiums in the FCS. Several stadiums had identical scores, and we broke any ties by a vote of our reviewers. We don’t expect you to agree with some of these rankings. In fact, we encourage you to have lively discussions with your fellow football fans. Feel free to share your thoughts on our Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and Bluesky pages. 1. Washington-Grizzly Stadium - Montana Grizzlies (4.43) Jason Karp - Our top-rated stadium features spectacular natural surroundings, a lively fanbase, close up views of the action and an always competitive team year after year. 2. William B Greene Stadium - East Tennessee State Buccaneers (4.43)  (Lloyd Brown) The natural setting at the base of a mountain forms a stunning backdrop for Buccaneer games, especially when the fall foliage color is at its height. The Buccaneer Band kicks off the gameday activity with a parade and the team walk to the stadium.               3. Bobcat Stadium - Montana State Bobcats (4.29) Aaron S. Terry - The Bobcat Nation has impressed us with their enthusiasm throughout the season. They are on their feet early, as the Stampede is one of the best team entry celebrations we’ve ever witnessed.  4. Harlen Hunter Stadium - Lindenwood Lions (4.29) Lloyd Brown - The on-campus Harlan Hunter Stadium is truly the pride of the Lions nation. It features a sleek modern design and one of the largest videoboards in the FCS. The pregame tailgate draws alumni from all over Missouri to the campus hours prior to the kickoff. 5. Johnson Hagood Stadium - The Citadel Bulldogs (4.29) Aaron S. Terry - The pageantry of a football game at a service academy is something truly special. This is very true at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. The entire cadet corps marches from the campus to the off-campus Johnson Hagood Stadium prior to each contest. Recent renovations to the stadium have increased seating capacity, and the fieldhouse at one end of the stadium features a façade that mimics the architecture found throughout the Citadel campus. 6. Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium - Abilene Christian Wildcats (4.29) Terry McCutchen - Abilene Christian has averaged well above 9000 fans per game since Anthony Field opened in 2017. This has created a home field advantage for the Wildcats, which has led to some exciting games and big upsets in the past few years. 7. Shell Energy Stadium - Texas Southern Tigers (4.14) Aaron S. Terry - The Tiger’s lair includes a feature that is a necessity in the hot weather the Houston area experiences in the early fall. A canopy extends out over most of the seating areas in the stadium, providing shade for the Texas Southern and visiting fans alike. The stadium is also located near most of Houston’s top tourist sights. 8. Memorial Stadium – Tarleton State Texans (4.14) Terry McCutcheon - Tarleton State football, though a new participant at the NCAA Division 1 FCS level, provides a quality game day atmosphere. Replete with energetic students, supportive alumni, and high quality in-game presentation, Texans games are top notch events. 9. Rhodes Stadium - Elon Phoenix (4.14) Will Halpern - The home of the Phoenix is rising in our ratings based on the great sight lines, tasty North Carolina BBQ being served at its concession stands and the sounds coming from the Fire of the Carolinas Band. The Phoenix faithful arrive early and stay late for an all-day party. 10. Franklin Field - Penn Quakers (4.14) Gregory Koch - Like many other structures in Philadelphia, Penn Stadium is steeped in history, as it is one of the oldest college football venues in the country. It is the home field for the Penn Quakers football games, has hosted numerous Army-Navy games and has hosted several Philadelphia Eagles games when there has been a scheduling conflict. 11. Truist Stadium - North Carolina A&T Aggies (4.14) Will Halpern - North Carolina A&T State University has been one of the football powerhouses in the MEAC and throughout HBCU Football, and have a passionate fan base to match. The campus is decked in Blue and Gold with chants of Aggie Pride coming from the more than twelve thousand students, and thousands more alumni throughout the season. 12. Finley Stadium - Chattanooga Mocs (4.14) Lloyd Brown - All aboard for a fun gameday experience at the home of the Mocs. The party gets underway at the Pavilion across the street from Finley Stadium, with the Marching Mocs, the cheer squads performing at the tailgating event and the Mocs football team doing their pregame walk through the crowd on their way to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, there are food trucks serving a wide variety of foods. After the games end, Finley Stadium is just a short distance from the Chattanooga Choo-Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium, two of the city’s top tourist attractions. 13. E. Claiborne Robins Stadium - Richmond Spiders (4.00) Joseph Oakes - Oh, what a wonderful web they weave! A lovely, wooded setting, great concession items, a fun zone for the kids and capacity crowds add up to  a great football experience in the capital city of Virginia. Historic Williamsburg is nearby, making it a great option for a long family weekend in the fall.   14. Fargodome - North Dakota State Bison (4.00) Lloyd Brown - As our top-rated indoor facility, the Fargodome also has the best tailgating scene outside of any FCS venue. Once inside, the noise created by the Bison faithful can be deafening, making it difficult for the visiting team to communicate. Most important, the Fargodome provides refuge from the harsh winter weather that typically moves into the area by the end of the season. 15. Dana J Dykhouse Stadium - South Dakota State Jackrabbits (4.00) Lloyd Brown - The Jackrabbits have Dykhouse Stadium hopping well before the opening kickoff. SDSU fans have a great reputation for their tailgating acumen, which always includes a stop at the campus dairy store for its famous ice cream. Low ticket prices, one of the largest videoboards in an FCS venue, wonderful sightlines and frequent national championship seasons all add up to some great Saturdays in Brookings. 16. Harvard Stadium - Harvard Crimson (3.86) Paul Baker - One of the most historic sports venues in the country, Harvard Stadium was the nation’s first stadium built specifically for football. It is especially known for the Harvard-Yale rivalry game. It was also the scene of the first forward pass in college football history. 17. Robert and Janet Vacker Stadium - UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (3.86) Eric Moreno - The Vaqueros are one of more recent additions to the FCS level of football. Rather than taking on the immense expense of building a brand-new stadium from the ground up, the school chose to use an existing minor league soccer stadium and convert it for the American version of football. The accountants and the local fanbase are very happy about that decision, as it saved millions of dollars and provided a ready-to-use stadium that has sold out every game since the Vaqueros moved there.  18. Davidson College Stadium - Davidson Wildcats (3.86) Lloyd Brown - Davidson College’s new stadium replaces the 100-year-old Richardson Stadium, which will now be used for track and field events. The new venue offers a wide variety of concession items, close-to-the-field seating experience and an extensive electronics package that were not possible in its former home.  19. First Security Field at Estes Stadium - Central Arkansas Bears (3.86) Lloyd Brown - What’s purple and silver all over?  The playing surface at First Security Field at the University of Central Arkansas. This creates an immediate strong impression for fans watching a Bears’ home game. A high scoring offense, low-ticket prices and an on-campus location add to the gameday experience. Fans can follow every play on the expansive videoboard rising above the south end zone. 20. Stewart Stadium - Weber State Wildcats (3.86) Connor Commeau - Stewart Stadium is located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden Utah. The Wildcats typically schedule late afternoon games, which allow fans to experience a spectacular view of the sunsets the area enjoys. The stadium features an affordable family experience for both locals and visiting fans. 21. Powers Field - Princeton Tigers (3.86) Matthew Collins - Powers Field is a modern facility at a school known for its old, historic buildings. Tiger fans enjoy the many amenities made possible by the recent rebuilding of the stadium. It is very close to the central campus, which makes it very easy for the campus community to get to the games without needing a car. The Tiger statues just outside of the stadium make a great backdrop for selfies. 22. Dakota Dome - South Dakota Coyotes (3.86) Aaron S. Terry - A visit to the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, South Dakota is an excellent way to see college football. You can take in some great scenery, while also enjoying a game in comfort and style without having to brave the elements – that alone makes this a stadium worth journeying. You also get to experience one of the toughest intrastate rivalry games in the country when the Coyotes welcome the SDSU Jackrabbits at the Dakota Dome every two years. 23. Cowboy Stadium - McNeese State Cowboys (3.86) Paul Donaldson - “The Hole” is the second HBCU stadium on our list. It offers low ticket prices, some uniquely Cajun concessions offerings and a great P.A. announcer. The Cowboys are known for their up-tempo offense, which tends to wear out the opposition late in the games.  24. Cooper Field - Georgetown Hoyas (3.86) Gregory Koch - Though Georgetown University is best known for basketball, it also fields a football team. Cooper Field, seating just 3,750, is among the smallest venues in Division I. Its location on campus makes attending games easy for students, and it stands as the only D1 college football program in Washington, D.C. 25. O’Shaughnessy Stadium - St. Thomas Tommies (3.86) Lloyd Brown - The Tommies are relative newcomers to the FCS, jumping from Division III to Division I in 2021. However, their home field, O’Shaughnessy Stadium, has been around since 1948. It features the purple school colors prominently throughout the seating area, the press box and the end zones. The stadium features the same stone exterior material used in all the campus buildings. One of the nice period touches on the stadium exterior are the carved bas relief football figures from a bygone era.