Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Powers Field at Princeton Stadium 500 Ivy Lane Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers football website Powers Field at Princeton Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 27,800 Ivy League Roars Powers Field at Princeton Stadium opened on September 19, 1998 with a win over Cornell. The new stadium replaced the old facility, Palmer Stadium, which had served the Princeton Tigers’ football team for 82 years. In all the Ivy League Tigers have been playing football on this same site since 1914. Two very unique features of Princeton Stadium are first, the 32-foot-high climbing wall built into the structural supports in the southeast corner of the venue. The climbing wall is 66 feet across and is used for rock climbing classes at Princeton, as well as for recreational climbing by students and faculty. The second unique feature is even more impressive, however – following the last home football game of each year, a climate-controlled inflatable dome is set up within the walls of the stadium, allowing the field to be used for sports during the brutal 5 or 6-month New Jersey winter. Teams such as lacrosse, soccer, rugby, and flag football use the turf inside the bubble, with nets separating different sections so multiple groups can use it at the same time. Food & Beverage 4 Princeton Stadium has a ton of different concession options at reasonable prices, ranging from hot dogs, pizza, brisket sandwiches, and walking tacos to burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. These items start at around $5 for a hot dog and go up to $12 for the brisket. The stands here even offer a vegetarian burger option, black bean. For snacks you can find items such as pretzels, popcorn, packaged candy, chips, and cotton candy running from $3 to $6, while drinks include Powerade, canned water, fountain soda, coffee, and hot cocoa, with all beverages under $4. Offering coffee and hot cocoa is a major plus during cold weather football games up here in the north. Note that different stands offer different items, but all options are sold on both sides of the facility. Atmosphere 4 Even though the crowd may not be very big, Princeton puts on a great show here at Powers Field. There are giveaways and a bouncy house out on the lawn between the parking garage and the field, which make the day a little more fun, especially if you have little ones. There are also a pair of shiny metal tiger statues outside the stadium, which are fun to take a picture of or a selfie with, and the tiger stripe decor all around the venue really pops. While the Princeton band is not very large (barely a dozen), there is a mascot on hand to entertain the crowd, and the staff plays a lot of fun music during breaks in the action to get fans up and moving. Neighborhood 3 Princeton is a small town of just over 30,000 residents who are packed into a small geographic footprint, so the area is highly walkable. The restaurant scene here is a mix of historic taverns and fast-casual eateries that cater to students; the latter offer fare such as burgers, Mexican, and pizza. There are also a few sports bar-type options in the area such as Alchemist & Barrister, although these tend to be more boutique eateries located inside historic buildings than your typical chain restaurants with neon signs on the walls. There are a couple of hotels in the immediate vicinity of Princeton Stadium, though these tend to be high end and more costly. More modest lodging options can be found outside of town about 3 to 5 miles from the stadium, for example out along Route 1. The attractions here tend to be historic in nature, for example touring the former home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Fans 3 There will not be a ton of fans here during a typical game – you’ll see a large crowd in the lower-level sections just beneath the press box, but mostly an empty stadium everywhere else, including on the visitor side. Still, the fans who show up do make some noise, cheer at the right times, and seem very engaged. The crowd does appear to be mostly alums of the school, without much of a student presence. Access 4 Traffic in the vicinity can be pretty brutal depending on where you are coming from, with New York City and Philadelphia both about equidistant from Princeton. However, the immediate area around Princeton Stadium is not very crowded, as it is a couple of miles off the main roads, and there will not be big crowds to contend with as you come and go. Once you get to the facility the best place to park is in the Stadium Parking Garage, where it won’t take much time to exit after the game since there aren’t very many cars here. From there it is a little bit of a walk to the football stadium, past some other athletic fields, but once you get inside Princeton Stadium you should have smooth sailing. There are plenty of bathrooms, and each concession stand is set up like a grab-and-go, with two cashiers assigned to each so the lines move fast. The concourse is also virtually empty. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Princeton football games are $20, and I think that is a perfectly reasonable cost. The venue feels clean and modern despite being almost 30 years old, and the crowd is very polite. There is enough decor and activity during breaks in the action to keep fans entertained, and there are small scoreboards on each of the interior walls, so no matter where you are sitting you should easily be able to read one. The mascot is fun to watch, and even though the band is tiny, they put on a good show before the game and at halftime. Extras 3 Princeton football does some interesting things to add a bit of flair to the experience, for example bringing in a guy with an electric guitar to play the National Anthem. I thought that was a great take on what is usually a solemn moment in the game, both fun and unique. Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend a visit to Powers Field at Princeton Stadium to see a Tigers football game. It is a great experience with no crowds to fight, and pretty easy on the wallet as well. Make time to see these Ivy League tigers when you can!

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Riverview Health Arena 14157 CJ Way Noblesville, IN 46060 Noblesville Boom website Riverview Health Arena website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 3,400 Noblesville Boom Explodes onto the Scene Riverview Health Arena houses the NBA G League Noblesville Boom, offering modern design, amenities, and an intimate setting that brings fans close to the action. ​Opened in November 2025, the city-owned Arena serves as the focal point of Innovation Mile, envisioned as a year-round destination blending economic, cultural, and entertainment activities to create a vibrant district. ​More than just a new venue, it’s a statement—an energetic showcase of what a next-generation minor league arena can be. From the moment you walk through its glass-lined entrance, the Arena promises an experience that’s equal parts excitement, community, and big-league ambition. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of high-end options on the main concourse that include grab-and-go options, small kiosks, and traditional concession stands. Fans will enjoy everything from a hot dog, cold beer, chicken sandwiches, and barbecue nachos. The two full-time concession stands are on the northeast and northwest sides of the upper concourse: Hometown Eats and the Deer Creek Cafe. ​ Fans can enjoy cheese and pepperoni pizza, along with an Italian melt sandwich that is made exclusively for the venue. There are also double smashed burgers and chicken tenders that include a side of fries. Other menu options include barbecue nachos and sandwiches featuring pulled chicken or pork. Prices range from $11.99 to $14.99. ​ The traditional items include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, soda, and alcoholic beverages. A Chick-fil-A kiosk sells sandwiches and waffle chips, and sweet treats include cotton candy, caramel apples, and the Harvest pretzel with chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbles. These prices range from $3.99 to $12.99. ​ Fans can purchase 20-ounce cans of macro and micro beers at the grab-and-go area. The options include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud, Michelob Ultra, and local Sun King Pale Ale. White Claw, Angry Orchard, High Noon, and Sun Cruiser canned cocktails are available. ​ Atmosphere 4 ​The arena offers seating for 3,400 people and is among the smaller venues in the G League. However, in an area where it competes with the NBA, college, and high school basketball, it might be the ideal size. The facility offers perfect views from all of its seats, easy access around the concourse, and a friendly staff to assist with any questions. ​ The main entrance and lobby are among its best features. The glass lobby welcomes fans inside an area where two escalators bring them up to the seating bowl. Large LED screens flank the area, with images of the team logo and the starting lineup, making it the true home of the Boom. ​ There is not a bad seat in the house, and many levels of the concourse are wide enough to move traffic along and get a vantage point of the court. The seats are soft and cushioned, a giant video board keeps stats and displays information throughout the game, and fans can enjoy a look at future Pacers players. ​ The game day staff throws out T-shirts throughout the game, bangs a giant drum before the game, and Bobby the Bobcat, the official team mascot, gets the crowd going, waving a giant Boom flag. He also makes his way around the court, giving high-fives and taking photos with fans of all ages. Neighborhood 4 The Innovation Mile District is a rapidly developing corridor on the southeast side of Noblesville, designed as a modern hub for sports, technology, entertainment, and community growth. Anchored along a one-mile stretch of East 141st Street, the district blends sleek, future-focused architecture with the welcoming, small-town character that the town is known for in the area. ​ However, less than a mile away is the Hamilton Town Center. The outdoor mall features a collection of familiar shops, along with a selection of eateries that include Chuy’s, which specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine, and Ford’s Garage for burgers, wings, and pub food. There is also Houlihans, Livery, and Stone Creek Dining Company. ​ About five miles south on I-69 is the Fishers Event Center, which is home to the Indy Fuel ECHL team, the Indy Ignite Major League Volleyball team, and the Fishers Freight Indoor Football League. The seasons crisscross one another, making it an option for a sports weekend in the Northeast Suburbs of Indianapolis. ​ Fans 3 The team has played only a handful of games in Noblesville, but it is safe to say that the local populace will embrace the Boom. Opening night was a sell-out, and games have been well attended since. The G-League team provides the opportunity for Pacers fans to see future players in the small court and another entertainment option away from downtown. Access 3 The arena is designed with the main entrance at ground level and the main concourse on the upper level. Escalators and elevators take patrons to the seating bowls, and a majority of the aisles are big enough for easy access to concession areas and individual seats. ​ There is a parking deck next to the arena, along with an unpaved parking lot to the south of the building. There has been some congestion with traffic before and after the game, but that could just be first-night jitters. The traffic flow will improve over time. Return on Investment 3 The average price per ticket on the website TickPick is between $23-$29, depending on the night. A few games can be below $20, but it will depend on the time of purchase. The cost to park at the game is $7, but if you purchase in advance on the ParkWhiz website, it is a dollar less. ​ Food prices are similar to other venues of its caliber, especially down the street at the Fishers Event Center. A double smash burger and fries is $13.99, while a can of macro beer is $8.99. A hot dog is $6.49. It is a cashless venue. Extras 2 The main entrance and lobby are quite elegant and feature plenty of LED visuals and lighting. The team colors are the same as the Pacers, blue and gold, but also teal. The third color provides a nice little pop to the arena. Final Thoughts The Riverview Health Arena is the perfect size for an NBA G League franchise and offers a different experience to other venues in the league. The proximity to the parent Pacers club will make the Boom a fan favorite for years to come. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

One last gasp of the baseball season brings the guys to the south and Music City. Is Nashville truly an elite Minor League Baseball city? Do they have what it takes to step up to the majors? Grab a beer and join Dave and Paul for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views and their discussion of the Nashville Sounds experience. ⚾🏟️ __________________________________________________________________________________ You can find Stadium Journey's review of First Horizon Park and the Nashville Sounds game day experience here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UI Ice Arena 406 E. Armory Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens website Fred P. Rullo Stadium website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 1,500 Illini Hockey at a Historic Ice Arena The University of Illinois Ice Arena opened in November 1931 as a community ice rink for public skating. The Chicago architecture firm Holabird & Root, which also designed the university’s Gies Memorial Stadium, built the ice venue. It cost $336,000 and was paid for by profits from the football program. ​ Intramural hockey arrived on campus in 1935, and by 1937 varsity hockey was added to the university’s schedule. After three seasons in which the team won only three games, its fortunes turned around in 1940, when it won three consecutive Western Intercollegiate Championships. However, during World War II, the program was discontinued in 1943, and the building was converted into a mess hall for men in the U.S. Army special training program. ​ After a year as a distribution center for Time, Inc., the building opened for public skating in 1945, but hockey didn't return until 1955, this time as a club sport. Discussions about moving the hockey program to Division I have stalled, and the team continues to play in the nearly century-old building. ​ The Fighting Illini hockey team operates an independent schedule after several years in the American College Hockey Association and one year in Midwest College Hockey. The move reduced travel costs and brought teams closer to the Champaign campus. The club captured two ACHA championships in 2005 and 2008 and has made four ACHA Final Four appearances. ​ Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands offer hot food and beverages, including popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, cheese and pizza sticks, and nachos. Fans can also enjoy a slice of Jets pizza and combo meals that include a hot dog, bag of chips, and a fountain drink. The price for single items is between $2.50 and $4, while combos are between $5.50 and $11. ​ Atmosphere 3 Fans enter through a modern main lobby off of Armory Street. The Illini Ice Girls welcome fans and handle tickets by stamping the hands of each guest. The interior of the ice rink features a brick facade and several banners hanging on the wall. ​ The ice rink seats 1,500 people with 5 rows of bleacher seats above the playing surface. There are standing-room-only sections on the ice level and a main lobby with restrooms and a concession stand. A few tables and stools are set up at the corners against the glass boards. ​ Neighborhood 5 ​The University of Illinois Ice Arena is within walking distance of downtown Champaign. There are many well-known establishments downtown along Green Street that have supported the Illini fanbase for decades. ​ Joe’s Brewery is a beloved spot with affordable prices, live bands, and a DJ. Joe’s also has a beer garden. Legends is a sports bar with its own outdoor beer garden. Murphy’s Pub is an Irish-themed restaurant with 25 beers on tap. Papa Del's Pizza serves deep dish, super stuff, and thin-crust pizza with frozen options to take home. KAMS and Red Lion are popular student spots on the weekend. The Illini basketball team plays next door to the football stadium at the State Farm Center, the volleyball team calls Huff Hall home, and the football team plays at Gies Memorial Stadium. Fans 3 Games are well supported throughout the season, even though the game we attended was somewhat light. Still, a dedicated group of fans wore team colors, and a few banged a cowbell. Access 4 The building is small and features a lobby and the rink with two sides of seating. The main seating area is accessible by four narrow staircases. Parking for the game is tricky due to neighborhood permit parking restrictions. There is metered parking a couple of blocks from the building at 75 cents an hour. Return on Investment 3 Adult tickets can be purchased online and scanned at the arena for $12, and kids' tickets are $5. Concession prices range between $2.50 and $4.00, while combo prices are between $5.50 and $11. There are a few merchandise items on sale at the game. Extras 2 The Illini Ice Girls earn a point for their hospitality and performances on ice during intermission. The building earns a second point for affordable concession items. Final Thoughts College hockey venues in the Midwest are hard to find south of Michigan, and the Fighting Illini hockey club does a nice job of providing fans with an affordable night of hockey on the campus of the University of Illinois. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Franklin Field 235 S 33rd St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers football website Franklin Field website Year Opened: 1895 Capacity: 52,593 College Football’s Oldest Active Stadium Opened in 1895, Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA is recognized as the oldest still-active stadium in all of college football. The facility originally had wooden stands, which were rebuilt with concrete in 1922, with the upper deck added in 1925. This 130-plus-year-old stadium even served as the home field of the Philadelphia Eagles back in the 1950s and 60s, in the days before the team changed their logo to the modern version used today. While its 52,593-seat capacity is no longer filled with fans like it used to be, this venerable stadium is still proud to be the home of the UPenn Quakers. The Quakers began playing football in 1876 and hold the record for most college football games played by any team in any division (over 1,400); the team also holds the record for most games played at a single stadium, with over 850 played at Franklin Field. Food & Beverage 2 There are several concession options at Franklin Field, but the prices are pretty steep compared to some other stadiums you may have been to. The home side features options such as pizza and hot dogs, while the visiting side offers cheesesteak, a Philadelphia staple. Snacks include packaged candy and pretzel braids (with or without cheese sauce). Food prices range from $5.49 for candy all the way up to $13.79 for cheesesteak. For drinks, Franklin Field offers a selection of bottled water, Powerade, bottled soda, and premium or domestic beer, and the prices here are even higher. Bottled water clocks in at a steep $5.49, while bottled Pepsi products cost a whopping $7 plus. Beer runs $14 to $16. Atmosphere 2 Franklin Field is a decent stadium with an imposing look and feel as you walk up. However, the lack of fans in attendance can make this huge stadium look practically empty. Given its age, it lacks some of the modern amenities you may be used to, though it does feature a modern video scoreboard. I did not see a mascot during my most recent visit, although they do have one, and the UPenn band is very small. Neighborhood 5 Philadelphia is a great city to visit, with lots of tourist attractions and plenty of restaurants and hotels. UPenn’s campus is located on the other side of the Schuylkill River from the city center, where you will find all the classic tourist spots such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. You will find restaurants serving cheesesteak sandwiches on almost every corner, so you can join the great debate between Cooper Sharp and Cheez Whiz. I recommend Cleavers, but locals will flock to any neighborhood pizzeria, corner store, or deli counter to buy their beloved sandwiches. The reason cheesesteak is such a big deal in Philly is not actually because of the steak, but due to the bread – local bakers in the city have perfected hearth baking techniques that produce a crusty exterior with a soft interior, perfect for soaking up the juiciness of the meat and cheese without making the whole sandwich a soggy mess. Fans 3 Ivy League fans tend to be all in; even a tiny crowd will feel like a lot more due to how loud and intense the fans are. There appear to be are more alums at UPenn football games than there are students, but the alums are still proud of their team and willing to yell at the top of their lungs. The reason the score in this section is not higher is because even a few thousand fans in a venue the size of Franklin Field are swallowed up by its enormity, and also because so many of the UPenn fans who did show up left early. Even during my most recent visit, many left during a game that came down to a missed field goal as the clock expired. Access 4 Parking will be very difficult, but in big cities like this, many residents don’t even have cars. Instead, they use mass transit systems to get around, such as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), a comprehensive mashup of subways, trolleys, trains, and over 100 bus routes. The trains and subways tend to be faster than the buses, which can easily get stuck in traffic, and you can also use Uber or Lyft. There is also an international airport right here in Philadelphia, and if you are willing to take the train from there, you can pay $6 to $8 to go 4 stops to Penn Medicine Station, which is only about a 4-minute walk from Franklin Field. Once you get into the stadium, it is easy to move around – the concourse will allow you to walk all the way around the facility. There are plenty of bathrooms to accommodate the size of the crowd, and at a typical game, you won’t see any lines at the concessions due to how small the crowd size is. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to Franklin Field start at $15, or you can pay a little more to sit in the few rows of red and blue chairback seats on the south side of the field. Almost all the seats in the stadium are metal bleachers without backs, but you can sit in the chairbacks if you want to; they are located right next to the band. If you are in the area, it is worth a trip to Franklin Field for its history if nothing else, but if you are looking for a lot of energy, passion, and pageantry from your football experience, you likely will not find that here. Extras 2 If you are interested in seeing a history of Pennsylvania athletics, take a stroll over to The Palestra, UPenn’s legendary facility. With no pillars or arches inside, every seat in this venue has a perfect view of the court, and its unique vaulted roof makes it one of the loudest arenas in all sports due to the echo chamber created by its barrel-shaped ceiling. A wrap-around hallway acts as the concourse and is filled to the brim with photos, plaques, murals, and trophies galore. The Palestra has also hosted more total basketball games, teams, and NCAA tournament games than any other arena. Final Thoughts Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA is a classic football stadium that is steeped in history. While the experience won’t be over the top like at some of the bigger FCS programs, it is still a facility that is worth a look if you are in the area – it stands as a testament to how far college football in the United States has come.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Historic Raabe Stadium 1401 N Swan Blvd Wauwatosa, WI 53226 Wisconsin Lutheran Warriors website Historic Raabe Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,700 Warriors in Wauwatosa Wisconsin Lutheran College plays its home football games at Historic Raabe Stadium in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The school began playing football in the year 2000, and currently competes in the NCAA’s Division III Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). The facility opened in 2004, and holds about 1,700 fans in stands on opposite sides of the field – wooden bleachers without chairbacks on the visitor’s side, and metal bleachers without chairbacks on the home side. During the Homecoming game in 2026, the field itself was named after Coach Dennis Miller, who built the football program here from scratch. Miller was hired in 1998, and spent the next two years recruiting players and mapping out the Warriors’ inaugural schedules. He was also instrumental in securing funding to build Raabe Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 Raabe Stadium has surprisingly comprehensive concessions for such a small stadium. There are two food trucks on the visitor’s side, offering Mexican and Mediterranean options such as street tacos, horchata, spanakopita, gyros, and honey puffs. There is also a tent selling packaged candy on that side, as well as a small table selling bottled Pepsi products, although these last two options may close early if there aren’t enough customers. Underneath the home stands fans will find more traditional concession options, such as slices of pizza, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and hot dogs, as well as bottled Pepsi products. The prices here are middle of the road, with drinks selling for $3.50, pizza and hot dogs for $4, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches for $7. Atmosphere 3 There aren’t many amenities at Raabe Stadium beyond the game itself, and the fans here don’t necessarily seem that engaged (more on this later). There are a bunch of activities for kids though, including a bouncy house, a connect 4-type basketball game, and lots of giveaways such as cowbells and mini footballs. While there is no mascot that I saw, and only a small drumline instead of a full band, the staff here puts on a massive fireworks show after the game. It is worth staying after the game for, and goes on for a really long time – there were several points where they shot off a bunch of fireworks at the same time, making us think it was the grand finale, only to keep the show going for several more minutes. This fireworks show was absolutely the highlight of the evening. Neighborhood 3 Wauwatosa, Wisconsin is a small town located a few miles west of Milwaukee, and boasts several local parks, mixed in with corporate research complexes that are the draw here in terms of employment. The most popular pre- or post-game hangout may be Ferch’s Crafthouse Grille, famous for its German pretzels, burgers, and selection of over 500 global beers, only a 3-minute drive from Raabe Stadium. Or, if sandwiches and coffee are more your scene, Ally’s Powerhouse Cafe inside a massive former industrial building offers lattes, paninis, and salads, as well as an all-day brunch feature on Saturdays. If you plan to be in town for the weekend or overnight, there are several chain hotels near Raabe Stadium, and if you are interested in driving over to Milwaukee, you can also take in the sights or water activities on Lake Michigan. Fans 2 The fans at Wisconsin Lutheran football games are very polite, but perhaps almost too polite. They seem perfectly content to just enjoy whatever is happening on the field, and don’t seem too bothered if the game doesn’t go their way. The atmosphere here is much more that of a family-friendly activity than a competitive sports contest, so you won’t hear any yelling at the refs, and not much booing or cheering. There may be an alumni event going on behind one end zone, complete with tents, picnic tables, and food being served, so you might see kids running around on the turf, just enjoying themselves. You also might see some of the fans leave early, especially during night games when perhaps they need to get the kids home and into bed. Access 3 Getting to Raabe Stadium is very easy; the facility is close enough to Milwaukee that there are major highways bringing you in from the east, west, or north. I-41 is the closest freeway to the facility, taking you right past the venue if you look out the window at the right moment. The only possibly confusing part is that the stadium is 2-3 miles from Wisconsin Lutheran’s main campus, located inside the school’s athletic village complex, so make sure you put the actual football field into your GPS, instead of the college’s main address. Once you get to the field itself, there is free parking right in front of the facility, although it is best to get there early so you can park closer to the stadium. Unfortunately the visitor stands are right next to the main entrance, so most fans will have to walk around the track to get to their seats on the home side. As mentioned above, the food trucks are on one side of Raabe Stadium while the main concessions are on the other, meaning you might have to walk between them during the game to get what you want. The stadium is very small, however, so this is easily doable. Note that on the visitor’s side the men’s bathrooms are on the far side, while the women’s bathrooms are closer to the food trucks, so the guys will have to either walk across the track or through the stands when they need a pit stop. Return on Investment 3 The cost to attend a football game at Raabe Stadium is $7 for adults and $5 for kids, and there are no tickets or hand stamps – just pay and walk in. Parking is also free, and concessions are reasonable. That said, I am not sure I would recommend seeing a game here unless your team of choice is involved in the matchup. The fireworks are great, but unfortunately the atmosphere is a trifle ho hum, with not too much passion from the fans and not much in the way of amenities except a few contests during breaks in the action. Extras 2 There is a decent tailgating setup in the parking area next to the facility; note that the closer parking lot does not allow tailgating, so if you want to tailgate you will have to park a little further away. But the two parking lots are so close together I doubt you will even notice the few extra steps you have to take. Final Thoughts If you are in the area and are looking for a family-friendly activity, a football game at Wisconsin Lutheran is a great choice. You may not find the excitement and over-the-top football atmosphere you may have seen elsewhere, but you will have a pleasant day with no hassles, in a quaint stadium that is easy to move around.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Musselman Stadium 300 N. Washington St. Gettysburg, PA 17325 Gettysburg Bullets website Musselman Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 6,176 Gettysburg’s Football Address Gettysburg College is a private, four-year liberal arts college founded in 1832. From its founding until 1921 it was known as Pennsylvania College. Author Jerry Spinelli, Carson Kressley from Bravo TV’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” and former Congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul are graduates of the college. The area is more known for the July 1st through 3rd, 1863 military engagements, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The area is very busy nearly all times of the year as tourists flock to the battlefields, as well as the commercial endeavors that surround the area. Sports teams at the college are known as the Bullets, and there are 24 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s teams. The Gettysburg College women’s lacrosse team won the Division III National Championship in 2011. The Bullets play in the Centennial Conference. The 1964 football team won the University Division of the Middle Atlantic Conference championship with a 7–2 record for the first and only time in school history. The 1966 football team also played in the MAC University Division and captured the coveted Lambert Cup, emblematic of northeastern collegiate supremacy, again for the first and only time in school history. Both teams have been inducted into the Gettysburg College Hall of Athletic Honor as Teams of Distinction. Their stadium, Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium, is also home to the school’s field hockey, lacrosse, and men’s and women’s outdoor track & field. It was dedicated in September 1965 with a ceremony attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium. That is a bit shocking because of the relatively large-sized facility. There is a temporary stand at the north end selling cheap food and drinks, and it is usually manned by another of the college’s sports teams. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is quite large. That can make the atmosphere seem a bit more subdued than needed, except when a large crowd is in attendance. The field is also surrounded by a track, which means fans will be a bit further from the action. There are two grandstands. The west stands are permanent. They are pretty simple concrete stands, with simple metal bleachers attached to them. Neighborhood 5 Gettysburg is a great small town. There is almost always traffic in the town as tourists flock to the area all year. In the summer months, it can be almost unbearable to drive through the area, so make note of that. Because so many people travel in the area, expect to see numerous food options. But not all of them are good, so make sure to check reviews so that you do not waste time in tourist traps. My favorite restaurant choice is The Garryowen Irish Pub. A couple of home-style options are Hoss’s Steaks and the Lincoln Diner. You can’t go wrong with their simple but tasty offerings There is also a very good outlet mall right outside of town called The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg. With no taxes on clothing in Pennsylvania, it is a popular attraction on its own. Fans 3 The football program is not always the best lately, but the fans still turn out fairly heavily for home games. The fans are decent and seem to be involved in the game action. Access 3 Gettysburg is close to many things. Washington, DC, is 75 miles away, and Baltimore is 55 miles away. The main east-west road through Gettysburg is U.S. Route 30, and U.S. Route 15 runs south towards Frederick, MD, and Washington, DC, as well as north to Harrisburg, PA. The only real problem is the traffic in the area. The college is located in a small neighborhood north of downtown, and it won’t be very hard to get to the college, but expect to venture on many small roads to get there. Parking is usually pretty OK, but the larger the event, the more likely it is that parking will be at a premium. You can always park downtown and walk to campus. Return on Investment 5 Football games are generally free, although they could charge for some larger games. Parking is also free unless you have to park downtown. Either way, the value and return on investment are very good here at Gettysburg College. Extras 5 There is a nice veterans’ memorial just outside of Musselman Stadium. Stop in and think of those who gave all to this nation before seeing a game here. It will be well worth the visit. The architecture of the college is worth noting. Make sure to wander around and see the marvelous buildings on campus. The John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness is a pretty spectacular architectural building with its unique glass tower. There is a nice hall of fame and historical exhibits of the Gettysburg College athletic program located here. The Gettysburg Battlefield and all that surrounds it are worth a couple of stars themselves. Yes, it is a tourist attraction, but one must stop in and see it. There is a multitude of historical markings, statues, and attractions in the area. Besides being on hand at this stadium’s opening, Dwight D. Eisenhower is a popular name on the campus and in the region. He retired to his working farm adjacent to the local battlefield. The Eisenhower Institute is also a part of the college and develops and sponsors civic discourse on significant issues of domestic and international public policy. Final Thoughts Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium is quite a nice facility. It is much larger than one would expect from a Division III program, but it is a great place to see high-quality sports teams.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bob Carpenter Center 631 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens website Bob Carpenter Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 5,000 Volleyball At the Bob The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest in Delaware. It has 18,500 undergraduate students and has public funding, although it is not wholly a state-run institution. It was created as a Presbyterian free school back in 1743. U.S. News & World Report ranked UD's undergraduate program highly among "national universities" as well as among public universities in its yearly rankings. The university’s College of Engineering is highly ranked nationally, as is the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. The Bob Carpenter Center opened in 1992 to house the University of Delaware basketball teams. In 2010, a new entrance and other renovations spruced some of the place up a bit. The “Bob,” as it is commonly known, is also a frequent venue for concerts and other events. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand open for volleyball games. Candy, popcorn, and hot dogs are about all you will get for food, while there is a decent selection of alcohol choices, although way overpriced, unlike the better-priced food offerings. Atmosphere 3 The concourse is at the top of the arena, looking down towards the playing surface. There are four seating sections around the court, although only one is used for volleyball, two if you count the barely used student stand. There are cheerleaders and the mascot, YouDee, who may be around creating fun. Neighborhood 4 Newark (pronounced here as New-Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty low price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium. Around the corner from the arena, behind Rust Arena, is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must. Fans 3 The fan attendance can be pretty lacking. Generally, games are filled to less than an eighth of the arena's capacity. We also noted the lack of students. The arena is far from the various student housing complexes around campus, so it may be expected. Access 4 The University of Delaware is easy to reach and is only a couple of miles off of Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Parking is free and plentiful in front of the Bob Carpenter Center. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 and seem like a fair price for such a venue and level of sport. . Extras 3 The lower lobby is worthy of a couple of extra stars in its own right, as it is practically a miniature museum dedicated to the Blue Hens. The nearby UDairy Creamery is always an extra when stopping by this section of the UD campus. Final Thoughts The Bob Carpenter Center is a nice facility, and although it is now 30 years old, the University of Delaware has continued to do ongoing renovations to ensure it stays up-to-date.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 W.B. Mason Stadium Blessed Basil Moreau Dr North Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks football website W.B. Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 The Sky’s The Limit Stonehill College is a private Catholic school is located in North Easton, Massachusetts on the original estate of Frederick Lathrop Ames Jr. It was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The school offers 47 undergraduate degrees to its enrollment of just under 2,500 students. W.B Mason, a business supply company headquartered in neighboring Brockton purchased the naming rights for the facility. The company, led by CEO and Stonehill alumnus Leo Meehan, pitched in $1.5 million of the $4 million construction cost of the stadium. The playing field is dedicated in honor of Tim “Cogs” Coughlin, a class of 1980 alumnus and member of the Stonehill football team, who lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to serving as home to the Skyhawks football team, W.B. Mason also serves as home to Stonehill’s field hockey, lacrosse and track and field teams. Stonehill has sponsored football teams since 1988, using the nickname “Chieftains” until 2005. Stonehill football competed in Division Three until 1996, when they moved up to Division Two, staying there until 2021. The Skyhawks joined the Football Championship Subdivision’s Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2022. Since moving to Division One, the Skyhawks have compiled a record of 14-28. Approaching W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 3 W.B. Mason Stadium lacks permanent concession facilities. A tent is set up for Skyhawk football games beyond the north end of the grandstand operated by Bon Appetit Dining Services. The menu here features stadium standards, with a few rotating specialty items (i.e. cheesesteaks and bratwurst and walking tacos) thrown in to expand the menu on a given day. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stonehill athletic events. In addition, a beer garden operated by nearby Shovel Town Brewery is located just beyond the north end zone. They feature a selection of their excellent microbrews, including a new 2026 collaboration with Shovel Town, Built to Rise, a group of four craft brews which highlight a different Skyhawk team. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have been visiting Stonehill regularly since the program’s elevation to Division One in 2022 will have observed the evolution of the gameday presentation at W. B. Mason Stadium, including the development of new Stonehill traditions and the overall improvement of the gameday experience. The staff have incorporated giveaways and fan involvement into the gameday, such as having younger fans in attendance challenge Ace the mascot to a dance contest, students kick field goals for a television, and more. The music and PA announcements are slick and professional, and while this is certainly a small-school experience, it’s a fun time. There does not seem to be a dedicated student section at W.B. Mason Stadium, but there is an active tailgating scene and enthusiastic fanbase. The sound system is quite good, and as mentioned before, the music and PA announcer add a lot to the atmosphere. The cheerleading and dance squads perform throughout the game but unfortunately, they are located off to the side of the grandstand and thus are out of site for many of the fans in attendance. The school installed a brand-new scoreboard in the north end zone during the 2025 season. While it looks much nicer than the old one, it doesn't offer any new features. Ace The Mascot throws a mini-Ace into the W.B. Mason Stands. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Stonehill College’s sprawling campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, and state routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls and plenty of dining and lodging options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options close to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott located just off Route 24. More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here. Fans 2 Even with W.B. Mason Stadium’s rather small capacity, the entire undergraduate enrollment could fit inside. So, it’s not surprising that there are not huge crowds at Skyhawk football games, but attendance since the program’s elevation to Division One has generally ranged between 2,000-3,000 fans per game. Crowds over the years have tended to start off big and decrease over the course of the season. There’s a decent, if not overwhelming, turnout by the student body. The majority of the fans in attendance appear to be locals, many of whom have a connection to the players down on the field. With the NEC’s compact geographic footprint, you’ll be sure to see a good number of visiting fans in the stands. An interesting characteristic of a Stonehill crowd is that they are late arriving. The parking lots around W.B. Mason Stadium are very close to the facility, so it's easy to keep the party going until the last possible minute. It’s pretty interesting to see the foot traffic increase along Blessed Basil Moreau Drive as kickoff time approaches. Game Action at W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from W.B. Mason Stadium. The stadium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Lou Gorman Field and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex. Fans will find ample parking in the lot in front of the McPhaidin Library located a short walk from the stadium, as well as several other parking lots scattered around campus. All of the lots are just a short walk to the stadium. The entrance to W.B. Mason Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the facility, with the grandstand on the opposite west side of the stadium. Seating consists of a single grandstand that runs the length of the field. The center sections contain individual molded plastic seats, with the rest of the seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. This new grandstand is fully ADA compliant and easily accessible for all fans. Fans looking for an alternate viewpoint can take advantage of the standing room along the southern edge of the field. Unfortunately, the presence of a track surrounding the football field pushes the seats a bit further from the action. This is a common feature of the multi-purpose fields that are found at smaller schools. Rest rooms are located in the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex, with additional port-a-johns available behind the grandstand. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Skyhawks games are sold as general admission, with tickets priced at $15. Youth aged 5-17 can purchase tickets for $10. Parking is free in the lots near the stadium. There is a charge for "Premium Parking" in the Chapel of Mary lot across the street from the stadium in the McPhaidin Library lot. These passes go quickly, so purchase them in advance. With inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Stonehill football game is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Stonehill College Hall of Fame. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the Stonehill Athletic Hall of Fame located adjacent to W.B. Mason Stadium in the Sally Blair Ames Field House. Final Thoughts W.B. Mason Stadium is smaller facility which fits perfectly into the fabric of tiny Stonehill College. Now that the Skyhawks are a full-fledged member of Division One, they are no longer a program in transition, but the game day experience continues to evolve. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue SW Washington, DC 20024 Washington Spirit website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 Get Rowdy at Audi The Washington Spirit are a National Women’s Soccer League charter member, beginning play in the inaugural 2013 season. From 2013 to 2017, the Spirit played all their home games at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland, but as the popularity of women’s soccer in the United States grew, they began to outgrow the 4,000-seat venue. In 2018 and 2019, the Spirit played most of their games at the Plex but played a handful in downtown Washington, D.C. at Audi Field, also home of MLS team D.C. United. For 2020, the plan was to play four games each at the SoccerPlex, Audi Field, and Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, before moving out of the Plex in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were unable to follow through with their plans in 2020 but split their time between Segra Field and Audi Field in 2021 and 2022. Beginning in 2023, the Spirit play all home games at Audi Field. "Rowdy Audi", as the stadium has come to be known, has been an excellent home for the Spirit, with numerous sellouts and many more near-sellouts. There has been an incredibly growth in attendance for the league as a whole, and for the Spirit in particular as well. In part due to the electric atmosphere the Spirit have created, Audi Field was selected to host the 2022 NWSL Championship and will host again in 2026. Food & Beverage 5 Audi Field has a wide range of concessions that should satisfy any fan’s palette, many of which celebrity chef Jose Andres provides. In addition to classic options such as burgers and pizza, fans can pick from more unique options such as pupusas and arepas. The stadium's concessions seem more designed for the demographics of soccer fans than football fans, but there is still plenty to enjoy. . Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between the meal and a soda or water, or even more if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game. Atmosphere 5 Other than the Supporters’ Section (more on that later), every seat at Audi Field is a chairback. There are two levels plus suites, although the upper level is sometimes closed for Spirit games when they are not expecting a large crowd. There is a large video board behind the Supporters’ Section, and a much smaller board on the other end. If entering Audi Field through Gate A, this will put you directly in front of the Spirit Stage, which features pregame performances by everyone from drag queens to high school bands. If you turn left and head onto the concourse, you will find SpiritVille, featuring a kids' play area, face painting, a photo booth, and a merchandise tent. There are also picnic tables with big screen TVs for the adults to hang out at and watch the game while their kids play. The Spirit has a mascot, an eagle named Penelope Kix (PK for short, although she has been referred to mostly by her full name recently), and does a lot to promote the atmosphere during the game, ranging from on-field contests at halftime to giveaways at the gate. Before each match, the teams walk onto the field flanked by pillars of smoke, setting the stage for what is to come. As is normally the case in soccer, the real energy here comes from the fans. The Supporters' Section is located behind the north goal, and members of the various Supporters' Groups will stand, bang drums, and cheer for the full 90 minutes. Other fans get into it as well, with chants being heard throughout the game. This makes a Spirit game an electric atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Audi Field is located in an up-and-coming part of D.C., near Buzzard Point. There is currently a lot of construction going on around the stadium, so expect it to improve even more in the future. For now, All About Burger is a popular local burger place located a few blocks from the stadium, Bonchon serves up Korean-style fried chicken nearby, and there are other options closer to Nationals Park. If taking the Metro in, you will see many of these places on Half Street on your walk from the Navy Yard-Ballpark station. Of course, you are in Washington, D.C., so there is plenty to do if you head towards the National Mall, and much of it is free. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 5 As noted above, the Washington Spirit has an outstanding fan base. There are four core Supporters' Groups at Spirit games, located behind the north goal. They stand for the entire game, banging drums, waving flags, and starting chants urging their team to victory. The Spirit Squadron was the original Supporters' Group, supporting the team since its inception. Rose Room Collective was created by and for people of color, while 202 Unique aims to support LGBTQ fans and their allies. Buzzard Point Social is an up-and-coming group that has entered the Supporters' scene in the past few years. Although the groups each have their own members and target audience, they join together to support the Spirit on matchday and are a major part of the experience here. The other fans help bring the energy too, joining in with the Supporters or even starting their chants. When the Spirit scores, expect the whole crowd to rise to its feet and make Audi Field extremely loud, showing why it is worthy of the nickname "Rowdy Audi". Supporter's culture is a big part of soccer, and it is great to see the Spirit getting the love they deserve. The Spirit have broken attendance records over the past few years, and routinely draw near-capacity crowds to Audi Field. The team has come a long way from the days of drawing a thousand fans a game to the SoccerPlex in Boyds and it is great to see. Access 4 When going to Audi Field, your best bet is to use public transit or a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. If taking the Metro, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk about ten minutes to the stadium. If arriving by rideshare, you can usually get dropped off right in front of the stadium unless you arrive very close to gametime, but on the way home, you will have to walk a few blocks to be picked up as the nearby streets are blocked off to allow fans to leave the stadium. Parking is very limited and can be purchased in advance through SpotHero, but the cheapest spots will cost about $25 and can be located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. To get closer will cost you two to three times that, if not more. There is no dedicated stadium parking lot like there was at Segra or the SoccerPlex. A limited amount of metered street parking is available but arrive early if you want to park close. Getting out of the lots after the game can also be difficult, although police try to direct traffic and make things easier. Restrooms are located throughout the concourse and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. Closed caption boards show PA announcements, but do not show Supporters' chants like at some other soccer stadiums. These are a major part of the soccer experience, and it is disappointing that they are not accessible for all to experience. The Spirit do have an ASL performer sign the national anthem simultaneously to the vocal or instrumental performance at most games, and show them on the video board so that all fans, not just those sitting on that side of the stadium, can see them. The ASL performer is given equal recognition to the vocal performer when announced beforehand, which the Spirit didn't start doing until a year or so ago, so this is nice to see. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at around $23 for seats in high rows in the corners or behind the goals and go up to about $70 for seats near midfield or even more for suites. Just keep in mind if you buy the cheap seats that the Supporters Section is behind the north goal and that area is safe standing only, so you will be standing for the full 90 minutes. You may also have your view obstructed by waving flags at times. However, there are plenty of other seats available for a comparable price if this is not your thing. if you are a fan of the other team, you should aovid buying seats in the Supporters Section, but will be fine sitting anywhere else in the stadium. Many games have additional discounts available, such as a $38 deal for two tickets, two hot dogs, two bags of chips, and two glasses of water, or a ticket and a beer for $15. Check the promotions page on the Spirit website for more details. For all home games, further discounts are available to college students, tickets, and first responders Concessions can also get quite expensive, but the food is good. The club seats come with free food and beverages, but you will only be able to get these seats from the team if you buy season tickets. If you want to go this route, it can be a great deal. Otherwise, you will need to buy them at resale prices, which will result in you paying significantly more, particularly with fees. Given the matchday experience is spectacular, a Spirit game is a great value, although the Ticketmaster fees are frustrating. Extras 4 Look for the painted sculptures outside the stadium of a cherry blossom and a soccer ball. The Spirit Stage and SpiritVille are each worthy of an extra star here for being places for fans to hang out before the game. A fourth and final star for the many places in the stadium selling Spirit merchandise. If you are concerned your favorite option will be sold out, you can buy online in advance and pick up in the stadium on matchday to avoid shipping fees. Final Thoughts A Washington Spirit game at Audi Field shows why the stadium has earned the nickname Rowdy Audi. Fans are turning out to watch them in record numbers, and there is an excitement surrounding this team that has never been seen before. Since the Spirit moved into Audi Field full-time, the atmosphere there has been electric. The fan support is phenomenal, the product on and off the field is incredible, and a Washington Spirit game is a great way for the whole family to spend an afternoon or evening.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 CAA Arena 265 Cannifton Rd Belleville, ON K8N 4V8 Belleville Senators website CIBC Arena website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 4,400 From Bulls to Sens Editor's Note: On October 2, 2026, the Belleville Senators announced a new multi-year naming rights deal with CIBC, officially renaming the facility CIBC Place. The best word to describe the city of Belleville, Ontario in 2015 was shocked. From 1981 to 2015 the residents supported the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League. Always a bit of an underdog situation with a modest population of just over 50,000, it never seemed that the Bulls were in too much danger. However, it was the changing landscape of the American Hockey League that would really make huge changes in Belleville. The affiliate for the Montreal Canadiens had been in Hamilton, Ontario for a number of years. However, the Canadiens had intentions of bringing their affiliate back to Quebec, in a brand new building to be built in Laval. The long-term survival of the Hamilton franchise was in doubt without the draw of the Canadiens affiliation. It was at that point that Hamilton Bulldogs owner Michael Andlauer made a quick move to simultaneously sell the Bulldogs and purchase the Belleville Bulls and move them to Hamilton to become the Bulldogs of the OHL. Belleville was left without hockey. After two years, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk would purchase the Binghamton Senators and move them to Belleville. Hockey would return in 2017. The franchise was originally christened in New Haven as the Nighthawks. In 1992 they would become the Senators, move to Prince Edward Island in 1993 and then Binghamton in 2002. Home for the Senators is the CAA Arena. Formerly known as the Yardmen Arena, it was originally built in 1978 by the Belleville Yardmen, a group of railroaders who would raise more than $3 million. It is part of the larger Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. With the arrival of the American Hockey League, Yardmen would undergo significant renovations to the tune of over $20 million. The most significant renovations would be to increase the arena capacity and change the size of the ice rink from international dimensions to NHL dimensions. To help placate the costs of the renovations, the city owned arena would sell the naming rights to the arena in 2018 to the Canadian Automobile Association in a seven year deal. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions selection at CAA Arena is strong. Three main concession stands offer different features at each. The Sidney Slice offers pepperoni and cheese pizza slices as well as deluxe nachos, which include beef brisket. The Front Street Grill offers hot dogs, sausage, burgers, chicken burgers, chicken tenders, fries and poutine. The Cannifton Carvery offers beef brisket sandwiches, chili cheese dogs and chili served in a bread bowl. Most stands also offer arena staples like popcorn and candy. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at the CAA Arena. Coffee, water and iced tea are also available. Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Strongbow Cider and Bacardi Breezer are available for fans who wish an alcoholic alternative. Prices are about what one would expect for concessions at minor league hockey. Atmosphere 3 CAA Arena is part of the larger Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. The exterior of the arena itself is not overly spectacular; a dark upper portion with non-descript entrances. The better view of the building is probably from the back side, where fans must enter through Quinte. CAA Arena is not huge or intimidating from the exterior and could probably pass for an industrial building on the exterior. On the inside, the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre brings all of the pieces together. The CAA Arena as well as swimming facilities and other hockey arenas are all joined together with a bright and vibrant concourse. The upper level of the back side of the building will give fans the opportunity to meander through the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. The local sports halls of fame are always fun to explore just to see who can be found. The highlights in Belleville are new inductee Andrew Raycroft and Bobby and Dennis Hull. The arrival of the AHL and Senators in Belleville has brought an updated colour scheme to the CAA Arena. Bright red, white and black entrances into the arena are new and welcoming, even proclaiming to welcome fans home. Inside, the concourses are fairly open giving a consistent view of the ice. The numerous levels featured at CAA Arena offer plenty of little corners and odd spots to view the game which are perfect for the standing room only fan. The south end of the arena offers bar seating and a social area as well as club seating. Upgrades to the arena are noticeable when entering the seating bowl. Lower and upper levels still remain, but the north end of the building has been opened up and numerous seats have been added to increase capacity. Also, fans can see how the ice surface has shrunk down to an NHL size rink. Ice level is fairly wide open now and moving around at the bottom is easy. Older seating is immediately identifiable as the lighter green seats are older than the darker ones. There is nothing wrong with the older seats, but it does give fans a unique perspective on the different iterations of the arena. The brand new video board is above centre ice and at the south end of the arena hangs a simple score clock. The sound system is also new and crystal clear. Unfortunately, remnants of the old Belleville Bulls days are gone. There are no banners hanging to commemorate the old days. The only banner hanging is in the north end and signifies the inaugural 2017-2018 season in the AHL. The game day experience in Belleville is not atypical. A fairly decent selection of music is played during down moments in the game. The Senators employ an in-game host who leads the promotions. Theme nights are also part of the experience. The game that was reviewed featured Super Hero Night and Spider-Man, Iron Man and Deadpool were in attendance and ready for photo ops. Neighbourhood 3 Belleville is not a huge city, but there are a few options for pre and post game fare. CAA Arena is located in a fairly residential area, immediately east of the Moira River. There is not much within walking distance of the arena, so hopping in the car is the best idea. Some of the restaurants fans should consider include the Slapshot Bar & Grill, Quinte Restaurante, Linguine’s, Burger Revolution, Northway Family Restaurant and the Boathouse. In Belleville, the Senators are basically the only game in town. There is not much in the way of other sports in Belleville. As for other activities, heading south toward the lake early in the season will bring fans to a number of different parks. Also, fans may consider the Glanmore National Historic Site. For fans wishing to stay in the Belleville area, there are a number of options. Comfort Inn Belleville and Best Western Belleville are both options to consider. Fans 2 It’s hard to fully get a grasp on the situation in Belleville. All were shocked when the Bulls were sold and moved to Hamilton, but closer analysis sees that the Bulls were consistently near the bottom of the OHL in attendance. The upgrades to the arena have surely helped, but it is hard to say that the situation in Belleville has changed much. Truth be told, AHL hockey is much different than OHL hockey and only time will tell if Belleville truly embraces the AHL experience. In their inaugural season, the Senators averaged just over 3,600 fans per game which ranked them last in the AHL in attendance. In their second season, attendance has fallen off a bit. Although it would seem that the Senators affiliation with Belleville would be a positive, the Senators have been pretty bad in Ottawa in recent years and the fans have been not-so-subtly revolting against owner Eugene Melnyk. It is too early to say that the Senators in Belleville are a failure, but they still have a ways to go to be proven a success. Fans in the stands are pretty reserved and quiet, but do get loud for the big play or goal. Access 4 Getting to the CAA Arena is not difficult at all. For those coming from out of town, CAA Arena is located immediately south of the Macdonald-Cartier Expressway or Highway 401. Fans will not have to travel too much through the city to get there. There is plenty of free parking at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. For those looking for the public transit option, there is a bus stop right in front of the arena. There is also a shuttle bus which runs from the Quinte Mall. Fans are encouraged to check out the Belleville Conventional Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the CAA Arena is not terrible, but the concourses can be on the narrow side and there are plenty of stairs to get around to the different levels of the arena. The washroom facilities are also more than adequate. Return on Investment 4 Going to a Belleville Senators game will not break the bank. Tickets for the Sens will run between $23 and $27. There is a surcharge of $2 for premium games. Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the ice is decent and the game day production is good as well. Extras 3 Two extra marks for the City of Belleville not giving up on hockey after the shock of losing the OHL’s Belleville Bulls. An extra mark for Belleville’s own superfan who dresses up and celebrates each goal with cymbals. He also travels the arena to different sections to share the joy. Final Thoughts The return of hockey to Belleville was absolutely necessary. What the future holds for the Senators will be interesting. The residents of Belleville need to fully embrace the Senators and AHL and get out to the arena to make the Senators at CAA Arena an even better experience. When near Belleville, it is a great plan to check out the CAA Arena and the Belleville Senators. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wilkinson Hall 1151 E 17th St Bloomington, IN 47408 Indiana Hoosiers website Wilkinson Hall website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,000 Never Daunted With the passage of Title IX in 1972, colleges and universities began expanding their athletic programs in the mid-1970s. At Indiana University, one of the first programs added was women’s volleyball. Women’s volleyball initially fell under the oversight of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW); the NCAA and Big Ten began sponsoring the sport in 1981. After initially playing their matches at the hallowed Assembly Hall, the volleyball team moved to a more volleyball-specific facility in 1996. University Gymnasium, which was shared with the wrestling team, was an intimate atmosphere for volleyball, with fans right on top of the action. However, it was too small to continue accommodating a growing Division I volleyball program. In 2019, Wilkinson Hall opened, signifying a major investment and a new chapter in the history of Indiana University volleyball. Food & Beverage 3 Food options are pretty standard at most concession stands; there is not a great deal of diversity on the menu. The featured item is a pulled pork sandwich, with more traditional options consisting of hot dogs, nachos, and soft pretzels with cheese sauce. There is also a large selection of chips, candy, and other snacks. Beverages include water and soft drinks from the Coca-Cola line of beverages. There is an average selection of beer and alcoholic beverage options. Most choices center around typical macrobrews; there is also Dragonfly IPA, a selection from local brewer Upland, as well as the Indiana University-branded Hoosier Game Day Lager. High Noon and Happy Thursday seltzers are also available. Atmosphere 4 The athletic facilities at Indiana University were designed to complement each other. The high side walls at Memorial Stadium show a striking resemblance to those in Simon-Skjodt Assembly Hall. The curvature and large glass panel windows of Wilkinson Hall are nicely complemented by Gladstein Fieldhouse, which sits directly behind it, and Cook Hall, the practice facility for the men’s and women’s basketball programs, directly next door. Inside the playing area of Wilkinson Hall, each corner of the arena has either a video board or a scoreboard. The video boards display team and match statistics, while the scoreboards display game and match scores, along with individual player dig and kill totals. The playing area is surrounded by seating. Plastic bleachers run the length of the sidelines, with the first five rows having individual seat backs and the remaining rows being traditional plastic bleacher seats. Each end also has bleacher seating, with students occupying the east-end stands. A single row of reserved seating runs the length of the near-side floor. The time between points and breaks in the match is kept lively with music, t-shirt tosses, and skits from Indiana’s mascot, Hoosier the Bison. Neighborhood 4 Indiana’s athletic facilities are clustered together in the northern reaches of campus. This location does remove them from the epicenter of the town’s food and nightlife on Kirkwood Avenue, which is about a mile and a half away. Over the past decade, the area just west of the campus’ northern reaches has undergone significant development, with hotels and restaurants sprouting up. Still, the focus of any visit to Bloomington is going to be Kirkwood Avenue and the area around the square. Kirkwood is home to Nick’s English Hut, a must-stop for many alumni, and Upstairs Pub, which has blossomed into one of the more popular pre-game spots. For a more upscale dining experience, Janko’s Little Zagreb steakhouse is a popular option. The Indiana Memorial Union (IMU), the largest student union building in the world, houses a handful of food kiosks, a pool hall, a bowling alley, and hotel rooms at the Biddle Hotel. If hotel rooms are unavailable at IMU, downtown Bloomington has a large inventory of higher-end chains, while locations just off I-69 offer several more budget-friendly options. One thing Bloomington does seem to lack is significant attractions that are not university-specific. There is a Dave & Buster’s near the mall, and Bloomington Square does have several shops, but it can be tricky to build a full day around events not connected to the university. Fans 3 The Big Ten reigns supreme when it comes to fandom. According to NCAA attendance records, the conference more than doubles the average attendance of its next-closest competitor, the ACC. Even though Indiana volleyball does not have the following of programs like Nebraska, Wisconsin, or Minnesota, the Hoosiers do well to hold their own when it comes to filling Wilkinson Hall. Indiana volleyball averages just under 2,000 fans per match, which is about two-thirds the capacity of Wilkinson Hall. Indiana fans do a great job showing their enthusiasm and support for the Hoosiers. The only thing keeping them from reaching the next level of fandom is consistently filling the building. The Indiana student body, collectively dubbed “Crimson Chaos,” does a good job coming out to support Hoosier volleyball and creating a real home-court advantage. A lot of credit should be given to head coach Steve Aird, who has made a point of promoting the program not just on campus but throughout the community. Credit also goes to the Indiana University Student Athletic Board, which heads up many of the activities enjoyed by students during the match. Access 4 The athletics neighborhood at Indiana University is located on the northern reaches of campus, along the State Road 46/37 bypass. This route is directly off I-69, which runs locally from Indianapolis to the north and Evansville to the south. Primary parking can be found directly in front of the volleyball arena, leaving just a short walk to the front door of Wilkinson Hall. The exterior hallways of Wilkinson Hall are rather narrow, allowing only one-way traffic at times, especially near the concessions area. Once inside the playing area, walkways run behind the courtside seating, making the bleachers easily accessible. Fans entering on the west side of the arena, though, are directed to access the far side of the seating by going up the stairs, into the stands, and back down so they do not get caught up in the match. Wheelchair and companion seating is located in the front row of the west stands, with a chairlift available to assist fans getting to this section. Matches can often coincide with parking restrictions the night before Indiana football games. Make sure to check Indiana volleyball’s social media accounts for information on any possible parking constraints. Return on Investment 4 The Big Ten is home to some of the best collegiate volleyball programs in the country. It is not uncommon for nearly a third of the teams in the Top 25 to come from this conference. With that said, ticket prices starting at $11 are a great deal. Parking is free, adding to the overall affordability of the experience. If there are attendants at points of entry, it is likely due to parking restrictions related to preparations for football or basketball games. Concessions do seem to be a touch on the high side. Extras 4 One of the age-old questions to Indiana fans is, “What is a Hoosier?” While there are differing accounts, there is actually no right answer. New to athletic events in 2025 was the return of a mascot; "Hoosier the Bison" makes his rounds at many IU sporting events to interact with fans. While it might not answer the question of what a Hoosier actually is, it does give a fun, new face to Indiana’s athletic programs. The south-side wall of Wilkinson Hall displays NCAA Tournament appearances and All-American selections. With every ace by a Hoosier server, fans are rewarded with T-shirts tossed into the stands. Following matches the team is available for autographs, primarily for the youngest of Hoosier fans. Final Thoughts Wilkinson Hall is a modern, comfortable facility that fits nicely into Indiana’s athletic venues and provides a considerably better home for the program than the old University Gymnasium. The experience of attending a volleyball match at Indiana is more than simply the match itself; the match is the centerpiece of a college sports experience that happens to focus on volleyball. The combination of an attractive facility, an enthusiastic student presence, easy access, free parking, and affordable ticket prices makes Indiana volleyball an easy event to recommend.

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

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

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

Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images I always love it when the Olympics arrive because it introduces us to many new sports and a few we don't get to see too often. My friends always ask me what is your favorite event during the Summer Olympics, and I never have to think too hard about it. My favorite Olympic event is handball. Sure, you can enjoy beach volleyball in front of the Eiffel Tower, swimmers jumping into the Seine River, or a 50-year-old man from Turkey winning silver in pistol shooting, but handball has always captured my fancy every four years when it comes to prominence among most Americans. Team handball (most fans say handball) is a sport that is not too hard to understand; it shares similarities to basketball, hockey, and soccer. It is played on a court 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. A group of 7 players, including the goalie, make up the two sides. The scoring is simple: throw a ball past the goalie and into the net, and you score a point. The team with the most points wins at the end of the game. This past January at the Men’s EHF Euros, a world-record crowd of 53,000 was on hand at Düsseldorf’s MERKUR Spiel-Arena to watch France take on Macedonia and Germany battle Switzerland. The tournament secured television agreements with over 30 broadcasters around the world. A record crowd of 53,586 showed up for a Euro '24 game in Germany, Photo Courtesy of the EHF I enjoy watching the high-scoring contests that feature body slamming, dribbling, jumping, and high-throwing action from beyond the semi-circular crease. I fell in love with the sport the first time I watched it in 1992, but now that events are easily accessible, it has become mandatory television the past week. Why hasn’t this game become more popular in the United States? "It's tough when it's a sport that's not on TV regularly and not a sport you can easily play as a kid, in high school, or college," says Minnesota Team Handball President Josh Hetterick. "You play it in some gym classes, but if there were youth and high school leagues, that would make a difference. Some colleges (Ohio State, North Carolina, West Point, Air Force, Pittsburg, and Auburn) have handball clubs, but there needs to be more for it to gain real interest. Also, if it were to be broadcast on ESPN or NBC Sports more regularly and in prime time, you'd see a jump in interest." Hetterick is hosting team tryouts for new players for the next four Wednesday nights in Bloomington, Minnesota, just south of the Twin Cities. He laughed about being able to teach anyone what they need to know about the game in preparation for the next Summer Games in Los Angeles. Just like curling in the Winter Games, the sport gets a boost from American TV audiences. In the United States, the game is minor, and the US national team struggles in international competitions. The men’s team has a 4-25-1 record in Olympic competition and hasn’t qualified since the 1996 Atlanta Games (because we hosted it). Their record in the World Championships is 2-27-0 and has one appearance since 2001. At this rate, a US pickleball team has a better chance in international competition. Perhaps our best athletes are not playing handball. I can’t blame them; where would one even go at a young age to play the game, and how many kids in the neighborhood will knock on your mom’s door asking if you want to play a game at the local park? When one does develop an interest, would they have to leave the country to develop and hone their skills at an international or professional level? “Facility accessibility and funds,” says a Chicago Inter Handball Club member via Facebook. There are no professional leagues in the United States, unlike in Europe, where the top leagues are in Spain, Germany, France, Hungary, Denmark, and Poland. However, the Northeast Team Handball League is a competition for amateur clubs in the Northeast United States. A few amateur clubs play in Chicago, Boston, New York, Milwaukee, Washington, and Philadelphia. The sport has been played here since 1926 but has never caught on like many other games. There have been discussions about creating a professional league in this country, but it might not become realistic until both U.S. squads perform at a high level in international competition. Heterick believes that much has to be done to lay the groundwork for the sport in this country. "It's all about organization, support, and a grassroots/pipeline foundation. There is a disconnect in that pipeline right now from youth to teen to adult. There are adult handball clubs in the USA, but very few of them have a youth/teen part in the club. There is just not a strong organizational structure for handball in the USA, and until we get that and get support and structure, we're going to continue this vicious cycle." Every Olympic year will spark curiosity for this unique sport for many Americans. Clubs like Chicago Inter Handball Club, Flint City (Michigan) Sporting Club, and Minnesota Team Handball will see a bump in interest and a few new members join the fray. Maybe they will be catalysts to train a future group of handball players. The Minnesota club will receive 8-9 calls per week during the Olympic Games that include both men and women. This results in the club hosting try-out events during and after the Olympics to prepare for the increased numbers, which are usually around 8-12 more players. I can concur with this. When I was still living in New Jersey, a high school friend of mine went to open tryouts at the South Plainfield Curling Club after the Salt Lake City Winter Games. He wound up joining full-time and developed quite a skill for the sport, participating in various bonspiels (curling tournaments) in the United States and Canada. The games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028; perhaps either the men or women can make a run in handball, played in front of thousands of fans and watched by millions more on TV sets, phones, and computers globally. Maybe it will be the boost this sport needs to catch fire and push the league to prominence either at the international or professional level. The knockout stage will be played at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille, France, from August 7- 9, with the medal games taking place on August 11. Interesting Facts Karl Schelenz, Max Heiser, and Erich Konigh created the rules on October 29, 1917 in Berlin. The first international games were held in 1925 (men) and 1930 (women) It debuted at the 1936 Berlin Games as an outdoor event. The event returned in 1972 with Yugoslavia winning gold. The first women’s games were held at the 1976 Montreal Games, with the Soviet Union winning gold. The International Handball Federation was created in 1946. There are 30-plus international competitions around the world. France won gold in men and women at the Tokyo 2020 games. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vandivier Gymnasium 625 Grizzly Cub Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin Community HS Grizzly Cubs Franklin Community Gym website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 4,112 The Vandy is Still Dandy in Franklin The Vandivier Gym opened with Franklin Community High School for the 1961-1962 academic year. The gym would host its first game on November 14 in front of a near-capacity crowd at the 4,112 building. The gym would be home to Franklin Grizzly Cubs basketball until the 2005-2006 school year, when modern facilities were constructed less than 2.5 miles away. The Vandy Gym and campus is now the middle school, but at least one high school home game a season, sometime in late January. The idea stems from the school’s AD, who was a 1990 graduate and wants the old gym to provide a few more memories to the town of Franklin. The night of our visit was to honor the 50th-anniversary state championship finalists of 1973-1974. The venue gets its name from Robert Polk “Fuzzy” Vandivier, a legendary player on the Franklin Wonder Five. They captured three state high school championships from 1920-1922 with a combined record of 89-9, and then all five men moved a few blocks away to Franklin College and won two more state college championships in 1923 and 1924. After college, Vandivier was the head coach of the Cubs and later the athletic director from 1923-1964. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession stand offers hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soda. There is a limited menu selection due to it handling a middle school crowd regularly. There is also an upstairs concession window that might be used for the larger high school crowds. The school offers Pepsi products, good-sized hot dogs with a proper meat-to-bun ratio, and additional toppings of chili and cheese. The stand does not take credit cards but does accept Venmo through an app on the phone. The first of its kind was witnessed at an Indiana high school gym. Atmosphere 3 The Vandy Gym appears frozen in time since the Grizzly Cubs last played inside its walls. The old court still has the hand-painted school logo; the words Grizzly Cubs are arched over the 3-point line, and the school colors of light blue and white adorn the walls. However, the main focal points are its walls and lighting. The walls hang low with a set of lights that reflect off the basketball court below. It is similar in design to the Glen Ray Gym just up the road at Whiteland High School. The Vandy Gym also features an upper concourse that wraps around the seating bowl for easy access and a play area for younger students. There are two sets of stands: the upper permanent bleachers and the lower pull-out bleachers that are adorned in plastic. Fans are close to the action all around the lower seating, and metal fencing separates the upper rows of seats for safety and access. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Franklin is known for its quaint restaurants and locally-owned shops since featured in the December 2, 1940 edition of Life magazine. That spirit remains intact 80-plus years later, where visitors can find everything from bars to casual and chef-driven restaurants, shops, bakeries, cafes, and breweries. Downtown is less than 2 miles from the Vandy Gym. Many buildings were constructed in the 1800s and now feature local places for food and drink. Blue Cactus Tacos & Tequila Bar and Shale Creek Brewery are two such establishments that are ideal spots before or after the game. The Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original look, offering second-run movies. Next door is The Willard, built in 1860. Today, it is a bar and restaurant. There are more places to choose from on its official website. North of the gym on US-31 is an array of fast-food restaurants and regional chain eateries. There are also retail, supermarkets, and several other places of interest. It is ideal for a quick bite on the run or with the family. Fans 4 Franklin fans are a vocal bunch who make it well-known what they think of a call or play on the court. Many have been coming to games for decades and enjoy watching high school hoops in the old building. The student cheer block was present, and the small group did their best to help out their classmates on the floor. Access 4 The Vandivier Gym is located at the middle school and easily accessible off of US-31 on the northbound side of the highway. A large parking lot on the south side provides plenty of parking before the game. Once inside, a wraparound concourse above the upper seating bowl allows fans to enjoy the game from a different perspective, and external staircases provide easy exits after the game. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a game is $7, concession prices are $3 for a hot dog and nachos, and a table sells used basketball gear and older T-shirts for $1 or $3. Venmo is an acceptable form of payment without cash. Extra 2 The Vandy Gym earns a point for its wrap-around concourse, low ceiling and lighting, and its name for one of the best players who ever laced his sneakers up, Robert “Fuzzy” Vandivier. Final Thoughts A visit to the Vandivier Gym is a rare opportunity for fans of high school basketball. The gym only hosts one game a year in January, and plans are to make it more of an event to create a unique tradition in the state. The stands are filled with former players, alumni, and other fans who make a Grizzly Cub game at the venerable gym a rare treat. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Minor league baseball names have had a long history of unusual nicknames that have been connected to the city, geographic location, or the parent club. Many names have been lost to time, a blip on the radar, and one of them comes from Terre Haute, Indiana. From 1955-1956, the Terre Haute Huts were members of the Three-Eye League, but how did they get their name? The city had quite the history of baseball dating back to amateur teams in 1870. By 1883, one of those clubs went by “Awkwards,” which meant at the time “someone difficult or dangerous to deal with.” Due to financial concerns, they merged that year with a ball club named the Blues and remained the “Terre Hautes”. Professional baseball would return in 1884 when Terre Haute joined the Western League. This team did not have a nickname, but by 1891, the name Hottentots began being used for baseball teams in the city. The name would later be shortened to Tots in the following decade. It was a corruption of the term Terre Hautentots, a name historically used and found in countless articles around the state and the country to describe someone from Terre Haute. By the 1880s, the name was used in baseball articles describing teams from the city; then in 1891, it referred to the professional club in town. However, the name would be replaced throughout the following years with new names either through fan voting or team management. Terre Haute ball clubs would be called the Stags, Browns, Highlanders, Terre-iers (yes, spelled that way), and Miners. Several times, newspapers used a combination of these names in one season. A headline in the Marion (IN) Leader-Tribune, July 24, 1913 Fortunately, the Tots name never disappeared, and the local media often refer to it in bylines. It became the official name in 1921 and would remain that way until the team disbanded in mid-1937. When baseball returned in 1946, it took the name of its parent club, the Philadelphia Phillies. The Three-Eye League club would leave town after the 1954 season, and it was time for a new name for its ball club, one that would have its own identity outside of its new parent club in Detroit. The Terre Haute Baseball Club held a name-the-team contest in the Terre Haute Tribune, soliciting hundreds of responses from fans of all ages. The winner received a $100 watch from Hillman’s Jewelers. The paper suggested names that are alive and in motion, along with ones that aren’t too long and would fit much better in newspaper headlines. “A lot of fans like the name of the Tigers, but others oppose this on the sole ground that they believe the city should have a permitted name for a team that would be suitable under all conditions, meaning it would fill the bill regardless of the big league affiliation that the city might have.” On April 13, the name picked for the team was the Huts. The newspaper did not provide a reason for the decision, and there does not seem to be a connection to the area, nor was it “alive and in motion”. The other top entries were the Tots, Browns, and Brownies. Ralph Nichols, a local barber, was awarded the $100 watch as the winner of the contest. But here's where it gets interesting: James "Hairpin" Walker, a Stran Steel employee, was also presented as the winner. Walker also suggested the name Huts, and he launched a "get-out-the-vote" campaign among his fellow steel workers and rounded up 400 votes. Why'd he push so hard for the name? Because Stran Steel is known for manufacturing Quonset Huts for the armed forces. A modern photo of a Quonset hut that was constructed in Terre Haute “Those fans down at Stran Steel, who make Quonset huts, did a good job of putting up a campaign to name the new team in honor of their product," said Bob Nesbit in his Terre Haute Tribune column on April 19. Since the name also fits well with the name of our city, everything worked out fine.” A Quonset hut is a prefabricated structure in the shape of a semicircle that was mass-produced after World War II. There were 150,000 to 170,000 produced during the war and sold to the public after the fighting ended. They are still visible in many parts of the country as homes, businesses, and even military bases. Nesbit added that the name fit the city well and probably liked that it was short for print purposes. Terre Haute is French for "high ground" and the word "Haute" would be mispronounced by locals as "hut". The name was short and similar in sound to the former team name Tots, and it did make for great print in newspaper bylines. If the contest had taken place today, the entire Quonset Hut name might have been the official moniker of the ball club, along with a personified image of the structure swinging a bat, a primary, secondary, and official wordmark. Oh, how the times have changed in minor league baseball. Surprisingly, there were more than 121 names proposed by fans of the Wabash Valley. The list of options was regularly printed in the newspaper. Many of them were fascinating and hinged on modern branding in today’s game. They included the following: Wabash Valley Catapults, Vigo Gems, Candlelighters, Hoosier Pacemakers, Gold Cox, Hustlers, Bowcats, Bingos, Meows, Tiger-Cats, Cavaliers, Valley Cubs, Speeders, White Hats, and Atoms. There were many entries for the new baseball team in 1955, Terre Haute Tribune The Huts name would last a little over a year; the club folded after the first half of the 1956 season with a 40-26 record due to lack of attendance. It marked the end of minor league baseball in Terre Haute. A little over a decade later, the ballpark would be converted solely into a football stadium with artificial turf. In 2011, the summer collegiate Prospect League added a team in town. The name selected was Rex, and there was a good reason behind that decision. Besides being the Latin word for king, the name comes from Rex Coffee, produced, roasted, and packed downtown by Clabber Girl. The club also mentioned its unique name ties in with others from the past: Tots, Huts, Stags, and Terre-iers. The Huts name briefly shone in Terre Haute between 1955 and 1956, and before anyone began to pay attention to the ball club, it was gone. However, a look back at old newspaper articles of the era produces a possible reason behind its name. If the Rex can pull out a retro jersey night, this reporter will be there. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Amica Mutual Pavilion 1 LaSalle Sq Providence, RI 02903 Providence Bruins website Amica Mutual Pavilion website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 11,273 Get AMP’ed!!! The Amica Mutual Pavilion, which opened in 1972 as the Providence Civic Center, was built to house the Providence College basketball team and the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. Rechristened in 2022 after a new naming rights agreement with Rhode Island-based Amica Mutual Insurance, “The AMP” is a popular site for national touring acts as well as a regular stop for the NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments. The Providence Bruins are the American Hockey League affiliate of the nearby Boston Bruins. The P-Bruins moved to the Ocean State from Portland, Maine, in 1992 and currently enjoy the longest uninterrupted affiliation in the AHL, playing their 35th season in 2026-27. The team has qualified for the playoffs in 27 of its first 34 seasons in the Ocean State’s capital. The P-Bruins won the Calder Cup in 1999. Providence is one of minor league hockey’s legendary cities, with a history that predates the AHL. The Reds called Providence home from 1926-1977. The Reds won four Calder Cups and three Fontaine Cups as champions of the Canadian-American Hockey League. Amica Mutual Pavilion Main Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 3 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 P-Bruin 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. New for the 2026-27 season are a trio of craft beers from nearby Trinity Brewhouse, P-Bruins Ale, Downcity Haze and PVD Lager. Atmosphere 5 The AMP is a pretty entertaining place to be on weekend nights. The affiliation with the nearby Boston Bruins ensures that the fans who visit downtown Providence are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. The focus of the game day presentation is the large video board that hangs at center ice. Videos, fan cams, and graphics grab fans’ attention during play stoppages. Contests and giveaways during stoppages get the younger fans involved, filling the arena with noise at the most random times. Samboni, the team’s mascot, wanders the crowd interacting with fans and posing for the obligatory selfie. Tables set up along the concourse for sponsors hawking their wares provide the occasional bit of swag for visiting fans. Samboni poses for a picture. 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 Trinity Brewhouse, Blake’s, Murphy’s Pub, and the Vig. Also within walking distance is the Providence Place Mall, an upscale shopping center with several national retail outlets and several more choices for the hungry hockey 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 4 Providence received the equivalent of the New England hockey “Golden Ticket” when the incredibly popular Boston Bruins placed their top farm team here in 1992. For the majority of their 35 seasons, the Bruins have been near the top of the league in terms of fan support. However, attendance has been in a steady decline over the past several seasons. In fact, in 2025-26 the P-Bruins fell out of the top ten in the AHL attendance rankings for the first time in team history, drawing 6,700 fans per game. Rhode Island is one of the most hockey-crazed parts of the country, with a rabid fanbase and strong youth programs throughout the area. This is reflected in the typical P-Bruins crowd, which is a mix of long-time diehards, casual fans, families, and groups. The Dunk is full of noise and energy throughout the season. Warmups at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence, easily accessible 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 issues 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 ice. 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 intermissions, so plan your trips accordingly. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to P-Bruins games are priced at $54-58 for lower bowl seats, with upper-level seats priced between $29-42. The P-Bruins run specials that will help defray the cost of tickets, with $10 off, Two for One, and Me Plus Three packages offered for practically every game on the schedule. As you may expect, parking in the downtown area around The AMP will incur another charge. Parking in the lots and garages around the arena costs between $20-40, depending on location and night of the event. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can park at the Providence Place Mall and get your parking validated for just $5. Enclosed walkways bring you from the mall all the way to the arena. There is plenty of free parking in the neighborhood for those who want to search a little bit. Concessions are generally in line with other venues in the area. Local fans comparing a P-Bruins game to the big boys in Boston will undoubtedly enjoy the lower prices here. Providence Reds Heritage Society Display at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 3 Providence is an original AHL city, with a professional hockey history that predates the league. Hanging from the rafters of The Dunk are banners commemorating championships won by the Providence Bruins and their predecessor, the Providence Reds. Located in the lobby are plaques honoring local soldiers, the Providence Bruins 1999 Calder Cup championship team, and Providence player of the 20th century Zellio Toppazzini. Be sure to seek out the historical touches that abound around the arena, in particular the interactive kiosks on the far side of the concourse that commemorate the long history of the Providence Reds. The Reds have their own historic society that continues to operate today. In addition, the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame has added an interactive kiosk to the display. Fans looking to pick up some Providence or Boston Bruins gear will enjoy the well-stocked Pro Shop located at The Dunk. In addition, there are small kiosks on the concourse and in the lobby. The team has numerous specialty nights throughout their schedule, and has started adding merchandise for these theme nights, including the very popular Providence Fightin’ Parms. Final Thoughts Providence and the Amica Mutual Pavilion are often mentioned among the top American Hockey League travel destinations. The combination of a modern arena, solid fan support, and a fantastic downtown area makes The AMP a first-rate destination. If your stadium journeys include hockey rinks, take a look at Rhode Island. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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